A 90 Minute Dash Around Zagreb
Trip Over to Croatia
After arriving in Zagreb and checking into the super luxe Esplanade Hotel on a cloudy, but warm, spring day, we immediately set off to explore. In keeping with my plan of slow travel, and knowing we had 3 days, on day one we had a look around the area of our hotel, up through Josipa Jura Strossmayera Park to the main square. The park forms the eastern side of what is known as the ‘Green Horseshoe’ a U-shaped section of parks all beautifully looked after by Zagreb City.
The next day, again under cloudy skies, we set off walking further afield, then the rain set in, it rained all night and most of the next day, but still we persevered, with me whingeing and whining about the dismal white/grey sky ruining my photos.
I woke up on our last day in Zagreb, and looked out the window, of course – beautiful blue skies, the building opposite that houses the offices for the Croatian Railway was bathed in sunlight – it was a cool crisp morning and we weren’t being picked up until 2.30pm for the drive to Ljubljana in Slovenia. After breakfast I set off, at speed, to re-take all the photos I had taken the previous few days, and get back to the hotel in time to check out at mid-day, and of course, have a delicious lunch in Le Bistro……….
I had a plan to do a huge lap of Zagreb taking in everything I could, while keeping an eye on the time. Starting at the Botanical Gardens just up the road from the hotel, the rather drab pond now sparkled in the sunlight. The little bridge was reflected in the pond, the grass was all green and long after so much rain and all the blossoms were out. I raced on through the Gardens, coming out on the far corner near the State Archives building, a very interesting looking building with huge owls on the corners of the roof. This set me up to walk up the left side of the U-Shape of the Green Horseshoe or parks and gardens. Sitting in a park outside the front of the Archives building is an enormous sculpture of Marko Marulić, a Croatian poet at Renaissance humanist who lived from 1450 to 1524. Behind Marko, you can look across to the Museum of Arts and Crafts, which is actually far more interesting than the name implies, a great place to visit on a rainy day. Then in even more beautifully manicured gardens is the Academy of Drama and the Croatian National Theatre.
At the top of the Green Horse Shoe, in the gardens opposite the front of the National Theatre is a lovely sculpture by Croatian artist and architect Ivan Meštrović. The Well of Life, a bronze sculpture created in 1905, depicting the various stages of human life.
Now it was time to head up into the upper city. From the Well of Life walk towards the city and turn left into Gunduliceva Ul, when you reach the end of this street, turn right into the main shopping street and cross of the road, just along here is the shortest funicular in the word. It might not cover a great distance but it is a life saver. Desperately hoping I hadn’t just missed one, they run every 10 minutes, but today I didn’t have 10 minutes to wait – I would have had to walk up the steps as we did the day before, it’s a killer! Fortunately I got there just as one was ready to leave and leapt on………..at the top of the funicular is a 13th century tower, Lotrščak Tower, built to protect the city. Everyday at noon a cannon is fired to allow all the clocks in the city to be synchronised.
I wanted to get a few more photos on Strossmartre, but it was break time at the high school there and all the students were out enjoying the sunshine. I will write more stories about Zagreb showing photos in this area. I went straight up to St Marks Square dominated by the much photographed Church of St Mark, built in the 13th and 14th centuries with the Coat of Arms of Zagreb and Croatia inlaid in the roof tiles.
From here I ran down to the Stone Gate, one of the original city gates dating back to the 1200s, destroyed many times by fire, still covered in soot from the last fire in 1731, it is now a very tiny church after a painting of the Virgin Mary survived the fire. You can walk through as it is the main pathway through to Radiciva Street, there will often be people lighting candles and praying.
Emerging from the Stone Gate you come to the statue of St George on his horse standing over the slayed dragon. After the slaying St George has his head bowed and helmet in hand, while his horse looks down at the dragon.
There are lots of small interesting shops on Radiciva St on the way down the hill back to the lower city, I passed a tour guide telling her group about an astronomically priced tie bought there by Barrack Obama, apparently everyone now wants one……!?!
At the end of this street you come to Jelačić Square, the main square in Zagreb, often full of market stalls. There is an impressive statue of General Josip Jelačić remembered for his military campaigns during the Revolutions of 1848. I turned to take a photo looking back into the square, in the background is the hideous modern building with an observation deck on the top, I did go to the top on a dismal day, on a clear day with more time that I had now, the view would be quite impressive. I think there must have been a special deal on hair dye worn by the two ladies in the foreground, I saw a lot of ladies sporting this coloured hair!!
