Camping Solaris, Sibinik, Croatia 6th August to 27th August 2010

[muzz]

Hi All

Due to the popularity of this years trip to Croatia we will once again be traveling to Croatia for our summer meet.

We will be staying at the Solaris Hotels Resort.


Solaris Hotels Resort is a hotel resort located near Šibenik in north Dalmatia. It is located in the middle of the Croatian Adriatic coast in the immediate closeness to historical cities with rich history and cultural heritage: Šibenik (6 km), Trogir, Split, Zadar, Nin and Knin.

Šibenik region is exceptional for its four national parks – Croatian jewels:

    * National Park Kornati,
    * National Park Krka,
    * National Park Plitvice lakes
    * National Park Paklenica

For a guest, looking for an accommodation in Šibenik, Solaris is easy to access because of its closeness and good connections. In fact, we are only 6 km far from the highway, and the nearest airports in Split (SPU) and Zadar (ZAD) are just 40 minutes drive away.These are the reasons why Solaris Hotels Resort is easily accessible for visitors from the whole world.


More information can be found at:
http://www.solarishotelsresort.com/kamp.asp

Here are some you tube clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYqGdpeKPV4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFv0uf07mC4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4hrCRIg5Hg

And this is the location:
GPS: N 43.69925°   E 15.87935°

Distance from Calais 1159miles.




Anyone is welcome to join us and camp with us or stay at one of the five hotels on the resort. If you would like any more information or a general chat regarding the trip please contact me via PM.

One of the problems we found last year was ensuring we were fully covered for the trip with insurance policys (breakdown, Caravan, Car, Travel ) it is up to each individual to have the correct cover and to ensure you are covered for the whole trip  as some policy's do not cover Croatia. We do however know the policys that do cover and at a good price :).


We have all made reservations in Zone A which is very close to all the facilities including the beach and pool. However the site may not be able to place us all together in a group but will try to ensure we are as close as possible.

Deposit for the site is 25 euro payable via IBAN transfer (cost £28) so it may be worth getting a few more names before next booking fee is paid.

Travel and ferry arrangements will be made soon.

Thanks
Mark

[muzz]

Members attending.

Muzz    Confirmed       6th - 27th August
Tubbs   Confirmed       13th - 27th Aug
Kajac   Confirmed        8th - 25th Aug
Poh      Confirmed        13th - 27th Aug
Jocky  Confirmed        13th - 27th Aug
DaveM  Confirmed        13th - 27th Aug
Fingers  Confirmed        13th - 27th Aug
Wadey  To confirm staying in hotel

[muzz]

Croatia is one of Europe’s hippest destinations, thanks in part to its stunning ancient walled cities and crystal clear waters. Not to mention the dramatic, mountainous terrain, quaint fishing villages, vineyards and golden sands.

With so much to see and do, one of the best ways to get around is by car, leaving you flexible to move as and when you please. But, before setting off, check you’ve got adequate car insurance – and take along the documents to prove it!
Hit the road

For the most part, roads in Croatia are of a good quality. Where it falls short is the motorway system. While it is improving, it isn’t as extensive as other European countries. However, a motorway from Zagreb to Split has opened with connections to Zadar and Sibenik.

In Istria, arguably the country’s tourist mecca, major roadworks are underway that will link Croatia to the Italian motorway system. Also, another major road will soon link Split and Dubrovnik.
Star drive

Laws of the land

    * Drive on the right side of the road.
    * Headlights should be dipped during daylight hours from the last weekend in October to the last weekend in March.
    * Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers.
    * Mobile phones are not permitted, unless in hands-free mode.
    * It’s obligatory to carry a fluorescent vest in your car (not boot) to wear while attending to a breakdown.
    * Word of warning: Police can collect on the spot fines for speeding.

Standard speed limits

Built up areas         50kph/31mph
Open roads            80kph/49mph
Motorways             130kph/80mph

Local knowledge

Traffic can be congested in the summer, particularly when driving to and from the coast. It’s also a good idea to avoid rush hours: 7.00am-8.00am and 3.00pm-4.00pm.

There are two toll systems in Croatia:

    * The open toll system is used on road structures such as bridges and tunnels and on shorter motorway sections, where you pay immediately on entering.
    * The closed toll system operates on motorways with several entrances and exits, where you get a toll card on entering and pay on exiting.

As stunning as the winding Croatian coastal line is, a word of warning when it comes to the local drivers: They’ll think nothing of overtaking on the eye-popping bends.

Be reassured, however, there’s a strong police presence on Croatian roads and patrols routinely spot-check motorists for drinking and driving. A driver who refuses to be breathalysed is automatically considered to be driving while under the influence.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 50 mg. Random breath tests are legal. Speed limits are as follows: 60 kph (37 mph) in built-up areas, 90­100 kph (56­62 mph) outside built-up areas; and 130 kph (81 mph) on expressways. Caravans and cars towing a trailer are limited to 80 kph (50 mph).

Children must be at least 12 years of age to sit in the front seat. The use of seat belts is compulsory for front- and rear-seat passengers.

