Relaxing in Croatia

After stunning Austria we headed into Croatia for a few days of relaxation :) We spent a lot of time swimming, reading, tanning and generally enjoying summer. It was about 37 degrees the entire time we were there - unreal hey! We stayed overnight in Split before catching a ferry to Dubrovnik - where we spent 4 nights - the longest stop we have ever had!! Was absolutely incredible to put down the bags for so long.

In Dubrovnik we stayed at a place called Rooms Niko - which was actually a room in someone's house. A unique experience! We had a room to ourselves (bliss!) and our own bathroom (double bliss!!) and even a balcony! WOW! Pretty pleased with all of that :) We shared the kitchen with the family. The house was a little out of town and up about 20 flights of stairs. Needless to say, walking up that hill was pretty hot work!!

Here are some photos of our 'week off!'

The delicious fruit and vegetable marked in Split

Enjoying a cup of tea on our first morning in Split - after an overnight train with no sleep experience, looking rather average for a number of reasons - 1. no sleep 2. no shower 3. as I was walking to the hostel a pigeon gave me a friendly 'Welcome to Split' which landed in my hair, on my sunglasses and over my shirt.
The tea was flavoured - champagne and chocolate - an amazing combination! T2 should start a range of these :)

The ferry line - this queue is unbelievably small - it was miles long all day! We travelled with this company to Dubrovnik

The beautiful town of Split, with some amazing mountains in the background :) Nope... didn't hike them unfortunately...

Some of the amazing coastline we saw all day when travelling from Split to Dubrovnik. The ferry journey was 9 hours and we saw this kind of scenery the entire way. Amazing!

Pile Gate - the entrance into Dubrovnik's Old Town

Gelato/Ice-cream stand. Europeans go crazy over ice cream - it is EVERYWHERE! You see people eating ice-cream all day - from early in the morning until very late at night. At any one time I could count at least 30 people with an ice cream in their hand. Addicted, I tell you!!

Swimming outside of the city walls, in crystal clear waters

Soaking up the rays at the beach :)

We went island hopping for a day - this was our boat

Views from Dubrovnik's city walls, over the Old Town - absolutely incredible!

More city wall views - I love all of the terracotta

And more of the city walls :)

A wonderful week, lots of sun and re-charged batteries. Italy here we come!!