Mon 17th to Tue 18th July - Split to Plitvice Lakes to Piran

Day 8 - Monday.

Into Split city in the morning to visit the Diolcletion Palace.  Built for the first ever retiring Roman Emperor, Diocletian, back in the 300's, so the basis of the Palace and its walls are over 1600 years old.  The Palace has had some facelifts over the years with most of the Roman buildings gone but floors and pillars have been reused to support the expansion of the city within the Palace walls.  Of course the city has continued to expand beyond the walls and the further out, the younger the buildings.

We were approached by a walking tour sales person.  After some apprehension and discussion agreed to a private tour... fantastic choice.  We were taken around the Palace where our guide explained the varying building styles and when each different section was built and what happened to what it was built over.  With a 1600 year history this was very interesting and informative, it was great to get this insight.

 

 

Artists impression of Diacletians palace as it may have been in 350AD.

 

  

And along with having his own palace built, Diacletion also brought with him 12 Egypt Sphynx's which he had received as gifts whilst being Emperor, these are currently estimated to be around 3500 years old.

  

Some more touring...

  

  

Thanks to our guide...

 

After touring the Palace at Split... we split up the highway to Plitvice Lakes.  Lovely little 2 bedroom home where we prepared a lovely pasta meal and ate outside in the sun.

  

  

Day 9 - Tuesday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE...

                                            

    

On to view the famous Plitvice Lakes.  Arrived around 8:30 and proceeded up to the high lakes, then returned to view the lower lakes and waterfalls.  The color of the lakes was extremely striking, the photos don't do them justice.

 

  

    

  

  

Then into Slovenia for our coastal stay at Piran.  Lovely old fishing/holiday village. 

 

  

Kate's choice of restaurants of course, she had already done some research before leaving home, so we were looking for a hole in the wall restaurant.  You order from the window and get a numbered shell, when ready they hang a fish with a number on it outside the window indicating... come and get it!    It was fantastic seafood...

 

Kate's Birthday dinner :)