Exeter Ultimate Self-Drive Croatia & Slovenia 2016...Rovinj ---- Istria - Rovinj Today, embark with...

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Ultimate Self-Drive Croatia & Slovenia A Private, Historical and Cultural Self-Drive Tour of Zagreb through to Dubrovnik with private Exeter guides opening doors along the way

Transcript of Exeter Ultimate Self-Drive Croatia & Slovenia 2016...Rovinj ---- Istria - Rovinj Today, embark with...

Page 1: Exeter Ultimate Self-Drive Croatia & Slovenia 2016...Rovinj ---- Istria - Rovinj Today, embark with your guide and driver on a tour of the beautiful towns and villages of Istria. Note:

Ultimate Self-Drive

Croatia & Slovenia

A Private, Historical and

Cultural Self-Drive Tour

of Zagreb through to Dubrovnik

with private Exeter guides opening

doors along the way

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Exeter International White Glove Self-Drive Program Includes:

A pre-programmed GPS system for you to use while in Europe. 24-hour local help line available to you as you travel and manned

exclusively by Exeter local staff. Our expert advice in finding the perfect car for your trip. The freedom to deviate and explore on your own and then jump back

into your planned itinerary at any time.

Day 1 Arrival in Zagreb, Croatia

Day 2 Zagreb

Day 3 Zagreb ---- Bled & Bohinj ---- Rovinj

Day 4 Rovinj ---- Istria ---- Rovinj

Day 5 Rovinj ---- Pula ---- Rovinj

Day 6 Rovinj ---- Split

Day 7 Split

Day 8 Split ---- Hvar ---- Split

Day 9 Split ---- Dubrovnik

Day 10 Dubrovnik

Day 11 Dubrovnik ---- Montenegro ---- Dubrovnik

Day 12 Departure from Dubrovnik

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Why Exeter International?

At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting our trademark extraordinary journeys to Central Europe, Russia and Central Asia for 23 years. Our specialty is to distil the best of the best in iconic places that are on so many people’s travel must do list. We are not a call center of nameless, faceless people. We do not try to be everything to everyone. We are small team of specialists. We are all committed to providing the best travel experiences to our destinations. Each member of our team has travelled extensively throughout our destinations, giving them insider knowledge lacking in many other tour operators. Our Extraordinary Experiences are different, unusual and often closed to the general public. We can offer special insider access that takes you beyond the typical tourist sites. We know how important it is to remain authentic and increasingly going beyond the well-known sites is what is important to our guests – discovering the little known museum or street market that adds to their experience. We do this through our local knowledge, cultivating our extensive contacts and regularly visiting each destination to enable us to share the most up-to-date insider information with you, our valued partner. The most important part of your trip will be your guides. Guides come in many quality levels, especially in Russia. We have worked with a core group of the best of the best for over 20 years. We know them like family and if they weren't the best, they wouldn't work for us. Simply stated, a guide can make or break your experience. You should have 100% confidence in who is introducing you to your guide and the level of guiding that you are going to get throughout the countries you will be visiting. The best does indeed cost more and we pay our guides at the very top of the market, with pride. You'll also want to know what kind of vehicle your tour will include. We use luxury late-model vehicles, often Mercedes, Audi, BMW or Volkswagen, depending on the size of the vehicle you need. You'll want to see things that may or may not be open to the public and go in early or after hours before the crowds whenever possible. We also make every effort to skip lines whenever possible. Avoiding long museum lines is one of our top priorities and we work hard to minimize the wait time to get into the most popular sights in each city, maximizing your time in each destination. You'll want impeccable planning and someone to bounce ideas off of before your trip and speak English as well as you do while planning your trip so there are no cultural misunderstanding when you arrive. You'll also want someone to talk to if your trip is not perfect when you get home. These are all ways that we distinguish ourselves from all other companies. A lot goes into our travel program design. We arrange the program so that it is flawless and effortless for our travelers from the time they set foot in the first city until they leave us. The expertise to set up an itinerary like this comes after years of investing in staff on both sides of the Atlantic and this too is a value that is incorporated into our traveler's trips with us.

