Hello All,

My Wife and I are contemplating a tour around the coastal
regions of Croatia. We are in our 60s and have had incident free motoring
trips in the USA, Australia, Norway and Italy.

Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to Dubrovnik
in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.

Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on keeping
out of trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road rules).

Thanks in Advance

> Hello All,
>
> My Wife and I are contemplating a tour around the coastal
> regions of Croatia. We are in our 60s and have had incident free motoring
> trips in the USA, Australia, Norway and Italy.
>
> Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to Dubrovnik
> in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.

Are you kidding ?

> Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on keeping
> out of trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road rules).
>
> Thanks in Advance

My advise : don't ever show this message to a Croatian and everything
will be fine.

Arthur

Thanks for the response Arthur,

We were cautioned by our local travel agent and by postings on
soc.culture.Croatia. and by hacks of Croatian tourism websites by religious
extremists.

Although reading the Croatian government tourism web site makes
everything look safe, simple and attractive.

Do you actually have first hand experience and knowledge of driving there ?

TonyF

"arthur" <azer@ty> wrote in message news:mn.8d297d7118d7d5fd.62070@ty...
> > Hello All,
> >
> > My Wife and I are contemplating a tour around the coastal
> > regions of Croatia. We are in our 60s and have had incident free
motoring
> > trips in the USA, Australia, Norway and Italy.
> >
> > Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to
Dubrovnik
> > in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.
>
> Are you kidding ?
>
> > Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on
keeping
> > out of trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road
rules).
> >
> > Thanks in Advance
>
> My advise : don't ever show this message to a Croatian and everything
> will be fine.
>
> Arthur
>
>

"TonyF" <Tony@emptypond.net> wrote in message
news:ETvrh.2457$u8.598@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> Hello All,
>
> My Wife and I are contemplating a tour around the coastal
> regions of Croatia. We are in our 60s and have had incident free motoring
> trips in the USA, Australia, Norway and Italy.
>
> Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to Dubrovnik
> in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.

You are kidding. (aren't you?)

>
> Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on keeping
> out of trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road
> rules).

Croatians are some of the worst drivers for respecting rules that I have
seen in Europe. You need to watch out for the kamiakze ones overtaking
when others (even Belgians) have the sense not to. Other than this, you
should be fine.

The coast road should be a much easier drive now that the Motorway
alternative is completed. I presume that you would want the scenic
route? Though you really should detour to Plitvica in one direction
Doing this and not using the motorway would be silly.

tim

> Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to Dubrovnik
> in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.

The coast road twists along the edge of a cliff for hundreds of miles.
I've only been along it in a bus; driving it yourself, you'd be so
focused on not joining the burned-out wrecks below you that you
wouldn't be able to enjoy any of the (amazing) scenery. There is a
new inland road I haven't been on; it avoids the hazards and also
avoids most of the neat scenery.


> Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on keeping out of
> trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road rules).

Practice shouting "fuck your mother" while giving the finger with one
hand and blasting the horn with the other and you'll pass as a native.

It's a great place but I would *not* want to drive there unless somebody
was paying me.

============== j-c ====== @ ====== purr . demon . co . uk ==============
Jack Campin: 11 Third St, Newtongrange EH22 4PU, Scotland | tel 0131 660 4760
<http://www.purr.demon.co.uk/jack/> for CD-ROMs and free | fax 0870 0554 975
stuff: Scottish music, food intolerance, & Mac logic fonts | mob 07800 739 557

Thanks for your inputs Tim

Not Kidding, We were cautioned against car travel by our local travel agent
and by postings on soc.culture.croatia. and by hacks of several Croatian
tourism websites by religious extremists. The Australian Government are
cautioning travellers about bandits using fake motor accidents to rob 'good
Samaritans.

I appreciate the suggestion on Plitvica

I wonder if you could also offer some pointers on car hire, as I now
understand things we really need to hire the car in Croatia, are there any
places you know of that give you a long leasing deal like the Renault deals
you get in France and Italy.

Do you know what the prospects of getting accommodation 'on the fly' in
April May as one drives down the coast through towns that suggest a stay
would be worthwhile.

Is there a prepaid mobile SIM card you can buy that gives good mobile
coverage in Croatia.

In the hope you would be kind enough to allow me to pick your brains on
these Issues.

Regards, Tony


"tim....." <tims_new_home@yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:517k1qF1ivtqeU1@mid.individual.net...
>
> "TonyF" <Tony@emptypond.net> wrote in message
> news:ETvrh.2457$u8.598@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> > Hello All,
> >
> > My Wife and I are contemplating a tour around the coastal
> > regions of Croatia. We are in our 60s and have had incident free
motoring
> > trips in the USA, Australia, Norway and Italy.
> >
> > Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to
Dubrovnik
> > in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.
>
> You are kidding. (aren't you?)
>
> >
> > Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on
keeping
> > out of trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road
> > rules).
>
> Croatians are some of the worst drivers for respecting rules that I have
> seen in Europe. You need to watch out for the kamiakze ones overtaking
> when others (even Belgians) have the sense not to. Other than this, you
> should be fine.
>
> The coast road should be a much easier drive now that the Motorway
> alternative is completed. I presume that you would want the scenic
> route? Though you really should detour to Plitvica in one direction
> Doing this and not using the motorway would be silly.
>
> tim
>
>
>

Thanks Jack,

Can you stop along these cliff roads to take a picture or are
they narrow ledges along a cliff.


