Dal ma ti a (\dal-mā-sh(ē-)ə\) n. A spectacular Region of the West Balkan Peninsula on the Adriatic Sea in Croatia extending into Bosnia and Herzegovina & Montenegro Dalmatian Rhapsody SLOVENIA, CROATIA, MONTENEGRO, BOSNIA & HERCEGOVINA and HUNGARY / 20-23 DAYS / AUG/SEP 2017 SMALLER GROUPS LATER STARTS & MORE FREE TIME SHORTER DRIVES 4 STAR & Discover & SLOWER more holidays PACE& detailed information at MORE quovadisholidays.com INCLUSIONS
2017 Dalmatian Rhapsody Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Hercegovina and Hungary 20 to 23 Days August/September Join us on the trip of a lifetime & take in some of the most popular and spectacular sights in Central & South-Eastern Europe, in the ultimate tour & cruise holiday. Our NEW 2017 Dalmatian Rhapsody takes in some of the most popular and spectacular sights in south-eastern Europe! Visiting stunning Slovenia, Croatia and it s beautiful islands, Bosnia and Hercegovina and even Montenegro, we see iconic sites such as majestic Lake Bled, the beautiful Plitvice Lakes and the old Roman city of Split. We also take a relaxing mini-cruise on the serene turquoise waters of the Adriatic through the Croatian Islands on our beautifully appointed mini-cruise boat for seven days. Visiting famed Croatian islands such as Hvar, Vis, Korcula and Mljet we take in the cuisine, culture and even the renowned Croatian wine of these beautiful islands while enjoying the relaxed pace of a cruising holiday. Many swimming opportunities along the way in the crystal clear waters or sunbathing on the top deck of our well-appointed mini-cruise boat complete with dining and bar facilities. We have two nights in beautiful and historic Dubrovnik and two nights in the latest jewel of the Adriatic, Montenegro with its majestic fjord at Kotor and beachside resort of Budva as well as fascinating stops in Mostar and two nights in Sarajevo in Bosnia and Hercegovina. Our Dalmatian Rhapsody is the ultimate tour and cruise holiday in this spectacular part of Europe!
Tour Overview Premium Highlights (20 Days Ljubljana To Zagreb) Welcome Dinner in Ljubljana Castle including return funicular ride Ljubljana site-seeing tour w/local guide Day trip to Lake Bled and Bohinj incl. traditional pletna boat to Bled island and Cable Car to Mt Vogel UNESCO listed Postojne Caves visit and guided tour UNESCO Plitvice Lakes visit with local guide Split walking tour of Old Town and Diocletian s Palace Highlight konoba dinner in Split 7-day mini-cruise including 7 breakfasts and lunches on board PLUS AUD$125 bar tab Walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town with specialist local guide Visits to Perast, it s island and Kotor town on Bay of Kotor Budva walking tour of Old Town with local guide Visit to Sveti Stefan Highlight Dinner in Budva Cable Car and Homeland War Museum in Dubrovnik Walking tour of Mostar with local guide including the Old Bridge Tito s D Bunker visit outside Sarajevo City tours of Sarajevo and Zagreb with local guides Highlight final dinner in Zagreb Other Inclusions (20 Day Tour) Drives through Slovenian, Croatian and Bosnia and Herzegovinian country-sides Spectacular Bay of Kotor drive in Montenegro Group photo (1 per couple/single) Hotel porterage, Mini-Cruise port taxes All tips to Tour Director, Tour Driver, hotels & Mini- Cruise Crew Visit to Tihany on Lake Balaton Drive through Hungarian countryside Visit to Trogir Other First-Class Services (20 Day Tour) Escorted by a Professional Tour Director Luxury Air-conditioned coaches with on board restroom for travel days 19 nights in European standard 4 star hotels 19 buffet/continental breakfasts, 3 three course/buffet hotel dinners, 5 Highlight Dinners, 7 lunches on Mini-Cruise Premium Highlights (4 Day Budapest Extension) Danube River Highlight Dinner Cruise Budapest and Szentendre tours with local guide Parliament House guided visit Highlight Final Dinner Other Inclusions (4 Day Budapest Extension) Visit to Tihany on Lake Balaton Drive through Hungarian countryside Other First-Class Services (4 Day Budapest Extension) Escorted by a Professional Tour Director Luxury, air-conditioned coaches for tours & travel days 3 nights central, European 4-star hotel 3 buffet breakfast, 2 Highlight Dinners