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Arrive in Zagreb Upon arrival into Zagreb, your Exeter International driver will meet you just after customs and baggage claim for the private transfer to the historic Hotel Esplanade. Your hotel was originally constructed by the Orient Express company as a luxurious stopping point on the Istanbul to Paris train route and much of the historic ambiance of the hotel has remained, even after a very luxurious renovation. The remainder of today is at your leisure to relax, take a stroll or indulge in the hotel spa. Zagreb has long enjoyed the influence of both the Eastern and Western culture. In medieval times, Zagreb consisted of two separate towns, Kaptol, the religious center, and Gradec, the commercial hub. The river Medvescak in-between the two towns was often the site of fierce battles between them. Today, Gradec and Kaptol together form the Upper Town, or Gornji Grad, which forms the historic Old Town of Zagreb. The Lower Town, or Donji Grad, on the plains is more chic and contemporary.

Exeter Services

Arrival Transfer Hotel

Esplanade

DAY 1

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Zagreb

This morning, your guide will take you to Gornji Grad (Upper Town) for your tour of the historic heart of Zagreb. The best way to get around the Old Town is on foot, so wear your most comfortable walking shoes. If you happen to be in Zagreb on a Saturday, you will find a bustling market square – full of locals out shopping and socializing. Begin your stroll with a visit to the Dolac, the open-air fruit and vegetable market in Old Town and the Church of St. Mary and the towering spires of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the most prominent landmark on the city’s skyline. As you approach the front of the church don’t miss the ornate sculpted doorway. The Cathedral contains the tombs of the most important personalities in the history of Croatia including Ivan Mestrovic, the famous Croatian sculptor. While in the Old Town, don’t miss the historic stone city gates and the booming cannon of the Lotrscak Tower! Before leaving the Upper town, stop by the 17th century church, dedicated to St. Catherine. Afterward, you will pick up your rental car from the downtown location near your hotel. Note: Touring today is on foot.

Exeter Services

Guide (4 Hours) Hotel

Esplanade

DAY 2

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Zagreb ---- Bled & Bohinj ---- Rovinj This morning, head out with your car across the border to Slovenia. When you arrive in the Alpine lake town of Bled your GPS will take you directly to Vila Bled, where you will park and your local guide will meet you for an overview of Lake Bled and the town. Take a traditional Pletna boat ride to the baroque Church of Virgin Mary on an island in the middle of the lake. Next, visit the beautiful Bled Castle with your guide before heading out on your own to explore other alpine towns in the region, which will be programmed in your GPS. After time for lunch, continue back into Croatia toward the Adriatic Sea and the region known as Istria. Your final destination this afternoon is the gorgeous coastal town of Rovinj.

Exeter Services

Guide (4 Hours) Hotel

Lone or Monte Mulini

DAY 3

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Rovinj ---- Istria - Rovinj

Today, embark with your guide and driver on a tour of the beautiful towns and villages of Istria. Note: As Croatia has zero tolerance for drinking and driving, today’s touring is with a private driver so you can enjoy the wines of the region. The interior of Istria is very different from its coast. Your first visit today is the artist colony of Groznjan. This hilltop town was all but deserted after WWII until being revitalized as a place for artists. This is also a favorite of musicians, as the International Cultural Centre of Young Musicians has its seat here. You will have time to wander the twisting streets, filled with shops from local artisans, or perhaps to take in an impromptu music or drama performance in the main square. Riding through the rugged and hilly terrain you will come to the medieval ruins of the town of Motovun, which suddenly spring into view. Motovun is an excellent example of the ancient townships that dotted the Istrian peninsula. It’s worth the long trek up to the top of the hill. Motovun is a medieval city that dates back to the 12th century and remains completely original and intact due to its hill-top location and walled fortifications. Exeter International Extraordinary Experience

This afternoon your guide and driver will take you to one of the leading, family-owned vineyards of Istria for a private wine and olive oil tasting. Later you will continue your tour of Istria with a visit to Livade, the small village in the Istrian countryside famous for being one of the best-known truffle regions in Europe! White Istrian truffles are among of the most expensive mushrooms in the world, and truffle harvesting is a local tradition in the interior of the Istrian peninsula. You can stop for lunch at the most famous truffle restaurants of the region for an unforgettable culinary adventure (lunch cost not included in your program). Exeter Services

