Mandarin paradise with Persona tour (Riga)
Journey from Tallinn to Bosnia.
Summer is over and we want some more warmth and impressions! I looked at the websites and found an offer from Veles Travel (Tallinn) to Italy from September 27 for 9 days. Our choice is not too big, as far as I know, only three companies have their own routes with service in Russian. Therefore, we settled on this proposal. We signed the contract, paid the money and began to slowly gather. But, alas, it did not work out - they could not recruit those who wanted to and the trip was canceled. There is no limit to disappointment (one could write like that), but we were pleased that we were informed about this in advance and the money was returned in a timely manner.
What to do, the vacation is almost completed, the suitcases are also packed - we need to look for options! And then there was such an option, the Riga company Persona Tour offers a tour to Croatia for the same dates. We agree, sign the contract, pay, wait.
Expectations were justified - the tour will take place. We urgently need to solve problems with transport to Riga and back. The tour starts from Riga at 6 am, i. e. you need to arrive in Riga by this time, or arrive in advance and spend the night somewhere. We choose the first option. The Vilnius bus leaves at 22:00 and oh, miracle, in the last two hours of the promotion I manage to get discounts and buy a ticket for 5 euros. I took the return ticket on the same bus with departure from Riga at 02.30.
Departure at 22.00, and at 2.30 we are in Riga at the bus station, we go to the station building to wait for the remaining time. Upon presentation of a ticket, they are allowed into the waiting room for free (without it, 1 euro per person). At 5.10 a small invigorating breakfast, the benefit of devices with drinks as many as three with a price of 50 to 80 cents (coffee, cocoa). The toilet at the station is paid (30 cents) and available around the clock. After breakfast, we set off towards the Origo shopping center, it’s good to go very close, no more than 15 minutes at a leisurely pace. At the appointed time (about 6 am) the bus came up and we took our places according to the previously agreed. Here there was a small overlap, there were several tourists who were traveling from Narva and their bus was late. Therefore, we were able to leave only at 7 o'clock. The bus is full. Comfort, probably by analogy with hotels, is about two stars - there is a toilet that is undesirable to use, there is hot water (although only five liters and only at stops). Instant coffee and drinks, tea bags. Air conditioning works well.
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: docking with transport from Estonia is normal, the waiting time at the station is easily transferred, if there are delays and overlaps, you can inform the group leader and the problem will be solved.
Let's go. As in any trip of this kind, stops are provided in 2-3 hours to stretch the legs and satisfy physiological needs. I must say right away that all the toilets during the main route turned out to be free and purchases in shops could be made with a card. During the trip, the guide gave information about the most significant places to pass, and, at the beginning of the trip, she did it in two languages (it bothered me a little at first, later the problem disappeared, because the transition to Latvian was carried out much less frequently). The first stop for lunch in the Augustov area was unsuccessful - many buses arrived and the queue was huge. On the second attempt, we managed to have lunch in the Lomza (? om? a) area. It was a reasonably priced bistro, but the quality of the food left much to be desired. We ate fairly quickly. I paid by card, but they also accepted euros. Two soups and two second ones with beer cost 13 euros!!!
In the evening (at about 20.30) we arrived at the transit hotel Campanile in Katowice. Two-star hotel, DBL, TWIN rooms, clean, WiFi is available. There is only McDonalds nearby, so it was not possible to visit anything, if only to stretch your legs. We walked a little, washed ourselves, watched TV (there are also Russian programs) and went to bed.
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: For dinner, you could buy something to take away from the bistro, but you can buy something for dinner at a nearby gas station.
In the morning breakfast at 6.30. Standard set: scrambled eggs, ham, jams, cheese, butter, muesli. Very upset that the glasses are paper!! ! It is possible to drink drinks only from hopelessness, i. e. those who claim quality better get rid of this thought. At 7 o'clock departure - ahead of the Czech Republic.