The natives sound like Australia's Sydneysiders in peak hour


"Jack Campin - bogus address" <bogus@purr.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:bogus-A8CC89.00165918012007@news.news.demon.net...
> > Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to Dubrovnik
> > in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.
>
> The coast road twists along the edge of a cliff for hundreds of miles.
> I've only been along it in a bus; driving it yourself, you'd be so
> focused on not joining the burned-out wrecks below you that you
> wouldn't be able to enjoy any of the (amazing) scenery. There is a
> new inland road I haven't been on; it avoids the hazards and also
> avoids most of the neat scenery.
>
>
> > Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on keeping out of
> > trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road rules).
>
> Practice shouting "fuck your mother" while giving the finger with one
> hand and blasting the horn with the other and you'll pass as a native.
>
> It's a great place but I would *not* want to drive there unless somebody
> was paying me.
>
> ============== j-c ====== @ ====== purr . demon . co . uk
==============
> Jack Campin: 11 Third St, Newtongrange EH22 4PU, Scotland | tel 0131 660
4760
> <http://www.purr.demon.co.uk/jack/> for CD-ROMs and free | fax 0870 0554
975
> stuff: Scottish music, food intolerance, & Mac logic fonts | mob 07800 739
557

P.S Great pictures and Humour on your site.

Cheers,


"Jack Campin - bogus address" <bogus@purr.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:bogus-A8CC89.00165918012007@news.news.demon.net...
> > Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to Dubrovnik
> > in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.
>
> The coast road twists along the edge of a cliff for hundreds of miles.
> I've only been along it in a bus; driving it yourself, you'd be so
> focused on not joining the burned-out wrecks below you that you
> wouldn't be able to enjoy any of the (amazing) scenery. There is a
> new inland road I haven't been on; it avoids the hazards and also
> avoids most of the neat scenery.
>
>
> > Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on keeping out of
> > trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road rules).
>
> Practice shouting "fuck your mother" while giving the finger with one
> hand and blasting the horn with the other and you'll pass as a native.
>
> It's a great place but I would *not* want to drive there unless somebody
> was paying me.
>
> ============== j-c ====== @ ====== purr . demon . co . uk
==============
> Jack Campin: 11 Third St, Newtongrange EH22 4PU, Scotland | tel 0131 660
4760
> <http://www.purr.demon.co.uk/jack/> for CD-ROMs and free | fax 0870 0554
975
> stuff: Scottish music, food intolerance, & Mac logic fonts | mob 07800 739
557

>>> Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to Dubrovnik
>>> in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.
>> The coast road twists along the edge of a cliff for hundreds of miles.
> Can you stop along these cliff roads to take a picture or are
> they narrow ledges along a cliff.

For most of it, there are frequent enough wider spots to stop for
photos. But there are also frequent stretches of exactly-two-lane
road where any crash or breakdown can cause a horrendous snarlup.

============== j-c ====== @ ====== purr . demon . co . uk ==============
Jack Campin: 11 Third St, Newtongrange EH22 4PU, Scotland | tel 0131 660 4760
<http://www.purr.demon.co.uk/jack/> for CD-ROMs and free | fax 0870 0554 975
stuff: Scottish music, food intolerance, & Mac logic fonts | mob 07800 739 557

TonyF <Tony@emptypond.net> wrote:
> Hello All,
>
> My Wife and I are contemplating a tour around the coastal
> regions of Croatia. We are in our 60s and have had incident free motoring
> trips in the USA, Australia, Norway and Italy.
>
> Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to Dubrovnik
> in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.
>
> Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on keeping
> out of trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road rules).

Hi, as others have already said, the situation is not that bad provided you
look out for kamikaze drivers. Being Croatian, I'm more used to seeing that
kind of driving, so I may be biased in estimating the dangers. :)

If you want to drive along the coast, expect a winding road (2 way, 1 lane
each way) all along the coast, passing local towns and going around larger
ones. The speed limits will be 50 km/h in populated areas, and 60 km/h or 70
km/h outside of towns.

A general rule in Croatia is that the police has a 10 km tolerance for speed
measured on the radar and that your odometer typically errs on the side of
caution showing a bit more than you really are going, and people typically
expect you to drive this extra 10%. Generally, passing through a town at 60
km/h in a 50 km/h zone will not raise an eyebrow and will not cause honking
of the car behind you. Going faster than that may get you a ticket. Just
drive the same speed as everyone else and you're quite safe. Also, oncoming
cars flashing their headlights means "police patrol ahead, slow down". And
lights on are mandatory during daytime.

As far as the kamikaze drivers, yes, these are typically local folk who know
the road by heart and will overtake you wherever possible - in blind turns,
across a double line, etc. But just don't panic and don't get yourself into
a situation where you can't safely go around him if he crashes headon into a
truck, and you'll be perfectly fine.

As far as terrorists or bandits are concerned, there are none. No, really.
To get into trouble you'd really have to look for it (e.g. walk into a bar
full of drunken football fans and start insulting everyone :)).

The coastal part of Croatia does live off tourism, you know, and there are
really lots of tourists in the summer. Most everyone speaks Italian or
English, and is used to finding ways of communication with the tourists, but
expect an Italian style "take it easy" approach with the waiters, though.

Also, do try to plan a trip to Plitvice which is about halfway down to
Dubrovnik, but somewhat more on the continental side, so it's a slight
detour - but it's worth it.

