Lokrum Island, Croatia 洛克鲁姆岛
April 24, 2026
Today we took a ferry to Lokrum Island,……
今天我们搭乘渡轮前往洛克鲁姆岛，。。。
April 24, 2026
Today we took a ferry to Lokrum Island, a small island just off the coast of Dubrovnik. The island is now protected as a natural reserve, peaceful and lush with pine trees, rocky shores, and wandering peacocks everywhere. The birds seemed completely unbothered by visitors, casually strolling along the paths or resting in the shade. Hidden among the greenery were old stone buildings and the remains of what once served as a royal summer residence and monastery, giving the island a quiet historical atmosphere.
One of the island’s most popular attractions was the replica of the Iron Throne from the TV series Game of Thrones, since many scenes connected to King’s Landing were filmed around Dubrovnik. There was a short queue for photo taking. Soon it was our turn to sit on the throne and take photos of “the king.” Afterward, we continued uphill to the old fortress, where the elevated viewpoints overlooked the Adriatic Sea and the red rooftops of Dubrovnik in the distance.
The excursion cost about 30€ per person. If you were not a fan of Game of Thrones, personally I did not feel the trip was entirely worth the price, although the island itself was still peaceful and scenic.
We had lunch on the island before returning to the city. After lunch, our group of six gradually split up. Four people headed back to the apartment to rest, while the two of us continued wandering through Dubrovnik’s Old Town without much of a plan, simply following the maze of narrow stone alleys up and down the hillside.
During our walk, we noticed a small restaurant advertising fresh oysters from Ston, a nearby town famous for its oyster farms. The prices seemed reasonable, so we stopped and ordered ten oysters with a bottle of water. The oysters were incredibly fresh — cold, briny, and full of the taste of the sea. After that, we shared a traditional Dubrovnik dessert cake that was rich, nutty, and creamy, a perfect ending to the afternoon.
After returning to our accommodation, the six of us headed out once more for dinner at the Yacht Club. It was our last dinner in Croatia and also the final meal the six of us would share together. The next day, we would be leaving this beautiful country.
Our time in Croatia had been filled with unforgettable experiences. From ancient towns and stunning islands to dramatic coastlines, waterfalls, and caves, the country offered an incredible variety of landscapes and attractions. Equally memorable was the warmth and friendliness of the local people, who made us feel welcome wherever we went.
It had been a truly remarkable journey, and by the end of our trip, we were already certain that we would return someday to explore more of this beautiful country.
2026年4月24日
今天我们搭乘渡轮前往洛克鲁姆岛（Lokrum Island），这是一座位于杜布罗夫尼克（Dubrovnik）外不远的小岛。如今整座岛已经被列为自然保护区，环境宁静，到处都是松树林、岩石海岸，还有四处悠闲漫步的孔雀。那些孔雀似乎完全不怕游客，时而慢悠悠地走在步道上，时而停在树荫下休息。掩映在树林之间的，还有一些古老石建筑，以及曾作为皇家夏宫和修道院的遗迹，让整座岛带着一种悠远的历史气息。
岛上最热门的景点之一，是电视剧《权力的游戏》（Game of Thrones）中的“铁王座”复制品。由于杜布罗夫尼克周边曾拍摄许多“君临城”（King’s Landing）的场景，这里也成了剧迷的打卡地点之一。现场排着不长的队伍等待拍照，很快便轮到我们坐上铁王座，当一回“国王”。之后，我们继续一路向上步行前往古老堡垒，从高处俯瞰亚得里亚海（Adriatic Sea）以及远处杜布罗夫尼克红色屋顶的景色。
这趟 excursion 船票每人大约30欧元。我个人觉得如果不是《权力的游戏》粉丝的话，性价比并不算特别高，不过小岛本身景色依然宁静漂亮。
我们在岛上吃过午饭后返回老城。之后，四个人回公寓休息，而我们俩则继续漫无目的地在杜布罗夫尼克老城里闲逛，沿着那些狭窄的石板小巷上上下下地穿行。
途中，我们看到一家小餐馆写着供应来自斯通（Ston）的新鲜生蚝。斯通是附近以养殖生蚝闻名的小镇，昨晚吃的生蚝就是产于那里。价格看起来也算合理，于是我们坐下来点了十只生蚝，杜布罗夫尼克传统蛋糕和饮料。生蚝非常新鲜，冰凉、鲜咸，充满海水的味道。蛋糕口感浓郁，带着坚果香与奶油香气，作为下午的小点心十分满足。
回到住处后六人再次出发，前往游艇俱乐部（Yacht Club）去吃晚餐。这是我们在克罗地亚的最后一顿晚餐，也是我们六人在一起的最后一顿晚餐。明天我们就要离开这个美丽的国家。这段时间在克罗地亚（Croatia）的旅行，不仅有古老城镇、海岛海岸、瀑布、洞穴，令人难忘的风景、还有当地人的热情友善，真是一段非常难忘的旅程，我们也已经觉得，未来一定还会再回来。
City Wall Walk杜城墙漫步
April 23, 2026
Walking the City Walls was the most popular tourist attraction in Dubrovnik……
漫步杜布罗夫尼克城墙是这座城市最受欢迎的旅游项目，。。。
April 23, 2026
Walking the City Walls was the most popular tourist attraction in Dubrovnik and the activity we had looked forward to most on this trip.
We entered the wall at the entrance near the chapel of Luke and climbed up to the Tvrđava Minčeta, the highest point on the wall where we saw our rented house. On the way to Pile gate we enjoyed the views of the red roofs of the old houses and church tower inside the wall, and Dubrovnik city outside and the SDR mountain. We took so many pictures.
Then we walked along the coastal line and understood the defensive and strategic positions of the wall. In the end, we went back to the point where we started.
We had lunch near the ferry port. The food was excellent, but the view was even better, with beautiful scenery overlooking the harbor.
After lunch, we visited the Dubrovnik Cathedral before walking down the historic Jesuit Stairs toward the Franciscan Monastery.
Inside the monastery, we visited a pharmacy that has been operating since 1317—one of the oldest continuously functioning pharmacies in Europe. We also explored the monastery’s pharmacy museum, which displays centuries-old medical instruments, manuscripts, and remedies, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of medicine in Dubrovnik.
Then we continued our excursion to the fortress just outside the wall. Not much to see inside the fortress but the view of the old city was amazing.
We walked back to the house for a short nap. Then we ventured out again to see the sunset at SDR mountain.
There are three options to go up the hill, hiking, Uber or Cable car. I decided to hike up and the rest took Uber on the way up. It took about one hour to hike on zigzag gravel paths up while enjoying the view of the old city and coastline.
The sunset view at the top was magnificent and one of the bests we had had previously.
Our original plan was to take the cable car down but we changed our mind in the last minute after we found the cable car cost five times more than Uber.
On the way down the mountain, our Uber driver kindly stopped at a scenic viewpoint so we could capture what was arguably the best angle of Dubrovnik’s Old Town at sunset.
We then asked the driver to drop us off at the restaurant we had chosen for dinner. To our surprise, the small restaurant was packed, and we were told the wait would be at least forty minutes. Since we had specifically come for the seafood, we decided to stay and wait.
It turned out to be well worth it. Every dish we ordered was outstanding, and we finally had the chance to try the local oysters. The fresh seafood, excellent food, and wonderful atmosphere made the experience memorable.
It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
2026年4月23日
漫步杜布罗夫尼克城墙（Dubrovnik City Walls）是这座城市最受欢迎的旅游项目，也是我们这次旅行中最期待的活动。
我们从圣卢克小教堂（Chapel of St. Luke）附近的入口登上城墙，一路爬到明切塔堡（Tvrđava Minčeta）。这里是整段城墙的最高点，从那里甚至能看到我们租住的房子。然后前往派勒门（Pile Gate），在途中，城墙内老城区密密麻麻的红色屋顶、教堂钟楼，以及城墙外的新城区和斯尔季山（Srđ Mountain）尽收眼底。一路景色太美，我们不停拍照。
随后，我们沿着靠海一侧的城墙继续前行，也逐渐理解了这座城墙在过去的重要防御与战略作用。最后，我们绕了一整圈，又回到了最初登墙的地方。
中午，我们在渡轮码头附近吃午餐。食物非常不错，但更令人难忘的是餐厅外的景色。
下午，我们参观了城里最古老的药房（Old Pharmacy）以及药房博物馆（Pharmacy Museum）。这间药房已有数百年历史，据说是欧洲最古老、至今仍在营业的药房之一。
之后，我们继续前往城墙外的洛夫里耶纳茨堡（Fort Lovrijenac）。堡垒内部其实没有太多展览可看，但从那里眺望杜布罗夫尼克老城的景色非常美丽。
回到住处后，我们小睡休息了一会儿。傍晚时分，我们再次出门，前往斯尔季山（Srđ Mountain）看日落。
上山有三种方式：徒步、搭Uber或乘坐缆车（Cable Car）。我决定徒步上山，其余人则坐Uber。沿着之字形的碎石山路一路向上，大约花了一个小时。过程中可以不断俯瞰老城与海岸线，景色十分漂亮。等我终于到达山顶时，他们五人早已在山顶的餐厅喝咖啡了。
山顶的日落壮观无比，是我们至今看过最美的日落之一。
原本我们计划乘缆车下山，但最后一刻改变了主意，因为发现缆车票价竟然差不多是Uber的五倍。
下山途中，Uber司机还特意停在一个观景点，让我们拍摄老城夕阳的最佳角度。我们让司机把我们送到今晚的餐厅。没想到小餐厅生意兴隆，我们被告知至少需要等四十分钟以上。因为是特地冲着这家店的海鲜来的，大家决定等。还真是来对地方了。这家小餐厅的每一道菜都非常出色，也终于吃到了当地的生蚝。这一天堪称完美。
To Dubrovnik, Croatia 前往杜布罗夫尼克, 克罗地亚
April 22, 2026
We opted to take the five-hour ferry from Split to Dubrovnik instead of the bus……
一早在旅馆用完早餐，便走去不远处的码头。。。
April 22, 2026
We opted to take the five-hour ferry from Split to Dubrovnik instead of the bus. The ferry sailed between islands and made several stops along the way. Unfortunately, the weather was poor and the ride turned quite rough. A few passengers became seasick. We managed fine, though another hour or two at sea might have changed that.
After arriving at Dubrovnik Port, we called an Uber to our accommodation. At the port, the driver asked whether our destination was inside or outside the Old Town walls. Our rental was located just outside the city walls. In the end, he dropped us off about 400 meters away because he did not have a permit to drive farther. Fortunately, it was all downhill. Still, it felt dishonest — he probably should not have accepted the ride, or Uber should not have allowed it. The good thing was that we learned how the access restrictions worked and were better prepared later when another driver from a neighboring country picked us up.
The place we stayed was in a 17th-century building just outside the walls. It had an incredible view, and the hosts were exceptionally kind. They had stocked the refrigerator with basic groceries, from milk to bread. It was the first time we had experienced this level of hospitality — far beyond our expectations.
After settling in, we walked down the long staircase toward Pile Gate. The first thing we did was purchase a three-day Dubrovnik Pass, which included the city walls, museums, and public transportation.
We then visited the Rector’s Palace, one of Dubrovnik’s most important historic buildings. It once served as the seat of government of the Republic of Ragusa and the residence of the Rector.
Later, we went to a Michelin-recommended restaurant for traditional Croatian cuisine. The meal was deeply satisfying.
After dinner, we headed to Buža Bar, perched on the cliffs outside the city walls. Although the sun was off to the side, the cliffside views over the Adriatic were still spectacular. Dubrovnik immediately proved worthy of its reputation.
