CROATIAN COASTAL ODYSSEY. a seven night cruise exploring croatia s majestic beauty aboard the queen eleganza april, may, september & october 2018

Transcription

1 CROATIAN COASTAL ODYSSEY a seven night cruise exploring croatia s majestic beauty aboard the queen eleganza april, may, september & october 2018

2 QUEEN ELEGANZA For our cruises along the Adriatic coast, we are delighted to have chartered the newly built Queen Eleganza whose maiden voyage is scheduled for the spring of Beautifully crafted by Croatian hands, this is one of the finest Croatian flagged vessels of her kind and, with a maximum of just 36 guests, there is the added benefit of a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board. The team of friendly Croatian crew members all speak English and their excellent service and hospitality will do much to add to your enjoyment. Meals served on board have a homecooked feel and feature wholesome, fresh and tasty Mediterranean cuisine and, when dining ashore independently, your knowledgeable Cruise Director will recommend popular local restaurants. This is the perfect ship to escape the formalities of larger vessels and enjoy the casual nature of small ship cruising along the most beautiful of coastlines. Sailing into Split Your Cabin The 18 cabins are finished to the highest standard with sleek lines and neutral colours. All are equipped with an en-suite bathroom with shower, safe, air conditioning/heating, hairdryer and flat screen TV. Most cabins also feature a dressing table and chair. The cabins on the Lower Deck all have two portholes whereas on the Main Deck, the category 3 cabins have three portholes and the category 5 cabin has four portholes. The category 2 and 4 cabins on the Main Deck benefit from a large picture window offering wonderful views. The cabins range in size from 12m 2 for the category 2 cabin to 26m 2 for the category 5 cabin. Life On Board The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, with the dress code reflecting this. With just 36 like-minded passengers, the mood is intimate, and what better way to enjoy the views of magnificent islands and cities than sitting on the Sun Deck watching the world pass slowly by. Part of the joy of a cruise aboard this vessel is its capability to dock in small ports or drop anchor in any suitable spot. The experienced Captain and his crew are trained in the highest safety standards. Being such a small operation, the close-knit team work excellently together and will enrich your overall enjoyment of small ship cruising. Your Space If you prefer a peaceful life at sea and a casual, laid-back ambience then you need look no further than the Queen Eleganza. The vessel has been designed with spacious outside public areas including a large Sun Deck with an excellent shaded area. Whether you choose to spend your time indoors in the lounge or bar area, or in a comfortable lounger on the Sun Deck, the ship has many perfect spots from which to relax and watch the passing scenery. Your Dining Meals on board are a casual affair. Breakfast is buffet style with eggs cooked to order. Lunch and dinner are served and feature locally sourced fresh food. In good weather, there will be the opportunity to dine al-fresco. House wine/ beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner and there is a 24 hour tea/coffee station. Sun Deck 2

3 Category 3 cabin Restaurant DECK PLAN SUN DECK OUTDOOR DINING AREA BBQ AREA CAPTAIN BRIDGE UPPER DECK BAR GALLEY RESTAURANT WC WC LOUNGE MAIN DECK LOBBY CRUISE DIRECTOR 8 6 RECEPTION 4 2 LOWER DECK Sun Deck CATEGORY 1 (17 m 2 ) CATEGORY 2 (12 m 2 ) CATEGORY 3 (14.5 m 2 ) CATEGORY 4 (15 m 2 ) CATEGORY 5 (26 m 2 ) CATEGORY 6 (15 m 2 ) Please note that some of the images shown are of the Princess Eleganza, a sister vessel to the Queen Eleganza. Whilst the decor may differ slightly the overall look and design of the vessel once launched will be similar to the images shown. Cabin bathroom +44 (0)