--
UnreaL.
[ Standard disclaimers apply. Personal opinions only. May explode in fire. ]

Following up to "TonyF" <Tony@emptypond.net> :

>Hello All,
>
> My Wife and I are contemplating a tour around the coastal
>regions of Croatia. We are in our 60s and have had incident free motoring
>trips in the USA, Australia, Norway and Italy.
>
> Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to Dubrovnik
>in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.
>
> Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on keeping
>out of trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road rules).
>
> Thanks in Advance

Just drive politely and predictably - as you would everywhere else - you'll
have no trouble.

--
Tim C.

Following up to Jack Campin - bogus address <bogus@purr.demon.co.uk> :

>> Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on keeping out of
>> trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road rules).
>
>Practice shouting "fuck your mother" while giving the finger with one
>hand and blasting the horn with the other and you'll pass as a native.
>
>It's a great place but I would *not* want to drive there unless somebody
>was paying me.

It's alright, at least the northern end is ok, apart from the unbelievable
numbers of "White Van Man". I've driven there in a car and on a motorbike
quite often. I don't find them generally any more aggressive or rude than
Austria or northern Italy.
--
Tim C.

Following up to "TonyF" <Tony@emptypond.net> :

>
> Can you stop along these cliff roads to take a picture or are
>they narrow ledges along a cliff.

As Jack says, it's a lot of 2 lane sections, but with frequent lay-bys,
especially at some of the more scenic spots.
Note: many of the lay-bys aren't tarmaced and have a pretty impressive step
down from the road.
--
Tim C.

Following up to "tim....." <tims_new_home@yahoo.co.uk> :

>
>The coast road should be a much easier drive now that the Motorway
>alternative is completed.

I noticed that last summer, down to Zadar anyway, that was the case.
Avoid the coast road between Friday and Monday inclusive in the Summer -
holidaymakers' shift change.
--
Tim C.

In article <L8zrh.2562$u8.1316@news-server.bigpond.net.au>,
Tony@emptypond.net (TonyF) wrote:

> Is there a prepaid mobile SIM card you can buy that gives good mobile
> coverage in Croatia.

T-Mobile has a Croatian operation, so probably (note the hedging!) any
T-Mobile SIM will work. You'll need a compatible handset, of course -
where are you from?

Hi Tony,
I drove Trieste-Dubrovnik (actually a bit further - started in
Cervignano 50km west of Trieste) in Sept. 2005.
Don't be afraid, it's not really a problem. I drove it in one
(admittedly long) day with a two-hour break in Split, using
the new motorway.
The coast road is winding, but the surface is in good shape
and if you're not in a hurry it's no problem. Stop a night or
two on the way and it'll be very relaxed.
Generally about driving in Croatia on minor back roads:-
don't go strolling off the road as some areas are still mined.
That's more of an issue if you plan on wandering in the
mountains though, no problems on any major roads.
There is a map here of the affected areas:
http://www.hcr.hr/karta.html
David


TonyF wrote:
> Hello All,
>
> My Wife and I are contemplating a tour around the coastal
> regions of Croatia. We are in our 60s and have had incident free motoring
> trips in the USA, Australia, Norway and Italy.
>
> Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to Dubrovnik
> in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.
>
> Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on keeping
> out of trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road rules).
>
> Thanks in Advance

barney2@cix.compulink.co.uk wrote:
> In article <L8zrh.2562$u8.1316@news-server.bigpond.net.au>,
> Tony@emptypond.net (TonyF) wrote:
>
>> Is there a prepaid mobile SIM card you can buy that gives good mobile
>> coverage in Croatia.
>
> T-Mobile has a Croatian operation, so probably (note the hedging!) any
> T-Mobile SIM will work. You'll need a compatible handset, of course -
> where are you from?

Yes, but you'll still be paying for roaming charges, since you're not in
your home network. The price will probably be cheaper than on the
competitors' networks, but your best option is buying a T-Mobile or some
other prepaid card with some credit on it.

--
UnreaL.
[ Standard disclaimers apply. Personal opinions only. May explode in fire. ]

>Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to Dubrovnik
>in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.

Yes, of course. I can't believe you're asking this question seriously.
Back on the topic: yes, you can do it; I do it all the time (have the
car with Italian licence plates) and I NEVER had any problems.
On the other side, I had a problem in Rome with bandits, so go figure.

> Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on keeping
> out of trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road rules).

I think you said you're going to Croatia in spring. The traffic is
relatively low that time of the year (except on the Easter weekend and
maybe around May 1st - people tend to take short holidays, go to the
coast, etc., that time of year). The period of the year to avoid, if
you feel unsafe, is definitively the week of "Ferragosto", i.e. August
15th, when hundreds of Italian tourist go to Croatia, so the traffic is
huge.

Other then that, if you hire a car in Trieste (are you taking a low
cost flight to Trieste? You can take Ryanair flight to Pula and I think
they will introduce Zadar this year, too), you just have to follow the
road signs to Slovenia, then you arive on Slovenian motorway (it starts
right after the border, although the Italians are trying to finish
their part of the motorway from Trieste to the border on time) and
follow the signs to Dragonja. This is where you enter to Croatia.
>From the border, follow the motorway sign (actually it's more a "fast
road" then motorway, but it's OK) and you'll be able to go all the way
to Rijeka on it. The locals call it "Ypsilon" (when you look at the
map, you'll understand why). From Rijeka, you have two options: to
follow the coastal road (beautiful scenery, but extremely narrow), or
to go inland to connect with Dalmatina motorway (the new one, going all
the way to Split; the remaining part of the motorway connecting Split
with Dubrovnik is under construction).