We have reached the first planned stop and excursion. It was the South Moravian town of Hustapece (Hustopeche) (Hustope? e), which is famous, among other things, for its wines. In this regard, the planned excursion to the wine cellar where those who wish were familiarized with all the processes of making and storing wine. And not only that, an opportunity was given to taste after which the people were fed. Those who did not want to indulge in tasting walked and stared at the delights of a small town. In the process of getting acquainted with the sights, we came across a very decent restaurant. Gluttony of two first courses, two second courses, beer, wine, sweets and coffee cost 15 euros. Full delight!!!
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: Everyone decides whether or not to go on an excursion. For those who did not go there is not much choice on the day off in the city - a small excursion to the sights of the city and lunch. In time, this coincides with the time of the tour.
But that's not the only planned stop for today. Beautiful Bratislava! It was an interesting (or exciting) excursion with a local charming guide, after which there was very little free time. Beer Golden Pheasant (Zlatý Ba? ant) was not left without attention!
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: again, the choice is up to everyone, those who refused the tour enjoyed walking around the old city.
Already in the dark, after 20:00, we reached the transit hotel in Hungary. Hotel Touring (Touring, Nagykanizsa, Attila utca 4) did not try to make attempts at something and honestly informed us about it - one star and, in accordance with this, they should evaluate it. So everything turned out to be something like a hostel and everything is not the first freshness (does not apply to bedding) and everything is modest. It is possible to cook something in the common kitchenette, there is a gas stove, microwave, refrigerator, electric kettle, dishes. True, there is no time for all this and we only used the kettle. There is a 24-hour Tesco store in the vicinity, where you can get acquainted with the price level in Hungary and buy something. I forgot to ask about WiFi, but someone said that it was. TV was present. Before going to bed, I had to work with a fly swatter and destroy the mosquitoes that had prepared for the feast. The night passed peacefully after the battle. Breakfast in the morning, about the same as everywhere else, but, unlike the previous hotel, the cups were porcelain, which was very pleasing !! ! Departure at 7 o'clock, only 22 km to the border with Croatia.
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: Something you need for dinner, you could buy in Bratislava or in a shop near the hotel. You can warm up in the hotel.
When leaving Hungary, the first unpleasant circumstance. The customs officers collected all the passports and checked each passport for a long time. In addition, we were not the first, before us the same unfortunate people stood. To collect passports, everyone was dropped off the bus and it all took a long time. Not everything was completely clear, because Croatia is also a member of the European Union, but they suggested that Croatia is not part of the Schengen zone.
Scheduled stop Split. Beauty, sea, warm and very sunny, everything is white. Again, an interesting excursion (again, with a local guide), after which free time. We managed to climb a little up to the observation deck and make a small review. They did not climb higher, deciding to leave more time for a meal. We had a meal in one of the many taverns, there was a salad, two others, we drank something. It cost 20 euros, paid by card.
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: I will not be original and I repeat that everyone chooses an excursion or free time. Do not "bother" on any specific or recommended konoba! They are all about the same and the price level is also the same.
In the evening we reached the Bosnian border, which we passed without problems, after standing for some time, but the documents were not checked. After 15 minutes, we were at our strong point, which became our home for 5 days, the Adria Hotel (although these Adrias on the coast are all the time, but in our town of Neum it is the only one). There are many descriptions of the hotel on various sites and they correspond to what they saw. That is, it is quite new, so it looks accordingly. The hotel is in the third row and the reception is located on the fifth floor to which we arrived. 165 steps to the sea. The rooms vary from standard hotel rooms to apartments. We got a three-room suite on the first floor with a balcony. This pleased me, although there was no special functionality (or need) in this balcony - there was not much time to enjoy it. So during this period of time of the year and on similar tours, you should not bother too much on this! The room is clean, about summer comfort, i. e. about the presence of air conditioning, I can not say, because. we didn't need it. TV is present, there are two Russian programs. WiFi is paid (euro per hour), so you won’t run away too much. Upon arrival there was dinner, soup was served, chicken with a side dish, something sweet. After dinner, it was about 30 minutes to have time to run to the store to replenish supplies. True to the store to go time quite back to back. They take everything: Bosnian money, European, Croatian and cards.