2026年4月22日
一早在旅馆用完早餐，便走去不远处的码头。我们选择搭乘五小时的渡轮从斯普利特（Split）前往克罗地亚最著名的城市——杜布罗夫尼克（Dubrovnik），而不是坐巴士。渡轮一路穿行于岛屿之间，并在途中停靠了几个小港口。可惜天气不好，海面颠簸得相当厉害，不少乘客都晕船了。船上工作人员相当负责，不停地来回查看，看见有乘客不舒服会递上一瓶水。我们还算撑得住，不过如果再多航行一两个小时，情况可能就不一样了。
抵达杜布罗夫尼克港（Dubrovnik Port）后，我们六人叫了二辆Uber 前往住宿地点。Connie她们三人的Uber非常顺利，直接在租房的街边把她们放下。而我叫的司机在港口时先问我们目的地是在老城墙内还是外。我们租住的地方位于城墙外不远处。结果他因为没有许可继续往前开，只把我们放在离住宿约四百米的地方。幸好一路都是下坡，拖着行李还算轻松。不过这件事多少让人觉得不太诚实——他其实不应该接这单，或者 Uber 平台本身就不该允许这样的接单。好的一面是，我们因此提前了解了老城区周边的交通限制，几天后另一位来自邻国的司机来接我们时，我们就更有经验了。
我们租的房子是一栋建于17世纪的独立的老建筑，就在城墙外侧，视野极佳。我们把整栋房子租下，房东人也特别热情贴心，冰箱里提前准备好了牛奶、果汁和水。厨房里放了面包等基本食物，各种咖啡应有尽有。房子虽老，但里面装修的很舒适。花园里种满了各种果树，桔子，橙子，柠檬和枇杷。还有一个观景阳台，老城城楼和海近在咫尺。这是我们第一次遇到如此超出预期的住宿体验，令人印象深刻。
安顿下来后，我们沿着长长的石阶一路向下，前往派勒门（Pile Gate）。第一件事，就是购买了三天有效的杜布罗夫尼克通票（Dubrovnik Pass），其中包含城墙、博物馆以及公共交通。
随后我们参观了总督府（Rector’s Palace）。这是杜布罗夫尼克最重要的历史建筑之一，曾经是拉古萨共和国（Republic of Ragusa）的政府所在地，也是总督的官邸。
晚餐我们来到一家米其林推荐餐厅，品尝传统克罗地亚料理，整顿晚餐令人十分满足。
之后我们前往位于城墙外悬崖边的布扎酒吧（Buža Bar）看日落。虽然太阳偏向侧面，但亚得里亚海（Adriatic Sea）边的悬崖景色依然惊艳。杜布罗夫尼克的美果然名不虚传，而杜布罗夫尼克的上上下下的台阶则让人腿脚发软。
Cathedral & Meštrović Gallery 大教堂和梅什特罗维奇美术馆
April 21, 2026
Yesterday, we arrived at the Cathedral of Saint Domnius just as it was closing,……
昨天我们去参观圣多米纽斯大教堂时刚好到了关门的时间，。。。
April 21, 2026
Yesterday, we arrived at the Cathedral of Saint Domnius just as it was closing, so we made a special trip back today. We toured the cathedral and its museum and climbed the bell tower, where we were rewarded with sweeping views of Split’s Old Town and the Adriatic coastline.
Another large cruise ship had arrived in Split today, and groups of tourists could be seen throughout the city. The Vestibule in the old town was especially crowded. Several young men stood in the center singing in harmony, their voices echoing beautifully off the ancient stone walls. During Roman times, this space was likely a fully enclosed circular hall topped with a dome, somewhat resembling a smaller version of the Pantheon. Over the centuries, as Diocletian’s Palace was repeatedly modified, dismantled, and repurposed, the dome gradually deteriorated and eventually disappeared, leaving the open-air space we see today. Although we had already visited several times during our stay, we paid the 2-euro admission fee to access the upper level and admire this remarkable structure from a different perspective.
Near our hotel was a bustling farmers market selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and a variety of local foods. Yesterday afternoon, we noticed a small shop specializing in roasted suckling pig, but it had already sold out. Today, we returned for lunch and patiently waited for a fresh batch to come out of the oven. We ordered one kilogram of piping-hot roasted suckling pig, with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat—it was absolutely delicious. We also picked up various local pastries, smoked meats, and fresh fruit from nearby vendors. Along the way, we spotted people eating something that looked very much like Chinese scallion pancakes. Curious, we asked where they had bought them and immediately went to get a few ourselves. Before long, we had accumulated a feast of local specialties and brought everything back to the hotel for a wonderful meal.
In the afternoon, we took an Uber to the Meštrović Gallery. The building was once the private residence of the renowned sculptor Ivan Meštrović. Widely regarded as Croatia’s most important artist, Meštrović not only achieved international acclaim through his work but also built this impressive seaside home. Later in life, he emigrated to the United States, taught at University of Notre Dame, and eventually passed away in South Bend, Indiana. The gallery houses an extensive collection of his sculptures from different periods of his career, and the breadth and quality of the works left a lasting impression on us.
After our visit, we followed a series of steps down to the shoreline and leisurely walked back toward the city center along the coast. The scenery was peaceful and beautiful. A gentle sea breeze accompanied us, and from time to time a light drizzle drifted through, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
After several enjoyable days in Split, it was once again time to move on. Tomorrow we would be trying yet another mode of transportation as we continued to our next destination. On our way back to the hotel, we stopped by the ferry terminal to familiarize ourselves with the route and purchase our tickets in advance. We looked forward to the journey ahead.
2026年4月21日
昨天我们去参观圣多米纽斯大教堂（Cathedral of Saint Domnius）时刚好到了关门的时间，于是今天特地再来一次。我们参观了教堂及其博物馆，还登上了钟楼，从高处俯瞰斯普利特老城与海岸风景。
今天又有大邮轮来斯普利特，街头上能看到一队队的游客。旧城中的前厅（Vestibul）里的游客特别多，有几位男生站在中央高声合唱，回音在石墙之间不断回荡，非常动听。在罗马时期，这里很可能原本是一个完整封闭的圆形大厅，上方覆盖着穹顶，类似缩小版的万神殿。后来随着戴克里先宫在中世纪以后不断被改建、拆除和重新利用，这座穹顶逐渐损毁甚至消失，最终变成了如今的露天空间。这几天我们已经来过这里好几次，但今天还是特地花了2欧元登上上层区域，从不同角度再次欣赏这座古老建筑。
在我们入住的旅馆附近有一个农贸市场，卖各种新鲜水果和蔬菜等，同时还有不少当地小吃店。昨天下午走过时看到一家卖烤乳猪的小店，生意很好，烤肉已售磬。今天午餐我们又来到这里，硬是等着烤猪下架，点了1公斤热气腾腾的烤乳猪，外皮酥脆、肉质鲜嫩，非常美味。又在周围其它小店买了各种当地的面食，薰肉，水果等。路上看见有人在吃类似葱油饼的东西，赶紧问哪里有卖，也去买上几块。买了一大堆好吃的，一起带回到旅馆，大家好好地美餐了一顿。
下午我们乘坐Uber前往梅什特罗维奇美术馆（Meštrović Gallery）。这座建筑曾是著名雕塑家伊万·梅什特罗维奇（Ivan Meštrović）的私人住宅。作为克罗地亚最重要的艺术家之一，他不仅艺术成就卓著，也成功建造了这座气势不凡的海景住所。后来他移居美国，并在圣母大学（University of Notre Dame）任教，最终在印第安纳州南本德去世。馆内陈列了他不同时期的大量作品，内容丰富，令人印象深刻。
参观结束后，我们沿着台阶一路走到海边，顺着海岸线慢慢步行返回市中心。沿途风景宁静而优美，海风轻拂，偶尔还下起了一点点小雨。
来斯普利特玩了好几天，又到了挪地方的时候。明天我们又要换个交通方式去下一站。在回旅馆途中，我们俩先去渡轮码头探个路，同时也把渡轮票买好。期待明天的到来。
Split, Croatia 斯普利特
April 20, 2026
We started our day by visiting the Golden Gate of Diocletian’s Palace,……
我们从参观戴克里先宫金门（Golden Gate）开始了这一天。。。
April 20, 2026
We started our day by visiting the Golden Gate of Diocletian’s Palace, where we joined the tradition of touching the big toe of the statue of Grgur Ninski for good luck. The large bronze sculpture was created by the renowned Croatian artist Ivan Meštrović, and its polished toe—worn shiny by countless visitors—seemed to promise just that.
Just above the Golden Gate, we visited a small church—considered the oldest in Split—perched atop the ancient arch. Inside, we had a warm and unexpected conversation with a kind elderly nun, a quiet and memorable moment.
We then wandered deeper into the Old Town, passing through Peristyle Square on our way to visit the substructures of Diocletian’s Palace.
We spent more than an hour exploring the vast underground halls beneath the palace. Built around 300 AD during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, these basement chambers are remarkably well preserved. One fascinating detail is that the layout below mirrors the imperial apartments that once stood above. Since the upper floors were largely destroyed or altered over the centuries, these substructures provide a rare glimpse into the original design. Ironically, they survived largely intact because they were used as a dumping ground for centuries, which helped fill and protect them. Among the highlights was an ancient oil press, still standing as a reminder of daily life long ago. Parts of these halls were also used as filming locations for Game of Thrones, though we couldn’t quite identify the scenes ourselves since we didn’t watch the movie.
Afterward, we exited through the Bronze Gate and returned to the hotel for a short lunch break. In the afternoon, we came back to the palace once more, strolling through its narrow alleys and admiring the blend of architectural styles layered over centuries and ancient 24 hour Roman City Clock on the tower of St. Arnir.
In the evening, we celebrated my sister’s birthday with friends. It was her first time celebrating a birthday outside China, which made the occasion even more meaningful. Family time like this is truly something to appreciate.
2026年4月20日
我们从参观戴克里先宫金门（Golden Gate）开始了这一天。在门外，我们也加入了当地的传统——触摸格尔古尔·宁斯基（Grgur Ninski）雕像的大脚趾，据说可以带来好运。这座巨大的青铜雕像出自著名克罗地亚雕塑家伊万·梅什特罗维奇（Ivan Meštrović）之手，被无数游客触摸过的脚趾已经被磨得发亮，仿佛真的能带来好运。
就在金门上方，我们参观了一座所见过的最小的教堂——被认为是斯普利特最古老的教堂之一，坐落在古老城门的拱顶之上。在那里，我们与一位和蔼的老修女有了一段温暖而意外的交谈，成为当天一个难忘的瞬间。
随后我们继续深入老城，花了一个多小时参观戴克里先宫地下大厅（Diocletian’s Palace substructures）。这些地下空间建于公元约300年，是罗马皇帝戴克里先（Diocletian）时期的遗迹，保存得非常完好。一个非常有意思的细节是，这些地下结构的布局与当年地面上的皇宫居住区几乎完全对应。由于上层建筑在之后的几个世纪中被不断改建甚至毁坏，这些地下大厅反而成为了解原始宫殿格局的重要依据。颇为讽刺的是，它们之所以能保存下来，是因为曾长期被当作垃圾填埋场，反而起到了保护作用。其中一个亮点是一台古老的榨油设备，至今仍静静伫立，让人联想到当年的日常生活。这里的部分空间也曾作为电影《权力的游戏》（Game of Thrones）的取景地，同伴是影迷，知道的非常多，能认出具体场景。不过由于我们俩没有看过这部剧，觉得只是一个古迹而已。
参观结束后，我们从青铜门（Bronze Gate）离开，回到酒店稍作休息并用午餐。下午我们再次回到宫殿，在狭窄的巷道中漫步，欣赏这座城市层层叠加、跨越多个世纪的建筑风格。
晚上，我们和朋友一起为妹妹庆祝生日。这是她第一次在中国以外的地方过生日，也因此显得格外有意义。这样的家庭时光，尤其值得珍惜。
Blue & Green Caves 蓝洞与绿洞
April 19, 2026
We got up early and had breakfast at the hotel……
我们一大早起床，在酒店吃了早餐。。。
April 19, 2026
We got up early and had breakfast at the hotel. By 7:30 a.m., we were already on our way to the meeting point for a 10-hour cave tour.