Now it was time to race down through the other side of the Green Horseshoe and back in the direction of the Esplanade Hotel. At the top of Petrinjska St is a statue of a rather portly gentleman, in a very Churchill type stance, Stjepan Radic was an important Croatian politician in the early 1900s, founder of the Croatian People’s Peasant Party. Continue to walk down this street, then turn right and you will be at Zrinjevac Park.
Zrinjevac Park is yet another example of Zagreb’s beautiful flower beds, the park is set out with benches to sit and chat with friends, or read in the sun, a few statues, fountains and gazebos, the National Art Gallery is at the end of the park, and across the road is the main railway station. The Esplanade Hotel was built for guests travelling on the Orient Express though to Istanbul. We visited the Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul a few years earlier, and loved it. This is what gave us the idea to stay at the Esplanade in Zagreb – we were not disappointed, it is magnificent.
I arrived back to the Esplanade Hotel with 20 minutes to spare, so I could quickly pack up in time to check out. Then relax over a lovely lunch before being picked up for the drive to Ljubljana in Slovenia.
Itinerary for Trip Over to Croatia and Slovenia
Qantas flight (Emirates code share) to Zagreb from Sydney via Dubai
Stayed in Zagreb for 3 nights at the super luxe Hotel Esplanade
Private Driver from Zagreb to Ljubljana in Slovenia
Stayed in Ljubljana for 10 days in an Airbnb
Private Driver from Ljubljana to Split, via Plitvice Lakes National Park.
3 night boat cruise from Split to Dubrovnik.
2 nights in Dubrovnik staying at the Pucic Palace Hotel
Fast ferry from Dubrovnik back to Split for a couple more nights in our Airbnb
Private Driver from Split to Zagreb, via Zadar
Qantas flight (Emirates code share) to Sydney via Dubai
After visiting the Design Museum I strolled up Kensington High St doing a bit of window shopping, and came across St Mary Abbots Church and Kensington War Memorial on the corner of Kensington Church St. There has been a church on this site since 1262, but this one is quite modern - dating back to 1872.
#stmaryabbotschurch #kensingtonwarmemorial #kensingtonhighstreetlondon #london #solotravelinlondon
As promised, a beautiful sunny Easter Sunday in Vienna ☀️☀️☀️ After being in Palermo last Easter, where it was underwhelming, Vienna really knows how to take Easter to the extreme!!!
#easterinvienna #eastermarkets #soloadventure #vienna
Budapest Central Market Hall built in the late 1800s, extensively damaged in WWll, left in ruins until the late 1900s when it was returned to it`s former glory.....only to now be mainly selling tourist trash.
#budapestcentralmarket #budapest #traveltheworldwithme #solotravel
On the south coast of Sicily, near Agrigento, lies Scala dei Turchi, a stunning limestone formation named after Turkish and Arab pirates who took shelter there in the 16th century. We stopped by after exploring the Valley of the Temples on our day trip from Palermo.
#scaladeiturchi #daytripfrompalermo #solotravelinsicily #sicilytravel
Panoramic views from the medieval city of Erice, gazing out towards Palermo, far away and over the hills, across the north coast of Sicily. ✨️ My thoughts are with those in Sicily, Malta, and southern Italy who have lost so much due to Cyclone Harry.
#ericesicily #solotravelinsicily #viewfromthetop #medievalsicily
Finally a sunny day in Budapest, strolling on Margrit Island, great weather, no complaints, perfect!
#margritisland #budapest #soloadventure #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
Arriving in Vienna, I found my hotel at set off exploring the neighbourhood, the architecture is all gobsmacking, but hard to get far enough away from to photograph!!
#vienna #traveltheworldwithme #neverstopexploring #solotravel
Strolling along the southern side of Sydney Harbour Bridge from Walsh Bay to The Rocks.
#sydneyharbourbridge #sydneyharbour #sydney #historicsydney #sydneyoperahouse #sydneyharbourwalks
Just opened my curtains to see this beautiful sunrise ✨️over Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Beautiful colours to start the day, I was just in time to catch it, those peach colours are no longer there!
#londonsunrise #bigben #westminsterabbey #londoneye #housesofparliament
The best part of the day trip from Vienna to Bratislava was the boat trip back to Vienna on the Danube!! The hydofoiling catamaran was fast, about 90 minutes, the crew were great. It was freezing cold and windy outside, but I couldn`t help myself, I just had to keep going out to take photos, then running back in to sip my wine 🥂!!!
Great for solo travelers, I met so many other travellers onboard.