There are plenty of stops with rest rooms, gas stations and restaurants
on the way. Some have scenic views (the one near Sibenik Bridge, for
example - you can take wonderful pictures of Krka river flowing inland
to Krka National Park (one thing to put on your to do list!); there's a
marina near the bridge, and then the view opens to the town of Sibenik
and its islands (including Kornati - another must).

The road after Split to Dubrovnik is a scenic one, high above the sea
level, and it offers spectacular views. As you approach the area just
before Dubrovnik (the low part of Peljesac penisula), you'll be able to
take the car off the road and go swimming - the beaches are wonderful
there - without any trouble.

Keep in mind that a little stretch of the coast at Neum is territory of
Bosnia-Hercegovina, so you'll need to cross the border again.

If you are indeed arriving in spring, you'll have no problems finding
accomodation (a room, an apartment, or a hotel room).
If you're stopping just to have a bite and sightsee and then you're
continuing on your way, make sure you NEVER eat in the restaurants by
the road, rather do a bit of exploration, ask locals where you can eat
well and go there, the service will be better, as the quality-price
relation.

Any other questions, feel free to ask!
Cheers,
T.

TonyF wrote:
> Is there a prepaid mobile SIM card you can buy that gives good mobile
> coverage in Croatia.

There's T-Mobile, Vip, Tele 2 and Tomato; T-Mobile offers the best
coverage.
The SIM card costs 150 Kuna (cca 22 Euro). I'm not sure about the price
of the costs if you call back home, but SMS costs about 0,40 Kuna.
Bear in mind that when sending SMSs to some countries the receiver will
be able to get the SMS, but not to reply (it happens to me when I send
SMS from Croatian T-Mobile to US).

"TonyF" <Tony@emptypond.net> wrote in message
news:L8zrh.2562$u8.1316@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> Thanks for your inputs Tim
>
> Not Kidding, We were cautioned against car travel by our local travel
> agent
> and by postings on soc.culture.croatia. and by hacks of several Croatian
> tourism websites by religious extremists. The Australian Government are
> cautioning travellers about bandits using fake motor accidents to rob
> 'good
> Samaritans.
>
> I appreciate the suggestion on Plitvica
>
> I wonder if you could also offer some pointers on car hire, as I now
> understand things we really need to hire the car in Croatia, are there any
> places you know of that give you a long leasing deal like the Renault
> deals
> you get in France and Italy.
>
> Do you know what the prospects of getting accommodation 'on the fly' in
> April May as one drives down the coast through towns that suggest a stay

Outside of the peak months finding accomodation in the small towns/villages
is no problem at all.

OTOH finding resturants is.

No doubt it is easy to find both in the larger towns, but these are very
often not car friendly.

tim

"Goran UnreaL Krajnovic" <unreal@fly.srk.fer.hr> wrote in message
news:eon4pq$hdc$1@ss408.t-com.hr...
> TonyF <Tony@emptypond.net> wrote:
>> Hello All,
>
> The coastal part of Croatia does live off tourism, you know, and there are
> really lots of tourists in the summer. Most everyone speaks Italian or
> English,

Hm,

When in Istria I got out my rusty Italian and was promptly
answered in German. I said "No I am English, I don't
speak German", but they still persisted with German
despite my continuing with the Italian. (For those that
don't know, Italian is the first language in Istria, so it wan't
likely to be something that they struggled with)

tim

"Martin" <me@address.invalid> wrote in message
news:8mjuq2dpi9de0krifth73qch67iumjj8vm@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 08:27:16 +0100, Tim C. <tim.challenger@aon.at> wrote:
>
>>Following up to "TonyF" <Tony@emptypond.net> :
>>
>>>Hello All,
>>>
>>> My Wife and I are contemplating a tour around the coastal
>>>regions of Croatia. We are in our 60s and have had incident free motoring
>>>trips in the USA, Australia, Norway and Italy.
>>>
>>> Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to
>>> Dubrovnik
>>>in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.
>>>
>>> Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on
>>> keeping
>>>out of trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road
>>>rules).
>>>
>>> Thanks in Advance
>>
>>Just drive politely and predictably - as you would everywhere else -
>>you'll
>>have no trouble.
>
> Do that in NL and you are dead.

Presumably only in those parts where you meet Belgians.

tim

tim..... <tims_new_home@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
> "Goran UnreaL Krajnovic" <unreal@fly.srk.fer.hr> wrote in message
> news:eon4pq$hdc$1@ss408.t-com.hr...
>> TonyF <Tony@emptypond.net> wrote:
>>> Hello All,
>>
>> The coastal part of Croatia does live off tourism, you know, and there are
>> really lots of tourists in the summer. Most everyone speaks Italian or
>> English,
>
> Hm,
>
> When in Istria I got out my rusty Italian and was promptly
> answered in German. I said "No I am English, I don't
> speak German", but they still persisted with German
> despite my continuing with the Italian. (For those that
> don't know, Italian is the first language in Istria, so it wan't
> likely to be something that they struggled with)

Was it perhaps a German tourist? :)

--
UnreaL.
[ Standard disclaimers apply. Personal opinions only. May explode in fire. ]

