|
Tour Date: 24 Jun 2012 - 17 Jul 12
Tour Cost ($AUD): $ 12,547.00
The magnificent stretch of Dalmatian coast on the Adriatic Sea, is surrounded with picturesque islands - each with their own unique charm, a selection of beautiful beaches, quaint fishing villages and marina ports full of boats, countryside carpeted with acres of vineyards and years of history. Your Travel Directors exclusive 10 Day cruise starts in the stunning walled city of Dubrovnik sand continues north along the beautiful Dalmation coast to Split, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. Along the way you will stop at secluded bays and have the opportunity to visit some of the most spectacular islands including Mljet National Park and Hvar, voted in the top 10, most attractive islands in the world. We then head north through the amazing bridge town of Mostar (pictured above) to Sarajevo, a city steeped in history. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand here in 1914 triggered World War I. We then cross the magnificent Dinaric Alps into Montenegro before heading to Kosovo, which since 2008 has been recognised as an independent country. That is, except for Serbia, which still considers Kosovo a United Nations-governed entity within its borders. Moving further south, we enter Macedonia and the Ottoman city of Skopje, before heading to stunning Ohrid Lake. We then cross into mysterious and little-visited Albania, the only country in Europe without a McDonald's outlet! 'Soul of the Balkans' takes us through a region rich in history, culture, natural beauty, reconciliation and hope. Explore the last hidden gem of Europe before the advent of mass tourism.
24/06/2012 Australia - Dubai
Emirates Airlines
Check-in at your chosen Australian airport for the flight to Dubai.
Depart Dubai, Emirates EK 49, 08.35
25/06/2012 Munich - Dubrovnik - Board MS Emanuel (LD)
Dubrovnik
Arrive Munich 13.00
Depart Munich, Croatian Airlines OU 5403, 14.50
Arrive Dubrovnik 16.15
On arrival you will be greeted by the breathtaking sight of Dubrovnik. The stunning city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon we board our cruise ship, MS Emanuel. With just 18 cabins, Emanuel is the perfect size for visiting the small ports and coastal towns of the Adriatic.
26/06/2012 Dubrovnik (BLD)
After breakfast we start to explore Dubrovnik. Lord Byron famously described the city as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic’. A magnificent medieval wall encloses marble streets and baroque buildings that exude a pearly light in the Adriatic sun. The main pedestrian thoroughfare, Placa, is full of cafés and shops, and has outstanding monuments at either end. Churches, monasteries and museums ornamented with finely carved stone recall an eventful history and a vibrant artistic tradition.
27/06/2012 Dubrovnik - Mljet - Korcula (BLD)
We set sail from Dubrovnik and by mid morning arrive at the island of Mljet. We enjoy a delightful walk to the two lakes, a stunningly beautiful part of the island. In fact, no less than half of the island is designated a national park. This lushly forested paradise also attracted such residents as Ulysses and St Paul! Mid afternoon we set sail for Korcula.
28/06/2012 Korcula - Vela Luka (BLD)
One of the greenest islands in the Adriatic with numerous tiny and secluded bays, Korcula is rich in art and culture. It is a typical medieval walled Dalmatian town, with its cluster of red rooftops and round defensive towers. It is also reputed to be the birthplace of the great explorer, Marco Polo, in 1254. This morning we depart Korcula for Vela Luka which is situated on the western side of the island in a large bay, dotted with many tiny islets and surrounded by tranquil inlets.
29/06/2012 Bisevo Caves - Vis (BLD)
Sunset on the Adriatic
This morning we head to the amazing Bisevo Caves (or Blue Grotto), named because of the glowing blue light that appears at certain times of the day. By midday we arrive in Vis. A British base during World War II, the island was closed to tourism after 1945 and only reopened in 1990 after Croatia declared its independence. This, together with its location, make Vis largely unspoiled by mass tourism. More significantly, it was the island where Marshall Tito directed his partisans from a secret cave in which he worked and slept. We have the chance to view these living quarters during our stay.
30/06/2012 Vis - Hvar (BLD)
Today we arrive at the island of Hvar, recently voted one of the world's 10 most beautiful islands. "I know paradise now I know Hvar", goes a local saying. The island is known as the Croatian Madeira because of its lush vegetation and mild climate. A walk along the waterfront promenade and through the Old Town reveals a wealth of medieval and Renaissance buildings.
