|
SUMMER TOUR OF CROATIA AND THE SCENIC DALMATION COAST
June 19-29, 2009
SCENIC LAKE BLED CROATIA ON OUR TOUR
Join us for a summer getaway to one of the most scenic gems in Europe.
Croatia is home to gorgeous coastlines, charming medieval towns, breathtaking mountains, dramatic waterfalls and lakeside seascapes in its national parks. The scenery will leave you absolutely speechless so make sure to have your camera ready. Croatia is also a compact country which can be explored in a very easy manner. The weather in June is ideally in the mid 70’s for perfect sightseeing.
We will enjoy 2 nights in the quaint town of Dubrovnik, a fascinating city on the Adriatic coast, encircled by a medieval wall. Stroll through the cobblestone streets with its old fashioned shops and eateries, or take the walkway to the top of the wall and stroll across it for scenic views..
Next it’s on to the town of Split, another beautiful city of the gorgeous Adriatic coast and home to Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
Then, we turn inland and travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park where we will enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation, populated by deer and other natural wildlife, birdlife and colorful butterflies to watch, all in their natural, pristine and undisturbed environment
Next, we return to the coast and travel along the beautiful Bay of Kvarner to its popular resort, Opatija and then on to Lake Bled, beautifully set amidst the Julian Alps and home to the imposing Bled Castle.
Finally, we will end our tour in Zagreb, the fascinating capital city of Croatia.
 
D A Y B Y D A Y I T I N E R A R Y
(B.L,D = breakfast, Lunch , dinner included)
Day 01/Fri./Jun. 19, 2009 USA (B.D.)
Today we depart for our overseas flight. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board
Day 02/Sat./Jun. 20. 2009 DUBROVNIK (D.)
Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel, the four stars Argosy Hotel .
 The pool deck at the Argosy Hotel
ARGOSY HOTEL |
|
Argosy Hotel .
LOCATION:
Located among the Mediterranean oasis of Babin Kuk, a peninsula 5 km far from Dubrovnik's city center and Stradun historical monuments, the hotel Argosy, situated in its own spacious parkland and which takes its name from a 16th century merchant ship, is the ideal choice for a vacation in this region. This area has its own restaurants, shopping center, and entertainment. Hotel Argosy is close to the popular Copacabana shingle beach where clients can enjoy various water sports.
ACCOMMODATION:
This four-floor hotel features 308 guestrooms with light decor, functional furnishings and balconies. The spacious, modern and pleasantly equipped rooms offering a view of the fragrant green park, while others offer a view of the beautiful blue sea, give all the hallmarks of an unforgettable holiday. Soak in the sun on the terraces, balconies or French balconies of comfortable rooms.
The bus that stops outside the hotel runs a very frequent service and you can buy your tickets cheaply at reception. It's a quick journey into the old town. There are plenty of choices in the old town for eating out, |
The balance of the day is at leisure to explore Dubrovnik, a fascinating city, encircled by a medieval wall. Stroll through the cobblestone streets with its old fashioned shops and eateries, or take the walkway to the top of the wall and across.
Day 03/Sun./Jun. 21. 2009 DUBROVNIK (B.)
This morning we will enjoy a guided walking tour of "Old Dubrovnik" featuring the Rector's Palace, Bell Tower Clock, Orlando's Column and the Sponza Palace. You will also see the Dominican Monastery and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world.
The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and explore the old town or the scenic beaches at your own pace.
Day 04/Mon./Jun. 22. 2009 SPLIT (B.D.)
This morning we will depart Dubrovnik by coach and travel north along the spectacular Adriatic coast, passing old fishing villages and new resorts, then on to the town of Split. Enjoy a city tour featuring the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. See the remnants of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral. Then, we will continue to our 4 star hotel, the Split President Hotel
Day 05/Tue./Jun. 23. 2009 TROGIR AND PLITVICE LAKES (B.D.)
This morning we will coach to Trogir, the center of artistic activities. Scholars from around the world gather to study and paint here.
Then it's on to Zadar, the oldest Slavic city on the Adriatic, once a famed cultural center. We pause here for an orientation tour that includes the ruins of the Roman Forum and St. Donat Church
Next, we turn inland and travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a scenic gem of lakes, mountains and lush vegetation..
The Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia's most popular tourist attraction, was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979. Located halfway between capital city Zagreb and Zadar on the coast, the National Park is definitely a must-see for its incredible natural scenic beauty and its dramatic land & seascapes.
The popular Lonely Planet guide book series said this about the Plitvice Lakes National Park
The extraordinarily beautiful pocket of wooded hills in this World Heritage site enclose 16 turquoise lakes that are connected by waterfalls and cascades. The mineral-rich waters carve through the rock, depositing “tufa” in continually changing formations. Wooden footbridges follow the rumbling water for an exhilarating 11miles.
Animal life flourishes in the unspoiled conditions. The stars of the park are bears, wolves, deer,, rabbits, foxes and badgers. There are over 120 different species of bird such as hawks, owls, cuckoos, thrushes, starlings, kingfishers, wild ducks and herons. You might also occasionally see black storks and ospreys. Flocks of butterflies flutter throughout the park
Upon arrival, we will check into our 4 star hotel, The hotel Jet Zero along Plitvice Lakes National Park with the balance of the day at leisure to explore the scenic surroundings.
 Waterfall pool along exterior of the hotel
HOTEL JEZERO |
|
The hotel Jet Zero along Plitvice Lakes National Park
LOCATION:
This superior tourist class hotel is located in the centre of the visiting area of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, at Velika Poljana, the central tourist zone of the National Park and only 300m from the largest lake, kozjak in a green forest. The hotel is within a short stroll of the town centre..