Around 8 a.m., the operator began boarding passengers onto black rubber speedboats, about 12 people per boat. We were initially among the first to arrive, but since some of us had taken a taxi and were delayed, we ended up boarding the last boat.
While waiting at the dock, I noticed a Chinese man walking toward us. Something about him felt strangely familiar. That’s impossible, I told myself. It must just be someone who looks like him. Could it really be him—a classmate I had seen just last year? I tried to make eye contact, but he didn’t respond. Since both of us were late, we ended up boarding the same boat.
The speedboat had saddle-style seats, which looked odd at first but proved to be more comfortable and practical than traditional seating. Soon we were speeding across the Adriatic at around 24 knots, bouncing over the waves for about 90 minutes toward our first stop: the Blue Cave. During the ride, I kept thinking about that familiar face. Could it really be him? The odds seemed impossibly low—meeting a classmate in another country, on a 12-person boat.
At the first stop, I finally had encouragement to ask him.
“Yes,” he said. It was him.
What a small world. Travel has a way of creating the most unexpected and delightful encounters.
To enter the Blue Cave, we had to transfer to a small boat operated by local guides and pay an additional €18 per person. The cave entrance had been widened in the past to allow small boats inside, but entry still depends on sea conditions—if the waves are too high, boats cannot enter.
From the outside, the cave looks like a narrow opening in the rocky coast. But once inside, the scene transforms completely. The cave glows with an almost unreal blue light. Sunlight enters through an underwater opening and reflects off the white limestone seabed, turning the water into a bright, luminous blue.
We stayed inside for only about five minutes, but the memory will last far longer.
We then stopped at Komiža, a charming seaside village known as a filming location for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
Next came Stiniva Beach, formed by the collapse of a cave roof. Surrounded by steep cliffs, it’s one of the most dramatic beaches in Croatia, though access is restricted during peak season.
Our visit to the Green Cave offered a completely different but equally memorable experience. Located on Ravnik Island, the cave is larger and more open than the Blue Cave. A natural opening in the ceiling allows sunlight to stream inside, creating a dramatic beam of light that penetrates the crystal-clear water below. The sunlight reflects off the algae-covered rocks and the seabed, filling the cave with a soft emerald-green glow. We were fascinated by the interplay of light and color and managed to capture a photograph of the opening in the ceiling, along with a shimmering green reflection on the water below. It was a beautiful and unique natural phenomenon that left a lasting impression on us.
What fascinated us most was how the light beam slowly shifted across the cave as the boat drifted , giving the entire space a dynamic, almost mystical quality.
We continued on to the Pakleni Islands, once used as private gardens for wealthy residents who cultivated rare plants. What caught our attention more, however, were the sea urchins scattered along the rocky shoreline.
Our final stop was Hvar for 2.5 hours, where we enjoyed a relaxing lunch featuring a fresh fish platter and a short hike to Fortica Fortress. Afterward, we boarded the boat again for the roughly one-hour ride back to Split.
After returning to town and having Thai food for dinner, the night still felt young. We wandered through the old town, enjoying the lively atmosphere under the soft glow of evening lights and deep blue sky.
Although this was one of the best boat tours we’ve taken—filled with stunning natural sights like the Blue and Green Caves—what I appreciated most was something completely unexpected: meeting a classmate, thousands of miles away from where we live, in a place neither of us had planned to be, at exactly the same time.
Travel doesn’t just take you to new places—it creates moments you could never plan, only experience.
2026年4月19日
我们一大早起床，在酒店吃了早餐。7:30我们就已经出发走去集合点，准备参加一个10小时的洞穴跳岛游。
大约8点，运营方开始安排乘客登上黑色橡皮快艇，每艘船大约12人。我们原本是最早上船的一批，但因为同伴膝盖受伤，打车过来晚了一会儿，结果我们反而成了最后一批上船的乘客。
在码头等待时，我注意到有一位中国男士朝我们走来。他看起来非常眼熟。我心想，这不可能，一定只是长得像而已。可真的会是他吗——一个去年我才在上海刚见过的大学同学？我试着和他对视，但他没有回应。接着我们便上了同一艘船。
这艘快艇的座位是类似马鞍式的设计，乍一看有点奇怪，但实际坐起来比传统座位更舒适也更实用。很快我们以大约24节的速度在亚得里亚海上飞驰，颠簸前行了约90分钟，前往第一个目的地——蓝洞。在船上，我一直在想着那张熟悉的脸。会真的是他吗？
到了第一个停靠点，我终于鼓起勇气问他。“是的。”他说。真的是他。一个人从上海来欧洲，几乎是以背包式的方式快速的在不同国家，不同城市之间穿梭。他昨晚上刚到，一早走到码头，看到有船，问一下是否还有空位。而我们因为等朋友也等到最后上船。就这样阴差阳错的遇上了。在一个小国家、一个小城市，在一艘只有12个人的小船上遇见同学，这种概率实在太低了。世界真小。旅行总是会带来一些意想不到的惊喜。
参观蓝洞需要换乘由当地人驾驶的小船，并额外支付每人18欧元。洞口曾经经过扩展，以便小船可以驶入，但是否能够进入仍取决于海况——如果海浪太大或涨潮，小船就无法进入
从外面看，蓝洞只是岩石海岸上的一个狭小入口。但一旦进入内部，景象完全不同。洞内被一种几乎不真实的蓝色光芒所充满。阳光通过水下的开口射入，反射在白色石灰岩海底，将整个洞穴映照成通透的蓝色。
我们在洞内只停留了大约五分钟，但这段记忆却会留存很久。
随后我们前往科米扎（Komiža），这是一个迷人的海边小镇，也是电影《妈妈咪呀2》（Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again）的取景地之一。我们在这里喝了咖啡，然后去小镇里转悠了一下。
接着来到斯蒂尼瓦海滩（Stiniva Beach），这里是由洞穴坍塌形成的海湾，被高耸的悬崖包围，是克罗地亚最具戏剧性的海滩之一，据说旺季时会限制进入。
之后的绿洞之行则带来了完全不同、同样难忘的体验。绿洞位于拉夫尼克岛（Ravnik Island），空间更大也更开阔。洞顶有一个天然开口，阳光从上方直射进来，在水中形成一道明显的光柱。水中的藻类和海底反射出柔和的翠绿色光芒。最让人着迷的是，随着船只缓缓漂移，光束在洞内不断移动、扫过不同角度，让整个空间显得流动而神秘。
随后我们前往帕克莱尼群岛（Pakleni Islands），这里曾是富人种植珍稀植物的花园。而更吸引我们注意的，是海岸岩石间随处可见的海胆。
最后一站是赫瓦尔岛（Hvar）。当初计划这次欧洲游时曾有想过在岛上住二晚。我们在这里享用了丰盛的午餐，一份新鲜的鱼类拼盘令人非常满足。之后，我们再次登船，经过约一个小时的航程返回斯普利特（Split）。
回到城里吃完晚饭后，我们在老城中随意漫步，在柔和的灯光下感受热闹的夜晚氛围。
虽然这是我们第一次体验蓝洞和绿洞，也是一次非常精彩的跳岛海上之旅，但让我印象最深的，却是一个完全意料之外的瞬间：在距离我们生活地数千英里的异国他乡，在一个毫无关联的地方，我和我的同学不约而同地相遇了，真是奇迹。
旅行不仅带你去新的地方，也会带来那些你无法计划、只能亲身经历的瞬间。
Travel to Split, Croatia 前往斯普利特
April 18, 2026
Before leaving Zadar in the morning,……
早上在离开扎达尔之前，。。。
April 18, 2026
Before leaving Zadar in the morning, we walked south along the coastline, deliberately avoiding the more touristy areas and wandering into neighborhoods closer to local life. The atmosphere there was peaceful and relaxing, making for a very pleasant start to the day.
Today we tried a different mode of transportation — taking a public bus from Zadar to Split. Over the past few years of traveling around Europe, we had taken FlixBus several times and found it both comfortable and convenient, especially for shorter trips. We paid a few extra euros each to reserve seats in the very front row of the upper deck, which offered the best panoramic views along the journey.
A little over two hours later, we arrived in Split, another famous Croatian port city. The first thing we noticed after getting off the bus was the sight of three large cruise ships docked along the waterfront, a clear sign of the city’s popularity with travelers. Our hotel was conveniently located just a short walk from the bus station, making it easy to settle in after the journey.
Since we planned to hike up to a viewpoint for sunset later that evening, we decided to have an early dinner. After checking into the hotel, we headed out in search of seafood and enjoyed our first seafood dinner in Split. The meal was absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared—and it gave us an excellent first impression of the city.
With the weather being pleasant, we spent the evening hiking up to Telegrin Viewpoint to watch the sunset. The uphill climb was a bit tiring, but we took our time and paused frequently to admire the views overlooking the city and coastline. Although the scenery along the way was beautiful, the sunset itself was not quite as spectacular as we had expected.
Later that evening, we purchased tickets for the next day’s Blue Cave boat tour. Since we had to leave early the following morning, we returned to the hotel and rested early as well.
2026年4月18日
早上在离开扎达尔（Zadar）之前，我们沿着海岸线向南走了一段，刻意避开游客较多的区域，走进了更接近当地人生活的街区。这里安静而惬意，是一种很放松、很舒服的氛围。
今天我们尝试了不同的交通方式——乘坐公共巴士从扎达尔到斯普利特。这几年在欧洲旅游已坐过多次Flixbus，觉得舒适且很方便，短途的话是个不错的选择。我们每人多付了几欧元预订座位，特意选择了上层第一排的位置，视野最好，可以一路欣赏沿途的风景。
二个多小时之后我们抵达斯普利特，克罗地亚的另一个著名的旅游港口城市，下了大巴我们首先看到的是三艘大邮轮。我们入住的旅馆离巴士站不远，走几分钟就到。因为想上山顶看日落，我们决定吃个早晚餐。街上的人真不少，许多是从邮轮上下来的。在旅馆安顿好后便出门去。在斯普利特的第一顿海鲜晚餐非常美味，这座城市给我们留下了很好的第一印象。
由于天气不错，我们傍晚步行登上了特莱格林观景点（Telegrin Viewpoint）观看日落。一路上坡有点累，还好沿途走走停停，俯瞰城市和海岸的景色还不错。但相比期待的来说，山上看到的日落并没有特别惊艳。
晚上我们提前购买了第二天蓝洞（Blue Cave）一日游的门票。因为第二天一早就要出发，我们也早早回到酒店休息。
Tesla & Sea Organ 特斯拉和海风琴
April 17, 2026
Before we got on the road today,……
April 17, 2026
Before we got on the road today, we quietly slipped back into Plitvice Lakes National Park to take one more look at the waterfalls under the morning sunshine. The same cascades we had seen the day before now shimmered in a completely different light—clearer, brighter, almost sparkling.