#cruisingonthedanube #twinliner #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme
After visiting the Easter Markets at Schonbrunn Palace , I went for a walk up through the gardens, all the way up to the `Gloriette` at the top of the hill way off in the distance.
The Gloriette was built in 1775 for no other reason than the view - when the Habsburgs were sitting on the balcony of their summer Schloss, they wanted something nice to look at, so they had the Gloriette built along with a few ponds and fountains. The world became a better place!!
#schönbrunnpalace #schönbrunnschloss #solotravel #habsburgfamilyresidence #vienna
Started off this morning heading to a market, but as I was passing St Stephen`s Basilica, the bells were ringing to signal a service was about to start. I figured that would be the way to get in without paying the hefty admission charge ✨️I took a few quick photos before things got underway! Then realised I was the only person there who didn`t know the words, or the actions, so when everyone stood up as part of their routine, as I was in the back row, I just backed out completely.....
#ststephensbasilica #budapest #solotravel #sundayinbudapest
Chilly morning in Vienna today, but apparently its going to warm up big time tomorrow! First stop Naschmarkt, then strolling past Karlskirche on my way to Schloss Belvedere.......
#naschmarkt #karlskirche #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme
Decided to escape the heat in Sydney🔥 for the cold, and a cozy London Christmas🎄☃️ ❄️❄️❄️ ✨️And London has delivered with a lovely 4 degree (and falling ❄️❄️❄️) evening to start things off.
Merry Christmas to everyone 🎄☃️❄️🎄☃️❄️🥂!!
#solotravel #traveltheworldwithme #merrychristmas #londonforchristmas #christmaslights
Wandering through Palermo in search of the bus to Monreale in the hills, I stumbled upon Porta Nuova, the ancient gate to Palermo. Which was a good find as it was the land mark I needed to make sure I was heading in the right direction.
#palermo #portanuovapalermo #solotravelinsicily #sicilytravel
Walking from Bratislava train station to the town centre takes 15 minutes, passing through a park and by the parliament buildings before reaching the historic cobblestone streets.
This is where the touristification of the town kicks in, every shop is a restaurant or souvenier shop.
Even the castle is a remake of what they think tourists want to see....we actually want to see the original castle!!
#bratislava #streetsofbratislava #solotravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
Leaving Budapest from Keleti station, I found my ticket gave me access to the Business Lounge waiting room!!
Next stop on my solo adventure - Vienna🥂!!
#solotravel #budapest #keletistation #travelbytrain #traveltheworldwithme
Exploring Trapani Salt Pans on the west coast of Sicily with a day trip tour from Palermo - what a quirky spot! Windmills, old boats, and epic views. The last shot shows the hilltop medieval city of Erice, which I featured in my previous posts. The solo adventure continues.....
#trapani #trapanisaltpans #sicily #solotravelinsicily
More from my ambling around exploring the medieval city of Erice in Sicily, more than 700mtrs above sea level and somehow, back in the 1100s they were able to get all this rock up there to build a castle and so many churches, not to mention a few shops and places to live!!
#ericesicily #medievalsicily #solotravelinsicily #traveltheworldwithme #exploresicily
Strolling through the tranquil Palermo Botanic Gardens took me to this lovely glass house, complete with a statue of the Genius of Palermo with a giant snake biting his chest, then on to ponds full of lily pads. The gardens are just down the hill from the station, and a peaceful escape from the gritty, grubby city centre.
#palermo #solotrip #solotravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme #seeeverythingdoeverything #palermosicily #palermobotanicalgarden #thegeniusofpalermo
After visiting the Duomo di Cefalu, I followed the path behind the Duomo, which leads to the path to walk up Rocca di Cefalu. The giant rocky headland that promises amazing views and remains of old castles. By the time I was at the half way point, my knees were saying `nope, we`re good, here is enough`!! No need to go further up, I went back down to sea level and continued to explore the beautiful town of Cefalu.
#cefalù #cefalucathedral #roccadicefalù #amazingviews #oceanviews #historicsicily #solotravelinsicily #solotrip #traveltheworldworldwithme #seeeverythingdoeverything #exploretheworld #traveladdict
Went to the stangest market in Vienna at Rathausplatz. Every one of the stalls sold wine, a few sold food, there were people everywhere in national dress, some holding, but no one playing, musical instruments......and Verstappen`s F1 car!!???
#traveltheworldwithme #eastermarkets #vienna #viennaeaster
Home sweet home in London, arriving @royaloverseaslondon ✨ lights on and ready for Santa🎄☃️❄️🥂!!