Tour Pace Plenty of relaxing 2-night stopovers and a stunning 7-night cruise through the Croatian islands ensure that this is definitely more like a relaxing holiday than a fast-paced tour! For those joining the relaxing, 3-night extension in Budapest, you ll have plenty of time to explore the major highlights of the city as well as free-time to shop, explore or head to the famed thermal baths of this beautiful city. Smaller & More Intimate Groups Later Starts & Higher Quality (4 & 5 Star) Longer Stays & More Free Time Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, D = Hotel Dinner, HD = Highlight Dinner, BD = Buffet Dinner, L=Lunch
Day 3 / Thurs Aug 24 / Ljubljana to Plitvice Lakes Day 1 / Tues Aug 22 / Arrive Ljubljana Welcome to Ljubljana! After making your own way to and checking into our central 4 star hotel, you ve time to relax and settle in. Later this afternoon we enjoy a Welcome Drink and tour briefing at our hotel. We then head out for an orientation tour of Slovenia s beautiful capital city. Afterwards we enjoy an included local highlight meal up in the Ljubljana Castle to settle into our 20 or 23 day adventure! (HD) Departing our hotel we visit the spectacular World Heritage listed Postojne Caves taking both the train and walking through this amazing UNESCO site. We then head further east, crossing the border into Croatia and continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Plitvice Lakes. With a local guide, we visit the Lower Lakes, a scenic wonderland consisting of 16 turquoise colored lakes, powerful waterfalls and surrounded by an enchanting ancient forest. Visit the 70m Korana Canyon s waterfalls for amazing views of this World Heritage site. (B,D) Day 2 / Wed Aug 23 / Lake Bled Excursion and Bohinj Day Trip This morning we travel by coach to the most visited and photographed site in Slovenia, stunning Lake Bled. We use the traditional pletna boats to visit the pretty little island in the lake, the most picturesque place in Slovenia! Perhaps try kremna rezina, the best vanilla slice in the world! We then travel to nearby Bohinj to take the spectacular cable-car ride up Mt Siklav for breathtaking views of the Slovenian Alps. Upon returning to Ljubljana, free time to explore this beautiful charming capitol. (B) Day 4 / Fri Aug 25 / Plitvice Lakes to Split Sleep-in or explore the Upper lakes before we head further south through the spectacular Dinaric Alps. We continue down to the Dalmatian coast where we visit the ancient port city of Trogir, founded by the Greeks in 400BC. Classical architecture mixed with the jet set and their motor yachts combine in this beautiful walled city. Afterwards, a short drive brings us to famed Split for our two-night stopover in our 4 star Radisson Blu Resort hotel. (B)
Day 7 / Mon Aug 28 / Bol to Hvar Enjoy breakfast overlooking the Adriatic as we cruise towards Hvar island and the town of Hvar itself, the French Riviera of the Adriatic. Even with its glamorous feel, Hvar still remains authentic to its roots with its cobble-stoned streets, authentic architecture and 7th C fortress overlooking the town. Join in on a local walking tour of the Old Town before free-time to explore this beautiful town. (B,L) Day 5 / Sat Aug 26 / Split At Leisure We start our day with a tour of this famed coastal city with a local expert guide. Sites include Roman Emperor Diocletian s palace and the Golden Gate. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating city and hunt for souvenirs, just relax and watch the world go past from a fancy café or enjoy the facilities of our resort style hotel. This evening a highlight konoba dinner at a lovely coastal village with local seafood specialties and local entertainment await! (B,HD) Day 6 / Sun Aug 27 / Split to Bol Day 8 / Tues Aug 29 / Hvar to Vis Early this morning we cruise to Vis, one of the outermost lying islands along the coast. An idyllic island that over the centuries has been used as a strategic military port and is famous for the nearby Blue Cave with it s spectacular turquoise waters refracted from below. Should the weather and wind be unsuitable to visit Vis, the captain shall choose an alternative stop. (B,L) Today we join our wonderful floating home for the next seven nights! Be prepared to see why the Dalmatian Coast has become one of the most popular destinations of the last ten years. Our well-equipped ship will slowly make it s way down the spectacular coastline and throughout the islands with ample stops in the next seven days to swim and relax in the waters of the Adriatic. First stop is the port of Bol, the oldest village on the island of Brač, famed for Zlatni Rat ( Golden Horn ) sandy beach. Spend your afternoon swimming and relaxing in this beautiful area and tonight explore the local restaurants. (B,L)