ACCOMMODATION:
The hotel offers 229 units, including 7 suites, 7 semi-suites and 5 handicapped equipped rooms. There is also the possibility of adjoining family rooms in several accommodation units. The hotel has a night club and dancing bar, as well as the hotel restaurant with its rich and recognizable culinary offer. The hotel offers a polyvalent congress hall for a maximum of 300 persons and four additional meeting rooms |
|
|
Exterior of our hotel |
Lobby of our Hotel |
|
|
Day 06/Wed./Jun. 24, 2009. Plitvice Lakes National Park (B.D.)
Have your camera ready as we take a walking tour in the morning, around several of the lower lakes.
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation and inter-connected by a series of waterfalls, and set in scenic woodlands populated by deer and other wildlife.
The afternoon is at leisure to explore the area at your own pace. There are many trails for walking or hiking to explore the park’s many scenic lakes, waterfalls and other dramatic natural wonders. Overnight once more at Jet Zero Hotel
Waterfalls along Plitvice Lakes National Park 
Picture © Piers Letcher
More Scenic beauty in Plitvice Lakes Park
Day 7 Thurs. June 25th 2009 OPATIJA, POSTOJNA AND LAKE BLED (B.D.)
Today, we return to the coast and travel along the beautiful Bay of Kvarner to its popular resort, Opatija. After some free time, we journey north to Postojna, home to one of the largest caves in Europe. We will tour the fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train. Afterwards, we will continue by coach to Lake Bled, beautifully set amidst the Julian Alps.
  
Pictures of Scenic Lake Bled
This afternoon we will check into our 4 star hotel, The Park Hotel, with the balance of the day again at your leisure to explore the scenic surroundings.
LOCATION:
The Hotel Park is located in central Bled, close to the shore of Lake Bled, two kilometers from Grimsce Manor, and very near shops, main road and lake. There are buses from main road. It boasts a wonderful view of the lake, the castle and the Julian Alps.
ACCOMMODATION:
The hotel offers 217 guestrooms which includes single, double, triple, plus 10 suites with balcony and lake or park view. Guestrooms are decorated in soft neutral colors with patterned fabrics and all include Internet connections and balconies. Those on business have a choice of 8 conference rooms of varying sizes with a capacity of 30 to 120 delegates and a range of technical equipment.
Photo of Park Hotel – Lake Bled
Day 08/Fri./Jun. 26, 2009 LAKE BLED
A sightseeing tour of Lake Bled features the charming town with the lakeshore, and imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake.
Magnificent Bled Castle, on the border of Croatia and Slovenia.
You will feel as though you are in a fairy tale, as you view the amazing scenery of Lake Bled.
The balance of the day is at leisure for optional activities, such as visiting the unique small island in the middle of the lake.
Overnight once again at the Park Hotel on Lake Bled.
Waterfront pictures of the Park Hotel along scenic Lake Bled
Day 09/Sat./Jun. 27, 2009 LAKE BLED / LJUBLJANA / ZAGREB (B.D.)
Our last day of the tour begins with a visit to the open air market, the City Hall, Robba's Fountain, the Three Bridges and the Parliament in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Then on to Zagreb, capital city of Croatia, with sightseeing of St. Mark’s Cathedral. (B,D) Overnight at our 4 star hotel, the Regent Esplanade hotel.
Elegant Luxury Hotel in Zagreb, Croatia
Housed in an elegant and distinguished building originally built in 1925 and designed to accommodate passengers from the Orient Express, the Regent Esplanade Hotel Zagreb is known for its impeccable service and luxurious accommodations. The Regent Esplanade Zagreb hotel is one of the city's most famous and gracious buildings, and it has hosted presidents, politicians, movie stars and musicians among its many distinguished guests. Our hotel in Zagreb, Croatia flawlessly combines luxury and convenience providing exquisite accommodations in Zagreb and ensuring a relaxing and rejuvenating stay for business and leisure travelers alike.
Our 4 star hotel, the Regent Esplanade hotel.
Day 10/Sun./Jun. 28, 2009 ZAGREB
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our departure flight back to New York
INCLUDED IN OUR TOUR OF CROATIA AND THE BEAUTIFUL DALMATION COAST OF THE ADRIATIC.
- · Roundtrip airfare from NY-JFK to Dubrovnik and return from Zagreb on Lufthansa airlines. Optional add on fares are available from most US cities.
- · Included accommodations at the hotels listed above:
.
• 2 Night Hotel accommodations in Dubrovnik.
• 1 Night Hotel accommodation in Split.
• 2 Night Hotel accommodations at Plitvice Lakes National Park
• 2 Night Hotel accommodations at Lake Bled.
• 1 Night Hotel accommodation in Zagreb
• Breakfast daily included throughout the tour.
• 6 dinners included in our hotels, as per the itinerary above.
- · All tours with local professional guides as per the itinerary.
Free roommate matching based on age, sex and smoking or non smoking
TRIP COST: $3399 + air taxes of $410 (taxes subject to change by the airline)
Deduction for passengers providing their own air: $1150 (passengers providing their own air are also not responsible for the $410 in air taxes, making the total saving for any passengers providing their own air $1560.)
Optional single supplement for passengers not wishing a roommate: $599
A $200 deposit reserves your space. Deposits are refundable if cancelled by March 10th. Balance payments are due March 30th and are non refundable
|