#londonatchristmastime #royaloverseasleague #christmaslights #christmastree #traveltheworldwithme
The crowds were out in force in London on a gloomy Boxing Day so just a quick visit to Trafalgar Square, then back to Piccadilly area, through Princes Arcade, which drew me in with the tailoring/sewing/fashion decorations and up past Fortnums.
#trafalgarsquare #princesarcadepiccadilly #fortnums #londonatchristmastime #londoncalling
After visiting Monreale Cathedral and marveling at all the gold✨️ I enjoyed a serene walk around town. With most people still attending the service, I had the place almost to myself.
#monreale #monrealecathedral #solotravelinsicily #traveltheworldwithme #neverstopexploring
The Design Museum over in South Kensington, the `Malta` paving stone was front and centre!!
#londondesignmuseum #southkensington #seeeverythingdoeverything #londonlife
Sunrise on my last day in London, after a few very cold, cloudy days, today we are going with a freezing 2 degrees, and sunshine ❄️❄️❄️
#sunriseinlondon #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #londonlife #coldmornings❄️ #solotrip
Palermo here I come... and what better welcome than Teatro Politeama on my doorstep✨️
#solotravel #traveltheworldwithme #neverstopexploring #palermo #palermo
Sicily`s hidden gem! Strolling through Cefalu`s ancient rock arches, where the Mediterranean waves crash against the rocks on one side and calm awaits for a swim on the other.
#cefalu #cefalú #cefalubeach #cefalusicily #Sicily #sicilylife #historicsicily #soloadventure #solotrip #solotravelinsicily #traveltheworldwithme #exploretheworld
In the London Bridge area on the south side of the Thames, after visiting the Versace exhibition at The Arches, I walked down past The Shipwrights Arms across to Hay`s Galleria....used to be Hay`s Wharf....now shops, restaurants, Christmas stalls, and a giant Christmas Tree.
A morning walk through St James`s Park on Christmas Day✨️all rugged up and ready for anything 3 degrees throws at me. A beautiful blue sky day in London. Then we eat, drink and be merry....then, maybe, go for another walk.....
#stjamesspark #londonatchristmastime #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #traveltheworldwithme #blueskiesandsunshine
Quattro Canti, or Piazza Vigliena, is a stunning Baroque square at the heart of Palermo`s historic centre. Located where Via Maqueda meets Corso Vittorio Emanuele, each corner symbolises one of the city`s ancient districts, built in 1620. Via Maqueda is now a pedestrian zone, bustling with restaurants, ranging from great spots to tourist traps, and it`s the perfect place to stroll around in the evenings.
#palermo #quattrocantipalermo #viamaquedapalermo #solotravelinsicily
The grand entrance of the Botanic Gardens in Palermo sets the tone for an enchanting experience, complete with captivating sculptures, statues, and fountains✨️
#palermo #palermosicily #palermobotanicalgarden #statuesinthepark #walkinthepark #solotrip #solotravelinsicily #soloadventure #traveltheworldwithme #traveladdict #neverstoptravelling #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #
Discover the serene Botanic Gardens, just a short stroll down Via Lincoln from Palermo Centrale Station.✨️ A perfect haven from the city`s hustle and bustle. And check out this fashionista lizard! 🦎 While reptiles aren`t my thing, and green isn`t my colour, he pulls it off nicely! While you might be thinking I was brave to get this close, the camera zoom made the magic happen 😜!!
For more on my solo Malta and Sicily adventures, visit my website - link in bio.
#palermo #palermosicily #palermobotanicalgarden #sicilianreptile #greenreptile #welldressedlizard #walkinthepark #solotravel #solotrip #solotravelinsicily #traveltheworldwithme #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmylens
My wanderings around Palermo took me through the hustle and bustle of the markets ✨️ all the fruit, herbs and seafood were all so fresh and colourful......the vibe with all the vendors shouting over each other competing for attention was loud, crowded, chaotic, frantic and amazing........not at all tranquil like these photos depict!!
To read about the places I stayed on my solo adventure to Malta and Sicily, click the link to my website in the bio.
#palermo #palermomarket #freshseafood #sicilianlemons #soloadventure #solotravelinsicily #SoloTravelMagic #sicily #palermosicily #lemonandbasil #traveltheworldwithme
Visited the Titanic Exhibition and lived to tell the tale ✨️ but honestly, the harbour views and the walk around Walsh Bay and The Rocks stole the show!!