TonyF wrote:
> Thanks for the response Arthur,
>
> We were cautioned by our local travel agent and by postings on
> soc.culture.Croatia. and by hacks of Croatian tourism websites by religious
> extremists.
>
> Although reading the Croatian government tourism web site makes
> everything look safe, simple and attractive.
>
> Do you actually have first hand experience and knowledge of driving there ?
>
> TonyF
>
> "arthur" <azer@ty> wrote in message news:mn.8d297d7118d7d5fd.62070@ty...
> > > Hello All,
> > >
> > > My Wife and I are contemplating a tour around the coastal
> > > regions of Croatia. We are in our 60s and have had incident free
> motoring
> > > trips in the USA, Australia, Norway and Italy.
> > >
> > > Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to
> Dubrovnik
> > > in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.
> >
> > Are you kidding ?
> >
> > > Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on
> keeping
> > > out of trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road
> rules).
> > >
> > > Thanks in Advance
> >
> > My advise : don't ever show this message to a Croatian and everything
rodes in CROATIA ARE SAFE AS ANY OTHER IN EUROPE. i have been driving
for 8 years and didn t have an accident. if you have basic driving
culture ( letting someone out of a parking space, try to drive fast
enough, giving flash signs when you have noticed a police
checkpoint...) you wont have any problems. croatians are only nervous
in cars when somebody is drivin too slow but when they see a foreign
licence plates in a local street they understand (at least most
croatian drivers) you really shouldnt have any problems driving in
Croatia. sincerely Igor (a Croat)
> > will be fine.
> >
> > Arthur
> >
> >

"Goran UnreaL Krajnovic" <unreal@fly.srk.fer.hr> wrote in message
news:eoombg$hh1$2@ss408.t-com.hr...
> tim..... <tims_new_home@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
>> "Goran UnreaL Krajnovic" <unreal@fly.srk.fer.hr> wrote in message
>> news:eon4pq$hdc$1@ss408.t-com.hr...
>>> TonyF <Tony@emptypond.net> wrote:
>>>> Hello All,
>>>
>>> The coastal part of Croatia does live off tourism, you know, and there
>>> are
>>> really lots of tourists in the summer. Most everyone speaks Italian or
>>> English,
>>
>> Hm,
>>
>> When in Istria I got out my rusty Italian and was promptly
>> answered in German. I said "No I am English, I don't
>> speak German", but they still persisted with German
>> despite my continuing with the Italian. (For those that
>> don't know, Italian is the first language in Istria, so it wan't
>> likely to be something that they struggled with)
>
> Was it perhaps a German tourist? :)

me, or the resturant owner?

tim

tim..... <tims_new_home@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

> "Goran UnreaL Krajnovic" <unreal@fly.srk.fer.hr> wrote in message
> news:eon4pq$hdc$1@ss408.t-com.hr...
> > TonyF <Tony@emptypond.net> wrote:
> >> Hello All,
> >
> > The coastal part of Croatia does live off tourism, you know, and there are
> > really lots of tourists in the summer. Most everyone speaks Italian or
> > English,
>
> Hm,
>
> When in Istria I got out my rusty Italian and was promptly
> answered in German. I said "No I am English, I don't
> speak German", but they still persisted with German
> despite my continuing with the Italian. (For those that
> don't know, Italian is the first language in Istria, so it wan't
> likely to be something that they struggled with)

That wasn't my experience there. Certainly in Pula and Rovinj, it was
rare to encounter people in restaurants who don't speak a little
English. Sometimes I would begin by speaking in Italian, and either they
would continue in Italian or just revert to English. (My Italian is also
rusty- actually it was never well-oiled to begin with.)

In Mali Losinj, the lady we rented a room from spoke only German in
addition to Croatian, so that's what I used with her.

--
(*) ... of the royal duchy of city south and deansgate
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
(don't email yahoo address) usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk

Thanks to T and all the other generous respondents, we really appreciate all
the help you have given us and we are really looking forward to a great trip
through Croatia.


"T." <ztomic@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1169126872.388756.33780@l53g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> >Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to Dubrovnik
> >in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.
>
> Yes, of course. I can't believe you're asking this question seriously.
> Back on the topic: yes, you can do it; I do it all the time (have the
> car with Italian licence plates) and I NEVER had any problems.
> On the other side, I had a problem in Rome with bandits, so go figure.
>
> > Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on keeping
> > out of trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road
rules).
>
> I think you said you're going to Croatia in spring. The traffic is
> relatively low that time of the year (except on the Easter weekend and
> maybe around May 1st - people tend to take short holidays, go to the
> coast, etc., that time of year). The period of the year to avoid, if
> you feel unsafe, is definitively the week of "Ferragosto", i.e. August
> 15th, when hundreds of Italian tourist go to Croatia, so the traffic is
> huge.
>
> Other then that, if you hire a car in Trieste (are you taking a low
> cost flight to Trieste? You can take Ryanair flight to Pula and I think
> they will introduce Zadar this year, too), you just have to follow the
> road signs to Slovenia, then you arive on Slovenian motorway (it starts
> right after the border, although the Italians are trying to finish
> their part of the motorway from Trieste to the border on time) and
> follow the signs to Dragonja. This is where you enter to Croatia.
> >From the border, follow the motorway sign (actually it's more a "fast
> road" then motorway, but it's OK) and you'll be able to go all the way
> to Rijeka on it. The locals call it "Ypsilon" (when you look at the
> map, you'll understand why). From Rijeka, you have two options: to
> follow the coastal road (beautiful scenery, but extremely narrow), or
> to go inland to connect with Dalmatina motorway (the new one, going all
> the way to Split; the remaining part of the motorway connecting Split
> with Dubrovnik is under construction).
>
> There are plenty of stops with rest rooms, gas stations and restaurants
> on the way. Some have scenic views (the one near Sibenik Bridge, for
> example - you can take wonderful pictures of Krka river flowing inland
> to Krka National Park (one thing to put on your to do list!); there's a
> marina near the bridge, and then the view opens to the town of Sibenik
> and its islands (including Kornati - another must).
>
> The road after Split to Dubrovnik is a scenic one, high above the sea
> level, and it offers spectacular views. As you approach the area just
> before Dubrovnik (the low part of Peljesac penisula), you'll be able to
> take the car off the road and go swimming - the beaches are wonderful
> there - without any trouble.
>
> Keep in mind that a little stretch of the coast at Neum is territory of
> Bosnia-Hercegovina, so you'll need to cross the border again.
>
> If you are indeed arriving in spring, you'll have no problems finding
> accomodation (a room, an apartment, or a hotel room).
> If you're stopping just to have a bite and sightsee and then you're
> continuing on your way, make sure you NEVER eat in the restaurants by
> the road, rather do a bit of exploration, ask locals where you can eat
> well and go there, the service will be better, as the quality-price
> relation.
>
> Any other questions, feel free to ask!
> Cheers,
> T.
>