Vehicles entering a roundabout have right of way. School buses and vehicles of public transport have right of way when they're leaving a stop. Do not drive on tram lines. Don't pass a bus when passengers are getting on or off.

Motorcyclists must use headlights day and night. Other motorists must use headlights in built-up areas when visibility is less than 100 metres, and outside built-up areas when visibility is less than 200 metres. Use your horn only in cases of immediate and extreme danger.

Police are empowered to collect fines on the spot.

Road traffic info is provided 24 hours a day by Hrvatski Auto-Klub, tel: 041 415 800.

Fuel

Most stations are open from 6am to 8pm, but some along major roads stay open 24 hours. Leaded super has an octane rating of 98; unleaded super, or bezolovni benzin, 91 or 95.

Tolls

Charged on the E59 and the E70 out of Zagreb.


Essential Information

* Vehicles drive on the right hand side of the road
* You must drive with headlights on during both day and night
* You must not use a mobile phone when driving
* You must always wear a seat belt
* There is a zero tolerance policy with driving under the influence of alcohol so the best advice would be to not drink alcohol at all and have a designated driver for evenings out and about when you are likely to be having a glass of wine with your meal

[muzz]

Just booked the tunnel today yipee it cost me nowt with my clubcard tokens from Tesco.

Should have been £196

Counting the days.

Tubbs is looking into ferry prices at the moment as he don't want to make the same mistake as he did last year and leave it late and end up paying a lot more than I did. Not all the prices are out as of yet so keep looking on here.

[Jocky]

You must be spending way too much money in Tesco's

Or is your financial adviser spending it :-X

 :)

[Tubbs]

got all the prices in now so as follows

P&O                  £230
SEAFRANCE        £255 That includes a flexible ticket on the way back
NORFOLK LINE    £196   Dover to Dunkirk
Euro Tunnel       £204   im going to book this one  going out on the 11th august 18.00 pm and returning 29th august 10.00 am

[Jocky]

Tubbs did you get the prices through the Caravan Club and the Camping & Caravan Club?

 ;)

[Tubbs]

no i did not alan ill try them tonight thanks

[Kajak]

Very importend update :) :) :)

I've just heard that one swimming pool has a bar in the pool.
So now the woman can't complain that we don't go swimming with the kids :) :)

[muzz]

I recieved this in an e-mail from a chap called Joe.

I think its some really great info.


Although from UK, I live in Zagreb. One point you might want to mention on your forum is the Vignette or mandatory road sticker in both Austria and Slovenia (Slovenia being the most expensive). I also find Norfolk ferry to be the cheapest, especially late night or early morning crossing.

SLOVENIA (don’t drive without the vignette as checks are out in force)
Yearly vignette for (two-track) vehicles up to maximum permissible weight of 3.500 kg    95.00 EUR
Monthly vignette for (two-track) vehicles up to maximum permissible weight of 3.500 kg    30.00 EUR
Weekly vignette for (two-track) vehicles up to maximum permissible weight of 3.500 kg    15.00 EUR
Yearly vignette for (one-track) motorcycles    47.50 EUR
Half-year vignette for (one-track) motorcycles 25.00 EUR
Weekly vignette for (one-track) motorcycles    7.50 EUR

Slovenian border guards will also ask for your licence on a regular basis, and insurance. No need for a green card in any part of EU or Croatia. No UK insurance covers Bosnia or Serbia (border insurance only at about 120 euros a shot)

Slovenia vignette also covers your caravan towed by your car.

If you have an accident in Slovenia or Croatia, take lots of pictures of the incident, especially if you think you are not at fault. UK insurance companies often choose to just pay out then take the issue to court. Slovenian police are ranked some of the most corrupt in this part of Europe. You can also demand they get an English speaking police officer to come to the scene.

Highway to Split now fully open. A little trick some Croatian toll way staff do to foreigners is take the highway card, then just tell you a price without actually putting the highway card into their machine which would then display the actual price automatically. They then pocket the money and charge more. It must display price on the screen at each toll booth.

Just thought to share that with you as we have a caravan, have stayed from time to time at Solaris complex (a great place) There is one other caravan site I have stayed at and love (although not full of entertainment places as Solaris) and that is camp Adriatic (just before Primostin), which is just south of Sibinik. The water there is perfect, I think it’s a 4 star caravan park, and the town of Primostin is a beauty. http://www.camp-adriatic.hr/


Thanks Joe

[muzz]

Just remembered the talk we hyad last year about the camping card international. I think if we had it last year it would have saved us 5%.

Is it worth getting one this year??

[Tubbs]

yes

[Kajak]

Just remembered the talk we hyad last year about the camping card international. I think if we had it last year it would have saved us 5%.

Is it worth getting one this year??

Well Mark i have a new CCI card.

[muzz]

Just remembered the talk we hyad last year about the camping card international. I think if we had it last year it would have saved us 5%.

Is it worth getting one this year??

Well Mark i have a new CCI card.

Thats ok we can all use yours

[Jocky]

Hi Guys just had a phone call from a workmate who is looking for a shift swap so I might be able to go after all Nothing is concrete yet but looking good

So before I agree to anything I want to make sure my pitch is still booked as I've paid my deposit.

Muzz details please