© 2008Intimate France
20 April 2008
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Slovenia - Cosmopolitan Ljubljana, sublime Lake Bled
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Croatia - Dalmatian Coastal Villages, Plitvicka National Park,
Split, Dubrovnik - Book it!
12 days
* September 27 - October 9, 2009
Tour begins in Ljubljana, ends in Dubrovnik
$3,895* per person, double occupancy * Singles, add $450
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Tour Details Day 1 (Sunday, September 27) We begin our journey at 9:30 a.m. in the lobby of our hotel, the Mrak, in pretty Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Here, after an orientation to the history, culture and cuisine of Slovenia and Croatia, we explore the pedestrian zone and climb to Ljubljana Castle, looming high above the compact center. There's also time to stroll along the banks of the Sava River, enjoying the baroque architecture and the festive ambiance of this lively capital. Late in the day we'll celebrate our arrival with a WELCOME APERITIF, followed by DINNER. OVERNIGHT – LJUBLJANA Day 2 (Monday, September 28) Not far north of Ljubljana are the majestic Julian Alps and Slovenia's top mountain resort, beautiful Lake Bled. We enjoy LUNCH, a tour of the the iconic Bled Castle, perched on a rock overlooking the lake, and a trip by rowboat to Bled Island, site of a chapel dating from the 1100s. Back in Ljubljana, we have free time. OVERNIGHT – LJUBLJANA Day 3 (Tuesday, September 29) Today we leave Ljubjana and Slovenia. In a short while we have crossed into Croatia. Our first stop is baroque Samobor, an exceptionally pretty town with remarkable architectural unity, gathered around King Tomoslav Square. After LUNCH in Samobor, we take to the road, arriving late in the day in old Karlovac, a renaissance town rebuilt in the 1600s in the baroque style by Charles II of the Hapsburg dynasty. There is time for a walking tour of the old center before dinner. OVERNIGHT – KARLOVAC Day 4 (Wednesday, September 30) We leave Karlovac this morning and soon arrive in an upland zone of soaring peaks, deep river valleys and limestone plateaux known as the karst. This is our gateway to Plitvicka Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We spend most of the day in this remarkable park – 16 lovely lakes in a mountain valley, each joined to the next by plunging waterfalls. Our modes of transportation are park bus, foot and boat. Near day's end we leave Plitvicka for coastal Zadar. We've finally arrived on the Dalmatian Coast. OVERNIGHT – ZADAR Day 5 (Thursday, October 1) Ancient Zadar is one of the most remarkable towns on the Dalmatian Coast . This lively, fortified town lies at the edge of a vast, fertile plain. Its old city occupies a small island in the Adriatic. Here we find a perfect Venetian town from the 1500s, along with the baroque Church of St. Simon, the romanesque Church of St. Laurence (11th century) and the remarkable Church of St. Donat, a circular church from the early 800s showing strong Byzantine influence. DINNER in Zadar. OVERNIGHT – ZADAR Day 6 (Friday, October 2) From Zadar, we continue south. In mid-morning we arrive at one of Croatia's most spectacular national parks, Krka. By boat we journey from the little town of Skradin to Krka, a riot of flowing water and cascades as the Krka River flows out of the limestone karst on its way to the Adriatic. Later, we come to Split, Croatia's second-largest city. OVERNIGHT – SPLIT Day 7 (Saturday, October 3) Today we get to know Split. Our first activity is a guided tour of the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, built in the 300s. Today it's an amazing combination of churches, shops, marble-clad streets and tenements dating back to the Middle Ages. Later, after LUNCH at an authentic Croatian kanoba (restaurant specializing in typical cuisine), we'll visit two of Split's museums – the Archeological Museum, and a museum dedicated to the works of sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. OVERNIGHT – SPLIT Day 8 (Sunday, October 4) From Split the lively coastal town of Sibenik is not far. Here, we find the world-class Cathedral of St. Jakov, with its rich collection of Gothic sculptures. Sibenik enjoys an exceptional position facing the Adriatic Sea, with a tranquil and scenic seaside promenade that you'll enjoy. In the afternoon we move on to amazing Trogir, set on a tiny island in the Adriatic. You will love its intimate, pedestrian-friendly streets paved with glowing marble. Trogir, a medieval city that is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, boasts the amazing cathedral of St. Laurence, with an elaborately carved west portal and the sumptuously decorated burial chapel of John of Trogir. OVERNIGHT – SPLIT Day 9 (Monday, October 5) We travel today along the spectacular coastal road, drinking in the scenery – rugged mountains plunging into the Adriatic. Just before noon we arrive at the amazing village of Ston, completely encircled by medieval walls. Then it's on to Dubrovnik, the "pearl of the Adriatic," where the most centrally located and convenient accommodations are private apartments in the heart of this walled city. Our DINNER is in a charming restaurant overlooking the old port. OVERNIGHT – DUBROVNIK Day 10 (Tuesday, October 6) This is the day we savor beautiful Dubrovnik. First up is a walk along the city ramparts, which encompass one of the most complete ensembles of renaissance and Gothic buildings in Europe. Later, we visit the Rector's Palace with its City Museum, and the old monastery of the Dominicans. At mid-day, we have a delicious LUNCH at the friendly restaurant Taj Mahal, which despite its name serves Bosnian cuisine. OVERNIGHT – DUBROVNIK Day 11 (Wednesday, October 7) One of the most spectacular sights in this area is the deep Gulf of Kotor, south of Dubrovnik in the neighboring nation of Montenegro. We make a day trip to its lovely shores and to Kotor, its old town a warren of alleyways, squares and city walls. OVERNIGHT – DUBROVNIK Day 12 (Thursday, October 8) We make the most of our last day in Dubrovnik by taking a ferry to the nearby island of Lokrum. Here, we may wish to have a picnic lunch and explore the island's forests, gardens and blue-green waters. If you like, come along on a boat ride to the old Croatian town of Cavtat, founded by the Greeks. Returning to Dubrovnik, make time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping, then join us for a festive FAREWELL DINNER. OVERNIGHT – DUBROVNIK Getaway day (Friday, October 9) We say goodbye to Dalmatia with a morning flight from Dubrovnik's small airport.
Notes MEALS – Tour includes breakfast every day, as well as eight other meals (lunches and dinners), as indicated in BOLD CAPS on the itinerary. OUR LODGINGS Pension Mrak, Ljubljana, Slovenia Hotel Karlstadt, Karlovac Hotel Kolovare, Zadar Hotel Kastel, Split Apartments Van Bloemen and Dabrovic, Dubrovnik HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS – Subject to availability. * TOUR PRICING – Price quoted is based on the U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate as of 3/27/08 and could change if there are significant exchange rate fluctuations in the euro or other currency used in the countries visited. Call us for details -(800) 676-1247. ITINERARY – This itinerary could change. A final itinerary will be issued closer to trip departure. SIGHTSEEING – All sightseeing listed in itinerary is included as part of the tour. |
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