The same driver who dropped us off two days ago came to pick us up again. He lives about 20 minutes from the park. Along the way, we casually asked whether there were bears in the area. He smiled and said he would show us something. Soon, he stopped in front of a fenced enclosure in his town, where we saw two large brown bears living inside. We learned that a wealthy local man had found them as cubs in the forest and raised them. After a 12-year legal battle with the government, he was finally allowed to keep them. It was completely unexpected and quite memorable.
On the way, we stopped at Church of Croatian Martyrs at Udbina. The white church stood peacefully under a bright blue sky, simple yet solemn.
We then visited the Nikola Tesla Memorial Center Smiljan, the birthplace of Nikola Tesla. The site includes the house where he was born and the church where his father served as an Orthodox priest. Tesla was born into a Serbian family and is often considered Serbian, yet Croatia also proudly regards him as one of its own. His contributions to radio communication, electricity, and motors were immense.
One of his quotes displayed there felt strikingly modern: “The whole earth will be converted into a huge brain… we shall be able to communicate with one another instantly, irrespective of distance… and the instruments will be small enough to be carried in a vest pocket.” It clearly foresaw today’s world of smartphones.
At the center, we also saw a demonstration of the Tesla coil, illustrating wireless energy transfer. Watching electricity arc through the air was fascinating.
After about two hours of driving, we arrived in Zadar. Our hotel was brand new and very comfortable. After settling in, we headed out to explore the Old Town.
We visited the Roman Forum in Zadar and several nearby historic churches, but the highlight of the day was sitting on the stone steps by the sea, listening to the hauntingly beautiful sounds of the Sea Organ. As the waves moved through a network of pipes hidden beneath the waterfront promenade, they created natural, ever-changing melodies unlike anything we had heard before. At the same time, we watched a spectacular sunset over the Adriatic Sea, with one side of the sky glowing in brilliant shades of gold, orange, and pink, while the other remained a deep, clear blue. The striking contrast made the scene even more unforgettable.
Here are two pictures taken at the similar time after sunset.
We ended the evening with a delicious dinner at a nearby restaurant. The service was exceptional. The waiter quickly noticed that we liked to share every dish and thoughtfully brought each of us an individual plate whenever our food arrived. It was a small gesture, but one that made us feel especially welcome. The food itself was outstanding—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared.
After dark, we returned to see the Greeting to the Sun, a modern installation powered by solar energy. Its illuminated glass panels displayed constantly shifting patterns of light, creating a mesmerizing display. The colors and rhythms seemed to echo the music of the Sea Organ just steps away, blending art, nature, and technology into a uniquely memorable experience. It was one of those magical evenings that will stay in our memories long after the trip has ended.
Today, we traveled from mountains and waterfalls to the sea and sunset—from the power of nature to the brilliance of human invention. It was a day full of contrast, discovery, and reflection.
2026年4月17日
在普利特维采湖群国家公园（Plitvice Lakes National Park)住了二晚，今天又要挪地方，前往下一站。在今天正式出发前，大清早我们又再次进入公园，想在清晨的阳光下再看一眼那些瀑布。前一天见过的层层水流，在晨光映照下呈现出完全不同的样子——更加清澈、更加明亮，几乎闪闪发光。
我们还是继续用包车接送服务，两天前送我们来公园的司机今天再次来接我们。他家就在离公园大约20分钟的地方。路上我们随口问起这里是否有熊出没，他笑了笑，说要带我们去看点东西。不久，他把车停在小镇的一处围栏前，我们看到两只体型巨大的棕熊生活在里面。原来，当地一位富人当年在森林中发现这两只幼熊，将它们带回抚养。后来围绕是否可以继续饲养的问题，他与政府打了12年的官司，付出巨款最终才得以保留。这段经历既意外，又令人难忘。
途中我们在克罗地亚殉道者教堂（Church of Croatian Martyrs at Udbina）停留。洁白的教堂在湛蓝天空下显得格外宁静而庄重。
随后我们来到尼古拉·特斯拉纪念中心（Nikola Tesla Memorial Center Smiljan），这里是尼古拉·特斯拉（Nikola Tesla）的出生地。园区内保留着他出生的房屋，以及他父亲曾担任东正教神职人员的教堂。特斯拉出生于塞尔维亚族家庭，通常被视为塞尔维亚人，但克罗地亚同样把他视为引以为傲的杰出人物。他在无线通信、电力系统和电机等领域的贡献极其深远。
纪念中心中展示的一段话令人印象深刻：“整个地球将变成一个巨大的大脑……人类将可以在任何距离下瞬间彼此沟通……而所使用的设备，将小到可以放入口袋中。”这几乎就是对今天智能手机时代的精准预言。
在中心内，我们还参与了特斯拉线圈（Tesla Coil）的演示，展示无线能量传输。看着电流在空气中跳跃，既震撼又令人着迷，也让我意识到自己对这位伟大发明家的了解其实十分有限。
大约两个小时车程后，我们抵达扎达尔（Zadar）。入住的酒店崭新而舒适。先在酒店好好吃了顿午餐，稍作休整后，我们便前往老城。
我们参观了扎达尔罗马广场（Roman Forum Zadar）以及周边的教堂，坐在在广场上喝一杯咖啡，再来个冰淇淋看人来人往。但最令人难忘的，是坐在海边台阶上，静静聆听海风琴（Sea Organ Zadar）发出的声音。海浪拍打石阶，将空气压入地下的管道，奏出低沉而悠远的旋律。与此同时，我们欣赏着亚得里亚海（Adriatic Sea）上壮丽的日落景色。
看完日落也正好到了我们预订的晚餐时间。靠海吃海，今晚主打海鲜美食。饭店生意兴隆，不仅仅是菜好吃，今晚也遇到了这次行程以来最热情周到的服务员，不用问，便主动帮我们分汤，分菜加盆子。让我们吃的心满意足。
我们再次回到海边去看扎达尔的另一景点——向太阳致敬（Greeting to the Sun Zadar）。这个由太阳能板组成的现代装置在夜晚亮起灯光，变化的图案，与海浪的节奏形成奇妙的呼应。
这一天，我们从瀑布与群山出发，来到大海与落日之间；从自然的壮丽，到人类智慧的闪光，完成了一次跨越式的体验。旅程在不断变化，而感受也在不断加深。
Plitvice Lakes National Park 十六湖国家公园
April 16, 202
After seeing Iguazu Falls last year,……
在去年见识过伊瓜苏瀑布之后，。。。
April 16, 202
After seeing Iguazu Falls last year, we didn’t expect any waterfalls to excite us this much again. But this day completely changed that. We spent eight hours in the park, and from the moment we walked in until the last minute we boarded the shuttle, we were constantly surrounded by waterfalls—both visually and audibly. The experience felt surreal and unforgettable, almost beyond words.
In the morning, we took the park shuttle tram from St2 near Entrance #2 to St3, driving up the winding road through the forest toward the Upper Lakes. From there, we followed the K route to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the lakes and cascades.
Then continued along the H route deeper into the park. Along the way, waterfalls of all sizes connected the park’s famous sixteen lakes, creating an ever-changing landscape. We walked along wooden paths and trails that seemed to float between the lakes, with crystal-clear water on both sides. At times, we were completely surrounded by water—falls above and below, in front and behind—an immersive experience unlike any other.
Early spring brought high water levels, and in some sections the lakes had spilled over onto the wooden paths. Parts of the boardwalk were slightly submerged, and we found ourselves walking just inches above the water’s surface, as if floating between the lakes.
Along the trail, we paused to photograph newly emerging spring plants and a bird perched on a tree branch. The lake water was so crystal clear that we could easily see the bottom, adding to the magical feeling of the landscape.
Around midday, we took the boat from P2 to P3 and had a simple lunch—just a burger. After a short break, we continued walking toward the grand finale: the dramatic Great Waterfall (Veliki Slap), where the powerful cascade brought the entire experience to a perfect climax.
At the end of the day, we took the shuttle back. Dinner was at Black River, another restaurant within the hotel complex, a relaxing close to a long and memorable day.
2026年4月16日
在去年见识过伊瓜苏瀑布之后，我们原以为再也不会有瀑布能让我们如此兴奋。但今天彻底改变了我们的看法。我们在公园里整整走了八个小时，从踏入园区的那一刻起，到最后登上接驳车离开，始终被瀑布环绕——耳边是此起彼伏的水声，眼前是层层叠叠的水景。那种沉浸式的体验既震撼又梦幻，几乎难以用语言形容。
早上我们从酒店旁2号入口（Entrance #2）附近的St2站搭乘园内接驳车，沿着林间蜿蜒的山路缓缓上行，前往上湖区附近的St3站。随后沿着K线路步行至观景点，从高处俯瞰湖泊与瀑布，再接上H线路继续深入探索。一路上，大大小小的瀑布将公园著名的十六个湖泊串联在一起，景色层层展开、不断变化。
我们行走在湖岸之间的木栈道上，清澈的湖水就在脚边，有时甚至仿佛漂浮在水面之上。四周皆是水景——上有飞瀑，下有流水，前后左右都被水环绕，沉浸感极强。初春水位较高，有些路段湖水漫上了木栈道，部分栈道略微被淹。行走其间，仿佛贴着水面前行，如同在湖与湖之间漂浮穿行，格外梦幻而难忘。
中午我们从P2码头乘船到P3，简单吃了个汉堡作为午餐。短暂休息后继续前行，前往壮观的大瀑布（Veliki Slap）。水流从高处倾泻而下，气势磅礴，彩虹也短暂的出现了一下，为整个行程画上了完美句号。
最后我们乘坐接驳车返回酒店。晚餐在酒店园区内的另一家餐厅Black River享用。大家走了一整天，值得用一顿美味的晚餐来犒劳自己。
“Little” Plitvice Waterfalls – Rastoke“小普利特维采”瀑布
April 15, 2026
We booked another transfer through Daytrip.com. The driver arrived about 10 minutes late and we headed out toward our first stop, Dubovac Castle. Perched quietly on a hill, the medieval fortress felt somewhat underwhelming. The castle itself was quite simple, and a large group of school students on a field trip filled the courtyard. We paid €3 per person to enter, but there wasn’t much to see, and even the tower was not open.
On the way to Plitvice Lakes National Park, we made another short stop at Rastoke, a charming watermill village where waterfalls seemed to flow right beneath the old stone and wooden houses. With rushing streams, small bridges, and lush spring greenery, it’s often nicknamed “Little Plitvice.” The scenery was undeniably beautiful.
There was a ticket kiosk for entering the boardwalk along the river. The park charged €9 for a group ticket covering four people, or €5 for an individual ticket. Our driver suggested that for the six of us, we should buy one group ticket plus two individual tickets, for a total of €19, so we followed his advice. Only afterward did one of us realize that buying two group tickets would actually have cost just €18. We all burst out laughing. What a strange ticketing system!
However, the most memorable part of the stop turned out to be unexpected—the food. By the time we arrived, we were both cold and hungry. We walked into a small café and sat down in a cozy, wood-fired heated room. We ordered four mushroom soups, and to our surprise, they brought out six bowls along with an entire pan of soup for sharing. It was one of the best mushroom soups we’ve ever had, easily comparable to those on Crystal Cruises.
We then checked into Hotel Jezero, located just outside the park entrance. One advantage of staying here is that you only need to purchase a one-day park ticket, which can be extended to cover the duration of your stay.
After settling in, we headed into the park for a brief first look. We boarded the electric boat across the lake to P2, then transferred to another boat to P3 for our first glimpse of the park’s famous scenery. Afterward, we took the park shuttle back to Entrance #2. Although the weather was cloudy, the short visit gave us an exciting preview of what was to come the next day.
For dinner, we went to Lička Kuća. Since it’s part of the hotel complex, a free shuttle was provided. The lamb and fish dishes were interesting, offering a taste of traditional local cuisine.