4 CROATIAN COASTAL ODYSSEY Cruise from Zadar to Dubrovnik aboard the Queen Eleganza 2 nd to 9 th May; 16 th to 23 rd May; 19 th to 26 th September & 3 rd to 10 th October 2018 Come with us to visit Croatia s spectacular coastline and idyllic islands aboard the charming Queen Eleganza. The region offers breathtaking natural beauty, intriguing history, stunning architecture and a wonderfully tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. Our unique cruise covers the coast and rivers of Croatia with the additional benefit of mooring in the immediate vicinity of town centres, allowing for evenings spent ashore. Our itinerary includes a range of scenic delights the Zrmanja Gorge, the world-famous Kornati Islands, plus the dramatic waterfalls of Krka and the River Cetina which, whilst relatively unknown is surrounded by some truly magnificent scenery. We also visit the historic cities of Zadar, Sibenik, Split and Dubrovnik, with their history dating back through the Middle Ages to the Roman Era and the delightful islands of Hvar and Korcula, with their marble streets and impressive architecture. Zadar CROATIA Zrmanja Gorge Krka National Park Sibenik Split Hvar River Cetina Omis Korcula Dubrovnik itinerary highlights Enjoy an informal style of cruising with options to dine ashore and experience the evening splendours of the harbours and towns once the other cruise ships have departed. Discover many of Croatia s natural wonders including Zrmanja Gorge, Krka National Park and River Cetina. Combine the best of Croatia s islands with the mainland and join some unique excursions with just a small group of fellow travellers. the itinerary Day 1 London Heathrow to Split, Croatia. Fly by scheduled flight to Split. On arrival transfer to Zadar (transfer time 1.5 hours) where the crew will welcome us aboard the Queen Eleganza. Meet your fellow travellers and enjoy dinner on board. The ship moors overnight in Zadar. Day 2 Zadar & Zrmanja Gorge. After breakfast, join the excursion Zadar to the Zrmanja Gorge. The River Zrmanja is 69 kilometres long and flows into the Adriatic. At the dramatic entrance to the gorge, we will board a motor launch for the one hour cruise to Obrovac where we will enjoy a lunch of local specialities. Return to Zadar in the late afternoon. Tonight, enjoy dinner on board and maybe take an after dinner stroll as we moor in Zadar overnight. Day 3 Krka National Park & Sibenik. We set sail during breakfast for Sibenik, passing through the group of islands making up the Kornati National Park. After lunch, visit the dramatic waterfalls in Krka where we will see Skradinski Buk, a large natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and cascades at the other. We will then take a walk along wooden jetties and bridges to admire the falls, and the unique flora and fauna. Return to the ship and this evening there is an opportunity to dine independently in one of the local restaurants in Sibenik and we will remain moored here overnight. Day 4 Sibenik & Split. After breakfast, enjoy a guided walk in the historic town of Sibenik. Visit the Cathedral of St James and see the fascinating old traditional buildings. Set sail for Split where we will arrive this afternoon in time for a short guided walk through this fascinating city. See the Palace of Diocletian and the Old Town. We will moor overnight and have the chance to dine in one of the many restaurants on the Riva promenade. Day 5 River Cetina & Hvar. Sail this morning to Omis. Here we will board small boats for the trip along the valley of the emerald green River Cetina. Over centuries, the river has cut a magnificent canyon in the mountains surrounding it. We arrive at Radmanove mlinice (Radman s Mills). Dating from 1722, the mill was used to grind cereals for the inhabitants of Omis. Sail for the island of Hvar this afternoon. Enjoy dinner on board tonight whilst moored at the picturesque harbour in Stari Grad. Day 6 Hvar & Korcula. A short drive this morning will take us to Hvar Town where we will enjoy a walking tour of the old town starting in the main square which is the largest piazza in Dalmatia. See the cathedral, the palatial quarter of Grad and the more humble residential area of Burg. Rejoin the Queen Eleganza to cruise to Korcula. Said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korcula boasts crooked Medieval streets, and elegant squares which are flanked with palaces of the old nobility. Enjoy some free time here before dining independently tonight in one of the local restaurants. Day 7 Dubrovnik. Set sail early this morning for Dubrovnik the Pearl of the Adriatic. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a guided walk through this breathtaking city. Its many historic and cultural treasures have earned it the designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the major attractions such as the Rector s Palace, the Romanesque- Gothic Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries, and the Sponza Palace. Meet later for the Captain s Dinner, after which you can enjoy a final evening on board. Day 8 Dubrovnik to London Gatwick. Disembark this morning and return to London by scheduled flight. 4

