Culture, Hiking and Exploration in Croatia Dubrovnik to Zagreb June 16-30, 2018 AT# 1826 Come join us on an epic journey into a gorgeous part of the world! Here in the land where the Adriatic meets the Alps, there are countless ways to have fun and enjoy the outdoors. Croatia and Slovenia were once part of the union called Yugoslavia. But today, that feels like ancient history, as each country is proudly independent. Carefree Croatia, with its long and enticing coastline, beckons vacationers with dramatically scenic terrain, romantic old towns, sunshine bathed pebbly beaches, and an irrepressible seafaring spirit. We ll start our adventure in the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik, then travel through some of the most scenic off shore islands up the Dalmatian coast to Split. From there we ll head inland via Plitvice National Park with its gorgeous lakes and waterfalls and then on to finish in Zagreb. Dubrovnik, whose nickname is the pearl of the Adriatic, is ringed by a thick wall of medieval ramparts which we will walk along the top and circle the old town. Within the ramparts, the traffic free Old Town is a fun jumble of steep alleys, low-impact museums, al fresco cafes and friendly squares.
Mount Syd overlooks Dubrovnik and we ll have the opportunity to ride the funicular up to the top and walk down, or time permitting walk both ways! We ll utilize a combination of local ferries to travel to the offshore islands of Hvar, Korcula, Mljet and Brac; each one beautiful in its own right but each with a distinct personality. Our days will be filled with a combination of culture, walking, relaxing and soaking up the scenery! On average, our hikes/walk will be for 4-6 hours, about 5-12 miles per day with elevation gains of up to 1500 feet. After our exploration of the islands, we ll come ashore and return to civilization in Split with its atmospheric old town. Our guided tour will take in the highlights of the city and expose us to its rich history. After a relaxing night in Split, we ll travel on to one of the most beautiful national parks in Europe, Plitvice Lakes NP! It is one of Europe s most spectacular natural wonders. Imagine Niagara Falls diced and sprinkled over a heavily forested Grand Canyon. There are 16 terraced lakes separated by natural travertine dams and laced together by waterfalls, boat rides, and miles of pleasant plank walks. The colors are vibrant and fantastic! It has to be seen and experienced to be believed. Come join us! The trip will end in the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, a city which began as two separate walled medieval towns separated by a river. In Zagreb, we ll find historic neighborhoods and a nearly Prague-like Old World streetscape with virtually no tourists. From here participants will either head home or continue their European vacation by joining the trip leaders on their Slovenia hiking trip which follows a few days after this adventure. Detailed Itinerary: Day 1- June 16, 2018 Depart USA on overnight flight to Dubrovnik Day 2 June 17, 2018 Arrival day Dubrovnik Upon your arrival to Dubrovnik transfer to your hotel will be provided. Relax and get over jet leg or wander along the streets of ancient Dubrovnik. Overnight: Hotel Lero, Dubrovnik Meals: - Welcome Dinner at local restaurant Hike: - none scheduled Day 3 June 18, 2018 Discover Dubrovnik Start the day with the climb to Mt. Srđ. Amazing views on the old city of Dubrovnik, islands and the endless blue sea will just make it easier to reach the top of the hike. Once there, visit Napoleon s fort Imperial nowadays museum of Croatian s recent war. Upon return to the sea level, you will have a chance to relax before afternoon s guided tour of the old town and the walk along the famous city walls of Dubrovnik. Discover the marble streets, Baroque buildings and the rich history of once very important Republic of Dubrovnik. Overnight: Hotel Lero, Dubrovnik Hike/walk: 2-3h walking tour of old city in Dubrovnik, 2-4h/6 15 km walk to Srd and cable car down (or walk back to Dubrovnik) Day 4 June 19, 2018 Peljesac and Island Mljet This morning you leave Dubrovnik town but discover some more of its ancient history. First stop is Ston on Peninsula Peljesac, where you will have the chance to discover this fortified town and its salt mine. This area belonged to the Republic of Dubrovnik in the 14th century. After a short break, ferry takes you to Mljet, Island and one of the National Parks of Croatia. On the way to your hotel, walk to Odysseus s cave. You might want to know that ancient Greeks discovered this island, and in their culture it is believed Calypso nymph saved Odysseus life and they spend happy seven years together on Mljet. Enjoy leisure walk and discover where Odysseus s and Calypso spent some happy years together. Overnight: Hotel Odisej, Mljet Hike/walk: 2-5h Ston city + walls, 1.5 h (2 3.5km) Odysseus cave walk