Day 11 / Fri Sep 1 / Korkula to Mljet Continuing south-east today we reach the peaceful island of Mljet, renowned for it s National Park and natural beauty. Time to relax or explore the island and its salt lakes and 12th C Benedictine Monastery. Perhaps even try kayaking or cycling on the island before watching a magical sunset from our top deck. (B,L,HD) Day 9 / Wed Aug 30 / Vis to Vela Luka Leaving Vis, we cruise to the western side of Korčula island and to the port of Vela Luka Big Harbour. Located in a deep, sheltered bay, lined with coves, Vela Luka is famed for it s agriculture and in particular the olive oil produced here. With a handful of restaurants, Vela Luka is becoming increasingly popular during the summer months. (B,L) Day 12 / Sat Sep 2 / Mljet to Dubrovnik Our last day of cruising brings us to the true jewel of the Adriatic, medieval Dubrovnik, described by George Bernard Shaw as Heaven on Earth. We disembark into this walled city in the afternoon and begin with an included walking tour with a local guide. Time then to walk the ancient walls, shop along the Stradun or enjoy the food and bars of this famous city. With it s marbled streets, medieval defensive walls and turrets, Dubrovnik is often referred to as The Jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. (B,L) Day 10 / Thurs Aug 31 / Vela Luka to Korkula Relax as we cruise around the enchanting island of Korčula that legend says was the birthplace of Marco Polo. It s beautiful old town almost completely surrounded by water, was mostly built in the 15th C from local stone and decorated by the local stonemasons. On arrival, an included walking tour of the old town and this evening, a highlight local village dinner. (B,L)
Day 13 / Sun Sep 3 / Dubrovnik to Budva Bidding farewell to our ship and Dubrovnik, we travel by coach southeast to the nearby border of beautiful Montenegro, one of the world s newest countries! Driving around the spectacular Bay of Kotor, we stop at charming Perast to visit the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks on one of it s tiny islands. Perhaps join us for a highlight Optional local lunch? Afterwards, we stop in the nearby ancient city of Kotor. Time to stroll in the old town as the mega- yachts of the Russian billionaires watch over the town from the port. We then make our way down the coast to the pretty Montenegrin seaside resort of Budva with it s castle set on the island in it s bay. After checking into our hotel we take a walking orientation of the old fortified town and a night at leisure. (B) Day 15 / Tues Sep 5 / Budva to Dubrovnik Departing Budva, we cross back into Croatia and arrive back to Dubrovnik where we ride the cable-car to Mt Srđ to visit the Homeland War Museum in the fortress and enjoy spectacular views over the city and coastline before time to further explore the city. This evening perhaps join a lovely dinner overlooking the Medieval walls of this famed UNESCO city. (B) Day 14 / Mon Sep 4 / Budva at Leisure A full day at leisure to explore or relax in this splendid and popular Montenegrin seaside resort. Lie on the beach and swim in the Adriatic, the town is yours to explore. Perhaps visit pretty Sveti Stefan just outside of town. Tonight, a highlight dinner along Budva s busy and exciting sea promenade by the old town. (B,HD)
