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TREASURES OF CROATIA

A FULLY ESCORTED TOUR
10 SEPTEMBER 2008 - 22 SEPTEMBER 2008





The aura of medieval Croatia endures in its walled cities and cobbled streets. Emerald islands floating in crystal-clear turquoise seas, pristine beaches, forests and rivers, are some of the treasures that make this small country a holiday paradise. By contrast, the many ancient cities, well preserved architecture, Roman ruins and UNESCO World Heritage Sites illustrate the country’s colourful history and rich cultural heritage.

Our tour has been meticulously researched and all accommodation in 4* or special category hotels has been hand picked for position, charm and good service. One night stops have been avoided and the itinerary has been balanced between organised activities and free time. A highlight of the tour will be the two nights spent on the Island of Hvar, considered to be the most beautiful of the Croatian islands.

The tour will be escorted throughout by experienced tour directors Louise or James Pannell, who have visited Croatia many times, to ensure a carefree and relaxing holiday. In addition, the group will be accompanied by a local English speaking guide. Local specialist guides at important cultural & historical locations will add to an enriching travel experience. There are no “optional extras” on our tour and all sightseeing excursions, most meals, porterage and even tips & gratuities for drivers & guides are included in the price.

Join us on a journey of discovery, to explore Croatia’s natural beauty, learn about its history and culture, meet its people and enjoy the good food and excellent wines.

ITINERARY



Meals included: B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner

Day 1
Wed 10 Sep

D

ZAGREB
Arrive Zagreb Airport.  You will be met and transferred to the HOTEL DUBROVNIK, situated on the main square in the heart of the Old City, where you spend two nights. Welcome dinner this evening at a local traditional restaurant, where you can meet your fellow travellers.

 

Day 2
Thu 11 Sep
B L

ZAGREB – TRAKOŠĆAN – ZAGREB
Morning walking tour of the city’s historical centre, St Mark’s with its multi-coloured roof, the Cathedral, the ornate 10th century National Theatre and the beautiful cemetery of Mirogoj. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon drive into the countryside to visit the imposing 13th century castle at Trakošćan, with its collection of 15th to 19th century treasures and beautifully maintained park and gardens. Return to Zagreb where the evening is free to dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Day 3
Fri 12 Sep

B D

ZAGREB - PLITVICE LAKES
Morning at leisure to explore the city’s numerous shops and galleries, or to enjoy a coffee in one of the cafes in Tkalciceva street, favourite meeting place of the locals. Free for lunch. Afternoon drive to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and one of Europe’s most beautiful natural wonders. There are well marked trails throughout the park from which you may get a glimpse of the animal life that flourishes in the unspoiled conditions and over 120 different species of birds. Dinner and overnight in the Park at the HOTEL JEZERA, where you spend two nights.

Day 4
Sat 13 Sep
B D

PLITVICE LAKES
A full day to explore the extraordinary natural beauty of the National Park, on foot and by boat. We will take a tour through the Park with its 16 crystal-blue lakes cascading into 92 spectacular waterfalls. There will be free time for lunch and to walk along the wooden promenades next to the majestic and pristine waters where every turn leads to breathtaking forest scenery. Dinner at your hotel tonight.

Day 5
Sun 14 Sep
May B D
PLITVICE LAKES – SIBENIK – TROGIR - SPLIT
Drive to Split with en route stops at the splendid Sibenik Cathedral of St James and the picturesque medieval town of Trogir, both of these UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. Dinner and overnight at the HOTEL PARK. This elegant, small hotel is adjacent to a beach and within walking distance of the Old City.
Day 6
Mon 15 Sep
B D
SPLIT
Morning walking tour of the Old Town of Split, an intriguing maze of cobblestone streets. Visit Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, built at the turn of the 4th century, another UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, followed by a visit to the beautiful Mestrovic gallery to see some of the works of this great Croatian artist & sculptor. Free for lunch and the afternoon, with time for further exploration of this charming city. Dinner at your hotel.
 
Day 7
Tue 16 Sep
B D
SPLIT – HVAR ISLAND
Mid morning departure to take the ferry to the island of Hvar. Check in at the HOTEL PODSTINE, beautifully situated on a pebble beach in a picturesque bay, with striking views of the Pakleni Islands - a pleasant fifteen-minute walk to the centre of town. Spend two nights here. Dinner at the hotel.



Day 8
Wed 17 Sep
B D

HVAR ISLAND
Morning tour of the town of Hvar, followed by tour of the countryside, visiting the little towns of Jelsa and Vrboska, with free time for lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Stroll into town for further exploration on your own, or spend the time swimming, sunbathing or just relaxing. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 9
Thu 18 Sep
B L D
HVAR ISLAND – STON - DUBROVNIK
Depart after breakfast and drive the length of the “lavendar island”, considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the Croatian islands. Hvar island is luxuriantly green with brilliant patches of lavendar, rosemary and heather. A short ferry crossing from Sucaraj takes us back to the mainland at Drvenik. Travel along the Makarska Riviera with its spectacular scenery to the charming little seaside village of Ston, renowned for its sea food, where we stop for lunch. Continue to Dubrovnik to spend 4 nights at the beautifully situated HOTEL UVALA with lovely views of the bay. Dinner at the hotel.
 
Day 10
Fri 19 Sep
B L D

DUBROVNIK – ELAPHITI ISLANDS – DUBROVNIK
The best views of the Dubrovnik region are from the sea. Spend a full day cruising the Elaphiti Islands aboard an historic galleon, visiting the three most beautiful islands of the Dubrovnik archipelago. Kolocep, with its ruins of ancient churches and patrician palaces, the Golden Island, Sipan and Lopud, where there will be time for swimming and sunbathing. Enjoy a barbecue fish lunch on board with local cheese and wine and later sail back to Dubrovnik. Dinner at the hotel
 

Day 11
Sat 20 Sep
B D

DUBROVNIK
Morning walking tour of the historic core of the medieval, walled city of Dubrovnik, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Sponsa Palace, the rich treasury of the Dominican Church, Onorio’s Fountain, the Rector’s Palace and the 14th century Franciscan Monastery, among the most inspiring sights of the city. After your tour there will be leisure time to explore further on your own. You may wish to walk the walls of the Old City, surrounding one of the best preserved and most impressive fortresses in the world, with spectacular views of the Adriatic. Dinner at the hotel


 

Day 12
Sun 21 Sep
B L D
DUBROVNIK –CAVTAT – CILIPI – KONAVLE VALLEY - DUBROVNIK
Full day excursion into the country, travelling along the coastal route to the town of Cavtat and to Celipi where we attend the colourful Sunday folklore show. Drive into the green Konavle Valley for a wine tasting and a unique lunch experience at the famous Konavski Dvori restaurant, where you can enjoy “lamb under the iron bell”. Return to your hotel. Farewell sundowners at the hotel, followed by dinner.
 

Day 13
Mon 22 Sep
B

DUBROVNIK
Individual transfers to airport for departure.

 

Flights should be booked into Zagreb on 10 September and out of Dubrovnik on 22 September We can assist passengers departing from South Africa with international flights.
       

Our Tour Includes
• 12 nights accommodation (in 4* hotels,excepting for Plitvice Lakes where there best hotel is a high quality 3*)
• Full breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 11 dinners
• Transfers from/to airport on Day 1 and Day 13
• Transport by luxury air conditioned coach and scheduled departure ferries
• Porterage for luggage handlers at` hotels
• Sightseeing and all entrances as per itinerary
• Full day boat excursion to the Elaphiti Islands
• Wine tasting
• Folklore show
• Services of Pannell’s Tours Tour Director throughout the tour
• English speaking professional guide throughout the tour
• English speaking professional local guides in Zagreb, Split, Hvar & Dubrovnik
• Gratuities for guides and driver
  Our Tour does not Include
• Flights
• Meals not specified in itinerary
• Visa costs (if applicable. No visas required for holders of UK EU USA Australian or Canadian passport holders. Holders of South African passports will require a visa)
• Insurance
• Personal expenses, such as telephone calls, laundry, drinks
 
   
13 Strombolis Village, N2, Harkerville | P.O.Box 444, knysna , 6570, South Africa
Tel: +27(0)44 532 7882 | Fax: +27(0)44 532 7781 | info@pannells.com

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