5 Zagreb & Beyond Pre-Cruise Extension 29 th April to 2 nd May; 13 th to 16 th May; 16 th to 19 th September & 30 th September to 3 rd October 2018 the itinerary Day 1 London Heathrow to Zagreb, Croatia. Fly by scheduled flight and on arrival transfer to the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel for a three night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Krka Waterfalls Day 2 Zagreb. After breakfast at the hotel depart for a guided walking tour of the highlights of Croatia s handsome and vibrant capital. The tour will end in a central location so you can continue your day exploring the city s delightful streets, cafes, museums and galleries at your own pace. Day 3 Varazdin & the Medimurje Hills. This morning we take an excursion to the charming Baroque city of Varazdin, once the capital of Croatia. On arrival we will have a guided walking tour along its pretty streets and Main Square, passing by elegant mansions and picturesque churches including St Nicholas Church and the Old Town Fortress. Enjoy some free time here before we continue our journey onto the rustic county of Medjimurje, where we visit a traditional family-owned apple farm and take time out for a tasting of three excellent local wines, followed by a four course lunch. After lunch we will return to Zagreb and the remainder of the day and evening is at leisure. Split Day 4 Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park & Zadar. Check out this morning and depart towards Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and one of Croatia s most outstanding attractions. The beauty of the National Park lies in its sixteen lakes, interconnected by a series of waterfalls set in deep woodland. The National Park covers a total area of 300 square kilometres, whilst the lakes join together over a distance of eight kilometres. On arrival we will have a guided visit, followed by lunch in a local restaurant. Later we continue on to Zadar to embark the Queen Eleganza. Dubrovnik PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy Cat Cabin Description 1 Twin/Double cabin on the Lower Deck 2 Twin Cabin on the Main Deck 3 Twin Cabin on the Main Deck 4 Twin/Double cabin on the Main Deck 5 Double cabin on the Main Deck 6 Double cabin on the Lower Deck for sole use Brochure Price Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, seven nights aboard the Queen Eleganza, breakfast and lunch daily, dinners on days 1, 2, 5 and 7, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunches and dinners served on board, services of a Cruise Director, shore excursions with local English speaking guides, gratuities, entrance fees, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, dinners on days 3, 4 & 6. ESPLANADE ZAGREB HOTEL The Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is located in heart of this historic city and is one of its most prominent buildings. Within easy reach of the main sights, this six-story hotel was built next to the train station in 1925 to welcome the Orient Express passengers and it has long been at the heart of Zagreb s social scene. Entered through a splendid marble lobby with Art Deco details, it provides 208 spacious and elegantly furnished rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, a bar and lounge, health club and more. We will be accommodated in the beautifully-designed and spacious Superior Rooms which measure 28 square metres and offer climate control, free Wi-Fi, in-room safe and satellite TV. In addition, the large marble bathrooms feature heated floors, walk-in showers, fluffy bathrobes and slippers and a range of L Occitane toiletries. PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy Twin: 625; Single: 865 Price Includes: Three nights at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel on bed and breakfast basis, tours as described, lunch on days 3 & 4, gratuities, transfers. Not Included: Travel insurance, lunch on days 1 & 2, dinners. +44 (0)

6 CROATIAN COASTAL ODYSSEY Cruise from Dubrovnik to Zadar aboard the Queen Eleganza 25 th April to 2 nd May; 9 th to 16 th May; 23 rd to 30 th May; 26 th September to 3 rd October 2018 Come with us to visit Croatia s spectacular coastline and idyllic islands aboard the charming Queen Eleganza. The region offers breathtaking natural beauty, intriguing history, stunning architecture and a wonderfully tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. Our unique cruise covers the coast and rivers of Croatia with the additional benefit of mooring in the immediate vicinity of town centres, allowing for evenings spent ashore. Our itinerary includes a range of scenic delights the Zrmanja Gorge, the world-famous Kornati Islands, plus the dramatic waterfalls of Krka and the River Cetina which, whilst relatively unknown is surrounded by some truly magnificent scenery. We also visit the historic cities of Zadar, Sibenik, Split and Dubrovnik, with their history dating back through the Middle Ages to the Roman Era and the delightful islands of Hvar and Korcula, with their marble streets and impressive architecture. Zadar CROATIA Zrmanja Gorge Krka National Park Sibenik River Cetina Split Omis Hvar Korcula Dubrovnik itinerary highlights Kornati Islands Enjoy an informal style of cruising with options to dine ashore and experience the evening splendours of the harbours and towns once the other cruise ships have departed. Discover many of Croatia s natural wonders including Zrmanja Gorge, Krka National Park and River Cetina. Combine the best of Croatia s islands with the mainland and join some unique excursions with just a small group of fellow travellers. the itinerary Day 1 London Gatwick to Dubrovnik, Croatia. Fly early this morning by scheduled flight. Upon arrival enjoy lunch before transferring to the Queen Eleganza where the crew will welcome us aboard. Dinner is then served and the ship moors overnight in Dubrovnik the Pearl of the Adriatic. Day 2 Dubrovnik & Korcula. After breakfast, enjoy a guided walk through this breathtaking city. Dubrovnik s many historic and cultural treasures have earned it designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the major attractions such as Rector s Palace, the Romanesque-Gothic Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries, and Sponza Palace. Relax on board this afternoon as we sail to Korcula. Said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korcula boasts crooked Medieval streets and elegant squares which are flanked with palaces of the old nobility. Enjoy some free time here before dinner on board. Day 3 Hvar. This morning we sail to Hvar. Arrive this afternoon and take a tour to the Old Town starting in the main square which is the largest piazza in Dalmatia. We will also see the cathedral, the palatial quarter of Grad and the more humble residential area of Burg. Return to the ship to dine on board. Day 4 River Cetina & Split. Cruise this morning to Omis. Here we will board small boats for the trip along the valley of the emerald green River Cetina. Over centuries, the river has cut a magnificent canyon into the mountains surrounding it. We arrive at Radmanove mlinice (Radman s Mills). Dating from 1722, the mill was used to grind cereals for the inhabitants of Omis. Sail for Split where we will moor overnight and this evening have the chance to dine in one of the many restaurants on the Riva promenade. Day 5 Split & Sibenik. Enjoy a guided walking tour this morning through this fascinating city. See the Palace of Diocletian and the Old Town. Later, set sail for the historic town of Sibenik where we will visit the Cathedral of St. James and the St. Nicholas Fortress. There is a further opportunity to dine independently tonight in one of the local restaurants. Moor overnight in Sibenik. Day 6 Krka National Park & Zadar. Today we will visit the spectacular waterfalls of Krka where we will see the fjord-like landscape of the Skradinski Buk, a large natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and cascades at the other. We will then take a walk along wooden jetties and bridges to admire the falls, and the unique flora and fauna. This afternoon we set sail for Zadar, passing through the group of islands making up the world famous archipelago of the Kornati National Park. Tonight, dine independently ashore in one of the many local restaurants. Day 7 Zadar & Zrmanja Gorge. After breakfast, join the guided walk through Zadar, after which there will be an excursion to the Zrmanja Gorge. The River Zrmanja is 69 kilometres long and flows into the Adriatic. At the dramatic entrance to the gorge, we will board a motor launch for the one hour cruise to Obrovac, where we will enjoy a lunch of local specialities. Return to the Queen Eleganza and meet later for the Captain s Dinner on our final evening. Day 8 Split to London Heathrow. Disembark in Zadar this morning and transfer to Split (transfer time 1.5 hours) for your scheduled early evening flight to London Heathrow. 6

