It doesn’t seem all that long since I return from the Ukraine, but its nearly time for another journey across the pennines, this time to sample the early morning delights of Manchester International Airport and for this trip its going to be Terminal 2.
This time is going to be a little bit of mixed bag. A couple of countries to try for the first time, with a reasonable amount of driving around to make sure we make the most of things.
So where are we heading off to this time.
Our flight is into Pula, Northern Croatia. The intention is to spend the first night in Rovinj, which is approximately 23 miles north of Pula heading towards the Slovenia border another 50 miles further on.
Rovinj is a Croatian fishing port on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula. The old town stands on a headland, with houses tightly crowded down to the seafront. A tangle of cobbled streets leads to the hilltop church of St. Euphemia, whose towering steeple dominates the skyline. South of the old town is Lone Bay, one of the area’s pebble beaches. The Rovinj archipelago’s 14 islands lie immediately off the mainland.
From there we are heading to Ljubljana, a reasonable 100 mile cross border journey using the toll road network. Ljubljana is Slovenia’s capital and largest city. It’s known for its university population and green spaces, including expansive Tivoli Park. The curving Ljubljanica River, lined in outdoor cafes, divides the city’s old town from its commercial hub. Ljubljana has many museums, including the National Museum of Slovenia, displaying historic exhibitions, and the Museum of Modern Art, home to 20th-century Slovene paintings and sculptures.
It looks like there’s quite a bit to see in and around the Slovakian capital. Looking forward to sampling a few of the local delicacies and perhaps a beer or two!
After a few nights of exploration its head back towards Croatia, via Koper to spend a final Slovenian night in Piran, a resort city on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, known for its long pier and Venetian architecture. Tartini Square is flanked by the Gothic red Venetian House and the frescoed Tartini House.
Our last few days are to be spent back in Croatia staying at Pula, a seafront city on the tip of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, is known for its protected harbour, beach-lined coast and Roman ruins. I’m sure that a number of the local beers will be need to keep the hydration levels somewhere like, and who knows what foods I will be able to sample.