s Kotor and the Mljet National Park, quaint fishing

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Cathedral of Saint Domnius in Split, Croatia

Transcript of s Kotor and the Mljet National Park, quaint fishing

Page 1: s Kotor and the Mljet National Park, quaint fishing

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The Dalmatian coast is truly one of the world’s dream destinations. It is known for its long sunny days, amazing natural beauty such as the magnificent Bay of Kotor and the Mljet National Park, quaint fishing villages and warm friendly people. It enjoys a long and varied history with many UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Diocletian's Palace and the walled city of Dubrovnik. And don’t forget the Adriatic Sea; crystal clear waters lapping rugged coast lines with wonderful beaches. This journey begins with a nine day exploration by land through the countryside and towns of mysterious Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. The journey is highlighted with the full charter of a delightful small yacht for a week long cruise in the Adriatic, exploring the most fascinating islands and ports of call. This promises to be a truly exceptional adventure. Read on but don’t delay as space is very limited and previous departures filled months in advance.

To be launched in the summer of 2019 and designed to sail the waterways of the Adriatic, this private yacht is the perfect size for this voyage, allowing us to visit a host a fascinating villages and ports which are simply not accessible to larger ships. Our group will be limited to a maximum of 36 persons in 18 comfortable cabins under the care of an experienced crew. All cabins have double or twin beds and are ocean view with private facilities (basin, toilet and shower). Cabin features include a safe deposit box, radio, Wi-Fi, hair dryer and luggage space under the bed. Cabins range from 118 to 140 sq. ft. and are fully air conditioned.

Lower Deck Cabins - 8 cabins, each with 2 portholes (sealed) and entry from an interior door. They are generally more stable and quiet.

Main Deck Cabins - 10 cabins, each with a window. Cabins on the Main Deck are more accessible with fewer stairs.

The Upper Deck contains the public areas including a comfortable bar lounge with a big screen TV and the dining area, large enough for all to eat at the same time. Wi-Fi is available and free. On the outside terrace of the Upper Deck, there is a fully covered sitting area with tables and chairs, great for relaxing, enjoying breakfast and watching the world pass by. A large platform is located at the stern with two ladders for easy access for swimming. The Sunny (Top) Deck has enough sun-beds to accommodate all guests, a shaded open area deck plus a roof top Jacuzzi.

7 night cruise on the ms Summer, based on sharing a double stateroom in category selected

9 day / 8 night escorted tour with superior hotels

37 meals (B - 17 breakfasts, L - 11 lunches, D - 9 dinners)

Services of your cruise/tour escort and/or cruise director and tour manager

All gratuities, surcharges, taxes and fees for included services

Air inclusive rates also include:

Group transfers between airport, ship, and hotel

Return economy group airfare from Canada to Europe

Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value

Rob Craig

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Joan Pitman was in the airline industry for 25 years and remains in the travel industry today. As a Tour Director she has travelled extensively to Alaska, Asia, across Canada and the US as well as Europe. Personal travel has taken her to Europe, South America, Australia, Asia, New Zealand, Africa, Central America, and Bali. A Whistler weekender since the mid 70’s, and a full time resident from 2000, Joan and her husband George also maintain a home in Vancouver. Joan and George have 6 children between them and 9 grandchildren. They are looking forward to sharing this exciting journey with all those who will join them.

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September 26, Thursday Depart Canada Group members from across Canada gather in Toronto for the overnight flights to Tirana, Albania.

September 27, Friday Tirana, Albania Our morning connection brings us to Tirana, the capital and principal city in Albania. On arrival we transfer directly to our hotel where we have dinner and a relaxing night. Hotel Rogner (2 nights) D

September 28, Saturday Tirana We begin with a panoramic city tour viewing Skanderbeg Square, the Mosque of Et’Hem Bey, the Clock Tower, the statue of Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg, the Soviet-era Palace of Culture and the National History Museum which sports a mosaic façade depicting the history of Albania. The afternoon has been left free to explore the city on our own, to shop or just relax. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. BD