7 Zagreb & Beyond Post-Cruise Extension 2 nd to 5 th May; 16 th to 19 th May; 30 th May to 2 nd June & 3 rd to 6 th October 2018 River Cetina, Omis the itinerary Day 1 Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park & Zagreb, Croatia. Disembark after breakfast and drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and one of Croatia s most outstanding attractions. The beauty of the National Park lies in its sixteen lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls set in deep woodland. The National Park covers a total area of 300 square kilometres, whilst the lakes join together over a distance of eight kilometres. On arrival we will have a guided visit, followed by lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards we continue on to Zagreb and check in to the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel for a three night stay. Day 2 Zagreb. After breakfast at the hotel depart for a guided walking tour of the highlights of Croatia s handsome and vibrant capital. The tour will end in a central location so you can continue your day exploring the city s delightful streets and cafes, museums and galleries at your own pace. Korcula Day 3 Varazdin & the Medimurje Hills. This morning we take an excursion to the charming Baroque city of Varazdin, once the capital of Croatia. On arrival here we will have a guided walking tour along its pretty streets and Main Square, passing by elegant mansions and picturesque churches including St Nicholas Church and the Old Town Fortress. Enjoy some free time here before we continue our journey onto the rustic county of Medjimurje, where we visit a traditional family-owned apple farm and take time out for a tasting of three excellent local wines, followed by a four course lunch. After lunch we will return to Zagreb and the remainder of the day and evening is at leisure. Day 4 Zagreb to London Heathrow. After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London. Hvar PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy Cat Cabin Description 1 Twin/Double cabin on the Lower Deck 2 Twin Cabin on the Main Deck 3 Twin Cabin on the Main Deck 4 Twin/Double cabin on the Main Deck 5 Double cabin on the Main Deck 6 Double cabin on the Lower Deck for sole use Brochure Price Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, seven nights aboard the Queen Eleganza, breakfast and lunch daily, dinners on days 1, 2, 3 and 7, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunches and dinners served on board, services of a Cruise Director, shore excursions with local English speaking guides, gratuities, entrance fees, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, dinners on days 4, 5 and 6. ESPLANADE ZAGREB HOTEL The Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is located in heart of this historic city and is one of its most prominent buildings. Within easy reach of the main sights, this six-story hotel was built next to the train station in 1925 to welcome the Orient Express passengers and it has long been at the heart of Zagreb s social scene. Entered through a splendid marble lobby with Art Deco details, it provides 208 spacious and elegantly furnished rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, a bar and lounge, health club and more. We will be accommodated in the beautifully-designed and spacious Superior Rooms which measure 28 square metres and offer climate control, free Wi-Fi, in-room safe and satellite TV. In addition, the large marble bathrooms feature heated floors, walk-in showers, fluffy bathrobes and slippers and a range of L Occitane toiletries. PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy Twin: 625; Single: 865 Price Includes: Three nights at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel on bed and breakfast basis, tours as described, lunch on days 1 & 3, gratuities, transfers. Not Included: Travel insurance, lunch on days 2 & 4, dinners. +44 (0)

8 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0) All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Ports subject to change. Cover image: Korcula _K