01/07/2012 Hvar - Zlarin - Sibenik (BLD)
After breakfast we head to the island of Zlarin and onto Sibenik, which is less known to tourists than Dubrovnik and Split, although it has it's own personality and some great things to see and enjoy. Sibenik's cathedral is one of the marvels of the Dalmatian Coast and the town hall and churches of St. Barbara and St. Fran are also extremely impressive.
02/07/2012 Sibenik - Skradin - Split (LD)
Diocletian's Palace, Split
This morning we set sail for the small town of Skradin which is located on the Krka river and at the entrance to the Krka National Park. The marina is also one of the most beautiful in Croatia. Early afternoon we arrive in Split, the second-largest city in Croatia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the historical centre, and within walking distance of the port, is the huge palace of the Emperor Diocletian. Dating from the end of the third century AD, it was one of the last palaces of the Roman Empire.
03/07/2012 Split - Trogir (LD)
Overlooking Split
This morning we visit the nearby UNESCO World Heritage town of Trogir, with its serpentine medieval streets and the wonderfully imposing Kamerlengo Fortress. On our return we start to explore the old city of Split. We begin with the warren of medievel buildings that are contained within the walls of Diocletian's Palace. We then continue along the beautifully restored promenade as we make our way to the open air marketplace.
04/07/2012 Split - Mostar (BLD)
Tour leader Olga Meshcheryakova in Mostar
This morning we drive to Medjugorje. The town has become world famous for the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since the first appearance in 1981, millions of people from all over the world have been spiritually strengthened and renewed after a visit here. After lunch we make the drive to Mostar. The beautiful Stari Most (Old Bridge) is the icon that gives Mostar ('Keeper of the Bridge') its name. On November 9th, 1993, during the Bosnian War, the bridge lay in ruins. It was rebuilt, and reopened on 22 July, 2004. Today the bridge marks a new era of reconciliation and hope for the future of the region. Flanking the great bridge is the old cobbled Ottoman Quarter with its 16th-century mosques and old Turkish houses.
Hotel Bristol
Mostarskog Bataljona
Mostar
Bosnia
Ph: 0011-387-36-500100
Fx: 500502
05/07/2012 Mostar - Sarajevo (BLD)
This morning we pass through the beautiful mountainous scenery of the Dinaric Alps before entering a lush green valley with the city of Sarajevo at its heart. Dissected by the Miljacka river, Sarajevo has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic Age. It is a city that has an amazing religious diversity as Islam, Judaism, Orthodoxy and Catholicism have co-existed here for centuries. It has a long and often infamous past. On the 28th June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie of Austria-Hungary were assassinated in one of the most bizarre attacks in history. The event sparked the outbreak of World War I and four years later Bosnia became part of Yugoslavia. From 1992 to 1996, the city was under siege - the longest in the history of modern warfare. Today Sarajevo has been totally rebuilt and its inhabitants now look forward to a peaceful and prosperous future in a city that continues to fascinate historians from all over the world.
Today we begin a walking tour to discover all of Sarajevo's hidden marvels. Hotel Europa
Vladislava Skarica 5 Sarajevo Bosnia Ph: 0011-387-33-580400 Fx:: 580580
06/07/2012 Sarajevo (BLD)
This morning we visit the Olympic Stadium built for the 1984 winter games. During the siege it was used as a massive cemetery. We then explore the Butmir Tunnel Museum where we watch a film showing the bombardment of Sarajevo. The tunnel located under the airport was used to bring food and supplies to Sarajevo when Serbs shut off the United Nations airlift and the one remaining road. The Bosnian Army also used it to move soldiers and guns.
This afternoon you will have free time to explore Bascarsija, the pedestrian street.
07/07/2012 Sarajevo - Kolasin (BLD)
The scenery is breathtaking as we drive from the Sarajevo valley up to the mountains. We continue to pass spectacular peaks as we cross the border into Montenegro and on to the mountain village of Kolasin.
