Your contacts in Croatia

We do not use holiday reps. Your contacts, as independent travellers, are the property owners and managers. Should a problem arise, please liaise with them to find a solution. If you have a problem, which cannot be resolved locally, you must contact us immediately so that we can help.

Special diets

Advance menu planning is relevant only in our cooking courses and gastronomy presentations. Let us know on your booking form if you would like an adjustment to any of the dishes anticipated in your programme, and we will do our best to arrange for adequate substitutes.

Welcome baskets

When you arrive at your accommodation it might be nice to sit down and relax with a cup of tea or a glass of wine, or have a snack or a light dinner. With this in mind, we have included a Welcome Basket for most of our self-catering guests. The basket contents differ from property to property, but mostly include a range of items such as wine, beer, water, fruit, bread, local prosciutto or salami, cheese, olives, butter, coffee, tea, milk... Our baskets can be tailored to fit your requirements.

Recommendations for honeymoons and anniversaries

While all of our properties have character and charm, a number stand out for their stunning location, luxurious furnishings, exceptional food and wine, and/or high standard of service. These select properties are indicated in our brochure with the 'two-hearts' symbol and are particularly recommended for those very special occasions such as honeymoons and anniversaries. We will be pleased to arrange for champagne, flowers, chocolates or a cake on your behalf.

Celebrations

Let us know if you're celebrating a family reunion or birthday, and we will add, at a small extra charge, flowers, champagne, wine, music or a festive cake or pastry.

Buying wine

You can buy wine directly from local producers at a very reasonable price. This is especially attractive within the scope of our wine tours as you will have the opportunity to taste the vintners' wines and liqueurs before buying. Also, many of the country's best regional wines are only available locally - directly from the wineries, or in better restaurants and wine-bars - due to limited production. Plan on consuming most of the wine you buy during your stay in Croatia, as EU regulations allow only 2 litres per person upon returning to the UK from a non-EU country.

Passports and visas

VISAS are NOT required for passport holders from the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Japan. For other countries please check with the Croatian Embassy in London. Tel: 020 7387 1144

Currency

Local currency is Croatian KUNA and the current exchange rate is just over 10 Kunas to £1. If you wish to purchase Kunas before travel, most main high street travel agents hold a stock, but they should be ordered in advance from your nearest high street branch. Otherwise, POUNDS - both cash and Traveller's Cheques - can be exchanged in hotels, banks and other exchange offices in Croatia. There is no need or advantage to taking Pounds or Euros with you. Exchange rates are normally fairly uniform throughout the country. Major credit cards are widely accepted and cash machines are available in most major resorts.

Local time

Croatia is one hour ahead of British local time year round.

Voltage

Local voltage is 220V and continental adaptors must be used, and should be purchased in the UK.

Telephones

Direct dial code from the UK & Ireland to Croatia: 00385 + area code + number
Direct dial code from Croatia to the UK: 0044 + area code + number

Mobiles

The Croatia mobile telephone systems T-MOBILE and VIPNET are linked to most countries and are compatible with UK-based mobile phones with international roaming enabled.

Water

Tap water is drinkable throughout Croatia.

Postage

Your holiday postcards take approximately 4-10 days to reach home. Stamps are sold with postcards.

Clothing and equipment

If your holiday is in the early or late season, the air might be chilly because of the mountain range along the coast, so a cardigan or a light raincoat are advisable. Plastic sandals are recommended for swimming. They are excellent for rocky beaches and offer protection against the occasional sea-urchin.

The best time to go

Croatia enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate in the coastal regions with warm and sunny summers, followed by mild winters. July and August are the hottest and busiest months. The best times to visit are spring and early autumn.With fewer visitors and temperatures averaging low twenties, it's pleasant and makes for comfortable walking, cycling and sightseeing. Late summer and early autumn are particularly good as the heat and crowds are gone and the sea is still pleasantly warm.

Useful Croatia websites:

Croatian National Tourist Board:
www.croatia.hr

Croatia Airlines:
www.croatiaairlines.com

Jadrolinija Ferry Company:
www.jadrolinija.hr

Nautical and marinas:
www.hgk.hr + www.aci-club.hr

Diving:
www.diving.hr

Croatian Automobile Association:
www.hak.hr

Weather:
www.tel.hr/dhmz

Visa information - Croatian Foreign Office:
www.mvp.hr