Vehicle & Driver (8 Hours)

Hotel

Lone or Monte Mulini

DAY 4

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Rovinj ---- Pula - Rovinj Today we recommend that you utilize the bike rentals available at your hotel to explore the town of Rovinj, with its narrow, winding streets. You can also explore on foot, if you prefer. This afternoon, step back into the driver’s seat and head to the town of Pula (you will receive parking instructions and your GPS will take you to the best place to park), where your guide will meet you. Pula became famous under the Romans during the 2nd century BCE, and became an Episcopal seat during the 5th century. It was ransacked by the Ostrogoths but regained power under the Byzantines as a naval port during the 6th and 7th centuries. It fell into decline until the Austro-Hungarians gained power and established their naval fleet here. The ancient barracks of the Austro-Hungarian Empire still house Croatia’s naval forces. Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a walking tour of Pula. You will start at the historic center of the city at its most famous landmark, the Pula Amphitheater, which dates back to the 1st century – one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Today it is Pula’s main cultural venue and is known for its music and film festivals. Continue to visit the Golden Door at the Temple of Augustus, built between 2 BCE and 14 CE, which is dedicated to the goddess Roma and the emperor Augustus. You will also see the City Hall with its blend of architectural styles, the Hercules Gate and the fragments of the city walls, as well as the Forum, the central square of classical and medieval Pula. As time allows, you may wish to enter the Archaeological Museum of Istria, which contains several exhibits from Neolithic times to the medieval period of objects found in Pula and the surrounding areas. Exeter Services

Guide (4 Hours) Hotel

Lone or Monte Mulini

DAY 5

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Rovinj ---- Split Today is your longest day of driving and you may elect to drive straight through or stop en route during the journey to Split. Your GPS will list all our favorite stopping points. If you would like a break while driving on the beautiful coastal highway, just north of Split you will find the charming town of Zadar. Parking is a challenge here, but your GPS will take you to the best place to park. The historic city center is very charming and well worth the stop. The highlight of the city, other than its ancient Greek and Italian heritage, is the sea organ. Stone steps built into the sea play seven chords of five tones, making it a unique “orchestra of nature”. If exploring nature is more to your liking, choose Krka National Park on your GPS. With its seven travertine waterfalls and total drop of 242 meters, the Krka River is a natural and karst phenomenon. Skradinski buk is one of the most attractive parts of the park and features a clear pool with high waterfalls and cascades. It’s considered to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe. You’ll also find ruins in the park that date back to Roman times, along with the Visovac Monastery founded in 1445. Continue on your way to Split for an early evening arrival. The hotels in Split are chosen for ease of parking. Other options are available. Exeter Services

None Hotel:

Le Meridien Lav or Park Hotel

DAY 6

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Split This morning, drive into Split (your GPS will take you to the perfect place to park) and meet your guide to explore the city of Split, including the ancient Diocletian Palace. If you prefer to leave your car at the hotel, taxis are available for the short ride into the city center. Diocletian’s Palace, facing onto the Split harbor, is one of the most impressive Roman architectural monuments in the world and is protected as a UNESCO Heritage Site. The Roman Emperor Diocletian, noted for his persecution of early Christians, was a native of nearby Salona before rising through the Roman military ranks to be eventually crowned emperor by his legions. He ruled for 20 years before abdicating and retiring to this palace. After his death, the palace was abandoned until the 7th century when refugees from the surrounding areas, fleeing foreign invasions, sought shelter within the palace’s protective walls. In the following centuries, the population outgrew its capacity and the town sprawled outside the walls. Today, Split is a major port and industrial center, as well as a perfect base for day trips to nearby attractions. You will have the chance to explore with your Exeter guide the more than 200 buildings within the boundaries of the Diocletian Palace complex, many of which are still homes, while others house cafes, restaurants, and shops. Like a typical Roman fort, in its original form the palace had a square layout and was surrounded by a thick wall with gates and watchtowers. Some of the best-preserved sites you can visit are the Vestibule, the Temple of Jupiter, the Peristyle, and Diocletian’s Mausoleum – now the Cathedral of St. Dominus. This afternoon is at your leisure to explore Split and Diocletian’s Palace, or enjoy your resort.