#sydneyharbourwalks #sydneyharbour #sydneyharbourbridge #walshbaysydney #seeeverythingdoeverything #myhometown #explorethecityyoulivein
Stepping inside Government House reveals a treasure trove of polished wood, just look at that amazing dining table ✨️ leather furniture, and glittering chandeliers, every bit as magnificent as its exterior.
#governmenthousesydney #polishedwood #amazingplace #historicsydney #explorethecityyoulivein #chandliers #sydney #sydneyaustralia
Walking around Barangaroo to Walsh Bay, looking out over Sydney Harbour towards Balmain, Anzac Bridge and across to Luna Park on the north side.
#sydneyinspring #sydneyaustralia #sydneyharbour #barangaroo #sydneyharbourwalks #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
In Erice, I stumbled upon Sicily`s ultimate pastry haven, but what should I try??? The struggle to resist buying it all was very real😋 I was not disappointed with my choice!!
#ericesicily #grammaticomaria #solotravelinsicily
Had lunch in one of London`s oldest pubs yesterday, on Fleet St, not far from St Paul`s. Re-built in 1667 after the original Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub went up in flames in the great fire of London the previous year🔥
I`ve had better fish and chips in older London pubs - The Prospect of Whitby and The Mayflower - but still very nice to sit by the fire, then explore the rabbit warren of areas in this pub, knowing people have been drinking here for nearly 400 years.
#yeoldecheshirecheese #londonpublunch #historiclondon #solotravelinlondon #londonlife
Sydney`s Jacaranda trees are bursting into bloom! Hopefully this wintery snap doesn`t put the brakes on it......🤔 Enjoy the stunning purple displays (and then complain about the slippery footpaths and car stains as the flowers drop) 😂 It`s all part of the annual ritual✨️
#jacarandas #sydneyinbloom #therockssydney #sydneytownhall #explorethecityyoulivein #historicsydney #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
Czech artist, David Cerney, famous for his politically opinionated art works.
✨️Here showing King Wencelas riding an upside down dead horse into battle. Hanging in the Lucerna Palace, Prague.
✨️Then 2 men (politicians??) pissing on the Czech Republic!! This one is outside the Kafka Museum across the Charles Bridge.
#davidčerney #politicalart #prague #solotrip
St Matthias Church in the Castle District near Fisherman`s Bastion. Climb the steep stone spiral staircase for a stunning view into the main church and explore the artifacts on display. This historic church dates back to the 11th century.
#solotrip #stmatthiaschurch #budapestcastledistrict
.....further to my previous post. I walked past Hochstrahlbrunne, a fountain built in 1873 to celebrate the opening of Vienna`s high pressure water system. Then once I arrived at Schloss Belvedere, I found that this was not the place to be at Easter. There was one long queue to buy a ticket to stand in one of 3 other long queues to get in!!! Even one of the staff on crowd control said he had never seen it like this - I`ll go back after the Easter weekend crowds have left.
#vienna #viennaeaster #soloteavel #changeofplans
Explored the stunning Belvedere Palace in Vienna, a former imperial residence that`s truly breathtaking. The gardens were gorgeous, especially with the ponds and fountains coming to life now that winter`s loosening its grip, slightly....!!
#belvedere #schlossbelvedere #vienna #solotrip #traveltheworldwithme
Inside the Monreale Cathedral, I was surrounded by gold everywhere. This stunning building was constructed between 1174 and 1267 and later adorned with millions of gold-covered glass tiles by skilled local and Venetian craftsmen. Unfortunately, my visit coincided with a packed Easter Sunday service, limiting my exploration of the intricate mosaic work, but what I did see close up at the back of the cathedral was amazing, I even loved the enormous doors to the Cathedral.
#monrealecathedral #glassmosaics #goldmosaics #solotravelinsicily #traveltheworldwithme
Hofburg Palace, the Habsburgs` stunning Vienna residence until 1918. Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) indulged in royal luxury here and spent summers at Schonbrunn Palace. What a life!
#hofburgvienna #sisimuseum #soloadventure #vienna
The largest synagogue in Europe, built in the 1850s, has been witness to unmentionable horrors during WWII including being bombed. It borders the ghetto where the Jews were left to die. In the garden cemetery there are tens of thousands of nameless bodies and a few that could be identified.
There us a very powerful museum housed here too.
#dohanystreetsynagogue #budapestarchitecture #budapest #soloadventure
Exploring Prague with lots of walking and lots of tram rides! Walking across Charles Bridge, up to the castle, through Lesser Town, into New Town, and historic Old Town.
#prague #praguelife #solotravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #seeeverythingdoeverything