2026年4月15日
我们对前几天通过 Daytrip.com 订的包车接送服务很满意。今天再次用Daytrip订了另一段包车接送服务。今天的司机不如上次的那位司机准时，晚了大约十几分钟才来到我们的住宿。随后我们出发前往第一站杜博瓦茨城堡（Dubovac Castle）。这座中世纪城堡静静矗立在山丘之上，但整体感觉略显平淡。城堡规模不大，当天还有不少学生在这里进行校外活动。我们花了每人3欧元入内参观，但可看的内容真在不多，连塔楼也没有开放。
在前往普利特维采湖国家公园——中文简称十六湖（Plitvice Lakes National Park）的途中，我们又短暂停留在拉斯托克（Rastoke）。沿河木栈道入口处设有售票亭。公园对四人团体票收费9欧元，个人票则是每人5欧元。司机建议我们六个人买一张团体票再加两张个人票，总共19欧元，于是我们就照做了。
其实如果直接买两张团体票，只要18欧元，反而还便宜1欧元。大家顿时都笑了起来。真是个让人哭笑不得的售票制度！
这是一个迷人的水车村，瀑布仿佛从古老的石屋与木屋脚下流过。潺潺的水流、小桥以及春日的绿意，让这里被称为“小普利特维采”。眼前的景色非常美。
不过，这一站最让人难忘的却是一次意外的美食体验。到达时我们又冷又饿，没什么可选择，直接就走进了这家湖边餐厅，没其他客人，就我们六人坐在由木柴炉取暖的温暖房间里。除了肉之外，我们点了四份蘑菇汤，结果服务员端上一整锅，并给了六个汤盆，让大家可以一起共享热汤。那是我们喝过最美味的蘑菇汤之一，完全可以媲美水晶邮轮（Crystal Cruises）上的水准。
随后我们继续前往国家公园，入住在耶泽罗酒店（Hotel Jezero），酒店就位于公园入口附近。住在这里的一个好处是，只需购买一天的门票，就可以延长使用，覆盖整个停留期间。
稍作安顿后，我们进入公园先来个初步了解。先乘坐电动船横渡湖面到P2，再换乘另一艘船到P3，第一次近距离看到公园的湖水与瀑布。随后我们乘坐园区接驳车返回2号入口。虽然天气有些阴，但这次短暂的探访已经让人对第二天的行程充满期待。
晚餐我们前往利卡之家餐厅（Lička Kuća）。由于餐厅属于酒店体系，酒店提供了免费接驳车。都说这里的羊肉好吃，这里的羊肉和鱼都颇具当地特色，味道也很有意思。
Zagreb, Croatia 萨格勒布，克罗地亚
April 14, 2026
At Škocjan Caves, we met a Chinese girl studying in Italy who had visited Zagreb before……
昨天在 什科茨扬溶洞 （Škocjan Caves）参观什科茨扬溶洞时，。。。
April 14, 2026
At Škocjan Caves, we met a Chinese girl studying in Italy who had visited Zagreb before. She casually told us that one hour would be enough to see the city. In reality, we ended up spending an entire day exploring Croatia’s capital—and still felt it was well worth the time.
In the morning, we wandered through the Upper Town (Gornji Grad), the historic heart of the city. We visited the imposing Zagreb Cathedral, admired the colorful tiled roof of St. Mark’s Church, and explored the surrounding old streets filled with quiet charm. We walked through the hidden Zagreb WWII Tunnels, which once served as wartime shelters and now connect different parts of the old town. Nearby, we also stopped by the medieval Lotrščak Tower. Every day at noon, the tower fires a cannon with a loud explosion to mark the exact time—a tradition dating back to 1877. The sudden boom echoed through the city, and we had no idea what it was until we later climbed the tower and saw the cannon ourselves.
The city still showed signs of recovery and renovation following recent earthquakes, with scaffolding visible on several historic buildings. Yet despite this, Zagreb felt relaxed, walkable, and quietly beautiful.
For lunch, we kept things simple with a comforting bowl of tomato and egg soup, followed by a short rest.
In the afternoon, we strolled through the elegant “Green Horseshoe” in the Lower Town (Donji Grad), a series of connected parks and squares laid out in a graceful U-shape. Spring was in full display—tulips were in bloom, adding bright colors to the already charming scenery. Around the parks stood grand buildings housing museums and galleries, including those dedicated to Nikola Tesla, whose legacy remains closely tied to Croatia.
Zagreb felt like a smaller, quieter version of a classic Central European city—clean, calm, and easy to enjoy at a slow pace. It may not overwhelm with famous landmarks, but its charm reveals itself the longer you stay.
In the evening, we continued sampling the local cuisine and chose a tapas-style restaurant near our hotel. The dishes were beautifully presented, full of flavor and aroma, and thoroughly satisfying — even better than the restaurant we had tried the night before.
2026年4月14日
昨天在 什科茨扬溶洞 （Škocjan Caves）参观什科茨扬溶洞时，我们遇到了一位在意大利留学的中国女生。她曾去过萨格勒布 （Zagreb），轻描淡写地说，一个小时就足够看完这座城市。我们却花了整整一天时间探索这座克罗地亚的首都，仍然觉得非常值得。
一早我们先去住宿附近的菜市场买了面包，蔬菜，水果及烟熏肉。大家吃饱喝足后，出门先去上城区（Gornji Grad），也就是这座城市最古老的部分。我们参观了萨格勒布大教堂 （Zagreb Cathedral），因为几年前的地震而受损，大教堂还在修复，里面大部分东西被暂时拿下，另外保存。我们走进了隐藏在地下的 二战地道 （Zagreb WWII Tunnels），这些通道曾是战时避难所，如今连接着老城的不同区域。我们在安静的老街中随意穿行，坐在街旁的小咖啡馆门口喝上一杯，感受这里悠闲的氛围。有着色彩鲜艳的拼瓦屋顶的圣马可教堂 （St. Mark’s Church）是老城区的一景。我们还上到不远处中世纪的洛特尔什察克塔 （Lotrščak Tower），到目前为止仍然在每天中午12点准时放一炮——这一传统可以追溯到1877年。我们早上在老街闲逛时炮声突然在城市上空炸响，当时我们完全不知道发生了什么，直到后来登上塔楼才弄明白，也看到了那门用于报时的古老火炮。
这座城市依然可以看到地震之后修复的痕迹，不少历史建筑外还搭着脚手架。但即便如此，萨格勒布依旧显得轻松、宜步行，带着一种低调而宁静的美感。
这些天在外油腻的吃多了，午餐我们回到住宿，自己简单做一道西红柿，蘑菇鸡蛋汤，再来点清炒蔬菜，还有当地的烤面包和薰肉等，吃得舒舒服服。
稍作休息之后，下午我们来到下城区（Donji Grad），沿着优雅的“绿色马蹄形公园”（Green Horseshoe）漫步。这是一组呈U形分布、相互连接的公园和广场。此时正值春天，郁金香盛开，为城市增添了色彩。公园周围分布着许多气派的建筑，里面是各类博物馆和美术馆。在其中一处广场上，我们还看到尼古拉·特斯拉（Nikola Tesla）的雕像，静静伫立，仿佛守望着这座城市的过去与未来。
或许没有令人震撼的顶级地标，萨格勒布给人的感觉，就像一座缩小版的中欧城市——干净、安静、节奏舒缓。
晚上继续品尝当地美食，选了住宿附近的另一家饭店，色香味俱全，相当不错，胜过昨晚上的那家。
Škocjan Cave and Ljubljana 斯科契扬溶洞与卢布尔雅那
April 13, 2026
Before leaving for Zagreb, we went out to see an old Roman outdoor theater near our hotel……
今天一早在酒店用完早餐，。。。
April 13, 2026
Before leaving for Zagreb, we went out to see an old Roman outdoor theater near our hotel. This was also the first time we booked a private transfer with stops through Daytrip.com, which turned out to be a very convenient way to travel.
Our driver picked us up at 10 a.m. The border crossing was smooth, and about 30 minutes later we arrived at Škocjan Caves. Before entering, he took us to a viewpoint overlooking the cave entrance, where we could see a dramatic sinkhole and a zigzag hiking path carved into the cliff descending into the earth. Even from above, the scale was impressive.
Škocjan is one of Slovenia’s most dramatic cave systems and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its underground “Grand Canyon”. Unlike Postojna Cave, which feels like a grand, decorated underground palace, Škocjan feels raw, wild, and powerful.
We then joined an English guided tour. For safety reasons, photography and video are not allowed inside, which made the experience feel more immersive. The highlight was the vast underground canyon carved by the Reka River. As we walked along narrow paths clinging to the rock walls, we could hear the river roaring far below. At times, we crossed bridges suspended inside enormous limestone chambers, surrounded by darkness and echoing water. The cave reaches depths of over 200 meters, and some chambers rise nearly 100 meters high, creating a sense of scale that is hard to comprehend.
Standing there, with mist in the air and soft lighting illuminating the cliffs, it felt less like visiting a cave and more like stepping into another world—an experience unlike anything we had encountered before.
When we exited the cave, we wondered how we would manage to climb all those steep steps back up to the visitor center. We slowly started making our way upward, already feeling the effort, when suddenly we spotted a funicular waiting nearby. What a relief—we didn’t have to make the long ascent after all.
After the cave visit, we continued on to Ljubljana, a charming and compact capital city. The driver dropped us at Ljubljana Castle, where we took in the views before walking down into the old town.
We enjoyed a relaxed lunch featuring local sausages and three different soups, then strolled through the lively streets and across the iconic Triple Bridge. Since we had visited Ljubljana three years earlier, this felt like a pleasant revisit rather than a rushed sightseeing stop.
In the afternoon, we continued our journey to Zagreb, crossing the border with stop. There, we reunited with two friends from Philadelphia who would be traveling with us through Croatia. That evening, all six of us gathered at a restaurant to enjoy our first Croatian meal together and toasted to the journey ahead.
2026年4月13日
今天一早在酒店用完早餐，我们先去酒店附近参观了一处古罗马露天剧场。然后才告别意大利，离开的里雅斯特，前往克洛地亚(Croatia)首都萨格勒布（Zagreb)。
我们又一次改变计划，没有坐大巴，而是第一次通过 Daytrip 预订带中途停靠景点的包车服务。司机在上午10点来酒店接我们。过境都不用停车，直接开过。大约30分钟后我们抵达了在斯洛文尼亚的斯科契扬溶洞(Škocjan Caves)。在进入洞穴之前，司机先带我们到一个观景点，从高处俯瞰一条之字形步道沿着峭壁蜿蜒而下，通往地下深处。仅仅站在上方眺望，就已经能感受到它的规模之宏大。
斯科契扬溶洞是斯洛文尼亚最壮观的洞穴系统之一，也是联合国教科文组织世界遗产。随后我们参加了英文导览团。出于安全考虑，洞内禁止拍照和录像，这反而让整个体验更加专注。我们沿着紧贴岩壁的小路下行，不一会儿脚下深处传来河水奔腾的轰鸣声。有时需要穿过悬挂在巨大洞厅中的桥梁，四周是无尽的黑暗与回声。我们最深走到离地面超过200米的地方，而部分洞厅的高度接近100米，这种尺度让人难以用语言形容。站在其中，空气中弥漫着水汽，柔和的灯光照亮岩壁，仿佛进入了地球的内部世界。这种体验与我们以往参观过的任何洞穴都完全不同。
走出洞穴时，我们还在担心该如何走回通往游客中心的那一长串陡峭台阶。我们开始费力往上爬了一会儿，没想到突然看到前方正停着一辆上山缆车。真是柳暗花明又一村，顿时松了一口气——原来不用一路辛苦爬上去了。
离开溶洞后，我们继续前往斯洛文尼亚的卢布尔雅那（Ljubljana), 这是一座精致而迷人的首都城市。我们俩几年前来过这里，还住了几天，很喜欢。这次顺路带妹妹和妹夫来看看。司机将我们送到卢布尔雅那城堡（Ljubljana Castle），我们在山顶拍照后步行下山进入老城。
我们享用了一顿简单午餐，包括当地香肠和三种不同的汤, 味道很不错。之后漫步穿过老城街道，走过著名的三重桥（Triple Bridge），由于几年前已经来过这里，这次更多是一种轻松的重游，而不是匆忙的打卡。
下午司机继续驱车将我们送达到目的地萨格勒布。在那里，我们与两位从费城赶来的朋友会合，一同开始接下来的克罗地亚之旅。晚上六个人一起去了一家不错的餐厅，享用了第一顿克罗地亚美食，并为接下来的旅程举杯庆祝。
Travel to Trieste 前往的里雅斯特
April 12, 2026
Our original plan was to take a five-hour bus……
我们原本的计划是在威尼斯(Venice)要再多住一天。。。
April 12, 2026
Our original plan was to take a five-hour bus from Venice to Zagreb, Croatia, but we did not feel comfortable with such a long bus ride. Another option was to take the train to Trieste and then switch to a bus. We more or less followed that idea, but with one major twist: we decided to stay overnight in Trieste instead of continuing directly to Zagreb.