Note: Touring today is on foot.

Exeter Services

Guide (4 Hours) Hotel:

Le Meridien Lav or Park Hotel

DAY 7

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Split ----Hvar ---- Split This morning your guide will meet you at your hotel for the short walk to your hotel’s marina, where your private motorboat will be waiting for you. Today your motorboat will take you to explore the neighboring island of Hvar. Through the course of history, Hvar Town has been a melting pot of cultures and influences and is still bursting with history, art and culture, and the home of Europe’s oldest municipal theater, which was built in the early 17th century over an arsenal in a peace-making attempt by the then ruler of Hvar. You will start from Hvar’s main square, right next to the harbor, which is dominated by the Renaissance Cathedral with its distinctive bell tower dedicated to St. Stephen. The square is surrounded by buildings dating from the 16th – 17th centuries when the town was an important Venetian trading and seafaring center. Also in this part of town, you may wish to visit the Benedictine Convent, where the nuns spend their lives praying and weaving elaborate laces from the fibers of the agave plant. To the north of the main square and towering over the town, you may decide to explore Hvar’s fortress, which is known as Spanjola as it was partially built by Spanish engineers. The steep hike to the very top of the fortification is well worth it for the beautiful views over the bay. As you continue your walk south of the harbor and along the row of cafes and bars to the other side of the town, you will come to the Franciscan monastery and the exquisite Church of Gospa od Milosti (Our Lady of Charity). The still functioning monastery dates back to the 14th century when it started as a hospice for ill sailors. Its museum houses a collection of works by Venetian and Croatian artists, including a magnificent 17th-century painting of the Last Supper by an unknown artist. This afternoon your private boat will take you to explore some of the coast of Hvar as well as the neighboring Pakleni Islands. These islands face the town of Hvar and are uninhabited and mostly woodlands. They feature a myriad of small secluded beaches. Some of these are nude beaches, so please do let your guide and skipper know if you would like to avoid this! You can stop as you desire for swimming or snorkeling. Exeter Services

Guide (8 Hours); Motorboat Charter (8 Hours)

Hotel:

Le Meridien Lav or Park Hotel

DAY 8

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Split ---- Dubrovnik Today you will continue your drive with the journey to Dubrovnik. En route, you will drive past the Peljesac Peninsula, which, similar to other coastal settlements, was first colonized by the Greeks, later by the Romans and Byzantines, and in the Middle Ages often changed hands between the Venetian and Ragusan Republics. The peninsula is known for its fine vineyards and the best oysters in Dalmatia, farmed in the town of Ston. We suggest that you stop in Ston for lunch and a brief stroll about town. During the days of the Roman Empire, the Ston oysters were famous for being a great aphrodisiac. Later, Ston was a military fort of the Ragusan Republic whose defensive walls are a notable feat of medieval architecture evident even today. Late afternoon arrival into Dubrovnik and the remainder of your evening is at leisure. If you’re up to it and if you arrive early enough (they’re generally open until 7:30PM), we highly recommend a walk into town and a walk atop the fortress walls surrounding the Old Town (a ticket is required and this is not included in your program). Just over a mile long, this stroll usually takes about an hour and will help you get your bearings and enjoy the splendid views of the historic Dubrovnik and the sea. The fortification includes several bastions, the tallest of which is the Minceta Tower, located just near the Pile gate in the north-western part of the town. Exeter Services

None

Hotel:

Bellevue, Excelsior or Villa Dubrovnik

DAY 9

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Dubrovnik This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel for an overview walking tour of the historic center of Dubrovnik, which is protected as a UNESCO Heritage site. Guests of Villa Dubrovnik are invited to use the hotel’s private motorboat to transfer to Old Town and you won’t want to miss this entrance into the historic district! Begin in Dubrovnik’s main square - the Loggia Loza, situated at the eastern extremity of the Stradun – the centuries-old promenade which runs through the walled city from East to West. Your guide will take you into the Rector’s Palace. The Rector was the highest authority in the city and his palace now houses the Museum of Dubrovnik. Over 15,000 works are on display documenting the economic and cultural history of the city. You can also visit the Dubrovnik Cathedral and its treasury famous for the ancient relics including a fragment of the ‘true cross’ on which it is believed that Jesus was crucified. If you like, you may visit Dubrovnik’s Sephardic Synagogue. The synagogue was established in the 15th century, survived earthquakes and wars, and is still in service today. Make sure to see the Franciscan monastery of the “Order of Minor Friars” (Ordo Fratrum Minorum) which includes one of the three oldest pharmacies in Europe, still serving customers. Part of the Franciscans’ mission was to take care of the health of the local residents, so they opened the pharmacy in 1317 and it has been in operation ever since. The monastery contains numerous medieval pharmacists’ tools and medical books which belonged to the English kings’ physicians, as well as 10th-Century manuscripts. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure. You can stay in the city to enjoy the shops and cafes or return to your hotel and indulge in the spa. Should you want to venture out into the countryside, some of our favorite towns will be stored in your GPS. Note: All touring today is on foot on cobblestones. Please wear appropriate footwear.

Exeter Services

Guide (4 Hours)

Hotel:

Bellevue, Excelsior or Villa Dubrovnik

DAY 10

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Dubrovnik ---- Montenegro ---- Dubrovnik This morning drive yourself for a day trip across the border to nearby Montenegro (also part of the former Yugoslavia). The country's name, meaning "Black Mountain", dates back to the era of Venetian hegemony over the Adriatic coast in the middle ages. Your destination today is the port town of Kotor, where a local guide will meet you. Located at the head of a deep fjord, Kotor’s fortified Old Town was strategically built at the foot of a high cliff and is now protected by UNESCO. The fortified Old Town resembles Dubrovnik a bit, but is smaller, less crowded, and certainly more idyllic. The best way to explore this very compact part of town is to simply allow yourself to get lost in the maze of narrow streets and small squares and to wander around admiring the historic buildings. Of course your Exeter guide will be there so you can’t really get all that lost! Time and fitness permitting, you may consider climbing the 1,500 steps of Kotor’s old fortress walls on the hills above the town (for the physically fit, this climb is one of the true highlights of a trip to Montenegro!). Today, the impressive city walls stretch some 3 miles from the waterfront to the steep cliffs above the town, range in thickness from 5 to 50 feet, and offer some of the best views over the Old Town and the dramatic fjords that surround the town. From here you might like to continue on to explore the town of Budva on your own. Or, for adventurous drivers, head up into the mountains for a visit to Lovcen National Park. Both will be stored on your GPS. Late afternoon return to Dubrovnik.

Exeter Services

Guide (3 Hours)

Hotel:

Bellevue, Excelsior or Villa Dubrovnik

DAY 11

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Dubrovnik - Onward Morning at leisure before check-out and drive yourself to the airport for car rental return and departure. Exeter Services

None

DAY 12

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We invite you to end your journey in the utmost of luxury, while experiencing true Montenegrin history. Just a short drive from Dubrovnik is the most extraordinary resort on the Adriatic: Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro. This 13th century fishing village is now one of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Spend the night where Tito entertained Sophia Loren! Sveti Stefan is the perfect place to relax and reflect on your journey before heading home.

Don’t go

home just

yet..!

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Prices:

For Two (2) guests traveling together

April & October From $4,575

May From $4,725

June From $4,825

July & August From $5,200

September From $4,950

For Four (4) guests traveling together

April & October From $3,825

May

From $3,975

June

From $4,075

July & August

From $4,475

September

From $4,200

All pricing is per person and based on double occupancy. Airfare is not included.

What’s

Included:

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Accommodations

Zagreb

Two (2) nights at the Esplanade; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily. The Esplanade Zagreb offers 209 spacious and lavishly furnished rooms and suites in an opulent and historic setting. Originally opened in 1925 for passengers from the Orient Express, this hotel is one of the most luxurious in all of Croatia. Traditional luxury, including sumptuous marble bathrooms, is complemented by modern technology to make each room a haven of relaxation. The hotel features two restaurants, a large fitness center and a relaxing spa. Superior Room: These entry-level rooms offer approximately 280-300 square feet of space. They are elegant and tastefully decorated. Bedding is either one king or two twin beds.

