CROATIA WITH UBC PROFESSOR BRIGITTE LE NORMAND

Transcription

1 Open to alumni UBC and friends CROATIA WITH UBC PROFESSOR BRIGITTE LE NORMAND AN HISTORICAL, CULINARY, AND SCENIC IMMERSION MAY 1 13, 2018 Dear Alumni and Friends, On this fascinating tour, you will have an opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful and storied parts of what used to be Yugoslavia. Because this region was a historical borderland, ruled by the Austro-Hungarian, Venetian, and Ottoman Empires and the autonomous city state of Ragusa (Dubrovnik), this is truly a meeting place of cultures, religions and languages. The region s delicious food ranges from refined pasta dishes and truffles in Istria, schnitzel and sausage and delicious cakes in Zagreb, and mouth-watering sea-food and juicy figs on the Adriatic coast, to delicious meat or cheese pies (burek) and grilled meats with pickled hot peppers in Bosnia and Serbia. Everyone falls in love with the Adriatic coast, with its fragrant pine trees, rocky beaches and turquoise sea. Zagreb has a charming city centre featuring some wonderful secessionist architecture. In Bosnia you will encounter the stark beauty of Mostar and its UNESCO protected bridge destroyed in the recent war, and then rebuilt. As a historian of Yugoslavia with a focus on urban and migration history, I can t wait to share with you what I know about the turbulent and complex history of the region particularly the 20th century history which witnessed the rise and fall of the two Yugoslavias. I hope you will join us! Brigitte Le Normand TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS BY:

2 Opatija WHY ALUMNI UBC TRAVEL CLUB? Fine wine tastings on Hvar Island AUSTRIA Visiting a submarine tunnel on the Island of Vis SLOVENIA Enjoying a traditional lunch in Zagreb Getting an expert perspective on the fall of Yugoslavia Sampling fresh oysters on the Pelješac peninsula HUNGARY Zagreb CROATIA Opatija Plitvice Lakes Zadar Plastovo Šibenik Vis ITALY Adriatic Sea BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Split Hvar SERBIA Mostar MONTENEGRO Dubrovnik STUDY LEADER Professor Brigitte Le Normand specializes in Urban History and Eastern Europe at the University of British Columbia. She has studied the history of Yugoslavia for more than a decade and travelled extensively in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

