One Summer in Europe – the backpacking Europe podcast

episode #10 – Croatia

Posted on 12. Jun, 2010 by Ryan.

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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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The podcast returns soon!

Posted on 15. May, 2010 by Ryan.

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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episode #8 – Florence

Posted on 07. Sep, 2009 by Ryan.

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After several stops in France and Spain, we finally make our first appearance in Italy with a couple days in Florence, the home of the very important Renaissance movement.

Florence is an absolute must-see for the curious traveler, with its wealth of historic and cultural treasures. For a city of its modest size, one could argue that no other city has had more influence on today’s world than this Tuscan gem. Florence is a town where legends once lived and worked and you can still feel their greatness today.

Two nights and two busy days in Florence should be enough to see the top sights before moving on to the Italian capital of Rome.

In this episode, Dean and I talk about:

• the amazing history and influence of Renaissance Florence on the world, unleashing the fullness of human potential around the world
• visiting the famous cultural sites of Florence
• the Stendhall Syndrome, a very common affliction in Florence
• possible day trips near Florence within the Tuscan region
• initial thoughts on our next destination, Rome

TRANSPORT IN
SNCF (French train system)
Trenitalia (Italian train system)

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

SIGHTSEEING
Duomo (famous Cathedral of Florence)
Giotto’s Tower (campanile outside the Duomo)
Baptistry (with the famous bronze doors)
Uffizi Gallery (great art museum)
Accademia (home of the statue of David by Michelangelo)
Piazza della Signoria (heart of city center)
Palazzo Vecchio (famous palace)
Ponte Vecchio (famous bridge over the Arno River)
Vasari’s Corridor
Boboli Gardens (quiet and scenic retreat across the river)
One Summer in Europe (miscellaneous sightseeing activities)

TRANSPORT OUT
Trenitalia (Italian train system)

Now that we have been properly introduced to Italy, we move on to the big prize, the eternal city of Rome. Join us as we discuss one of the most fantastic cities in the world….

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