Rovinj

Three (3) nights at the Hotel Lone; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily. The contemporary décor of the Hotel Lone features furnishings and designs from Croatian architects and artists, with materials sourced from Croatia, even down to the wooden doors from Slavonia. This large hotel offers 248 rooms and suites, many of which feature views to the bay. The hotel’s facilities are extensive, including several restaurants, a nightclub, an indoor pool and a huge spa area.

The location is perfect, right on the bay and adjacent to the Zlatni forest park. The park offers bicycle and boat rentals and has a small pebble beach. Guests of the hotel can use the huge outdoor pool at the adjacent Hotel Eden and also enjoy the restaurants of the neighboring Monte Mulini.

All rooms feature private balconies and sleek contemporary decor. Bathrooms are generous in size and most feature dual sinks, separate bath and shower and luxurious locally-sourced amenities. Wi-Fi is complimentary. Premium Room: These spacious rooms offer approximately 350 square feet of space and views of the Zlatni forest or the parks surrounding the hotel. Rooms offer the choice of one king or two twin beds.

Split

Three (3) nights at Le Meridien Lav; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily. Le Méridien Lav, Split is located in Podstrana, five miles south of Split. The hotel features 381 rooms and suites, over 800 yards of beach frontage and fantastic sea views overlooking Split and the surrounding islands. It’s our top choice for a beach resort in Split. This resort-style hotel offers great spa facilities, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, in addition to a daycare for children, available to guests free of charge. Superior Sea View Rooms: These rooms feature at least 350 square feet of space, a sitting area and one king bed or two twin beds, in addition to a view of the sea and its surrounding islands. This is our top choice for an entry-level room.

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Dubrovnik

Three (3) nights at the Hotel Bellevue; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily. The Hotel Bellevue features just 93 rooms in a casually luxurious environment. The five storey hotel is built into a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Located just a twenty minute walk from the Old City of Dubrovnik, guests of the Hotel Bellevue receive the best of both worlds – just a short distance from the hub of activity, but a world away in the peaceful quiet of the Adriatic coastline. Guests will find an excellent restaurant, as well as a luxurious spa for after-touring pampering. There is a small beach area on property with lounge chairs and a beach bar. Room décor is contemporary and all rooms have views of the Adriatic Sea. All rooms feature free WiFi. Accommodations are light and airy and make use of calm and peaceful shades of beige and cream. Art throughout the hotel is by local Croatian artists. Superior Room: These spacious rooms feature approximately 325 square feet of space as well as a private balcony with views of the Adriatic Sea. Beds are either one queen or two twins.

Meals

No meals included, other than breakfast as described above. Your final documents will include our top recommendations. Your guides will recommend restaurants that fit your exact needs daily.

Services

Private vehicle, driver and guide at your service as described. A full day is generally eight hours in duration. A half-day is generally three hours in duration. The timing for each day is noted in your program. Exeter International’s local offices are available for your assistance 24 hours per day while you are traveling. Our local staff may also assist you with restaurant reservations and purchasing of additional theater and museum tickets at your request.

Transportation

All transfers to and from airports are included in the program. Unless otherwise noted, all transfer service is with a driver only, not a guide. In general, drivers have limited English-speaking skills. Evening transportation is not included unless specifically noted in your itinerary. Timing for each day is noted in your program.

Guides Hand chosen for their knowledge on local history, art & architecture. Guides are at your disposal as noted in your itinerary.

Tickets All entrance tickets as described in the program.

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April & October From $50 per person(total for 3 nights)

May From $110 per person(total for 3 nights)

June & Septemer From $375 per person (total for 3 nights)

July & August From $425 per person (total for 3 nights)

This hotel is, without a doubt, the best in Rovinj, a charming and popular town on the Istrian Peninsula. Hidden in a centuries old Zlatni Park forest and right on the Lone Bay, the hotel is a 20 minute walk to the city’s center. With its 113 rooms and suites, Zen spa with a pool and several saunas, it is the perfect base to relax for a few days or to explore the Istrian Peninsula.