Thanks , we really appreciate all the help you have given us and we are
really looking forward to a great trip through Croatia.

"Goran UnreaL Krajnovic" <unreal@fly.srk.fer.hr> wrote in message
news:eon4pq$hdc$1@ss408.t-com.hr...
> TonyF <Tony@emptypond.net> wrote:
> > Hello All,
> >
> > My Wife and I are contemplating a tour around the coastal
> > regions of Croatia. We are in our 60s and have had incident free
motoring
> > trips in the USA, Australia, Norway and Italy.
> >
> > Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to
Dubrovnik
> > in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.
> >
> > Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on
keeping
> > out of trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road
rules).
>
> Hi, as others have already said, the situation is not that bad provided
you
> look out for kamikaze drivers. Being Croatian, I'm more used to seeing
that
> kind of driving, so I may be biased in estimating the dangers. :)
>
> If you want to drive along the coast, expect a winding road (2 way, 1 lane
> each way) all along the coast, passing local towns and going around larger
> ones. The speed limits will be 50 km/h in populated areas, and 60 km/h or
70
> km/h outside of towns.
>
> A general rule in Croatia is that the police has a 10 km tolerance for
speed
> measured on the radar and that your odometer typically errs on the side of
> caution showing a bit more than you really are going, and people typically
> expect you to drive this extra 10%. Generally, passing through a town at
60
> km/h in a 50 km/h zone will not raise an eyebrow and will not cause
honking
> of the car behind you. Going faster than that may get you a ticket. Just
> drive the same speed as everyone else and you're quite safe. Also,
oncoming
> cars flashing their headlights means "police patrol ahead, slow down". And
> lights on are mandatory during daytime.
>
> As far as the kamikaze drivers, yes, these are typically local folk who
know
> the road by heart and will overtake you wherever possible - in blind
turns,
> across a double line, etc. But just don't panic and don't get yourself
into
> a situation where you can't safely go around him if he crashes headon into
a
> truck, and you'll be perfectly fine.
>
> As far as terrorists or bandits are concerned, there are none. No, really.
> To get into trouble you'd really have to look for it (e.g. walk into a bar
> full of drunken football fans and start insulting everyone :)).
>
> The coastal part of Croatia does live off tourism, you know, and there are
> really lots of tourists in the summer. Most everyone speaks Italian or
> English, and is used to finding ways of communication with the tourists,
but
> expect an Italian style "take it easy" approach with the waiters, though.
>
> Also, do try to plan a trip to Plitvice which is about halfway down to
> Dubrovnik, but somewhat more on the continental side, so it's a slight
> detour - but it's worth it.
>
> --
> UnreaL.
> [ Standard disclaimers apply. Personal opinions only. May explode in
fire. ]

TonyF wrote:
> My Wife and I are contemplating a tour around the coastal regions
> of Croatia

Yugoslavia, Experiences in
http://geocities.com/iconoc/Articles/Yugo.html won't be of much help
but it might be of some interest.

-- __________________________________________________ ______________
One of (as of 2006) 798,680 residents of San Francisco.
http://geocities.com/dancefest/ -<->- http://geocities.com/iconoc/
ICQ: http://wwp.mirabilis.com/19098103 -------> IClast at Gmail com

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

tim..... wrote:
>> When in Istria I got out my rusty Italian and was promptly
> answered in German. I said "No I am English, I don't
> speak German", but they still persisted with German
> despite my continuing with the Italian. (For those that
> don't know, Italian is the first language in Istria, so it wan't
> likely to be something that they struggled with)
>
> tim

Maybe your rusty Italian sounded more like German? ;-)

All kidding aside, perhaps you met someone who doesn't speak Italian.

Croatian still is the first language in Istria, then it's the Istrian
dialect, which is a combination of Croatian and Italian words
originating from the Veneto region (send an Istrian with this dialect a
bit further than Padova and he'll be lost ;)), and then there are those
who speak proper Italian.

