Croatia

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View books by Piers Letcher.

Croatia's Kornati Islands - Rated
We have just returned from a week's holiday in the Kornati archipelago in the Croatian Adriatic, taking this book with us. We found it an excellent companion, helpful and illuminating on everything from Croatia's history to the abrasiveness of the limestone rock which makes up the islands. The maps are excellent and very clear. Above all the author's affection for the country shines through and is very infectious.

Guarantee your trip's enjoyment.... - Rated
with this book. Recently got back from a trip to Croatia. I used the "Lonely Planet" & "Rough Guide" books as well, but mostly to cross-reference info with Mr. Letcher's guide. I completely concur with the previous reviewer's comments of how enjoyable this book is to read, regardless of whether you make the trip or not. But, if you do go to Croatia, the usefulness of the information, the organization and the presentation of the facts, and the innumerable little quips, humorous observations, and gentle warnings will come through for you. It's obvious Mr. Letcher enjoyed being in Croatia and his love of the country must have been detected by the natives. Neither of the other two books (though information packed) offer as much of the personal experience of the nooks and crannies of this (yes, I'm prejudiced!) fabulously beautiful country. If there's one bone I'd like to pick with Mr. Letcher, it's his mentioning of certain small towns along the coast that may now lose their mystery and their minimal tourist visitations. He has been to the out of the way places; hopefully some will stay that way.
Since we've been back, I still find myself picking up the book and re-reading passages. They're as evocative of the coastline, the wind, and the people now as before our trip. He's captured the true spirit of Croatia.

Excellent guide and writer - Rated
The line betwen an excellent travel guide and an excellent piece of travel writing can be superbly erased at times. This book does that. I have read it from cover to cover at home just for the pleasure of reading it - that's the way it is with this writer's books. If, on a winter's night, a traveller finds himself sitting at home wishing he had a blazing fire to dream away the hours to, but he only has gas, then being whisked away by a guide who knows his stuff is perhaps the next best thing.

And Letcher knows his stuff. Because he has done the hard miles around this dramatic country, and shares his knowledge in a diverting, modern style which updates the works he cites as references and establishes this book as the new standard.

I have shown this book to Croatians living here and they have said he has got it just right. I have had a brief trip there too using this book very much as a vade mecum in situ and it proved itself admirable as a practical guide. Buy this, and then treat yourself to his book about France too.

More than just travel guide - Rated
This guide to Croatia is the most detailed, comprehensive and above all readable guide to the country. It gives not just all the things you'd expect from a guidebook -- when to go, where to stay, what to eat and drink, what to see, how to get around, and how much it's all going to cost -- but also provides amusing and thought-provoking insights and anecdotes about Croatia, its culture and people, and its history. This is the one book you should have with you when planning a trip to Croatia. Highly recommended