All rooms feature private balconies, satellite television and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are generous in size and most feature dual sinks, separate bath and shower and luxurious amenities. Hotel amenities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a basketball court, restaurants, bars and a wine cellar.

Premier Rooms: This is the entry-level room category and rooms average 400 square feet in size with a small balcony or terrace overlooking the sea. Rooms can have either one king or two twin beds. Rooms with a king bed also have a pull-out sofa, making this a great option for families.

Hotel Option:

Monte Mulini in

Rovinj

Page 21: Exeter Ultimate Self-Drive Croatia & Slovenia 2016...Rovinj ---- Istria - Rovinj Today, embark with your guide and driver on a tour of the beautiful towns and villages of Istria. Note:

April, September & October From $400 per person(total for 3 nights)

May From $260 per person(total for 3 nights)

June From $320 per person (total for 3 nights)

July & August From $275 per person (total for 3 nights)

The Park Hotel is the first new five-star hotel to enter the Split hotel market in years. It has a perfect location in the very center of town, next to the famous Bačvice Beach and just a short walk from the Diocletian’s Palace. It features 73 newly renovated luxury rooms with a contemporary and elegant style. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property. The Restaurant Bruna provides a refined dining experience, while the Lounge Bar, the Winter Garden, and the beautiful terrace provide a more eclectic range of dining and entertainment options. The hotel offers an outdoor pool as well as a spa and wellness center and a gym. Superior Sea View Rooms: These spacious and comfortable rooms feature approximately 325 square feet of space and feature beautiful views overlooking the sea towards the islands Brač and Šolta. Bedding is a choice of one queen or two twin beds.

Hotel Option:

Hotel Park in Split

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Year Round From $40 per person(total for 3 nights)

With a total of 158 rooms and suites, the Excelsior is located just a few steps from the Dubrovnik Old town and overlooking the Adriatic Sea. First opened in 1913, the hotel was completely refurbished and reopened its doors in June 2008. This is the closest cliff-side hotel to the Old Town and many rooms offer superb views of the Adriatic and the quintessential view of Old Town Dubrovnik. Besides its prime location, it also features 4 restaurants and an excellent spa. All rooms feature contemporary décor, flat panel television and complimentary WiFi. Deluxe Rooms: Deluxe Rooms have approximately 310 square feet of space, and feature sea view and a balcony. Bedding can be either two twins or a King bed.

Hotel Option:

Excelsior in

Dubrovnik

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April, May & October From $90 per person(total for 3 nights)

June From $265 per person(total for 3 nights)

July - September From $325 per person (total for 3 nights)

Nestled among pine, orange and lemon trees and surrounded by gardens of bougainvillea and oleander blissful tranquility, the Villa Dubrovnik overlooks the crystal blue-turquoise waters of the Adriatic and the Old City. Located on a cliff overlooking the Islands of Lokrum and Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Villa Dubrovnik’s beautiful compound captures the essence of the sparkling Adriatic. Guest amenities at the Villa Dubrovnik help travelers explore the outer areas of Dubrovnik and relax after a long day of sightseeing. Guests can walk to the outer gates of the Old City in just about 10 minutes from the Villa. A complementary Vaporetto water taxi also transfers guests directly to the Old City, and provides a pleasant ride through the beautiful sea surrounding Dubrovnik. Guests looking to unwind back at the Villa can visit their spa and wellness center. The hotel features indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a swimming platform for dips in the Adriatic. All of Villa Dubrovnik’s rooms and suites have stunning views of the surrounding sea and a healthy amount of natural light, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors to private balconies or terraces. Each room has a private teak balcony with sea views. All rooms offer the choice of one king or two twin beds. Superior Rooms: These entry level rooms offer approximately 325 square feet of space.

Hotel Option:

Villa Dubrovnik in

Dubrovnik

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Meals

No meals included, other than breakfast as described above. Your final documents will include our top recommendations. Your guides will recommend restaurants that fit your exact needs daily.

Services

Private vehicle, driver and guide at your service as described. A full day is generally eight hours in duration. A half-day is generally three hours in duration. The timing for each day is noted in your program. Exeter International’s local offices are available for your assistance 24 hours per day while you are traveling. Our local staff may also assist you with restaurant reservations and purchasing of additional theater and museum tickets at your request.