3 DETAILED ITINERARY Tuesday, May 1: Arrive in Zagreb You will be met at the airport upon arrival in Zagreb to provide a transfer to the historic and luxurious Hotel Esplanade. Meet the rest of the group during a trip briefing at the hotel, and then enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a top restaurant. Meals: Dinner Overnight: Esplanade Hotel, Zagreb Wednesday, May 2: Historical walking tour of Zagreb Get to know Zagreb during a guided private walking tour of a city that dates back to the Middle Ages. Historically, the city area included the two distinct communities of Kaptol and Gradec. Today, these comprise the Gornji Grad (Upper Town) where the dual histories of Kaptol s religious traditions and Gradec s merchants and craftspeople endure through stories and architecture. The Donji Grad (Lower Town) sprung to life in the late 19th century after the City of Zagreb became officially united in Secession influences from the Austro-Hungarian Empire are readily apparent in many of the buildings. Peruse the various open-air markets or coffee houses for fine local products, and enjoy lunch at one of Zagreb s finest restaurants. Overnight: Hotel Esplanade, Zagreb Thursday, May 3: Drive to Opatija via Rijeka After breakfast, we drive towards Kvarner and Opatija with a stop in Rijeka for a tour. Brigitte Le Normand s current project examines the impact of border changes after WWII on Rijeka. During the Hapsburg Empire it had been part of Hungary, after WWI, most of it was awarded to Italy and, after WWII it was given to Yugoslavia and got a new (multi)national identity, ideology, political, and economic system. Rijeka also has a charming city centre with an interesting reconstruction story. The nearby seaside city of Opatija was once a fashionable resort frequented by the Austrian Imperial family and personalities such as Isadora Duncan and Puccini. It is a famously relaxing community, and an ideal place to spend the next two nights. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Hotel Navis, Opatija Maiden with the Seagull Statue in Opatija Friday, May 4: Exploring the Istria peninsula Today s private guided tour begind at Poreč and the famous Euphrasian Basilica (or the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Mary) a wonderfully intact example of Byzantine styles. It also houses magnificent 6th century mosaics depicting religious scenes, and some important martyrs from Istrian theology. Continue to Pula where 3000 years of history unfold as you wind through town towards the intact Roman amphitheatre. Enjoy lunch here at an historic tavern, and then enter a seeming medieval storybook village at Motovun. This hilltop village overlooks the Mirna River and Motovun forest, both of which contain the coveted and famous Istrian truffle. Overnight: Hotel Navis, Opatija Motovun Saturday, May 5: Drive to Split via Plitvice Our drive south today takes us to the beautiful Plitvice Lakes: a lush valley of 16 crystalline lakes tumbling into each other via a series of waterfalls and cascades. Walk along the boardwalks through a particularly picturesque area to admire the fantasy world of limestone formations. Then it s onward to Split in another and completely different extravagantly scenic setting with coastal mountains framing the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. Along the way, consider the varying geography of the country and how it has impacted political and social development. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the best restaurants in Split. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Hotel Cornaro, Split Sunday, May 6: Historical walking tour of Split Following Brigitte Le Normand s morning presentation, take the whole day to explore this seafront gem a blend of ancient and modern. At the heart of the old town is a wonderful citywithin-a-city: the former Roman palace built for the Emperor Diocletian. This World Heritage site is both one of the world s most impressive Roman monuments and the city s living heart a setting for a treasure trove of craft stalls and cafés, as well as homes for several thousand people. The stellar art museum displays a collection of works by Ivan Mestrovic: Croatia s premier modern sculptor. Also at the museum, hear from a local expert on the protection and preservation of monuments in Croatia. Overnight: Hotel Cornaro, Split

4 Monday, May 7: Day trip to Zadar, Plastovo, and Šibenik Wander through the former capital of Dalmatia during a private tour. Zadar sits of a peninsula bordered by the driatic Sea, and has had 3000 years of continuous habitation. The heavily fortified Old Town has distinctively Roman and medieval architecture, including some ruins. An excluively prepared gourmet lunch is waiting at the village of Plastovo in the cellars of the Bibic Winery. Naturally, we have also arranged a winetasting. In the early afternoon, journey to historic Šibenik for another private guided tour that includes a visit to what many consider to be the most beautiful cathedral in Croatia: St. James. Return to hotel in the mid-afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: Hotel Cornaro, Split Tuesday, May 8: Ferry to Hvar Island Check out after breakfast and board a public ferry to Stari Grad on Hvar island for a private tour. Walk through the ancient pedestrian streets of this former capital, and make for the town s premier cultural attraction: the impressive Tvrdalj fortress, home of the legendary poet Petar Hektorovic. Nearby to the east, the Stari Grad Plain is the largest cultivated field on the Mediterranean islands. Before lunch at a local tavern in Milna, try some of Hvar s finest wines at a tasting in Jesla. On arrival in Hvar, the rest of the day is yours. Overnight: Hotel Adriana, Hvar Wednesday, May 9: Boat trip to the Island of Vis Today s outing delves into Croatia s marine history, and the turbulent history of the Island of Vis. One of the island s most evocative sites is a submarine tunnel that was used as a shelter for naval boats and submarines in the 1970s and 80s. The morning concludes once again with a fine wine tasting today, with Plavac (red) & Vugava (white), and their local herb flavoured grappa. This vinery is located within an old reconstructed army tunnel which was built during Yugoslavian period. Return to Hvar after lunch for a free afternoon. Overnight: Hotel Adriana, Hvar Thursday, May 10: Ferry ride to Dubrovnik Before the two-hour ferry ride to stunning Dubrovnik, delight in a special tasting of freshly harvested oysters near Mali Ston on the Pelješac peninsula. In Dubrovnik, walk around the magnificent 13th century city walls for perspectives over the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. The pedestrian-only Old Town is packed with aristocratic palazzi and elegant Baroque churches. The Rector s Palace is now a Museum of Cultural History and offers insight into Croatia s history of resilience in the face of oppression. Overnight: Hotel Kompas, Dubrovnik Friday, May 11: Private day trip to Mostar in Bosnia and Hezegovina On arrival in Bosnia and Herzegovina, enter into a fascinating mix of traditions, ethnicity and culture from the Balkan region. Learn how Mostar suffered during the conflict following the fall of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. There s plenty of time to wander the cobblestone streets, lined with shops of local handicrafts. Enjoy lunch in a traditional Bosnian restaurant before returning to Dubrovnik for the evening at leisure. Overnight: Hotel Kompas, Dubrovnik Stari Most bridge in Mostar Saturday, May 12: Fruits and wines of the Konavle valley Brigitte Le Normand s wrap up presentation focuses on the aftermath of the 1991 shelling of Dubrovnik and the changes that have come about in the city. In the afternoon, visit the Konavle valley set against the magnificent backdrop of the southern mountains of Herzegovina and Montenegro. Return to Dubrovnik for a special Farwell Dinner this evening. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Hotel Kompas, Dubrovnik Sunday, May 13: Depart Dubrovnik Following breakfast, a transfer to the airport for homewardbound flights is provided. Meals: Breakfast Note: The itinerary and accommodation described here are subject to change due to logistical arrangements and to take advantage of local events.