Day 5 June 20, 2018 The lakes of Mljet Mljet is one of the most beautiful and greenest islands in Croatia. The green color reflects on the sea lakes and the views during your hike will be peaceful and magical! Explore the ancient Benedictine monastery on Sv Marija Islet, located in the middle of the lakes where you can enjoy lunch break. In the afternoon hours private boat will take you to your next island, Korcula. Overnight: Hotel Marco Polo, Korcula Hike/walk: 8-13 km Around the lakes of National Park Day 6 June 21, 2018 Marco Polo s hometown The island of Korcula is considered to be the hometown of Marco Polo, the famous world traveller and the place where his silk road began. Korčula used to be a Greek colony, dating back to the 4th century and known as Korkyra Melaina (Black Korčula). The hike today will take you through the nature park with some amazing rock formations and wild life. The area contains dolomite rock formations and is very densely wooded. The hike through the nature park will lead you to the ancient Napoleon path and walking along olive groves, small vineyards and beautiful fields of sage, oregano and other healthy herbs. The hike ends in the village of Pupnat, where you will have the option to enjoy a unique lunch prepared by Farac family. You can spend the afternoon in the town of Korcula and explore its cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings and other architectural masterpieces made in Gothic and Renaissance style before your evening event Moreska. It is a traditional sword dance performed in Korcula. Overnight: Hotel Marco Polo, Korcula, lunch Hike/walk: 11-23 km Kocje - Nature Park of Korcula Day 7 June 22, 2018 Sveti Ilija on Peljesac This morning boat will take you across the channel, back to Peljesac peninsula. Your goal today is Mt Ilija, the highest mountain in Dalmatia with one of the best viewpoints in all of Croatia. The hike starts in the shade of an Allepo-pine forest. Just before you reach the top, the scenery changes to barren rocky terrain, and breath-taking view of the countless islands and mainland of Dalmatia opens up. Late in the afternoon you return to Korcula town. Overnight: Hotel Marco Polo, Korcula Hike/walk: 15 km, Sveti Ilija, Peljesac Day 8 June 23, 2018 Island Hvar This morning, after the breakfast you depart to the next Dalmatian Island Hvar, rated as one of the "top ten most beautiful islands in the world" according to Traveller Magazine! Cultural and historical sites, lavender fields, crystal clear turquoise waters, charming villages and towns are just some of the highlights this island offers. For the afternoon activity we suggest exploring the old town and a hike to the fortress Spanjola for unforgettable panoramic views of the city, its surroundings and the Pakleni Islands. Located it the fortress, there is also a museum with collection of amphorae and other antique exhibits from the Middle Ages. Overnight: Hotel Palace, Hvar Hike/walk: 3-4 km, Hvar old town and hike to Spanjola fortress. Additional 4 km of coastal walking possible Day 9 June 24, 2018 South coast of Island Hvar Todays walk starts from an abandoned village, once famous for its lavender and rosemary oil production and leads to the south coastline of Hvar Island. Discover these famous plants, walk along olive groves and enjoy charming and hidden beaches with turquoise sea color, before returning to Hvar Town. In the afternoon treat yourself with well-deserved coffee or aperitif in one of numerous bars at a Venetian-style piazza of Hvar Town before dinner. Overnight: Hotel Palace, Hvar Hike/walk: 12 km Grablje villages + south coastal route of Hvar town
Day 10 June 25,2018 St. Nikola on Hvar This morning you hike to the highest peak of Island Hvar Sveti Nikola or Saint Nicholas. Walk your way along the lavender fields, old walled terraces and olive groves to the peak. The stone terraces you are about to see represent backbreaking work of the farmers over many centuries, in order to get some fertile soil. You will see rosemary and lavender plants, which were trademark of the island as Hvar was one of the biggest lavender and rosemary oil producers in the world. Once on the top of the plateau the views on the island Brac and mainland where 1700 years old town Split is located will open up. Late in the afternoon enjoy the 2 hour ferry ride to Split. Overnight: Hotel Slavija, Split Hike/walk: 13 km Sveti Nikola plateau Day 11 June 26, 2018 Split Welcome to Split, a 1,700-year-old Roman town! Enjoy the guided walking tour of Split and its beautiful Palace, which originally was a retirement residence of the Roman emperor Diocletian, nowadays inscribed in UNESCO s World heritage list. After the tour you will have time to enjoy