"David Horne, _the_ chancellor (*)" <d4g4hd@yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:1hs5qmr.2kkxlcsl114uN%d4g4hd@yahoo.co.uk...
> tim..... <tims_new_home@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
>
>> "Goran UnreaL Krajnovic" <unreal@fly.srk.fer.hr> wrote in message
>> news:eon4pq$hdc$1@ss408.t-com.hr...
>> > TonyF <Tony@emptypond.net> wrote:
>> >> Hello All,
>> >
>> > The coastal part of Croatia does live off tourism, you know, and there
>> > are
>> > really lots of tourists in the summer. Most everyone speaks Italian or
>> > English,
>>
>> Hm,
>>
>> When in Istria I got out my rusty Italian and was promptly
>> answered in German. I said "No I am English, I don't
>> speak German", but they still persisted with German
>> despite my continuing with the Italian. (For those that
>> don't know, Italian is the first language in Istria, so it wan't
>> likely to be something that they struggled with)
>
> That wasn't my experience there. Certainly in Pula and Rovinj, it was
> rare to encounter people in restaurants who don't speak a little
> English. Sometimes I would begin by speaking in Italian, and either they
> would continue in Italian or just revert to English. (My Italian is also
> rusty- actually it was never well-oiled to begin with.)

I've no idea if they spoke English. They insisted on carrying
on in German.

> In Mali Losinj, the lady we rented a room from spoke only German in
> addition to Croatian, so that's what I used with her.

I was near to the Slovenian border. It's is unlikely that
they didn't speak Italian. It would be the first language
of many of their customers. Many more 'locals' use
resturants than hotels.

tim

tim..... <tims_new_home@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

> "David Horne, _the_ chancellor (*)" <d4g4hd@yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:1hs5qmr.2kkxlcsl114uN%d4g4hd@yahoo.co.uk...
> > tim..... <tims_new_home@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
> >
> >> "Goran UnreaL Krajnovic" <unreal@fly.srk.fer.hr> wrote in message
> >> news:eon4pq$hdc$1@ss408.t-com.hr...
> >> > TonyF <Tony@emptypond.net> wrote:
> >> >> Hello All,
> >> >
> >> > The coastal part of Croatia does live off tourism, you know, and there
> >> > are
> >> > really lots of tourists in the summer. Most everyone speaks Italian or
> >> > English,
> >>
> >> Hm,
> >>
> >> When in Istria I got out my rusty Italian and was promptly
> >> answered in German. I said "No I am English, I don't
> >> speak German", but they still persisted with German
> >> despite my continuing with the Italian. (For those that
> >> don't know, Italian is the first language in Istria, so it wan't
> >> likely to be something that they struggled with)
> >
> > That wasn't my experience there. Certainly in Pula and Rovinj, it was
> > rare to encounter people in restaurants who don't speak a little
> > English. Sometimes I would begin by speaking in Italian, and either they
> > would continue in Italian or just revert to English. (My Italian is also
> > rusty- actually it was never well-oiled to begin with.)
>
> I've no idea if they spoke English. They insisted on carrying
> on in German.
>
> > In Mali Losinj, the lady we rented a room from spoke only German in
> > addition to Croatian, so that's what I used with her.
>
> I was near to the Slovenian border. It's is unlikely that
> they didn't speak Italian. It would be the first language
> of many of their customers. Many more 'locals' use
> resturants than hotels.

Like I said though, no one ever reverted to German with me- including in
restaurants. They'd usually continue in Italian, or just English.

--
(*) ... of the royal duchy of city south and deansgate
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
(don't email yahoo address) usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk

Let is be knownst that on Sat, 20 Jan 2007 11:38:19 +0000,
d4g4hd@yahoo.co.uk (David Horne, _the_ chancellor (*)) writted:

>tim..... <tims_new_home@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

>> I was near to the Slovenian border. It's is unlikely that
>> they didn't speak Italian. It would be the first language
>> of many of their customers. Many more 'locals' use
>> resturants than hotels.
>
>Like I said though, no one ever reverted to German with me- including in
>restaurants. They'd usually continue in Italian, or just English.

I wonder if you get a better reception if you speak English or Italian
or Russian or German?

(presuming you can't get far in the local tongue)

Or would you be best off just learning 'please', and pointing to the
menu? It's a strategy that has worked for me in the past.
--
---
DFM - http://www.deepfriedmars.com
---
--

Deeply Filled Mortician <deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu>
wrote:

> Let is be knownst that on Sat, 20 Jan 2007 11:38:19 +0000,
> d4g4hd@yahoo.co.uk (David Horne, _the_ chancellor (*)) writted:
>
> >tim..... <tims_new_home@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
>
> >> I was near to the Slovenian border. It's is unlikely that
> >> they didn't speak Italian. It would be the first language
> >> of many of their customers. Many more 'locals' use
> >> resturants than hotels.
> >
> >Like I said though, no one ever reverted to German with me- including in
> >restaurants. They'd usually continue in Italian, or just English.
>
> I wonder if you get a better reception if you speak English or Italian
> or Russian or German?
>
> (presuming you can't get far in the local tongue)
>
> Or would you be best off just learning 'please', and pointing to the
> menu? It's a strategy that has worked for me in the past.

The Istrian coast is quite touristy, so they take foreigners pretty much
in their stride. I didn't notice any difference in attitude if I spoke
English, Italian or German, and wouldn't expect it. It was more just a
matter of what was easier at the time. It was interesting that two
people we rented rooms from spoke no English, but Italian and German
respectively.