5 Optional Extension SARAJEVO, MOSTAR, AND BELGRADE C$1295 per person, based on 4 travellers Includes: 4 nights accommodation, based on double occupancy at hotels listed or similar, breakfast daily, transportation by private vehicle, services of full time guide. Sunday, May 13: Drive to Mostar This morning head inland to Mostar. The old bridge of Mostar symbolizes the unity of the different groups living in Bosnia and Herzegovina; destroyed in the war, it was rebuilt in With your guide, visit the site of the bridge and the wellrestored Ottoman quarter. It s particularly pleasant to be here in the evening as the lights of the many millhouse restaurants sparkle across the river. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: Hotel Bristol, Mostar Monday, May 14: Sarajevo Nikola Tesla Museum For centuries a model of cultural harmony, Sarajevo became synonymous with sectarian strife in the 1990s. Now its historic centre with its mix of Ottoman, Yugoslav, and Austro- Hungarian buildings, has been restored. Visit the Tunnel Museum showing the 25m section of hand-dug tunnel under the airport that was the city s lifeline to outside world during the siege. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: Hotel Hollywood, Sarajevo Tuesday, May 15: Belgrade This morning s drive takes us across the impressive Dinaric Alps into Serbia and to its colourful capital on the Danube River. Get a first view of the city with your guide this afternoon and stroll the lively pedestrian Knez Mihailova Boulevard Overnight: Hotel Sumadija, Belgrade Wednesday, May 16: Belgrade Enjoy a full day with your guide visiting the imposing Kalemegdan Citadel, St. Sava Church and Tito s Mausoleum as well as the riverside Savamala area, now the city s creative hub. Visit the Museum dedicated to the inventor Nikola Tesla. Overnight: Hotel Sumadija, Belgrade Thursday, May 17: Depart Belgrade You are transferred to the airport for homewardbound flights. Inside the Sarajevo Tunnel constructed during the Siege of Sarajevo St. Sava Church Nikola Tesla Museum