lunch, followed by a walk along the coast, small local ports and Marjan Park Forest, which is a popular recreation place for citizens of Split. Overnight: Hotel Slavija, Split Hike/walk: city tour 1.5h + 14 km hike along Marjan hill Day 12 June 27, 2018 Island Brac This morning you depart to another Dalmatian island Brač. Enjoy a hiking tour to Monastery Blaca, a hermitage and a perfect example of stone architecture, built in the 16th century by two Glagolitic monks who fled from the Turks and found a shelter in the nearby cave. Today, Blaca is a museum, also inscribed in UNESCO s World Heritage List, with intense spiritual vibe. In the past, the hermitage used to be a school, a farm and a private astronomical observatory. After the visit you will descent to the southern coast of the island, from where you will return to Split. Overnight: Hotel Slavija, Split Hike/walk: 15-20 km Blaca monastery hike Day 13 June 28, 2018 Plitvice Lakes This morning you leave the Adriatic coast and depart to interior of Croatia. First stop are Lakes of Plitvice, National Park and probably most famous area of Croatia. Enjoy the afternoon hike along the wooden paths and bridges in and around lakes. Its exquisite series of 16 emerald green and opal blue travertine lakes, more than 90 waterfalls and numerous caves make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight: Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo Hike/walk: 3-4h, 5-6 km along the lower lakes of the National Park Day 14 June 29, 2018 Zagreb Wake up early this morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy upper lakes of the National Park Plitvice. After lunch you will be transferred to Zagreb, capital of Croatia. This afternoon discover Zagreb s historic city highlights Upper Town, St. Mark s Church, Zagreb Cathedral and much more during the guided tour. Overnight: Hotel Astoria, Zagreb, farewell dinner
Hike/walk: 3-4h, 6-8 km along the upper lakes of the National Park, 2h city tour Zagreb Day 15 June 30, 2018 Tour end in Zagreb This morning after breakfast your tour ends in Zagreb. Transfers to the Zagreb airport will be provided Overnight: - Hike/walk: - Leaders right to change itinerary: While the itinerary in this prospectus is what the leaders have planned at the time of writing, various factors may require changes for reasons of safety, transportation or lodging availability, and unforeseeable circumstances (such as weather considerations, natural disasters in areas to be visited, or recommendations of governmental agencies). The leaders reserve the right to make such changes as necessary, both before and during the trip. Price includes: - 13 overnight in 3* and 4* hotels - All breakfasts - Welcome and Farewell dinners plus 7 other dinners - In/out airport transfers - All group land transportation - Ferry tickets and private boat transportation - Group Entrance tickets ( Dubrovnik walls, Napoleon Fortress Dubrovnik, Salt works ston, Defensive walls Ston, NP Mljet, Moreska performance, Fortica fortress Hvar, Basement of Diocletian s palace, Blaca monastery, NP Plitvice) - Guided tours of Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb - Luggage shuttles - Medical Evacuation Insurance - AMC Overhead fee - Luggage Tag - Costs for 2 AMC tour leaders (accommodation, entrance tickets, transfers) Price does not include: - Lunches (except on Day 5) and 4 dinners - Travel Insurance - Flights to/from Croatia - Items of a personal nature - Beverages other than tap water at included dinners - Tips for local guides and drivers AMC Adventure Travel trips are led by volunteers on a non-profit basis. Any monies left over after trip expenses are covered will be refunded to the participants. As leaders our goals for the group are to have fun, stretch your skills, and savor a foreign culture at reasonable cost and in the company of other adventurers with similar interests. We encourage your individual contributions, cooperation and good humor to enrich the group s experience. We expect you to participate as part of a group and abide by the leaders decisions, and work towards the group having a good time. Be prepared to help your fellow hikers and spend time with other participants on the trip. In doing so, you will enjoy the trip to the maximum. SAFETY, RISKS AND HAZARDS: As participant safety is a high priority for all AMC-sponsored events, procedures and policies have been developed to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants are expected to work with the leaders to reduce risks and make the experience successful for all. Participants should be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not limited to adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips, and transportation in vehicles, on foot, by boat, or on a bike. Aside from any personal medical problems, participants