In the morning, we took Vaporetto Line 1 to Arsenale Station, cruising slowly along the Grand Canal for one final look at the quiet morning beauty of Venice. We then strolled through St. Mark’s Square once more, admiring the beautiful façades and elegant architecture surrounding the square. Afterwards, we boarded a two-hour train ride to Trieste, the historic border city near Slovenia.
After settling into the DoubleTree Hotel, we went out to explore. Our first stop was Caffè Tommaseo, the oldest café in Trieste, nearly 200 years old. Its elegant Viennese-style interior immediately reflected the city’s Central European character. Trieste even has its own names for different coffee drinks. I ordered a nero, an espresso, which came with a small glass of hot chocolate. Following the locals, we poured a little chocolate into the espresso, or sipped the chocolate and coffee together. It was a delightful experience, and I wondered why this style of coffee is not offered more widely elsewhere. Illy coffee, one of our favorite brands, was founded and is still headquartered there, though surprisingly we did not see much of an Illy presence around the city.
After our coffee break, we walked to Molo Audace, a pier built in 1751. The sea was calm, and people were sitting along the edge, chatting and drinking as the evening light softened over the water. It felt peaceful and beautiful. Turning away from the sea, we could see Piazza Unità d’Italia, Trieste’s grand central square, opening toward the waterfront.
We had hoped to watch the sunset, but the sun hid behind the clouds. Instead, we found ourselves watching jellyfish drifting in the water, in different sizes and shapes, and had great fun taking pictures of them.
Later, we strolled leisurely through the square, admiring the elegant buildings around it, before ending the evening with a wonderful seafood dinner.
We really liked Trieste. It had a calm, graceful, and peaceful character that made the stop feel unexpectedly special. It is another place we would gladly return to someday.
2026年4月12日
我们原本的计划是在威尼斯(Venice)要再多住一天，然后乘坐二个小时的火车到的里雅斯特, 再转乘三个半大巴前往克罗地亚（Croatia)首都萨格勒布(Zagreb)。结果我们基本沿用了这个线路，但做了一个重要的改变——我们决定把威尼斯的时候减少一天，坐火车来到的里雅斯特后停留一晚，而不是直接赶路。
的里雅斯特位于意大利东北部，靠近斯洛文尼亚边境，是一座面向亚得里亚海的历史港口城市。这里以浓厚的咖啡文化闻名。我们很喜欢的Illy咖啡正是发源于此，总部也设在这里。不过有点意外的是，我们在城里并没有看到太多 Illy 的存在。
在希尔顿DoubleTree酒店安顿好之后，我们便出门了解这座城市。第一站是Caffè Tommaseo，这家已有近200年历史的咖啡馆，是全城最古老的一家。店内是优雅的维也纳风格装修，很有中欧气息。的里雅斯特甚至为不同咖啡饮品赋予了独特的名称。我们四人各自点了不同的咖啡饮料以及甜品，我点了一杯 nero（浓缩咖啡），端上来时除了小杯espresso外，还配了一小杯热巧克力。我们学着当地人的方式，要么往咖啡里加一点巧克力，要么交替品尝，两种味道相互融合，非常特别。我不禁好奇，为什么这种喝法没有在其它地方流行起来。
喝完咖啡后，我们步行来到Molo Audace码头，这是一座建于1751年的长堤。海面平静，人们坐在长堤边聊天、喝饮料，整个氛围安静而美好。转过身来，便能看到宏伟的Piazza Unità d’Italia，这座面向海港的广场气势开阔，是城市的中心。
我们本想在这里看日落，可惜太阳被云层遮住了。于是我们改为观察水中的水母，它们形态各异，在海水中缓缓漂浮，我们拍了很多照片及视频，返老还童，开心的像小孩一样。随后我们在广场上悠闲地散步，欣赏周围典雅的建筑，最后以一顿美味的海鲜晚餐结束这一天。
我们非常喜欢的里雅斯特。这座城市安静、非常优雅，又带着独特的气质，让这次临时停留变得格外难忘。如果将来有机会，我们一定还会再来。
Venice 威尼斯
April 11, 2026
I sneaked out alone for a quiet stroll around the area……
我一个人悄悄地出门，。。。
April 11, 2026
I sneaked out alone for a quiet stroll around the area to enjoy the fresh morning air. It was very pleasant. There were hardly any tourists around, only local workers, many of them delivery workers.
Food and supplies were delivered by boats and unloaded along the riverbank using small cranes mounted on the boats. The workers then loaded everything onto carts and pushed them through the narrow streets to the stores. Watching them, we could see it was truly hard work.
Today we visited most of the major sights around St. Mark’s Square. We took the elevator up the bell tower for a panoramic view of Venice, then visited St. Mark’s Basilica, admired the dazzling Pala d’Oro, and went through the museum and loggia. We also explored the Doge’s Palace and the Museo Correr. In a single day, we saw so much that it was impossible to fully absorb it all.
Bell Tower and views from the tower
Doge’s Palace
St. Mark’s Basilica
Museo Correr
What stood out most was how all these places connected to the same story. The basilica revealed Venice’s deep Byzantine and eastern influences, glowing with gold mosaics and treasures that felt very different from the other Italian churches we had seen. The Doge’s Palace showed how the republic was governed, not by one monarch, but through councils, offices, and a carefully balanced system of power. The museums added more layers, helping us understand Venice not just as a beautiful city, but as a powerful maritime state with a long and unique history.
By the end of the day, Venice felt far richer than just canals and postcard views. It felt like a place where politics, religion, trade, and geography came together to create something truly distinctive.
Near dusk, we took a gondola ride. The boat glided slowly through the narrow waterways and onto the Grand Canal, giving us a peaceful and memorable view of the city from the water. It was a wonderful experience, though unlike in Las Vegas, our gondolier here did not sing.
After the gondola ride, we wandered through the narrow streets and alleyways, stopping to try all the street snacks we had been eyeing over the past two days. Tomorrow, we continue on to our next destination.
2026年4月11日
我一个人悄悄地出门，在附近随意走走，呼吸清晨新鲜的空气，感觉十分惬意。街上几乎看不到游客，只有当地人在忙碌，大多数是送货工人。
各种食物和货物通过小船运送过来，再利用船上的小吊机卸到河岸边。随后，工人们把货物搬上手推车，穿过狭窄的小巷送往各家商店。看着他们来回奔忙，才真正感受到这份工作的辛苦。
今天我们游览了圣马可广场（Piazza San Marco）周边的大部分重要景点。首先乘电梯登上了钟楼（Campanile），俯瞰威尼斯全城的壮丽景色；接着参观了圣马可大教堂（Basilica di San Marco），欣赏了金光璀璨的帕拉多罗金坛屏风（Pala d’Oro），还走过了教堂的博物馆和凉廊（Museum and Loggia）。之后我们又参观了总督宫（Doge’s Palace）和科雷尔博物馆（Museo Correr）。一天之内看了这么多东西，信息量实在太大，根本来不及完全消化吸收。
最让人印象深刻的是，这些景点其实都在讲述同一个完整的故事。圣马可大教堂（Basilica di San Marco）展现了威尼斯深厚的拜占庭（Byzantine）与东方影响，满眼金色的马赛克与珍宝装饰，与我们此前见过的其他意大利教堂形成了鲜明对比。总督宫（Doge’s Palace）则让我们理解到，威尼斯共和国并非由君主统治，而是通过议会体系、各类官职以及彼此制衡的权力结构来运作。各个博物馆又为这一切不断补充细节与背景，使我们逐渐认识到，威尼斯不仅是一座美丽的水城，更曾是一个强大的海上共和国，拥有悠久而独特的历史。
到了这一天结束的时候，威尼斯在我们眼中已经远远不只是运河和明信片般的风景。它更像是一个把政治、宗教、贸易和地理位置交织在一起的地方，形成了真正独一无二的城市气质。
傍晚时分，我们还乘坐了贡多拉（Gondola）。小船缓缓穿行在狭窄的水巷之间，又驶入了大运河（Grand Canal），从水面上看这座城市，感觉格外宁静而美好。这是一次很棒的体验，只不过和拉斯维加斯不同，这里的船夫并不唱歌。
坐完小船，走街串巷把前二天看到的想吃的街头小吃都吃了，明天继续前行。
Travel to Venice 前往威尼斯
April 10, 2026
Before leaving Florence for Venice,……
在离开佛罗伦萨前往威尼斯之前，。。。
April 10, 2026
Before leaving Florence for Venice, we still felt as if there was one more thing we wanted to do. In the morning, we requested a late checkout, and fortunately it was granted. With a little extra time, we headed back to the Central Market. This time, the first floor was open, filled with butcher counters, fruit and vegetable stalls, and several small eating places.
We went directly to a highly rated stall famous for its lampredotto sandwich, a traditional Florentine specialty. I still did not quite dare to try it, so instead I ordered ravioli, which turned out to be very good.
After lunch, we hurried back to the hotel, picked up our luggage, and walked across the street to the train station to board our five-hour train to Venice.
When we arrived at Venice Santa Lucia Station, we were greeted by city officials checking for the Venice access fee registration. Day visitors, including many cruise passengers, are required to pay the fee, while overnight guests like us are exempt, as long as we complete the registration.
Our accommodation was near the Rialto ferry stop, so we took Vaporetto Line 2. At €9.50 per person, the ride felt very expensive, but it was also our first introduction to Venice from the water. Our apartment was in a very central location, tucked just behind the busy streets near Rialto.
After settling in, we walked across the Rialto Bridge and began exploring the narrow alleys and small bridges of the San Polo area. Later, we took a €2 traghetto ferry across the Grand Canal and continued our walk toward St. Mark’s Square. When we finally arrived, the square was truly impressive—grand, open, and glowing with the atmosphere of Venice.
Since we had a dinner reservation, we did not wander too long. Our first dinner in Venice turned out to be excellent, a wonderful beginning to this new chapter of our journey.