After dinner we went down to the sea. There were those frightened by hedgehogs, but there were also daredevils, i. e. those who tried the water and swam.
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: in the hotel, accommodation on the upper floors is more functional, because breakfast and dinner upstairs and all trips also start from the 5th floor. The hotel is comfortable and beautiful, the staff is nice and helpful. The soup turned out to be from the category of fast-cooking, so it did not cause enthusiasm. The second dish was edible, nothing more to say about it. Drinks in the evening do not give - you can for the money. The bread is delicious, and delicious everywhere. Only large shops are open at this time of the year and some close at 20.20 (others before eight). If there is no wine left from Moravia, then you can buy it in the store for the evening. The water in the sea is about 20 degrees, the entrance is not particularly visible, the pebbles are large, there is no longer "life" on the nearby beach. The descent, as I said, is 165 steps, the first part is right behind the hotel, then a little to the left and further down.
Breakfast in the morning. No frills, everything is minimal. Hot drinks to choose from, though all powdered, tea bags. During the meal, they asked what to serve for dinner of your choice, either meat, chicken, or fish.
Today a trip to the valley of the Neretva River for tangerines. We were afraid that it would be dirty and we would all be smeared with clay. It turned out dry and it pleased. They gave everyone bags where you can collect about 3 kg of fruit. For those who wanted to collect more, they sold a bag of 2 euros (that is, for this money you can buy 3 kg of fruit). As it was said - tangerine paradise, there are a lot of trees, everything is in fruit. Fruits of different varieties and different ripeness. True, they didn’t let us stay there for a very long time, but everyone managed to fill up and quench their thirst!
After the collection, we were taken to the Adria restaurant. Beautiful restaurant. Was offered the first course (mediocre) and the second cold cuts. Red wine was served in jugs. Then a small piece of purchased cake (ie none) and coffee (I couldn't drink it).
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: don't forget to bring clothes and shoes that you don't mind. In our case, we were lucky with the weather and we did not get dirty. Still, you need to take more fruits, i. e. buy extra packs. Bags are inconvenient to carry, so a reliable bag is the solution to all problems! Some took a pruner with them and were right - it is much more convenient with it. It is better to tear tangerines with a small stalk and not quite ripe (ripe)! The trip to the restaurant did not live up to expectations (did not correspond to what was described in the program), but it’s also hard without lunch, it would be necessary to look for an alternative.
We returned at about 13:00 and the next excursion to Dubrovnik is scheduled. We did not manage to visit it, so we started exploring the surroundings. And to watch, in fact, there is nothing. We explored the beach and surroundings. Sea urchins were not particularly noticed. A little to the side we saw hedgehogs, so it's better to protect yourself by wearing safety shoes. And in October there are still establishments that work on the beach, though from our hotel you need to walk about a little more than a kilometer. There are several shops (one of them is Konzum, so the assortment is clear). The active season ends with the onset of September, so small shops and shops were no longer working (we saw a couple of people working, though we didn’t have time to explore all the surroundings). Wine, water, cheese, sweets can be bought, fruits are inedible (imported, like ours). Prices vary but are generally affordable. I did not study for WiFi accessibility. There is an ATM near one of the hotels. There is no entertainment on the beach at this time of the season!
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: in fact, he outlined everything. Neum is just a place to stop.
For dinner, again, a similar soup and an ordered dish. The meat turned out to be quite average, mackerel fish, also average.
In the morning, an early breakfast and departure to Montenegro. I will not repeat myself about feeding for breakfast! Picturesque description of those places. which we visited, I will not see - everything is in the annotation for the tour. We stood at the border - the flow of tourists and we were not the first. Passports were always taken with them.