September 29, Sunday Krujë / Sveti Stefan / Budva, Montenegro Enjoy the rural countryside as we make our way to Krujë, and visit the medieval bazaar and impressive Krujë Castle. View Sveti Stefan, Montenegro’s iconic island. It was once a fortified village connected to the estate of the Villa Miločer. Enjoy the pristine beauty of the coastline and a break at one of the beautiful sandy beaches en route to historic Budva. After dinner take the opportunity to walk through the Old Town and explore its narrow cobbled streets with Venetian-style piazzas, churches, boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Hotel Budva (2 nights) BLD

September 30, Monday Cetinje / Njeguši / Kotor Enjoy a day of scenic beauty as we explore the hinterland of the Lovćen National Park. In Cetinje, visit King Nikola’s Palace, the former residence of Montenegrin royalty. Following a traditional lunch in the village of Njeguši, enjoy a stroll in the centre of the Old Town of Kotor, with one of the best-preserved medieval towns, surrounded by 5 km of original walls and home to St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, built in 1166AD. BLD

October 1, Tuesday Perast / Trebinje / Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina This morning we enjoy a scenic drive by the Bay of Kotor en route to Perast for a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks Island. It was created by man and is home to a beautiful church and museum. Head inland to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the village of Trebinje. Enjoy a very scenic drive through the mountains following the valley of the River Drina. This afternoon, we are in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia, and site of the 1984 Winter Olympic Games. Hotel Europe Sarajevo (2 nights) BLD

October 2, Wednesday Sarajevo Like much of this region, Sarajevo has seen many cultures and civilizations cross through its gates and is known for its

The delightful island of Korčula

cultural and religious diversity. It was here that the first shots were fired in WWI, following the assassination of Austria’s Archduke Franz Ferdinand. We’ll visit the picturesque Turkish Bazaar “Bascarsija”, Husrev Bey’s Mosque and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum followed by a free afternoon in this historic city. BD

October 3, Thursday Mostar / Dubrovnik, Croatia Departing Sarajevo we follow the Neretva River Gorge, stopping in Mostar to visit the historic Turkish Quarter and walk over the famous 16th century Ottoman bridge for which the town is named. Visit the Koski Mehmed Mosque before we continue to the coast and the legendary walled city state of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World heritage Site. Our hotel overlooks the city and the Adriatic. Grand Villa Argentina Resort (2 nights) BD

October 4, Friday Dubrovnik This morning we will walk from our hotel down into the old city. Our morning exploration will include views of the Rector’s Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, the Franciscan Monastery, Orlando’s Column and Sponza Palace. Visit the exquisite Dominican Monastery, one of the most important buildings in the city. Following lunch in a restaurant in the old city, enjoy a free afternoon and evening to explore the city on your own, to climb the city walls and to enjoy dinner in one of the many great local restaurants. BL

October 5, Saturday Dubrovnik / Embark Enjoy a free morning with an opportunity to return to the city or to relax in our resort. Early this afternoon we transfer to the pier and embark on the ms Summer, our home for the next week. This afternoon we will have time to settle in before we join the Captain and his staff for a Welcome Reception and dinner. Ms Summer (7 nights) BD

October 6, Sunday Elafiti Islands / Korčula Enjoy a morning of cruising among the Elafiti Islands with a swim stop en-route. Enjoy lunch on board as we cruise to Korčula. Our walking tour of Korčula includes views of Marco Polo's House, the Bishop’s Palace, and St. Mark's Cathedral which houses many fine works of Tintoretto. This evening there will be an opportunity to enjoy an optional wine and dine experience on shore (approx. 70 Euro). BL

October 7, Monday Vela Luka / Vis This morning we will explore the island of Korčula and the pretty village of Vela Luka where we will rejoin our yacht. En route, we stop in Blato and visit the Ethno Museum of the family Barilo, a very traditional stone house. Over lunch, we sail to the magical remote island of Vis, world-renowned for the spectacular remains of the ancient Issa, the very first urban centre in Croatia. BL

October 8, Tuesday Biševo (Blue Cave) / Hvar This morning, we will sail to the island of Biševo and visit the Blue Cave or Grotto, weather permitting. Later, enjoy a delicious lunch on board and a refreshing swim at the

Dubrovnik, Croatia

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REV01APR19

The ship we are using does not have an elevator. This journey includes many walking excursions with stairs and uneven surfaces. Members must be physically fit and able walkers to fully enjoy this itinerary.