Hotel Lipka
Mojkovacka 20
Kolasin
Montenegro
Ph: 0011-382-20-863200
Fx:: 863284
08/07/2012 Kolasin (BLD)
Kolasin lies at the foot of Bjelasica and Biogradska Gora mountains. Today we take a trip into the these mountains and explore the immensely beautiful Biogradsko National Park. Montenegro is the best kept secret in Europe. It has a wonderful unspoilt natural habitat and is a fantastic place to unwind.
09/07/2012 Kolasin - Kosovo - Skopje (BLD)
The modern Kosovo capital of Pristina
Shortly after leaving Kolasin we cross the border into Kosovo. After lunch in Pristina, we drive into Macedonia and continue to the capital Skopje, birthplace of Mother Theresa.
Stone Bridge Hotel
Kej Dimitar
Vlahov No 1
Skopje
Macedonia
Ph: 0011-389-2-3244900
Fx: 3244901
10/07/2012 Skopje (BLD)
The Turkish Quarter, Skopje
Skopje is 2,500 years old and Macedonia's friendly capital has had many different incarnations. All of them, from Roman to Byzantine and Ottoman to Yugoslav, have left indelible marks on the city as evidenced by the varied architecture and mix of cultures. A walk through the meandering narrow streets of the Old Town is certain to illicit the spirit of the past.
11/07/2012 Skopje - Bitola - Ohrid (BLD)
Leaving Skopje we continue to Bitola. Macedonia's second city is a grand place with a bustling centre. After lunch we enjoy a walking tour before continuing our drive to Ohrid.
Millenium Palace Hotel
Kaj Marsal Tito
Ohrid
Macedonia
Ph: 0011-389-46-263361
Fx: 263361
12/07/2012 Ohrid (BLD)
Sveti Naum Monastery,Ohrid
Ohrid is a kingdom of light and water; a maze of ancient ruins from Macedonia's earlier settlements. It is a sublime lakeside town that for many represents the culmination of the Macedonian experience. Thought to be among the oldest human settlements in Europe, and with a lake that is three million years old, Ohrid is truly worthy of its UNESCO World Hertiage listing and is often described as Macedonia's 'crown jewel'.
13/07/2012 Ohrid - Durres - Tirana (BLD)
This morning we depart Ohrid and cross the Albanian border to Durres on the Adriatic Sea. Founded in 627BC, ancient Durres is today Albania's vital port city. After lunch we head to the nearby capital, Tirana.
Tirana International Hotel
Sheshi Skenderbej 8
Tirana
Albania
Ph: 0011-355-422-34185
Fx:: 34188
14/07/2012 Tirana (BLD)
Albania is slowly emerging from being the most isolated country in Europe, if not the world. The brutal dictatorship of Enver Hoxha came to a violent end in the early 1990s and today Albania remains the only country in Europe without a McDonald's! Tirana is a lovely city of parks and striking architecture with a vibrant population forging a new relationship with Europe.
15/07/2012 Tirana - Kruje - Tirana (BLD)
The medieval bazaar in Kruje
After breakfast we leave Tirana and head northeast to the historical town of Kruje. Built on the slope of Sari mountain, Kruje has been inhabited since the 3rd century BC. It has weathered many sieges, the most famous being the Ottoman campaigns that were repulsed by the great Albanian hero, Skanderberg. The town is set in a spectacular location and is a symbol of resistance for all of Albania.
16/07/2012 Tirana - Rome - Dubai
Jim Gill and Tony Evans with Albania's most famous person, Mother Theresa!
This morning we are transferred to the airport in time to board a flight to Rome where we connect with our flight to Dubai.
Depart Tirana, Alitalia AZ 585, 12.30
Arrive Rome, 13.55
Depart Rome, Emirates EK96, 20.35
17/07/2012 Dubai - Australia
Arrive Dubai, 05.05
Connect with the flight to our chosen Australian city.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Easy
JUNE 2012 DEPARTURE:
Tour Cost: $ 12,547.00 Twin Share (Lower Deck)
Upgrade to Main $ 400.00 pp Twin Share
Single supplement: $ 3547.00 (Lower Deck)
INCLUDED IN COST:
* All flights between Australia and Europe/Europe and Australia
* All accommodation (twin-share)
* All transfers
* All meals as specified
* All local guides throughout
* Tour leader
* All entrance fees for specified sightseeing
* All ticketable air taxes (NB may be subject to change)
* All visas and courier fees
* All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 per person at the time of booking.
All tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
|