2026年4月10日
在离开佛罗伦萨前往威尼斯之前，我们总觉得似乎还少了点什么。早上我们向酒店申请了延迟退房之后，又一次前往中央市场。这次一楼已经开门，里面是各式各样的肉铺、水果蔬菜摊位，还有不少可以直接用餐的小店。
我们特意去了那家评价很高的摊位，主打佛罗伦萨传统美食——lampredotto 牛肚包，这次Connie也来了一份，大家都觉得比前二天的好吃。不过我还是有点不敢尝试，于是点了一份意大利饺子（ravioli），味道非常不错。用餐后，我们匆匆赶回酒店，取上行李，穿过马路来到火车站，登上了前往威尼斯的火车。
二个多小时后，我们抵达威尼斯圣露西亚火车站。刚出站就被工作人员询问我们城市入城费的登记情况。在威尼斯，一日游游客（比如邮轮乘客）需要支付城市费用，而像我们这样过夜的游客可以免除，但需要提前完成网上登记，获取QR码。
我们的住宿就在里亚托码头附近，从火车站乘坐2号水上巴士（Vaporetto Line 2），几分钟就到。每人9.5欧元，价格不便宜，却有了第一次从水上进入威尼斯的体验。住处位置非常中心，就在热闹街区的后面，闹中取静。更难得的是电梯房，不用提箱子上楼对我们来说太重要了。能在威尼斯热闹区找到既漂亮宽敞，又带电梯的房子实属不易。
安顿好之后，我们步行经过里亚托桥，开始在圣保罗区（San Polo）狭窄的巷子和小桥间随意漫步。随后，我们乘坐了2欧元的小渡船（traghetto）横跨大运河，继续前行，来到圣马可广场。广场的气势令人印象深刻，开阔而壮丽，尽显威尼斯独特的氛围。
由于提前预订了晚餐，我们先大概熟悉一下环境，没有停留太久。威尼斯的第一顿海鲜晚餐非常令人满意，为接下来的旅程开启了一个美好的开始。
David and Bell Tower 大卫和钟楼
April 9, 2026
We dedicated today to museum hopping, ……
今天我们继续在佛罗伦萨的博物馆及教堂之间穿梭，。。。
April 9, 2026
We dedicated today to museum hopping, immersing ourselves in Florence’s extraordinary artistic legacy. Our first stop was the Galleria dell’Accademia, where we finally stood before David, Michelangelo’s masterpiece that we had long admired in books and movies. Seeing it in person was a completely different experience—the sheer scale, the lifelike tension, and the exquisite details made the sculpture feel almost alive. Surrounding it were unfinished works by Michelangelo, offering a rare glimpse into his creative process.
What surprised us most was a small but fascinating collection of historical musical instruments, including early keyboard instruments linked to the invention of the piano by Bartolomeo Cristofori. It was a reminder that Florence’s influence extended far beyond visual art.
We then walked to the Bargello Museum, a quieter yet equally rich destination. Inside the former fortress, we explored an impressive collection of Renaissance sculptures, including smaller interpretations and variations inspired by David, as well as works by other masters. The setting itself added a layer of historical depth to the experience.
On the way to the Florence Cathedral, we stopped at Piazza della Signoria, the historic political and artistic heart of Florence, where world-famous statues stand throughout the square like a free open-air museum.
When we first arrived at the cathedral, the line looked daunting, stretching across the square with what seemed like more than an hour’s wait. Not eager to spend so much time queuing, we decided to return to the hotel for a short rest. When we came back later, we were pleasantly surprised to find the line much shorter, with only about a 15-minute wait. Soon afterward, however, we realized that our Giotto Pass — which included access to the archaeological site inside the cathedral — allowed us to bypass the line entirely and enter directly without waiting. Once inside, the grandeur of the Duomo once again left a lasting impression on us.
Just outside the cathedral stands the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, which offers one of the richest journeys through Florentine art and the history of the Duomo. The museum preserves many of the original masterpieces created for the cathedral complex, giving the collection tremendous historical significance. A recent expansion of the museum creates the remarkable feeling of walking through a church inside the museum itself — something we had never experienced before.
As the day drew to a close, we climbed the Giotto’s Campanile. Step by step, we ascended the narrow stairways until we emerged high above the city. From the top, Florence unfolded beneath us in warm golden light. The rooftops glowed, the dome stood majestic beside us, and the distant hills softened into evening haze as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon. It was a breathtaking and fitting finale to our time in this remarkable city.
As we walked past the Florence Cathedral, we paused, drawn by the enchanting sound of an opera singer whose beautiful voice filled the square. The music drifted through the evening air, wrapping the moment in a quiet kind of magic. Before us, the Duomo stood in timeless grandeur, and in a striking play of light, the shadow of the Florence Baptistery was projected onto its marble façade—an almost surreal scene where one historic monument seemed to imprint itself upon another.
After a delightful dinner at Osteria Vecchio Vicolo, we wandered leisurely through Florence’s softly lit streets, letting the rhythm of the city slow our steps. The night carried a gentle charm—warm lights glowing from old buildings, quiet conversations echoing in narrow alleys, and the lingering presence of centuries past. When we reached Piazza della Signoria, near the Palazzo Vecchio, we paused once more, taking in the final moments of a city that had offered us so much beauty and inspiration.
Our Florence journey quietly came to an end. Tomorrow, we would board the train to Venice, ready to begin the next chapter of our adventure.
2026年4月9日
今天我们继续在佛罗伦萨的博物馆及教堂之间穿梭，第一站是学院美术馆（Galleria dell’Accademia），在那里我们终于亲眼见到了久负盛名的《大卫》（David）。这座由米开朗基罗（Michelangelo）创作的雕像，长期以来在书本，电影电视中出现，但真正站在面前时却带来完全不同的震撼——体量之巨大、肌肉的张力以及细节的刻画，都让人感觉仿佛有生命一般。周围陈列的未完成作品，则让我们得以一窥大师创作过程中的思考与轨迹。
让人意外的是，馆内还收藏了一小部分历史乐器，其中包括与钢琴诞生相关的早期键盘乐器，与巴托洛梅奥·克里斯托福里（Bartolomeo Cristofori）的发明密切相关。这一发现让我们意识到，佛罗伦萨不仅是视觉艺术的中心，同样也是音乐创新的重要发源地。
随后我们步行前往巴杰罗博物馆（Bargello Museum）。这里相对安静，却同样内容丰富。博物馆本身是一座中世纪城堡，厚重的历史氛围与馆内的雕塑作品相得益彰。我们看到了许多文艺复兴时期的雕塑，其中包括一些以《大卫》为灵感的缩小版本以及后人模仿的作品，也欣赏了其他大师的创作。
接下来我们前往圣母百花大教堂（Florence Cathedral），这是这些天来难得的一个免费景点。初到时，被眼前长长的队伍吓了一跳，队伍几乎横跨整个广场，预计等待时间超过一小时。于是我们决定先回酒店稍作休息。再回来时，队伍已经明显缩短，只需等待大约15分钟。不过很快我们发现，凭借手中购买的一张登钟楼的联票Giotto Pass（ 包含Giotto's Bell Tower, Baptistery和教堂内考古区域的参观），其实可以直接进入教堂，无需排队。再次走进大教堂，依旧被其宏伟与庄严深深震撼。
傍晚时分，我们登上了乔托钟楼（Giotto’s Campanile）。当初买票时我们特地选了看夕阳的时间段。在排队等待上钟楼时还以为有电梯，结果却是必须沿着狭窄的楼梯一步步向上攀登。还好钟楼分段设置观景平台，可以边休息边欣赏佛罗伦萨的城市风景。当最终来到钟楼顶部时，整个佛罗伦萨在眼前缓缓展开。夕阳的金色光辉洒在城市的红瓦屋顶上，圣母百花大教堂 的布鲁内莱斯基穹顶（Brunelleschi’s Dome）近在咫尺，远处的山丘在暮色中渐渐柔和，这时候觉得登楼的一切努力都非常值得。我们没有买到登大教堂穹顶的票，至少最近距离看到了穹顶。
当我们再次经过 圣母百花大教堂 时，被一阵动人的歌声吸引住了脚步。一位歌剧卖艺者正投入地演唱，悠扬的旋律在广场上空回荡，为傍晚的氛围增添了一丝色彩。眼前的大教堂静静矗立，在光影交错之间，佛罗伦萨洗礼堂的影子投射在大教堂的大理石外立面上，仿佛一座历史建筑在另一座之上留下印记，形成了一幅极具诗意的画面。
在 Osteria Vecchio Vicolo 享用了一顿精致而愉快的晚餐后，我们漫步在佛罗伦萨的街道上。夜色中的城市显得格外温柔，暖黄色的灯光洒在古老的建筑上，我们的佛罗伦萨之行，就在这样的氛围中悄然画上句号。明天，我们将登上前往威尼斯的火车，开启旅程的下一段篇章。
Uffzi, Pitti & Boboli 乌菲兹，皮蒂宫和波波里
April 8, 2026
After setting foot in Florence three days earlier,……
在抵达佛罗伦萨后的第四天,。。。
April 8, 2026
After setting foot in Florence three days earlier, we finally devoted the day to exploring the historic city center. With 9:30 a.m. entry tickets in hand, we began at the Uffizi Gallery, one of Florence’s most celebrated attractions. Inside, room after room displayed masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and many other great artists. The collection was so vast and rich that it almost felt overwhelming; there was far more to admire than we could fully absorb in a single visit. One of the most popular spots was the famous Medici Venus, where a long line of visitors waited patiently just to take a photo from a distance.
After leaving the gallery, we made our way toward Palazzo Pitti, crossing the Ponte Vecchio along the way. The bridge, lined with small shops, was especially striking for its many glittering jewelry stores. It was one of those places that felt both lively and timeless. Before continuing, we stopped for pizza for lunch, a simple but satisfying break in the middle of a busy sightseeing day.
At Palazzo Pitti, we learned that visiting the Royal Apartments required a free timed-entry ticket from the ticket office. By the time we arrived with the time entry tickets, however, the time control did not seem to be strictly enforced, so our visit went smoothly. The palace was pleasant to explore and offered an informative look into royal life and the grandeur of Florence’s past.
We then continued into the Boboli gardens, though part of the area was under renovation. Even so, the gardens were beautiful and enjoyable. We walked uphill all the way to the top, where we were rewarded with a wonderful panoramic view of Florence and the surrounding landscape. The peaceful atmosphere there made it one of the most relaxing parts of the day.
Afterward, we headed to the central market. The first floor, where fresh produce is usually sold, had already closed for the day, but the restaurants on the second floor were still open and busy. There, we ordered several Florentine street foods, including lampredotto and other local specialties. Everyone enjoyed the meal, and we told ourselves that if time allowed, we would definitely return before the trip ended.
On the way back to the hotel, we noticed a Vietnamese café serving pho, which immediately triggered my craving for noodles. After returning to the hotel for a short rest, we went back there for a warm bowl of beef pho. It was simple, comforting, and exactly what we wanted. Later, we continued walking to the nearby Piazza Santa Maria Novella. As night fell, the square was softly illuminated and pleasantly uncrowded, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere that provided a gentle ending to the day.