This cruise is a little different. Since most evenings are spent in delightful ports offering a wide variety of excellent local restaurants, several dinners are not included, allowing you the freedom to choose where you will dine. Your Tour Manager and Cruise Director will happily assist you in finding the best options.

1 Outside Lower ......................................................... $5,855 2 Outside Main ........................................................... $6,195 1S Single Outside Lower ........................................ $7,455 2S Single Outside Main ........................................... $7,915

All categories are subject to availability at time of booking. Book early for best choice. If you wish a cabin with twin beds, please request early. Above rates are per person based on sharing the category selected and include all of the applicable Inclusive Features. See deck plan for full details on the various categories available.

Toronto ...................................................................... $1,630 Montreal / Ottawa ...................................................... $1,830 Halifax / Winnipeg ...................................................... $2,080 Regina / Saskatoon ................................................... $2,200 Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver ............................... $2,170 Victoria ....................................................................... $2,200

Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Prices are based on rates, taxes and fees effective August 2018 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. The overnight in Vienna is only included for passengers booking group airfare. Prices DO NOT INCLUDE the cost of insurance which is available and is highly recommended. Premiums vary with the cost, length of the trip, and the traveller’s age. For passengers up to and including 74 years on departure date, premiums will range from $312 to $484 pp plus applicable taxes. Cost supplements for travellers aged 75-85 will range from $201 to $424 pp plus applicable taxes. This insurance is effective from the date of purchase and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Clients 86 years and older and/or clients residing outside Ontario - please contact our staff for procedures. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website for the most current information. Refer to the enrollment form for general information and conditions.

Final payment will be due June 20, 2019 Deposit is $900 per person

To reserve your spot on this tour, simply complete the enclosed enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit to:

Enjoy the sights of the walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia

Pakleni Islands en-route to the beautiful island of Hvar. Spend the late afternoon exploring the town of Hvar, set in a sheltered bay. This perfectly preserved medieval town features Venetian architecture and fine fortifications. Our walking tour will end at the Benedictine or Franciscan Monastery with a wine reception and Klapa, traditional Croatian singing. This evening why not indulge yourselves with a dinner ashore along the waterfront. BL

October 9, Wednesday Split In the morning, we stop in Bol, best known for Zlatni Rat, also called Golden Horn, or Golden Cape, a wonderful beach known for its ever-changing shape, which regularly tops the list of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Then we cruise over lunch with a stop for a swim. Spend the afternoon and evening in the ancient city of Split, centred around famous Diocletian’s Palace built in A.D. 295-305. An extensive structure, much of which is well preserved, the palace contains within its walls Split's medieval town, making it the only palace that has been continuously inhabited since Roman times. Our walking tour includes a visit to its underground cellars, the Mausoleum and Jupiter's Temple. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. BL

October 10, Thursday Brac Channel / Pučišća Cruise across the Brac Channel to Pučišća with a short, yet refreshing, swim stop along the way. Nestled inside a deep fjord, Pučišća boasts authentic Mediterranean architecture. BLD

October 11, Friday Mljet Enjoy a morning of cruising with lunch on board before we arrive to Mljet. Our afternoon is free to explore the stunning Mljet National Park (entrance fee not included). Consider walking around the Great & Small lakes and visit the Island of St. Mary with its Benedictine Monastery that dates back to the 12th century. Overnight is in the port of Pomena. BL

October 12, Saturday Trstenik / Dubrovnik Early this morning we sail to Trstenik, where we sail farewell to our wonderful crew. Disembarking we begin a full day tour through Dubrovnik’s Primorje region to the Pelješac Peninsula. Visit the Gastro Vista centre where we will learn about the production of honey and enjoy a few samples. Visit the oyster farms in the channel by Ston, including a tasting, and enjoy a wine tasting with traditional lunch in a local restaurant in a village on the Pelješac Peninsula. BL Grand Villa Argentina Resort (1 night)

October 13, Sunday Dubrovnik / Vienna Today we transfer to the airport to catch our flight to Vienna for a quick overnight stay. Ibis Airport Hotel (1 night) B

October 14, Monday Vienna / Canada This morning we continue our journey back to Canada. B