One Summer in Europe – the backpacking Europe podcast

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We’re fired up the podcast again as we leave Rome and cross the legendary Adriatic Sea to amazing Croatia.

Croatia is deservedly a hot spot on European travel itineraries, with its endless stretch of beautiful, rugged coastline, charming seaside towns, and old-world way of life.

We recommend the focus of a Croatia trip to be the Dalmatian Coast of southern Croatia with a special emphasis on unforgettable Dubrovnik, the “pearl of the Adriatic”.

Five or six days along the coast allows one to get a sample of the best of Croatia, with a stop in the capital of Zagreb as the gateway deeper into Central Europe.

On this show, Dean and I talk about:

• why to add nontraditional Croatia to a general backpacking Europe itinerary
• how to get from Rome to Croatia on a ferry across the Adriatic
• the fascinating history of Dubrovnik, formerly the wealthy independent republic of Ragusa, a rival to Venice and a diplomatic powerhouse
• taking the Jadrolinija coastal ferry and stopping for a day or two on the great islands of Korcula and/or Hvar
• spending a night in the vibrant city of Split
• ending the week in Croatia with a stop in the Austria-Hungarian influenced capital of Zagreb
• some hidden gems of Croatia, such as Istria and its national parks

TRANSPORT IN
Trenitalia (Italian train system)
Jadrolinija (Croatian ferry company)

ACCOMMODATION
One Summer in Europe (Dubrovnik hostel and budget hotel search)

SIGHTSEEING
Dubrovnik (official tourist site)
Visit Dubrovnik (information about Dubrovnik and the region)
Republic of Ragusa (history)
Dubrovnik Walks (high-quality, affordable guided walking tours of Dubrovnik)
Korcula (information site)
Hvar (official tourist site)
Split (official tourist site)
Diocletian’s Palace
Zagreb (information site)
Plitvice Lakes (beautiful national park)
One Summer in Europe (miscellaneous sightseeing activities in Rome)

TRANSPORT OUT
Jadrolinija (Croatian ferry company)
AK Split (Split bus station – bus to Zagreb)
HZ (Croatian train system)

Now we head back inland to the grand capital city of Budapest, on the Danube river, and the cultural and economic center of the Hungarian people.

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We took a winter break after our last episode in Rome, but now we are geared up for summer 2010 and new podcast episodes will be available soon. Tentative schedule for the next few shows:

#10 – Croatia
#11 – Budapest
#12 – Krakow
#13 – Prague
#14 – Vienna

Please join us soon for the next episode of the One Summer in Europe podcast, featuring the amazing Adriatic Coast of Croatia.

If you would like to ask a question about backpacking Europe that might be read on a future show, don’t be shy.

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After a warm-up to wonderful Italy in Florence, we arrive at the great capital city of Rome, history’s epicenter in many ways.

The treasures of Rome are both ancient and modern and not to be missed by any European traveler. This city constantly stimulates the senses – sights, sounds, smells, and tastes.

With so many attractions to cover around Rome, we recommend four nights and five days here after arriving after a short train trip from Florence.

On this episode, Dean and I talk about:

• initial tips and pointers to make the most of a visit to Rome
• my favorite crazy Roman emperor
• a walk around the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and Colosseum, imaging those who once walked here long before
• our favorite piazzas and other more modern sights around town
• a trip over to Vatican City to check out Catholic Rome and the unbelievable St. Peters cathedral and Sistine Chapel
• a possible day trip to Pompeii for the ambitious
• gelato, pizza, and other tasty things to fatten up on in Rome

TRANSPORT IN
Trenitalia (Italian train system)

ACCOMMODATION
One Summer in Europe (Rome hostel and budget hotel search)

SIGHTSEEING
Colosseum
Roman Forum
Palatine Hill
Pantheon
Piazza Navona
Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain
St. Peters Basilica
Sistine Chapel
Villa Borghese
One Summer in Europe (miscellaneous sightseeing activities in Rome)

TRANSPORT OUT
Trenitalia (Italian train system)
Jadrolinija (Croatian ferry system for Bari-Dubrovnik ferry)

After five intense days in Rome, most people need a break from the super-hectic atmosphere. Our next destination will be perfect for relaxation, the stunning Dalmatian coast of Croatia…

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