should be aware of the possibilities of bug bites and possible exposure to Lyme disease, dehydration, sun burn and other heat or cold related problems. You should regularly use sun screen, take care to be adequately hydrated and bring water on all day trips as well as wind/rain gear, warm hat and gloves. The Alps are similar to the White Mountains of NH in that it can snow at the higher elevations during any month of the year. Please carefully read and sign the AMC Participant Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement and contact us if you have any questions. Participants understanding of these risks and adherence to our policies and procedures can contribute to making this experience rewarding.
RESERVING A PLACE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE: The land cost of the trip is $4777, plus estimated airfare of $1500-1600. To reserve your place, please contact the trip leader or co leader for an application, the Confidential Medical Form and the Acknowledgment & Assumption of Risks & Release and Indemnity Agreement, then send to the leader these forms along with deposit of $1000.00 made out to: Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). $100.00 of this initial $1000.00 deposit is a non-refundable administration fee. Once we receive your application and other forms and have approved you for the trip, we ll send you additional information on the trip, including planned hikes, equipment lists, and travel tips. The maximum number of participants is 16, so apply early to reserve your place. The cost of the trip is based on price quotes given in the winter of 2017. Our cost estimates are conservative, and so a trip refund is more likely than a price increase. Note that we will use your deposits to lock in the price quotes as early as possible. Airfare is not included in the cost of the trip. It is impossible to predict prices a year in advance. For this trip we estimate a range of $1500-1600. Sometimes there are bargains, depending on the airline and when you book, or you may want to use frequent flier miles. You should note that the trip begins on a Friday. You may wish to arrive early and/or stay later to have more time in the area. We will give participants a time and place to meet the group. Please do not book a flight before conferring with the leaders, who need to coordinate arrivals. Please be aware that, in accordance with AMC policy, you are subsidizing the leaders' costs. Beyond this, the leaders are not allowed to realize any profit from this excursion. The trip fee includes emergency medical and evacuation insurance coverage, as required by the AMC. This insurance does not cover travel delay, interruption, cancellation, or baggage loss. If the possibility of such problems concerns you, individual travel insurance is suggested; the AMC has a recommended vendor whose material will be sent to you if your application is accepted. Any unspent funds resulting from negotiating better rates than planned for lodging, local transportation, etc. will be refunded to the participants. If the trip s financial position is strong enough at the start, the leaders may make partial refunds during the trip, in the form of payments toward some meals and/or free time activities which would otherwise not be included. Application and Payments To apply, you must request, complete, and submit the Application, Confidential Medical form, and Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Release form, enclosing a deposit (check made out to AMC) of $1000. All materials should be sent to the trip leader at: Ginette Beaudoin 66 Graham Street Biddeford, ME 04005 The application materials are available by e-mail request to the leaders at annatp12@gmail.com and ginette4000@yahoo.com or they can be downloaded from our website: http://ginetteandannaamctrips.weebly.com You will not actually be accepted, and your check will not be deposited, until the leaders have determined by telephone conversation with you that you and the trip seem to be a good match. The second payment of $2000 is due by Oct 15, 2017 The final balance of $1777 is due by Jan 1 st, 2018. Deposit checks from wait-listed applicants will not be cashed until we accept them AND they confirm continued interest. Please make payments by check payable to the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). Cancellation Policy Cancellation must be in writing and post marked prior to dates listed below: Prior to Oct 15 th, 2017 - All money returned except $100 Nonrefundable portion After Oct 15 th, 2017----Cancellation fee is $200 plus any additional money necessary to keep the trip cost from increasing and creating a greater expense to other trip participants. The cancellation fee will be limited to $200, IF a qualified replacement can be found by the trip leaders.
