Day 5 : Plitvice Lake National Park & Zagreb, Croatia

Breakfast was included and it was the 1st time we had proper breakfast since we were always catching the morning train.

The park opens at 7.00am but we only arrived there around 9.00am it was already fill with tour groups. For student, the entrance fee is 80KN. We took the B-route which took us 3.5 hours to complete.

Note : suggested route if I'm not mistaken

A-route      2-3 hours

B&C route 3-4hours

K-route      5-6hours

The attraction of the lakes is the different level of the lakes makes a small waterfall at each level. And the "Big Waterfall" is near Entrance 1.

We than waited for the bus to Zagreb where we'll transit before boarding the 9.30pm train to Ljubjlana, Slovenia (we arrived at 6.30pm and missed the 6.25pm train)

Note : Bus to Zagreb cost 100KN. There are taxi services that are willing to make the trip to Zagreb for the same 100KN IF the number of minimum passenger of 7-8 people is reached. The Plitvice-Zagreb bus time table:

0650-0930, 1250-1510, 16.45-1900, 1715-1905, 1716-1950, 17.50-2020, 

We arrived Ljubjlana at 11.30pm and took a taxi (it cost €7.50 and it was a taxi with meter) to the hostel since we didn't want to risk not finding the hostel in the dark and being mugged.

The accommodation details:

Property Name: Hostel Tresor
Address: Čopova 38, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
Website:http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/slovenia/ljubljana/91133/

This video recap our 5th day in Plivice Lake National Park

Day 4 : Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovina & Plitvice National Park, Croatia

We took the 7.30am bus (Eurolines 46KM or €23) to Bohac (pronounced Bihaj) which we bought the day before upon arrival from Mostar ( in Sarajevo, the bus and train station is next to each other as well).

The bus journey took about 7 hours but somehow, it does not feel that long. Since the bus stops at most town, I think that's why it took 7 hours. It was a double decker bus, the lower level has a train seating with a table for every 4 seats while the top level follows the normal  bus seating plan.

We arrived Bihac at 2.15. The next bus to Plitvice Lake National Park was at 4.45pm (for 4KM or €2) in the direction of Zagreb.

 Bihac is NOT a tourist spot, so there's not much to do. We had lunch at a nearby.

There's a nearby Mosque from the bus station. The direction is so simple:

1. Walk down the main road infront of the bus station until reach a traffic light (20meter)

2. Turn right and walk another 20meters. 

3. The mosque is on the right.

The bus arrived early and it is adviced that you be there before 4.45pm because I cought the driver changed the time on his bus from 4.42pm to 4.45pm.

The driver also charged 1KM per luggage to be stored in the liggage area. 

Note : Tell the driver which Entrance you wan't to stop depending on your accomodation. For us, it was Entrance 1.

We arrived the National Park's Entrance 1 around 6.00pm. Out accommodation details :

Pansion Krizmanic
Address:	Rastovača 4 Rastovača (Plitvička Jezera),53231 Croatia
Phone:	+38553758010
E-mail:	dragan.krizmanic@inet.hr

We did not enter the park eventough the open until 9pm. We had our dinner at the hotel's restaurant. We read some review on Lonely Planet that they cook all the meat and seafood in the same fireplace. We tried to request out meal on the hob, seperate from the other orders. To our surprise the chef agreed.

Day 1 : Dubrovnik, Croatia

During the planning stage, we managed to score British Airways's tickets for a bargain. I'm not sure what is the normal price for London-Dubrovnik flight ticket but thanks to Skyscanner, this was the lowest fair for the date that we've choose to start the trip. 

( Ansari check that the price was almost £200pp a few days later, but we paid not even half of it)

I have to admit, traveling with BA is a first for me since we students would usually go for the cheaper option, low cost airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet. Having to que for less than 3 minuted at London Gatwick North terminal, we start our trip with a smile.

Upon arriving at Dubrovnik airport, we took the airport transfer shuttle to the city center which cost 35,00kn or €5 (the'll accept either currency). The transfer it self was breath taking. Dubrovnik is different that other cities that I've visited.

Note : if using Euro, the unofficial exchange rate the shop uses is €1 = 7kn

We got off at the main bus station which is roughly 15 minutes to our accomodation by foot or easily accessible by bus no 8 if I'm not mistaken.

Property Name: GuestHouse Maria

Address: Andrije Hebranga 90, Dubrovnik, 20000, Croatia

Website:http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/croatia/dubrovnik/59971/

The guest house has a great view of the Dubrovnik Port since it's only 5 minutes from it.

After resting for and hour or so, we took the no 8 bus heading towards the old town. When the bus stops near the cabel car station, we just got off and hop on the cabel car 1st instead. 

Note: Buying ticket on the bus will cost you 15,00 kn while buying from an agent is 12,00 kn for a single trip.

The return trip price is stated more at the counter than what we actually paid (we asked for the student discount but the women said the student prices is only available during an exhibition, but at 94,00 kn, it is cheaper that the advertised 109,00 kn, so no complains there). 

The top hill where the cabel car stop is also accessible by car and hiking for those who are fit. From the top of the hill:

Then we explored the old town and city walls which reminded me of Cardoba,Spain. 

We even found a mosque in the old town

Hanging out at the port is a must especially for people who enjoy the sun set

To finish our day, we went for dinner at a local pizzeria near the guesthouse. 

Note : jumbo pizza is not for 2!

This video recap our Day 1 : Dubrovnik, Croatia.

http://youtu.be/H9djOVrIE_g