What are the local currencies?
Croatia: The Kuna
Montenegro: The Euro
Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Convertible Mark
Current exchange rates at: www.xe.com/ucc
FAQ
What are the populations?
Croatia: 4,432,000
Montenegro: 624,000
Bosnia Herzegovina: 3,767,000
Which languages will I hear spoken?
Croatian, Serbian, Montenegrin and Bosnian (sometimes called Bosniak).
All 4 languages are South Slavic languages and largely mutually understood. They use the Latin alphabet but also use the Cyrillic alphabet, particularly in some parts of Bosnia Herzegovina. Many residents of the Adriatic coast including Dalmatia speak English and German. Most menus are published in 3 or 4 different languages including English. Nearly all waiters are multi-lingual.
We will provide you with an easy to use phrase book which will help you get the most out of your holiday. Our apartment managers in Trogir speak Croatian, German and English.
You will meet Croatians, Serbians, Italians, French, Bosnian-Herzegovinians, Montengrins, Germans, English, Australians, Scandanavians, New Zealanders, Irish, Americans, Canadians, indeed travellers from all corners of the world.
Will my laptop and mobile telephone work?
Yes. Wireless communications are advanced. You can purchase an inexpensive Vodafone wireless modem for your laptop and use a prepaid system. You can also use your mobile telephone roaming feature but we have found a practical alternative is to buy a local SIMcard and provide your friends and family with your new mobile number. Public telephones are not in abundance. Internet cafes are found throughout Eastern Europe. Our apartments in Trogir feature ADSL and wireless connections (user pays).
Are vegetarians catered for?
Absolutely. Even diehard meat lovers will enjoy the variety of fresh salads and vegetarian meals.
What are the specialties of the Dalmatian region?
The influence of Italians, Hungarians and Greeks has resulted in an impressive range of seafood, grilled meats and paprika laced goulash. Our favourites include salted sardines, bakalar, grilled sea bass and veal cutlets. Your meals will be accompanied by healthy fresh salads.
What is the cost of a meal?
Entrees start at around 15 kuna in Croatia, main meals at around 40 kuna. Shellfish is cheap compared with Western prices. Fish can be expensive, particularly when priced on the menu on a per kilo basis.
Is breakfast an important part of the day?
Of course. One of the most enjoyable experiences throughout Eastern Europe is sitting at a cafe on a promenade or town square or with an espresso and sharing a burek for breakfast (cheese, meat or spinach filled pastry). Some hotels offer traditional European breakfasts featuring cold meats, olives and cheese. Others offer tasty omelettes.
Self Catering?
You will find an abundance of fresh vegetables and fresh fish at the daily market in Trogir if you are staying in an Adriatic Cottage and keen to use your kitchen. Indeed, most villages and towns have regular open air markets. You will be astonished by the quality and choice of food at the main market in Zagreb, which is one of many highlights of our Adriatic Tours.
Will I have an opportunity to sit down with a drink and watch the world go by?
Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina all have lively cafe scenes. The cafes are for drinking coffee, local wine, beer or spirits. Some of them also offer a wonderful range of icecream. Espressos start at 7 kuna in Croatia and multiple daily coffee breaks are not unusual. A 500ml bottle of Karlovacko beer (a local favourite) is around 12 kuna. If you are using our cottages, you can visit the local supermarkets and stock up. If you are enjoying one of our tours, you will be paying for your own drinks. Non alcoholic and alcoholic drinks are very affordable throughout Eastern Europe.
Is it correct that the majority religions in the 3 countries visited by Adriatic Tours are different?
Yes. The major religious groups are Roman Catholics (Croatia 88%), Orthodox (Montenegro 70%) and Muslim (Bosnia Herzegovina 40%). Bosnia, and in particular Sarajevo, offers visitors wonderful insights into Islamic architecture and culture.
How do I get to Zagreb?
Adriatic Tours start and finish in Zagreb. The international airport at Zagreb has direct links to all major European cities. One enjoyable way to reach Zagreb is by train from Vienna or Budapest.
How do I get to the Adriatic Cottages in Trogir on the Dalmatian coast?
The international airport at Split has direct links to all major European cities. The impressive tilt train from Zagreb to Split runs three times a day. The new highway links Split to Zagreb, Llubjana, Trieste and other European cities. If you are coming from the south, there are excellent bus services from Dubrovnik in Croatia and Montenegro. Ferry options include links to Bari and Ancona in Italy.
How do I travel around?
On an Adriatic Tour, you will travel in a private air conditioned bus with us and your fellow travellers other than the spectacular train trip between Mostar and Sarajevo and on some tours, by train over the Mala Rijeka viaduct in Montenegro, on the Bar to Belgrade rail line. The tour features a number of excellent day trips by bus, ferry or yacht. If you are staying independently in Trogir, an excellent network of buses, trains, ferries and rental vehicles will ensure you can easily make trips to nearby Split, Zadar and the islands, all of which make great day tours or weekend getaways. We offer parking for guests’ vehicles. Although Trogir is closed to vehicles, the parking areas at the edge of the island are reserved for property owners.
Is the Adriatic as blue as it appears in the photographs on your website?
Absolutely. The Adriatic Sea, its beauty and its beaches are a highlight of any trip to Croatia or Montenegro. Mostly pebble beaches, they feature konobas (small restaurants), lounges for hire, sometimes water sports, always gelato vendors and small timber bars where you can enjoy a snack and a drink. More isolated beaches can be reached by bus, car and boat They are certainly worth discovering. Swimming is a great option from May to October. Average sea temperatures are high: 22°C to 26°C in summer and 16°C to 21°C in autumn (fall) and spring. The Dalmatian coast and the Montenegrin coast are a mecca for sailors. There are many options, ranging from day trips, rent your own yacht or enjoy a fully crewed trip around the many islands which lie off Trogir. We can arrange a trip tailored to suit your needs. You also have an option to incorporate a week’s yachting in our 28 day trip of Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
What are the average air temperatures (°C)?
In May, on the coast 22 (low 13) and inland 19 (low 8). In July, on the coast 30 (low 19) and inland 26 (low 13). In September, on the coast 26 (low 16) and inland 22 (low 10).
What do I do if I need health care?
Chemists are modern and well stocked. You can visit local doctors or hospitals. Fees apply and we recommend you have comprehensive travel insurance.
What do I do if I need assistance while staying in an Adriatic Cottage?
Peter and Justine are available to take your telephone calls, Skype calls or emails whether they are in Croatia or Australia. If we are in Croatia, we will be in Trogir and not far away. Our local managers live in Trogir.
What about safety?
People often ask us about the crime rate. We have spent a lot of time travelling independently throughout Eastern Europe and walking after dark in the towns visited by Adriatic Tours. We have not encountered any crime or problems. Of course, like anywhere, you must exercise caution and act sensibly.
Do I need visas?
No, not if you are a resident of an EU country, Australia, New Zealand, the US, Switzerland, Canada or Japan.