2026年4月8日
在抵达佛罗伦萨后的第四天，我们终于把整整一天留给了这座历史名城。我们手持上午9:30进入乌菲兹美术馆 (Uffizi Gallery) 的门票，正式开始了当天的行程。
乌菲兹美术馆无疑是佛罗伦萨最负盛名的艺术殿堂之一。展厅一间接一间，陈列着桑德罗·波提切利 (Sandro Botticelli)、列奥纳多·达·芬奇 (Leonardo da Vinci)、米开朗基罗 (Michelangelo) 等大师的经典作品。馆藏之丰富、规模之庞大，让人几乎有些目不暇接——展品实在太多，很难在一次参观中细细欣赏。馆内最热门的打卡点之一，是著名的美第奇维纳斯 (Medici Venus)，它陈列在乌菲兹最具代表性的空间之一——“八角厅 (Tribuna)”中。我们也跟着排了一会儿队，在人群中匆匆拍了一张照片，算是完成了这一经典打卡。
离开美术馆后，我们简单吃了顿午餐，点了披萨。在紧凑的行程中，这样一顿朴实的餐食反而格外令人满足。随后我们前往皮蒂宫 (Pitti Palace)，途中经过著名的老桥 (Ponte Vecchio)。桥两侧林立着各式小店，其中尤以金银珠宝店最为醒目，橱窗中陈列的饰品在阳光下闪闪发光。
抵达皮蒂宫后，我们得知参观皇家公寓需要先领取免费的分时段入场票。不过实际入场时，工作人员对时间的查验并不严格，因此整个参观过程十分顺利。宫殿内部空间开阔，陈设华丽，让人对昔日王室生活以及佛罗伦萨的辉煌历史有了更直观的感受。
之后我们继续前往波波里花园 (Boboli Gardens)。虽然园内部分区域正在维护，但整体依然优美。我们沿着缓坡一路向上，走到高处时，眼前豁然开朗——佛罗伦萨城区及周边风光尽收眼底。相比城市中的人流，这里多了一份宁静与从容，是当天最让人放松的时刻之一。
随后我们前往中央市场 (Mercato Centrale)。一层售卖新鲜食材，当时已经关闭，但二层的餐饮区依然热闹。我们点了几样当地小吃，包括经典的牛肚包 (lampredotto) 等佛罗伦萨街头美食，吃得相当尽兴。如果时间允许，这里确实值得再来一次慢慢体验。
回到酒店稍作休息后，傍晚我们又步行来到附近的新圣母玛利亚广场 (Piazza Santa Maria Novella)。夜幕降临后，这里灯光柔和、人也不多，气氛安静而舒适，为这一天画上了一个轻松的句号。
Siena 锡耶纳
April 7, 2026
We continued our day trip from Florence with a visit to Siena,……
昨天去了比萨斜塔和卢卡，。。。
April 7, 2026
We continued our day trip from Florence with a visit to Siena, a beautiful hilltop town in Tuscany. After getting off the train, we crossed the street into a shopping mall and took a series of escalators all the way up the hill, which saved us a lot of climbing.
Once at the top, we leisurely wandered through the narrow streets of the old town, admiring the beautifully decorated shop windows. Every now and then, we stopped at a pastry shop or gelato store to see whether anything tempted us. It was one of the most charming old towns we had ever experienced. But the most exciting destination of the day was Siena Duomo, with its striking dark green-and-white striped exterior, one of the very few churches in the world with such a distinctive design.
If the exterior of the Duomo impressed us, the interior left us speechless. The walls and ceilings were richly decorated with magnificent artwork. Everywhere we looked, there was something to admire—above us, around us, and beneath our feet. The floor, in particular, was extraordinary, made up of intricate marble panels depicting biblical scenes and historical figures. The Piccolomini Library was equally impressive.
We also joined a tour that took us up into the upper levels of the cathedral, where we enjoyed panoramic views of the city.
Afterward, we visited the Duomo Museum, which displayed historic artifacts of even greater value than many of those still inside the cathedral itself. The highlight of the museum visit was climbing to the unfinished façade, where we were rewarded with another amazing view of Siena and the surrounding countryside.
We had dinner in town, and afterward, as we walked back to the train station, the sun was beginning to set. The view at sunset was absolutely beautiful. We had a wonderful time in Siena.
2026年4月7日
昨天去了比萨斜塔和卢卡，今天又是另外一个一日游，从佛罗伦萨出发来到托斯卡纳山城锡耶纳。一个小时多一点的火车，很快就来到锡耶纳。下火车后，我们走进街对面的商场，乘坐一段接一段的自动扶梯一路向上，轻松省去了爬坡的辛苦。
到了山顶后，漫步在古城狭窄的街巷中，不时欣赏那些装饰精美的橱窗，我们还会随意停进一家甜品店或冰淇淋店，看看有没有什么想吃的。这里是我们所体验过的最迷人的古城之一。而当天最令人期待的目的地，当然是锡耶纳主教堂。它那深绿色与白色相间的条纹外观格外醒目，在世界上也属少见，令人一见难忘。
如果说主教堂的外观已经让我们惊叹，那么它的内部更是让我们几乎无语了，整座教堂的墙壁与天花板都布满了精美的装饰与绘画，令人目不暇接。抬头仰望是华丽繁复的艺术，低头俯视则是同样震撼的大理石地面。教堂地板由一块块精雕细刻的大理石镶嵌画组成，描绘了《圣经》故事和历史人物，极具艺术与历史价值。皮科洛米尼图书馆同样令人印象深刻。
我们还参加了登高参观的导览，登上主教堂的高处，从上方俯瞰整座城市，景色十分开阔。之后我们又参观了主教堂博物馆，那里收藏了许多比教堂内现存展品更具历史价值的文物。而博物馆参观中最精彩的部分，是登上那座未完成立面的高处，眺望锡耶纳古城与周边托斯卡纳风光，视野极佳，令人难忘。
晚上我们在城里吃了晚餐。饭后步行返回火车站时，正好赶上夕阳西下。落日余晖洒在山城之间，景色美得让人舍不得离开。这一天，我们在锡耶纳度过了一段非常美好的时光。
Pisa and Lucca 比萨与卢卡
April 6, 2026
We bought a Tuscany Pass that included tickets for the Uffizi Gallery,……
来意大利之前我们便买好了Florence & Tuscany 联票，。。。
April 6, 2026
We bought a Tuscany Pass that included tickets for the Uffizi Gallery, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Siena Duomo, along with a three-day train pass for €80, which was a very good deal. However, because I had requested four Pisa tickets separately, we later discovered that we had received different tickets with different entry times—1:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. It was quite frustrating.
Since the Uffizi Gallery was closed on Monday, we decided to go to Pisa first in the morning by regional train. After getting off at Pisa S. Rossore station, we walked a little over ten minutes and were immediately greeted by the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli and a huge number of tourists. We were thrilled to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the famous tower we had learned about in physics class when we were young.
We visited the cathedral, baptistery, Camposanto, the Sinopie Museum, and the Opera del Duomo Museum in Piazza dei Miracoli. The wall paintings and preparatory drawings were especially impressive.
Around lunchtime, we ate at the lovely café by the Duomo Museum, right next to the Leaning Tower, with a wonderful view. When it was close to my entry time for the tower, I left the café and climbed up. The view from the top was amazing, and I waved to my family, who were still eating at the café below. We all had fun.
After leaving Pisa, we hopped on a train to Lucca, a Roman city founded as a colony in 180 BC. After arriving, we took a leisurely walk along its famous Renaissance walls. In the historic center, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro still reflects the shape of the ancient Roman amphitheater and is now lined with restaurants. We found a place to sit down for an appetizer platter with spritzes, and we also ordered a T-bone steak at a much lower price than in Florence. It was quite decent.
After visiting these two small cities, we were happy to return to Florence. It was a very enjoyable day trip.
2026年4月6日
来意大利之前我们便买好了Florence & Tuscany 联票，这张联票包含乌菲兹（Uffizi)美术馆、Pitti Palace, BOBOLI Gardens, 比萨斜塔和锡耶纳(Siena)主教座堂的门票，另外还有一张三天火车通票，总共80欧元，价格相当划算。不过，意大利的许多景点票都有指定时间，因为我分开预订了四张比萨门票，后来才发现收到的是不同批次的票，入场时间也不一致，分别是下午1:45和晚上8:30，着实让人有些沮丧。
由于乌菲兹美术馆周一闭馆，我们便决定一早先坐区域火车去比萨。从Pisa S. Rossore火车站下车后，走了十多分钟后，奇迹广场忽然出现在眼前。广场秀丽开阔，游人熙来攘往，顿时让我们兴奋起来。我们从小在物理课本里就知道伽利略和比萨斜塔，这次终于亲眼见到它，格外兴奋。
我们参观了奇迹广场上的主教座堂、洗礼堂、墓园、壁画草图博物馆以及大教堂博物馆。那些壁画和珍贵的草图都令人印象深刻。中午时分，我们在大教堂博物馆旁边的餐厅吃午餐，餐厅紧邻斜塔，景色非常好。因为我们只有一张票的登塔时间是下午1:45，临近登塔时间时，我离开餐桌，独自去爬斜塔。塔顶的景色非常棒，在塔上能看到正在餐厅用餐的家人，他们也看到了我，大家都觉得很有意思。
离开比萨后，我们又坐火车前往附近的另一个小镇卢卡（Lucca)。这座城市最早是公元前180年建立的罗马殖民地。我们悠闲地漫步在著名的文艺复兴城墙上和旧城区，品尝了当地的冰淇淋和咖啡。历史中心的圆形广场 Piazza dell’Anfiteatro 仍然保留着古罗马圆形剧场的轮廓，如今四周已变成餐厅和商铺。在广场上我们找了一家店坐下，本来只是想休息一下，顺便来点小零食，便学着当地人点了Spritz和开胃拼盘。结果坐着不想动了，尤其是菜单上的牛排吸引力太大，索性就把晚餐一起解决了，点了一份价格比昨晚上佛罗伦萨便宜许多的T-bone牛排，味道还算不错。
一天之内游览了两座小城之后，我们心满意足地坐火车回到佛罗伦萨。
T-bone in Florence 佛罗伦萨的T骨牛排
April 5, 2026
We loved the Milan Duomo so much that we went back once more,……
今天趁早在离开米兰之前再次来到米兰大教堂广场，。。。
April 5, 2026
We loved the Milan Duomo so much that we went back once more, this time also visiting the Duomo Museum. Many of the sculptures and paintings in the museum are the original works removed from the cathedral, giving them even greater historical value than the pieces now on display inside the church.
Afterward, we returned to the hotel, collected our luggage, and dragged it through the streets of Milan on our way to catch the train to Florence.
A little over two hours later, we arrived at Florence’s main train station. As soon as we stepped outside, we were overwhelmed by the bustling crowds. Fortunately, our hotel was right next to the station, which made the arrival much easier.
Once we had settled into the room, we headed out for an early dinner at a highly rated steakhouse to try the famous Florentine T-bone steak, one of the city’s most traditional dishes. The steak weighed more than a kilogram, so of course we shared one. It was perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious.
After five days of a packed schedule, we were all tired and returned to our rooms early, ready for another exciting day tomorrow.
2026年4月5日
今天趁早在离开米兰之前再次来到米兰大教堂广场，排队等开门参观了旁边的大教堂博物馆。馆内收藏了许多从教堂中移出的原始雕塑和绘画作品，这些文物比现在留在教堂里的复制品更具历史价值，也让我们对这座宏伟建筑有了更深入的认识。
之后，我们回到酒店取行李，拖着箱子穿过米兰的街道，前往火车站搭乘去佛罗伦萨的列车。两个多小时后，我们抵达了佛罗伦萨中央火车站。刚一走出车站，眼前熙熙攘攘的人群让我们立刻感受到这座城市的热闹与活力。
好在酒店就在车站旁边，安顿好之后，我们便出门前往一家评分很高的牛排馆，提前享用晚餐，品尝佛罗伦萨最具代表性的传统美食——T骨牛排。那块牛排足有一公斤多，当然我们四人合点了一份再加上几个菜。牛排味道非常好，令人满足，也算是到佛罗伦萨后的第一顿正式欢迎餐。
经过连续五天行程紧凑的奔波，大家都有些疲惫，于是早早回房休息，为第二天精彩的行程养精蓄锐。