Idyllic Shores of Croatia & Montenegro: A Cruise from Venice to Dubrovnik

Transcription

1 Idyllic Shores of Croatia & Montenegro: A Cruise from Venice to Dubrovnik Aboard the 100-Guest Corinthian May, August, September & October 2014 Book Today SmithsonianJourneys.org n

2 The fragrant lavender fields of Hvar Dubrovnik, one of Europe s best-preserved medieval cities Voyage Highlights Sail Croatia and Montenegro s dramatic coastline aboard the luxurious small ship Corinthian. Discover idyllic islands, well-preserved medieval towns, phenomenal monuments, palm-lined promenades, and exquisite landscapes and seascapes which have retained their authenticity and original character. Spend a day in beautiful Dubrovnik and walk along the ancient city walls that have protected this civilized and sophisticated republic for five centuries. Enter the only fjord in southern Europe to reach Kotor, surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period. Visit magnificent islands: unspoiled Vis, fertile Hvar, picturesque Korcula, and the unusually formed Kornati Archipelago. Weather permitting, swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters of the Adriatic, kayak in secluded bays, or take one of the ship s fleet of bikes out for a cycling excursion all at no additional cost. Enjoy lively lectures with a team of expert study leaders, who ll share their in-depth knowledge of the region. Call or visit us at for more details and to register! Front cover: Corinthian docked in Korcula

3 Special Perfoming Artist Deborah Voigt Onboard May limited space available Cruise, Learn & Be Inspired Deborah Voigt is recognized as one of the world s greatest opera stars. A leading dramatic soprano, internationally celebrated for her performances in the operas of Wagner, Strauss, Verdi, and Puccini, she is also an active recitalist and performer of Broadway standards and popular songs. She has graced the stage at the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, and several other distinguished venues. She appears regularly, as both performer and host, in the Met s Live in HD series. Aboard ship, Deborah will host a round-table discussion about her fascinating career. She will also perform two recitals at venues ashore in Korcula and Split. Every cruise will be accompanied by expert speakers who will lecture on various topics relating to our destinations. Examples of some of the experts who accompany our journeys include the following: Jodi Magness is Kenan Distinguished Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina. Her career has included research and teaching positions at Brown University and Tufts University, where she taught Classical Archaeology for ten years. Jodi s lecture topics will include, What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us?, Byzantine Art and Architecture, and Early Greek colonization. (Onboard May 15-23) Harry Amory Cahill has served as an American diplomat for over 30 years, where he held several assignments in the former Yugoslavia and its present-day successor nations. Mr. Cahill continues to serve in the State Department s Office of Global Information Systems, is a consultant to the Defense Department, and teaches international business management at Pepperdine University. During our trip he will lecture on the history, politics, economy, and arts and culture of the region. (Onboard August 28 - September 5) John Meffert has traveled extensively as a lecturer on architecture, preservation, and culture for many respected institutions. He served as the director for the National Trust for Historic Preservation s Southern Office from and was the director of the Preservation Society of Charleston, the oldest nonprofit organization in the U.S. Mr. Meffert is a principal with Heritage Consulting Services. (Onboard September 25 - October 3) Andrew M.T. Moore is First Vice President of the Archaeological Institute of America. Recently retired from Rochester Institute of Technology, he also taught archaeology at the University of Arizona and Yale University. Since 1966, Dr. Moore has participated in archaeological surveys, excavations, and field research in Croatia and other countries. In 2002, he began a project investigating the spread of farming around the Mediterranean and into southern Europe and is conducting this research in Dalmatia. (Onboard October 9-17)

4 VENICE C R O ATI A Rab Island Korna lan ti Is ITALY Split Hvar Vis Island Island ds Ad BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA ri at ic Se a Mostar Ploce Korcula Island DUBROVNIK Kotor MON T E N E GRO Itinerary D E PART URE D AT E S DEPART May 15, 2014 RETURN May 23, 2014* August 28, 2014 September 5, 2014 September 25, 2014 October 3, 2014 October 9, 2014 October 17, 2014 *Operates in the reverse, from Dubrovnik to Venice Day 1 Thursday USA Fly from the U.S. to Venice, Italy. Day 2 Friday VENICE, Italy EMBARK Arrive in Venice and transfer to Corinthian. Sail in the evening. (D) Day 3 Saturday RAB ISLAND, Croatia CRUISING THE KORNATI ARCHIPELAGO Perched on a sloping peninsula overlooking a spacious bay, Rab, the only town on the small island by the same name, is one of the most beautiful towns along Croatia s coast. Four graceful belfries pointing to the sky dominate the unspoiled medieval town, with its narrow streets that are lined with stately mansions and other buildings. The Cathedral of Sveta Marija Velika (Saint Mary the Great), consecrated in 1177, is an excellent To Book example of a Romanesque basilica, while its magnificent Bell Tower is a masterpiece of 12th-century architecture. Our walking tour of this lovely town will include all its landmark sites. In the afternoon, the ship will cruise by the Kornati Archipelago, a national park of about 100 uninhabited islands. (B, L, D) Day 4 Sunday SPLIT Originally a Greco-Illyrian settlement, Split is an ancient city centered around the formidable Palace of Diocletian, built in a.d Today it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. 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 tour includes a visit to its underground cellars, the Mausoleum, Jupiter s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Northern Gate. Conclude the city tour with a visit to the gallery of famous Croatian sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic. (B, L, D) Day 5 Monday HVAR & VIS ISLANDS Discover Hvar, a fertile island of pale stone houses surrounded by rosemary, lavender, and laurel. The architecture is unmistakably Venetian, and there are fine fortifications. Our tour of the island s principal town includes a visit to the 17th-century Municipal Theater, the Franciscan Monastery and Visit SmithsonianJourneys.org or call

5 In the Old Town of Dubrovnik Hvar s ancient streets its small gallery, the city s Loggia, and St. Stephen s Square. Continue by bus to the 16 th -century fortress, at the top of the hill, for spectacular views of Hvar Town s red-tiled rooftops and harbor. Later today, continue to Vis, one of Croatia s most beautiful and unspoiled islands. Land at Vis Town, set on a splendid bay, and drive across the small island to the quaint town of Komiza, which has retained its medieval character and architecture. Stately homes and other buildings face the palm-lined harbor, while the terraced hillside provides a lovely background to this idyllic setting. (B, L, D) Day 6 Tuesday PLOCE MOSTAR, Bosnia & Herzegovina PLOCE, Croatia Sail to Ploce for an excursion to Mostar, which in the 15 th century under the Ottoman Turks became a thriving center on the banks of the emerald Neretva River. Damaged by the military conflict in the 1990s, the town has been carefully restored by UNESCO and declared a World Heritage site. Admire the ethereally graceful Stari Most ( Old Bridge ), originally built in 1566, the nearby Tabacica Mosque, and an old Turkish house, among other sites. After lunch at a local restaurant there will be free time to explore the old bazaar, a haven for the city s artists and craftsmen. (B, L, D) Day 7 Wednesday KORCULA ISLAND We arrive at Korcula Island and dock at the town of the same name. Steps away from our ship stands the medieval city with its walls and guard towers still intact. Visit St. Mark s Cathedral and its Treasury, the Bishop s Palace, the Church of All Saints, the Icon Museum, and Marco Polo s home. In the afternoon, drive to the village of Lumbarda to visit a family farm known for its production of excellent white wine from the indigenous Korcula Grk grape. Taste local wines as well as other products. (B, L, D) Day 8 Thursday KOTOR, Montenegro DUBROVNIK, Croatia Sail the deep, fjord-like Bay of Kotor to reach the port town of the same name, located at the head of the bay beneath towering mountains. One of the most striking and best-preserved towns along the Adriatic coast, Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A tour of this delightful town reveals its magnificent walls, palaces, and churches, including the Drago Palace, with its elegant Renaissance windows, the 12 th -century St. Tryphon Cathedral, and the baroque Lipovac Palace. Over lunch aboard, sail to Dubrovnik. Set on a rocky peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is one of Europe s best-preserved medieval cities and

6 The distinctive skyline of Rab Town a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. The city contains within its ramparts the Rector s Palace; the Franciscan Monastery, which houses a 13 th -century pharmacy (the oldest in Europe); and the baroque Cathedral, with works by Renaissance painters Titian and Andrea del Sarto. Overnight aboard ship docked in Dubrovnik. (B, L, D) Day 9 Friday DUBROVNIK DISEMBARK FLY TO USA Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights. (B) Optional Extensions in Venice, Dubrovnik & Sarajevo 1-Night Optional Extension in Venice Rates: $775 per person, double occupancy; single supplement: $260 1-Night Optional Extension in Dubrovnik Rates: $435 per person, double occupancy; single supplement: $190 3-Night Optional Extension in Sarajevo & Dubrovnik Rates: $1,290 per person, double occupancy; single supplement: $385 program inclusions 7-night cruise aboard the all-suite, 100-guest Corinthian All meals aboard ship, including wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship All tours and excursions Enrichment program of lectures and discussions by accompanying experts and private recitals on the May 15 th cruise Comprehensive pre-departure materials Transfers and baggage handling abroad on the designated arrival and departure dates Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers Professional Travel Dynamics International tour staff Emergency emergency evacuation insurance (up to $50,000), medical expenses coverage (up to $25,000), and dental expenses (up to $500) Not Included Airfare Visa and passport fees (if applicable) Trip cancellation and baggage insurance Meals and beverages other than those specified above Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, Internet, etc.) Port taxes and charges Gratuities to shipboard personnel Air Reservations Airfare is not included in the Cruise and Land Rates. To make your air reservations, please contact your preferred airline, travel agent, or the Travel Dynamics International air desk toll-free at Monday Friday from 9:00 am 5:30 pm (EST). The fragrant lavender fields of Hvar All extensions include deluxe hotel accommodations with breakfast, transfers, city tours, taxes, and service charges. Additional hotel nights available. Please call for further details. To Book Visit SmithsonianJourneys.org or call

7 Restaurant Veranda Suite Corinthian Sets the Standard for Private-Style Cruising In an era of mega cruise ships that carry thousands of passengers, Corinthian is a delightful alternative. More like a private yacht than a cruise ship, Corinthian accommodates only 100 guests in 50 suites. Corinthian s limited guest capacity, fine facilities, and distinctive style of operation attract like-minded travelers who return again and again to enjoy its custom-crafted itineraries and a style of cruising that is rarely found today. All of Corinthian s suites face outside, providing views of the sea and landscape. Several have a private balcony. There are expansive open deck areas and attractive facilities, including a gym, spa, library (with Internet access), beauty salon, boutique, two lounges, a sun deck with Jacuzzi, and an outdoor cafe. An elegant restaurant accommodates all guests in an open, unassigned seating. An elevator serves all decks. A resident physician attends a well-equipped infirmary. Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship. Served by 65 seasoned officers and crew, Corinthian complies with the latest international safety regulations, including those of the U.S. Coast Guard, meets the requirements of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology. Corinthian is equipped with retractable fin stabilizers and a fleet of Zodiac inflatable craft for forays ashore.

8 DECK PLAN Elevator Jacuzzi Phoebe Deck Sun Deck/ Outdoor Café Beauty Salon/ Massage Rm Elevator Cleo Deck Gym Nautilus Club Elevator Bridge Leto Deck Lounge/Lecture Hall Reception Elevator Ariadne Deck Restaurant Elevator Hospital Athena Deck Sun Deck Cruise & Land Rates per person, double occupancy All accommodations aboard Corinthian are suites. They face outside, affording sea views, and include a bedroom with two twin-size beds that can convert to a queen-size bed, sitting area, mini-refrigerator, safe, spacious closets, climate control, telephone, TV, DVD/CD player, Internet connection, and bathroom with marble vanity, shower, and other amenities. All suites are non-smoking. category description rate E D C B A AA VS PHS Deluxe suites on Ariadne and Leto Decks with windows and sitting area. 215 sq. ft. Suites *342 - *345,*428,*429 * PARTIALLY OBSTRUCTED VIEW Deluxe suites on Ariadne and Leto Decks with windows and sitting area. 215 sq. ft. Suites , 433 Deluxe suites on Athena Deck with portholes and sitting area. 275 sq. ft. Suites Deluxe suites on Ariadne Deck with windows and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites Deluxe suites on Leto Deck with windows and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites , Deluxe suites on Cleo Deck with forward windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft. Suites Deluxe Veranda Suites on Cleo Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 245 sq. ft. Suites Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Phoebe Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 260 sq. ft. Suites $4,890 $5,290 $5,890 $6,790 $7,290 $7,890 $8,690 $9,290 Third person sharing a suite: $1,990 Singles: Single accommodations are available in select categories at a supplement to the per person, double occupancy rates as follows: Category E: $1,790; Category C: $2,090; Category A: $2,490; Category VS: $4,390. Port taxes and charges are an additional $310 per person.

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10 Smithsonian Institution P.O. Box Washington, DC To register call toll-free or go online at SmithsonianJourneys.org The Idyllic Islands & Majestic Shores of Croatia & Montenegro Mostar, with its landmark bridge PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Travel Dynamics Int l SMJO 14216/31/35/37 RP