There was a short excursion to Kotor and then free time. We devoted part of this time to climbing. According to the guide, this ascent takes about an hour and after climbing you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city and the bay. At the entrance they sell tickets for 3 euros (to restore the "failure" : -)). Along the way, local businessmen sell water - the occupation, however, is not easy and there is a lot of perspiration that causes thirst. About the expediency of the rise, I can say that everything is based on traditions - everyone does it. You may not see special views from a height, and the higher it is, the more difficult it is to look at. In addition, all these delights can be seen in other people's pictures. Of course, you can check yourself, but is it really necessary? Climbing is quite difficult, not only because it is high, but also because there are no stairs as such, but scattered stones that are difficult and dangerous to climb. So all that remains is "I can" and "I was there"!! ! Of course, I proved to myself and the rest that I can, that's why I was able to describe the charms in such detail "! : -) If you have health problems, don't climb the mountain, especially if it's a hot day.
After climbing, we ran to the local market for vegetables, fruits and groceries. Really nothing to buy even though the beginning of October. Fruits are almost the same as ours in taste and price. Large selection of delicious cheeses, smoked meats and delicious grapes. The currency is Euro, so no problem. I was surprised by the abundance of dried white mushrooms.
After completing this event, we rushed to Budva (Budva). There is a small excursion and free time. Free time was enough for someone to swim in the sea, and someone just wandered around and enjoyed the views and visited local food establishments. Having visited the beach, we decided to try risotto with seafood and cuttlefish ink and, for some reason, ordered two portions instead of two different dishes then divided in half. As our friends said, it's just a failed pilaf! It turned out to be too much for us, so almost half was left. The taste is unpleasant, spicy, and everything else. After drinking a large amount of water, they got rid of the taste.
For dinner at the hotel there was seafood - not to be compared with lunch risotto. Everything else without violating tradition.
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: got acquainted with Montenegro, somehow at home there - I really liked it. The currency is the euro, a lot of inscriptions in Russian (including the menu), beautiful, warm, sea, yachts.
In the morning, an early breakfast and a trip to Croatia along the Pelješ ac peninsula with a further voyage to the island. The journey is interesting, the road is exciting! First, we drove the entire Pelješ ac peninsula to the town of Orebic. There is a small stop for transfer to the boat. Further island Korcula (Kor? ula) and the city of the same name. In the city a short excursion and free time. We decided to try squid and, on the advice of the guide, we chose a restaurant. It turned out that we were lucky that we had a guide with us, because. they wanted to cook squid for us not according to the recipe that she praised. After an intervention and a long wait, we got what we ordered. This time we ordered different dishes and shared. There was tuna and squid - were satisfied. The wine is too expensive and they did not take it.
After the meal, you could continue walking, you could swim. True, the weather did not indulge - it was raining at times. But the island is fabulous.
About four o'clock we returned to the peninsula and went to Ston to eat oysters and buy salt. A small excursion, we decided not to go to the wall because of the rain. With oysters, it turned out to be an overlay, but I managed to try it. At the exit from the town we dropped into a shop where we bought salt and wine. Salt is expensive per kilo more than a euro. Homemade wine in plastic canisters, red 3 liters, white 5 liters. I regretted that I took only 5 liters! : -)
For dinner, again, the same alignment, some meat, some fish and all this after soup from concentrates.
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: I was unlucky with the weather. We did not get to the oyster farm and saw only from above, along the way. The towns are interesting, with their own zest, but this is already becoming common for us and is gradually becoming boring. I will probably not say anything about the taste of oysters - everything is in the descriptions. Salt was bought in 10 kg, but I don’t think that this is a panacea and you can do without it. Wine can and should be bought.
Last day. Excursion to mainland Bosnia. I skip breakfast, in the sense of the description. We leave Bosnia for Croatia, here as usual, 3-4 minutes and drove on. After some travel through Croatia, we enter Bosnia again and at the border they check us, collect passports and carry them to some shed. Everything turned out to be not entirely fatal and they managed it in 15-20 minutes.
We drove into the town of Pochitelj. The first acquaintance with the East. A small excursion, again climbing the wall - well, this is the tradition and the rest of the time of shopping: scarves, embossing - in short, the east and paradise for women!