Transportation

All transfers to and from airports are included in the program. Unless otherwise noted, all transfer service is with a driver only, not a guide. In general, drivers have limited English-speaking skills. Evening transportation is not included unless specifically noted in your itinerary. Timing for each day is noted in your program.

Guides Hand chosen for their knowledge on local history, art & architecture. Guides are at your disposal as noted in your itinerary.

Tickets All entrance tickets as described in the program.

Car Rental None included. Your car rental costs will be quoted separately.

Parking, Tolls, Fuel

None included. All costs payable locally.

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Exeter International Travel Information BAGGAGE The vehicles reserved for your itinerary can accommodate up to two medium-sized suitcases per person. If you intend to travel with additional luggage, please advise your travel consultant so appropriate arrangements may be made. In general, we schedule a sedan for parties of two, a minivan for parties of three to four and a minibus for parties of five or more. SELF-DRIVE All Exeter International self-drive programs include full support throughout your program with our local 24-hour staff. You have the option of borrowing our GPS (we will pre-load your route) or sending us your own GPS to program prior to your trip. Upon arrival in your first city, you will also receive the most up-to-date road map for the region you will drive. Parking instructions, where needed, are included as well as a listing of common European road signs. Your final documents will also include the basic driving rules for each country, including speed limits and other information. SIGHTSEEING Sightseeing arrangements have been made with your special interests in mind. Your drivers and guides are at your disposal for full or half-day sightseeing programs as indicated in the itinerary. Within those time and mileage guidelines, your driver and guide are at your disposal, so you are free to modify your program as you please. Should you require additional time or mileage, the costs will be quoted on request and may be paid for locally in the local currency or U.S. Dollars. Every effort has been made to confirm that scheduled sightseeing venues will be open at the time you plan to visit them. However, individual estates, museums, gardens and other points of interest can change their hours of operation at short notice. In the event that a particular attraction is closed on the day or time of your visit, your guide will offer alternative arrangements or rearrange your sightseeing to accommodate these unexpected events. OPTIONAL EXPENSES Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing services or other optional additions to your established itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid locally in the local currency. GRATUITIES Gratuities are not included in your tour price. Gratuities are at your own discretion. We recommend $15-$20 per person, per day for your guide and $5 - $10 per person, per day for your driver. For your airport or station transfer, a gratuity of $5 - $10 is customary, based on service. Dollars, Euros and any local currency are all accepted. DINING WITH YOUR GUIDE On days when dinner and lunch costs have not been included in your itinerary (or in your tour cost), you may, at your discretion, choose to invite your guide to dine with your party. You are under no obligation to do so but, if you do extend such an invitation, the guide is your guest and you will be responsible for the cost of his/her meal. Booking Conditions PAYMENTS Exeter International must receive a deposit of 25% of the total program cost before reservations for your independent travel program can be initiated. The balance of payment is due 60 days prior to departure. No reservations are made on your behalf until this deposit has been received. Availability and pricing is subject to change until this deposit is received. All deposits are nonrefundable.

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CANCELLATION Written cancellations received less than 60 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit of tour cost

59-14 days prior to departure, 50% of total tour cost 14 or less days prior to departure, 100% of tour cost

REFUNDS We regret that refunds cannot be issued for arrangements confirmed on your itinerary but unused once your tour has begun. INSURANCE Exeter International strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance to protect your investment. You will find insurance costs noted on your invoice and insurance coverage information in your original booking packet. PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS Once an itinerary is finalized and final payment has been made, a $100 revision fee will be charged if the itinerary is changed. The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges. Rates are quoted in US Dollars on the current rate of exchange and tariff as of 2016. Exeter International reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. Devaluation of a foreign currency will be weighed against any tariff increases imposed. Exeter International does not breakdown costs involved in any Small Group or Individual Travel Program.

All arrangements are subject to availability and modification if necessary. Prices are subject to change if necessary until paid in full.

Exeter International www.Exeterinternational.com

111 South Dakota Avenue │ Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone: (813) 251-5355 │ (800) 633-1008 │ Fax: (813) 251-6685