We will establish a waiting list. If you cancel and are not replaced, you will forfeit the $200 plus the per capita expenses already incurred and any other unpaid expenses for which the trip cannot obtain a refund. Your cancellation shall not raise the cost of the trip to any of the participants or the leaders. You may forfeit the entire trip fee. Flight tickets once purchased become your property and are generally non-refundable. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Information on a company recommended by the AMC will be sent to you. Trip insurance is recommended, since an illness, accident or death in the family can interfere with your plans. Trip insurance can be obtained through your travel agent or the leaders will provide you with a brochure/information of a company recommended by AMC. Experience and Risks To fully enjoy this trip, you should be in good physical condition and able to hike/ski a minimum of 4-5 hours per day. You should have recent hiking experience. Trails in Croatia can be exposed and steep; footing may be irregular. You also need to be able to carry your luggage to and from the vans/hotels and possibly up the stairs of our hotels. Other than raingear, hiking boots, daypack and water bottles, no special equipment is needed. Group Size and Communication We expect a group size of 16-20 persons, including the 2 leaders. If you are interested, you should apply as soon as possible. When registration is complete, we will send all participants the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all those going on the trip. We are good communicators and will try very hard to keep everyone well informed. We will be using email as our primary source of communication. YOUR LEADERS: LEADER: GINETTE BEAUDOIN Ginette has been a member of the AMC since 1988 and has led several day and weekend trips in the White Mountains of NH, as well as various parts of Maine. She lead an Austrain Alps adventure trip with co leader Don Parker in July of 2011, with Jenni Blumenthal in August of 2012 and co lead the same trip with Terry Peters in July 2009 with 19 participants. She has also lead Adventure travel trips to Yosemite national Park, Peru, Minnesota, Tuscany, Dolomites, Patagonia, Bolivia, Spain, Australia and New Zealand for the AMC. She has participated in numerous AMC Major Excursions to Switzerland and Austria, involving hiking and cross country skiing. She has hiked in the Stubai valley as part of a 2006 Major Excursion and hiked to 20 high Alpine Huts throughout Austria, Germany and Switzerland. She has hiked the NH 4000 footers. Her interests include hiking, photography, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, travel, information volunteer for AMC and introducing others to outdoor activities. ADDRESS: 66 Graham Street, Biddeford, Maine 04005 PHONE: (207) 590-4431 EMAIL ADDRESS: ginette4000@yahoo.com CO-LEADER: ANNA PANSZCZYK Anna is a Boston Chapter INTRO (AMC) Leader. Anna has co lead AMC Adventure Travel trips to Austria, Azores, Yosemite National Park, Minnesota, Peru, Patagonia, Bolivia, Easter Island, Australia, New Zealand and Morocco. Anna leads hiking trips in the White Mountains and most recently led an excursion to Waterville Valley and Craftsbury Vermont for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. She has also co led the Claybrook ski trip on previous years. During the summer of 2014, she and the trip leader backpacked the Haute Route from Chamonix France to Zermatt Switzerland. This is in addition to trips that she takes to all corners of the world! Anna has completed SOLO Advanced Wilderness First Aid course as well as CPR training. ADDRESS: 22 Alfred Rd, Arlington, MA 02474 PHONE: (781)-648-2492; (617)-429-2175 EMAIL ADDRESS: annatp12@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you. Ginette Beaudoin and Anna Panszczyk