6 TOUR DETAILS Tour Cost (per person): C$5995 Taxes and Gratuities (per person): C$300 Single Supplement: C$1295 If you are travelling on your own and would like to share accommodation, we would be happy to try to match you with a suitable roommate. If we are unable to do so, the single cost applies. Group Size: Limited to 16 participants What s Included: Arrival and departure transfers at destination Accommodation based on double occupancy in hotels as listed or similar Meals as indicated; 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 9 dinners Non-alcoholic drinks with included meals All ground transportation in a private vehicle driven by an English-speaking chauffeur Bottled water in the group vehicle Sightseeing and activities as indicated, with English speaking guide All entrance fees Gratuities (as indicated above) Taxes (as indicated above) Services of study leader Brigitte Le Normand Not Included: Roundtrip airfare from your home Meals not indicated in the itinerary Alcoholic beverages Cancellation / Interruption and Medical Insurance Items of a personal nature Additional arrangements required due to any emergency or related situations Excess baggage charges Any item not mentioned in Included Features above Payment Details: A non-refundable deposit of C$500 per person is required to reserve a space on this tour. A payment of C$1000 per person is required 6 months prior to departure. Final payment is due at least 90 days prior to departure. HOW TO BOOK Please contact Worldwide Quest

7 WHAT TO EXPECT Joining Instructions This tour begins with our briefing and welcome dinner on May 1. Please ensure that you arrive in Zagreb by 3PM to join the group. All travellers arriving on the start date of the tour will be met on arrival and transferred to the group hotel. This transfer is included in the cost of the tour. When you book pre-trip arrangements including flight and accommodations with Worldwide Quest, your transfer from the airport to our group hotel on arrival is also included. If you are making your own pre-trip arrangements, this transfer can be provided at additional cost. The tour concludes with a single complimentary transfer from the hotel to the airport on May 13. Please contact us to verify timing of this transfer prior to making any flight arrangements Level of Activity: Moderate We will be walking through city streets with cobblestones and many stairs. You should be comfortable walking for up to two hours at a stretch, unassisted. If you have any concerns about being able to participate in this trip, please contact our office for further information. Accommodation The Hotel Le Jardin is located in the centre of Opatija close to the seaside promenade. Rooms are in the historical villa. The deluxe Hotel Lav is located on a private beach and close to the centre of Split. Hotel Adriana is a spa hotel in Hvar Town; its rooftop bar offer wrap around views of the ancient city, the harbor, and the bay. Hotel Odisej is the only hotel on Mljet; it is situated in a scenic bay within walking distance of the National Park and its scenic lakes. Hotel Valomar Lacroma is surrounded by pine forest and white pebble beaches with panoramic views over the sea. Rooms in all hotels have private facilities and internet access. Transportation We will be travelling in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, driven by a professional, English-speaking chauffeur. We will travel by local ferry on two occasions. Weather We expect sunny skies and dry, warm weather with temperatures ranging from 18 C 21 C during the day and overnight lows of 15 C. Travel Documents You will require a passport for your trip to Croatia and the optional extension to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia. Please make sure it is valid for six months after the date of your return home. Canadian passport holders do not require visas for any of these countries. ADDITIONAL INFO Terms and Conditions For additional information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form, the current brochure or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # ). Cancellation Policy All payments are non-refundable, however you may transfer your initial deposit for any land tour to another tour 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. Initial deposits for cruises are non-refundable and non-transferable. Your second payment and your final payment are nonrefundable and non-transferable. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are nonrefundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing. Travel Insurance We urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip or should the tour not be operable per our terms and conditions. We will offer you Manulife insurance coverage. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory on all our tours. TRAVEL WITH ALUMNI UBC It s your travel experience. Indulge your curiosity as we take you to unique places you ve always dreamed about. UBC experts and knowledgeable local hosts provide context. That allows you to develop a deep connection to the people you meet and the cultures, cuisines and landscapes you re exploring. Best value in educational travel Meaningful local experiences Thoughtful itineraries See our complete list of tours at: WorldwideQuest.com/alumniUBC TICO#: The University of British Columbia Alumni Association will not be responsible for the financing, the arranging, or the conducting of these tours. They assume no liability or responsibility for damages or financial loss to person howsoever arising from the negligence, omission or otherwise of travel services arranged through Worldwide Quest International. Refer to the General Terms and Conditions established by Worldwide Quest International with respect to participating in this tour.