Impressions, sensations, recommendations: the first acquaintance is interesting. You can buy something cheaper than in Mostar, do not forget to bargain. Of course, you don’t have to climb the wall!
We drove on to the city of Mostar - a fairly large town. Educational tour and shopping at the local market. They recommended tinctures, liqueurs, syrups, honey. I did not buy anything, all the attention was focused on the exotic.
Impressions, sensations, recommendations: The tour is interesting and informative. We were lucky to witness the jump from the bridge. Everything is mixed up, old, new, east, west, traces of war.... I don't share the enthusiasm for the market, I don't recommend perfume (there is a seller on the street there). There is Turkish coffee, but I have never seen it made on the sand. Sweets can be tasted, but nothing more.
Then we drove to the town of Blagaj. An impressive place is the source of the Buna River and the monastery. Our goal was to eat trout caught from the river. It was almost like that, we ate on the river bank and it was great and tasty. After that, we managed to make small purchases from local private traders.
The border again with the collection of passports, but even a little faster than in the morning.
For dinner, meat and squid for someone, everything was edible, well, soup, as usual, no.
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: a pleasant place and worth a look. The rest of the Croatian money should be left here because you may not have time to go to the store (although we did).
Breakfast was given as dry rations and at 4 am we left Bosnia. The border was passed quickly. Then we went to the autobahn and almost to Zagreb. Then a short drive and a view from the window (not counting technical stops) through Slovenia, Austria with the edge of Vienna. At the entrance to the Czech Republic, shopping in Mikulov in TaxFree and check-in to Brno for dinner-lunch. Fed to glory, very tasty and considering what it is for 10 euros (soup, chicken, beer), then just perfect! In the evening, the transit hotel Gambit (Gambit, Cieszyn, ul. Bucewicza 18) in Poland. An ordinary two-star hotel, clean enough - there is nowhere to go, and it's already late.
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: it was hard to drag suitcases from the first to the fifth floor. After crossing the border, you can sleep until the first technical stop. Buy drinks there and use dry rations on the bus. In Brno lunch is optional, i. e. you can't walk! But I did not regret it, especially for such a price. In addition, it is not clear how to kill the waiting time while everyone is eating.
In the morning, a standard breakfast and departure. In the area of Augustow (Augustó w) stopped for lunch. This time there was no queue and we quickly ordered and had a very tasty meal. It turned out not so expensive. Riga at night. On this, the official part of the trip with Persona Tour ended and we said goodbye to everyone.
We moved to the station and after waiting 1.5 hours we boarded a regular bus. Everything.
Impressions, sensations, recommendations: there are no options, so just travel. The restaurant accepted euro cash.
TOTAL:
The choice of the company turned out to be successful - for a fairly small fee, they organized an exciting trip for us. Of course, everyone should understand that the level of service corresponds to the money spent. There were some "inconsistencies", insulting, of course, but not fatal. There were no problems with payments, with agreements too. In cases of unforeseen circumstances, a compromise can be found.
About the guide (Olga), we can say that she coped with her duties, behaved correctly, dressed spectacularly (which made it easier to find her with her eyes during excursions), gave a variety of tourist information. As I said above, she cannot check and know everything herself (within the framework of local work schedules of institutions, restaurant menus, assortments of shops). Therefore, not everything should be taken at face value, but it is possible to navigate!
Bus, nothing special to add - corresponds to the level of travel. From the wishes, I would like to say that it is necessary to more strictly regulate the stops, so that there is always the opportunity to use the emergency toilet to the very final destination. With drinks, in principle, I support the policy that the less the better.
The drivers (Girts and Aigars) differ in their driving style and preferences (one of them is not very confident in the dark) (one of them drives the bus a little "jerky"). They proved themselves to be quite qualified and reliable drivers (both driving on mountain roads and turns in limited areas), so there is only room for words of admiration and gratitude!
From all of the above, you can rate the trip as excellent, though if you rate it on a 10 point scale, then this is only 8! The decline is due to the fact that, nevertheless, it was not possible to see and taste everything that was promised! Once again - I recommend both the company and the tour itself!