--
(*) ... of the royal duchy of city south and deansgate
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
(don't email yahoo address) usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk

I've done this a couple of times and recommend it highly. Make sure to see
Plitvice - one of the most memorable experiences in my life.
<igor_nikicic@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1169155023.290343.172670@m58g2000cwm.googlegr oups.com...
> TonyF wrote:
>> Thanks for the response Arthur,
>>
>> We were cautioned by our local travel agent and by postings on
>> soc.culture.Croatia. and by hacks of Croatian tourism websites by
>> religious
>> extremists.
>>
>> Although reading the Croatian government tourism web site makes
>> everything look safe, simple and attractive.
>>
>> Do you actually have first hand experience and knowledge of driving there
>> ?
>>
>> TonyF
>>
>> "arthur" <azer@ty> wrote in message news:mn.8d297d7118d7d5fd.62070@ty...
>> > > Hello All,
>> > >
>> > > My Wife and I are contemplating a tour around the coastal
>> > > regions of Croatia. We are in our 60s and have had incident free
>> motoring
>> > > trips in the USA, Australia, Norway and Italy.
>> > >
>> > > Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to
>> Dubrovnik
>> > > in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.
>> >
>> > Are you kidding ?
>> >
>> > > Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on
>> keeping
>> > > out of trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road
>> rules).
>> > >
>> > > Thanks in Advance
>> >
>> > My advise : don't ever show this message to a Croatian and everything
> rodes in CROATIA ARE SAFE AS ANY OTHER IN EUROPE. i have been driving
> for 8 years and didn t have an accident. if you have basic driving
> culture ( letting someone out of a parking space, try to drive fast
> enough, giving flash signs when you have noticed a police
> checkpoint...) you wont have any problems. croatians are only nervous
> in cars when somebody is drivin too slow but when they see a foreign
> licence plates in a local street they understand (at least most
> croatian drivers) you really shouldnt have any problems driving in
> Croatia. sincerely Igor (a Croat)
>> > will be fine.
>> >
>> > Arthur
>> >
>> >
>

I've driven there, I've ridden trains and busses there...it is
perfectly safe...a beautiful country with friendly, gracious people...

and I second Plitvice...


On Sun, 21 Jan 2007 23:39:29 -0800, "Patrick Page"
<patspage@hotmail.com> wrote:

>I've done this a couple of times and recommend it highly. Make sure to see
>Plitvice - one of the most memorable experiences in my life.
><igor_nikicic@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:1169155023.290343.172670@m58g2000cwm.googlegr oups.com...
>> TonyF wrote:
>>> Thanks for the response Arthur,
>>>
>>> We were cautioned by our local travel agent and by postings on
>>> soc.culture.Croatia. and by hacks of Croatian tourism websites by
>>> religious
>>> extremists.
>>>
>>> Although reading the Croatian government tourism web site makes
>>> everything look safe, simple and attractive.
>>>
>>> Do you actually have first hand experience and knowledge of driving there
>>> ?
>>>
>>> TonyF
>>>
>>> "arthur" <azer@ty> wrote in message news:mn.8d297d7118d7d5fd.62070@ty...
>>> > > Hello All,
>>> > >
>>> > > My Wife and I are contemplating a tour around the coastal
>>> > > regions of Croatia. We are in our 60s and have had incident free
>>> motoring
>>> > > trips in the USA, Australia, Norway and Italy.
>>> > >
>>> > > Can one drive down the coast from Trieste (Italy) to
>>> Dubrovnik
>>> > > in relative safety from insurgents, terrorists, bandits etc.
>>> >
>>> > Are you kidding ?
>>> >
>>> > > Can anyone give me some pointers and good advise on
>>> keeping
>>> > > out of trouble when driving in Croatia (other that obeying the road
>>> rules).
>>> > >
>>> > > Thanks in Advance
>>> >
>>> > My advise : don't ever show this message to a Croatian and everything
>> rodes in CROATIA ARE SAFE AS ANY OTHER IN EUROPE. i have been driving
>> for 8 years and didn t have an accident. if you have basic driving
>> culture ( letting someone out of a parking space, try to drive fast
>> enough, giving flash signs when you have noticed a police
>> checkpoint...) you wont have any problems. croatians are only nervous
>> in cars when somebody is drivin too slow but when they see a foreign
>> licence plates in a local street they understand (at least most
>> croatian drivers) you really shouldnt have any problems driving in
>> Croatia. sincerely Igor (a Croat)
>>> > will be fine.
>>> >
>>> > Arthur
>>> >
>>> >
>>
>
>

David Horne, _the_ chancellor * wrote:
It was interesting that two
> people we rented rooms from spoke no English, but Italian and German
> respectively.

That's because English speaking tourists are mainly coming from UK or
US and they tend to rather go to hotels as part of their package deals
(flight & accommodation) than to rent rooms themselves.
Mostly people who go to private acommodation are Italians, Germans,
Hungarians and, recently, Russians.

But I suspect that will change now, given the low cost Ryanair flights
from Dublin and London to Pula - if Irish and English decide to go to
Istria on a holiday, it will be very convenient for them to find
private acommodation to go with the low cost flight.

T. <ztomic@hotmail.com> wrote:

> David Horne, _the_ chancellor * wrote:
> It was interesting that two
> > people we rented rooms from spoke no English, but Italian and German
> > respectively.
>
> That's because English speaking tourists are mainly coming from UK or
> US and they tend to rather go to hotels as part of their package deals
> (flight & accommodation) than to rent rooms themselves.

Yes, I figured this out- where we were, there were very few English
native speaking tourists.

--
(*) ... of the royal duchy of city south and deansgate
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
(don't email yahoo address) usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk