AN EXCLUSIVE JOURNEY CROATIA. May 16 23, 2019 DAYS / NIGHTS

Transcription

1 AN EXCLUSIVE JOURNEY CROATIA May 16 23, /7 15 GUESTS DAYS / NIGHTS MEALS Explore the dramatic Dalmatian Coast by land, spending time in the medieval cities of Dubrovnik and Split. Discover the rich history and culture of Croatia while spending time with famous winemakers, passionate chefs, and local experts over eight days. Experience the Mediterranean as it once was during this memorable journey info@experi.com 1

2 THU, MAY 16 DAY 1 CILIPI Land in Dubrovnik and meet your Travel Director in the arrivals hall. A private transfer takes you to your seaside setting for the next three nights. Located just steps away from the UNESCO Old City of Dubrovnik, this former 1913 royal villa turned modern retreat is perfectly situated on the Adriatic. DUBROVNIK Settle in at the hotel and enjoy the lovely views of the garden, private beach, and Old Town. Gather with the rest of the group for aperitifs and a wine-paired welcome dinner showcasing Mediterranean flavors. Dinner Overnight at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik FRI, MAY 17 DAY 2 OLD TOWN Discover why Dubrovnik is aptly named the pearl of the Adriatic during a morning walking tour with an expert guide. Explore the stunning walls that surround the Old Town and marvel at the Baroque buildings and marble streets that adorn the Placa. Learn about the city s remarkable history and its importance in Croatian culture. DUBROVNIK Enjoy a sumptuous lunch of Dalmatian cuisine and learn about Croatian grown wines. The rest of the afternoon is open for you to explore at your leisure. Stroll about the ancient city, walk the walls, or venture out with expert recommendations from your guide. Dinner is on your own this evening reservations can be been arranged for your convenience. Breakfast, lunch Overnight at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik info@experi.com 2

3 SAT, MAY 18 DAY 3 PELJESAC PENINSULA This morning, we ll head to the Pelješac Peninsula known for its fine wines and oysters. First, we ll meet our host for the day, a renowned Croatian winemaker. He ll provide insider access to Croatia s most respected wine cellars. Visit Miloš winery and enjoy a tasting of Plavac Mali wine. Next, we ll tour the Grgich winery situated within steep hills overlooking Trstenik harbor. Learn about winemaker Miljenko Grgich and his successes in Napa Valley and Croatia. Our final stop is at our hosts 500-year-old family cellar for a private wine-tasting and traditional Croatian lunch. DUBROVNIK Back in Dubrovnik, the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Take the opportunity to relax by the hotel pool or stroll through the Old Town. Breakfast, lunch Overnight at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik SUN, MAY 19 DAY 4 KLIS FORTRESS On the way to Split, we ll pass briefly through Bosnia and Herzegovina. Back in Croatia, savor a lunch of lamb cooked on the spit a favored local cooking method. After, we ll visit Klis Fortress, a medieval fortress built into the rocky ridge of a hillside village. Built by ancient Illyrian tribe, the Dalmatae, the fortress has a fascinating 2,000 year-long history. A local guide leads us on a private tour of the stronghold and museum. Enjoy panoramic views of Split and the Adriatic Sea. SPLIT Once in Split we ll settle into our elegant hotel and embark on a privately guided tour of the Old Town and Diocletian's Palace. The Palace is one of the bestpreserved Roman royal residences in the world. Built at the turn of the 4th century AD for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the ancient palace contains a remarkable history and is still in use today with over 3,000 people living within the walls. Enjoy a lovely dinner in the Palace at a konoba (authentic restaurant). Breakfast, lunch, dinner Overnight at Hotel Park info@experi.com 3

4 MON, MAY 20 DAY 5 BRAC Set sail this morning for a full day of touring the island of Brač. We ll head down to the port and take a short boat ride over. Here we ll experience island life as it has been practiced for centuries, if not millennia. Croatians have long lived, farmed, and traveled between the many coastal islands. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the island s white-pebble beaches and discover some of the charming villages that dot the harbour. BRAC For lunch, we ll enjoy a simple island meal paired with wine indigenous to the island. Learn about the wines unique flavors and challenges in growing grapes in this special place. In the late afternoon we ll board our boat and head back to Split. The evening is on your own. Breakfast, lunch Overnight at Hotel Park TUE, MAY 21 DAY 6 RIVA Relax this morning as we ll meet our expert guide and chef for today s activity midmorning at Riva the prominent seaside promenade of Split. Experience the everyday energy of the city during our stroll to the fish market. Along the way, our chef introduces us to the history of Mediterranean fishing, local customs, and the unique items in and around the lively, active fish market. DIOCLETIAN S PALACE Afterwards, we ll continue on, stopping at shops along the way for local tastes. Our final stop, a restaurant in the heart of Diocletian s Palace is where we ll enjoy a cooking workshop. Sip wine while learning about techniques and ingredients such as local Croatian olive oil. The class is followed by a lunch of your making. The evening is on your own. Breakfast, lunch Overnight at Hotel Park info@experi.com 4

5 WED, MAY 22 DAY 7 KRKA NATIONAL PARK Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading out of the city early afternoon to Croatia s national treasure, Krka National Park. Krka River, the centerpiece of the park has seven waterfalls, but Skradinski buk is the longest and most beautiful. Stroll along the winding wooden paths with your guide, explore the local water powered mill, and absorb the the surrounding natural beauty. PLASTOVO After leaving the park, we head to the small village of Plastovo. Here we ll stop at Bibich Winery for an unforgettable gourmet experience. Bibich Winery has a limited production of award-winning white and red wines as well as exceptional brandies. Winemaker, Alen Bibic and his wife Vesna deliver a world-class tasting experience. We ll enjoy a multi-course farewell dinner prepared with seasonal ingredients and wine personally chosen by Alen. Breakfast, dinner Overnight at Hotel Park THU, MAY 23 DAY 8 SPLIT After breakfast, check out of the hotel and take a private transfer to the Split Airport for departures home. Not ready to leave Croatia behind? Continue your journey on an optional four-day extension to the Istrian Peninsula. Breakfast info@experi.com 5

6 EXTEND YOUR TRIP + 4 DAYS ON ISTRIAN PENINSULA THU, MAY 23 DAY 8 Traveling from Split towards the Istrian Peninsula, stop at the Plitvice Lakes National Park for a private walking tour with a local guide. Learn about the legend of the lakes creation after a long drought and stand in awe of the park s astounding beauty. Waterfalls, rolling hills, 16 lakes, and an abundance of flora and fauna are a feast for the eyes. After, enjoy a traditional lunch before heading to Bale, where we ll reside for the next three nights at a luxe villa and wine estate. Upon settling in, enjoy a wine-paired dinner featuring estate vintages. Lunch, dinner Overnight at Hotel Villa Meneghetti FRI, MAY 24 DAY 9 Relax at the property this morning over a leisurely breakfast. In the afternoon we ll tour the Istrian Peninsula visiting two small, yet renowned, wineries along the way. First, stop at an authentic Istrian estate and farmhouse with over a century of winemaking tradition. After a scenic drive, we ll arrive in the valley of Vale where we ll meet the King of Muskat the region s sweet wine made from an indigenous grape. Breakfast Overnight at Hotel Villa Meneghetti info@experi.com 6

7 SAT, MAY 25 DAY 10 Spend the afternoon discovering two mediaeval towns of Istria. Explore the charming artists town of Grožnjan then head to picturesque Motovun an ancient walled hilltop village. The Motovun forest is where we ll embark on a private truffle hunt with specially trained dogs. After, enjoy a dinner featuring truffles at a Motovun restaurant. Breakfast, dinner Overnight at Hotel Villa Meneghetti SUN, MAY 26 DAY 11 Savor an early breakfast then take a private transfer to the Pula Airport for flights home. Breakfast info@experi.com 7

8 ACCOMMODATIONS HOTEL EXCELSIOR DUBROVNIK Enjoy three nights in this grand hotel overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The former 1913 royal villa was recently renovated with a modern flair and enjoys splendid views of the sea and the Dubrovnik s medieval walls. Ideally situated, the hotel is just a few steps from the Old Town and is complemented with direct access to a private beach. Guests will enjoy access to a tranquil garden, indoor swimming pool, fitness center and wellness spa, and a variety of dining choices. Rooms are comfortably appointed with natural, calming shades and dark wood furnishings. Each room features a private bathroom and exclusive L Occitane toiletries. HOTEL PARK SPLIT Spend four nights in one of Split s oldest hotels, dating back to The elegant and traditional hotel was completely renovated in 2015 and offers a range of modern amenities and contemporary comforts. The hotel is conveniently located steps away from Split s Bačvice beach perfect for a dip at anytime. The Old Town is just a 10-minute stroll away. Aside from the perfect location, the hotel offers an outdoor pool, upscale restaurant and bar, and wellness center. Rooms are comfortably furnished in neutral tones and feature private bathrooms. HOTEL VILLA MENEGHETTI ISTRIAN PENINSULA EXTENSION In Istria, enjoy three nights at this recently expanded luxury wine villal. The boutique property is part of the Relais & Châteaux collection and is the perfect countryside getaway. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the villa is home to a fine dining restaurant and wine cellar and tasting room. Wooden beams, white stone walls, and beautiful landscapes create an exceptional setting for relaxation. Rooms offer charming antique touches with modern amenities and private bathrooms info@experi.com 8

9 THE FINE PRINT QUESTIONS? GET IN TOUCH. DETAILS DATES Program: May 16 23, 2019 Extension: May 23 26, 2019 FLIGHT INFORMATION If you would like assistance with reserving your flights, please contact us at ACTIVITY LEVEL This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that range from one to three hours. Guests should feel comfortable meandering along cobbled surfaces, walking up and down stairs, and sauntering down uneven nature paths. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. Please contact us at if you have questions. Note: Group maximum is based on double occupancy. INCLUDED 7 nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners, plus wine pairings with most major meals All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, gratuities, and transportation Full guiding services of a dedicated Experi Travel Director Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program NOT INCLUDED Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses Air and land transportation to/from host cities All types of personal insurance Personal expenses Additional Alcoholic beverages beyond those included with major meals info@experi.com 9

10 RATES* Classic: $5,995 Deluxe: $6,995 Single: $7,995 EXTENSION RATES* Classic: $3,995 Single: $5,795 *Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars. Call to discuss availability and rates for triple, quad, and child accommodations. DEPOSITS A $1,000 deposit per person reserves your space for this program. Final payments are due no later than 90 days prior to departure. An additional $500 deposit per person is required for extension reservations. TRAVEL TERMS & CONDITIONS View our complete terms and conditions at info@experi.com 10

11 RESERVATION FORM RESERVING GUEST INFO To reserve your spot, we just need the name of one person in your group. We'll get the names of the rest of your group in the next section. PLEASE SPECIFY YOUR DEPARTURE: Departure Name Departure Date NAME: ADDRESS: First Address Line 1 Last Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region Phone ZIP / Postal Code Country HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT US? TERMS & CONDITIONS I have reviewed and agree to the Terms & Conditions. ROOM SELECTION We'll do our best to make sure you get the kind of room you want. ROOM CATEGORY: HOW MANY TRAVELERS IN YOUR GROUP? Per person based on double occupancy. In U.S. dollars. Airfare Required deposit is $1,000 per guest. not included unless noted otherwise. GUEST INFORMATION: Now let's get to know the rest of your group. Enter information for the remainder of your traveling party Guest #2 First & Last Name Guest #5 Guest #3 Guest #6 Guest #4 Guest # info@experi.com 11

12 EXTENSION & INSURANCE EXTENSION? TRAVEL INSURANCE: If offered, add your destination's extension to your reservation. Protect yourself from the unexpected. We highly recommend Travel Guard to all of our guests for protection and peace of mind. Add on my destination's extension. No thanks. Send me info about purchasing travel insurance. No thanks. DEPOSIT Program deposit is $1,000 per person. If selected, Extension deposit is $500 per person. Credit / Debit Card Check BILLING ADDRESS: PLEASE MAIL YOUR DEPOSIT CHECK TO: Experi PO Box Address Line 1 Bainbridge Island, WA Please note your reservation will not be confirmed until your deposit is received. Please reference reserving guest name and program on check. Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country CREDIT/DEBIT CARD Amount ($) to charge Card Number Expiration Date (MM/YY) Security Code Cardholder Name Cardholder Signature info@experi.com 12