Day 18 / Fri Sep 8 / Sarajevo to Zagreb Heading north-westwards, we cross back into Croatia and upon reaching Zagreb take a walking tour of the Old City with a local expert guide. We see the Zagreb Cathedral, marketplace and lovely old center of the Croatian Capitol before arriving to our hotel. (B,D) Day 16 / Wed Sep 6 / Dubrovnik to Sarajevo Leaving the coast, we cross into Bosnia and Hercegovina with a fascinating lunch-stop in Mostar, famed for its unique UNESCO bridge that was rebuilt after the Homeland War. A local guide shows us this famous town before continuing northwards with another interesting stop at a bunker which Tito built as a Nuclear shelter. Finally, we arrive into the lovely capitol of Sarajevo for our 2-night stay. (B,D) Day 19 / Sat Sep 9 / Zagreb This morning, free time to explore or perhaps join us for an optional visit to Kumrovec, the birthplace of former Yugoslav President, Josip Tito. We take a local tour of his birthplace before heading to nearby picturesque Veliki Tabor Castle for a photo stop and a delightful optional lunch in this pretty part of North-western Croatia. This evening, a highlight final dinner to recount the last 19 days of our exciting Dalmatian holiday! (B,HD) Day 17 / Thurs Sep 7 / Sarajevo With a rich religious and cultural history, we explore Sarajevo, The Jerusalem of Europe with a local guide. Synagoues, mosques, Orthodox and Catholic churches, all in the one city. We also visit the tunnels built by the Bosnian Army during the siege of the 90 s wars and used to transport people, food, aid and supplies between neighbourhoods. Time to explore at your own leisure before perhaps joining a traditional Bosnian Dinner. (B)
Day 20 / Sun Sep 10 / Tour Ends Or Zagreb To Budapest Extension Those on the 20-day trip, your holiday sadly comes to an end after breakfast. For those joining the 4-day Budapest extension, we cross over into Hungary and stop for lunch at pretty Tihany, located on continental Europe s largest lake, the Balaton or Hungarian Sea. Continuing on, we finally reach the glorious capitol, Budapest where we stay in our central 4-star hotel for three nights. Time to settle in before our introduction to Budapest, a highlight dinner-cruise to see just why this magnificent city is often called The Paris of the East. (B,HD) Day 22 / Tues Sep 12 / Budapest This morning, we take a drive out to the lovely little village of Szentendre with all it s local handicrafts and traditional foods and architecture. Upon returning to the city we visit the spectacular Parliament House for a guided tour. Free time to explore this afternoon before a final highlight dinner in this beautiful city. (B,HD) Day 21 / Mon Sep 11 / Budapest With a local guide, we take a driving and walking tour around the two separate parts of the city divided by the Danube, Buda and Pest. This afternoon is free to explore the city at leisure. Perhaps try the famous thermal waters of one of Budapest s famed baths, visit the Great Market Hall for all the local sights and sounds, enjoy the gypsy music along the famous Duna Corso promenade or shop on Vaci St. (B) Day 23 / Wed Sep 13 / End Budapest Our wonderful Dalmatian Rhapsody adventure finishes after breakfast. Enjoy further time exploring Budapest or continue your holiday onto your next destination. A viszonlátásra! (B)
2017 Tour Pricing 20 Day Ljubljana to Zagreb plus optional 4 Day Budapest Extension Please contact us directly for Single Supplement Prices Reservations & Enquiries 1800 722 311 (within Australia) +61 1800 722 311 (outside Australia) info@quovadisholidays.com www.quovadisholidays.com Travel Agents License: TA-0033066 ACN: 151 545 541 AU$9,150 per person twin share AU$1,650 per person twin share TERMS AND CONDITIONS DEPOSIT: A non-refundable deposit of AU$1,000 per person is required within 7 days of booking to confirm your tour reservation. FINAL PAYMENT: 100 days prior to departure. CANCELLATIONS: >100 days lose deposit. Between 100 and 60 days from departure lose 25% of total payment. Between 59 and 30 days lose 50%, 29 days or less 100% loss. CHANGES IN PRICES & ITINERARIES: Prices in this brochure are based on costs, charges, tariffs, taxes and levies, and exchange rates at the time of publication. In the event that such fluctuations affect the price to be paid for services, Quo Vadis Holidays reserves the right to adjust prices as necessary at any time. We reserve the right to deviate from this itinerary or change hotels should it be unnecessary due to unforeseen circumstances. Please note: if due to unforeseen circumstances, the tour escorts are unable to lead the tour, Quo Vadis Holidays will provide an alternative escort. TRAVELLING ALONE: We do not wish to disadvantage individuals travelling without a travelling companion. Should you prefer a guaranteed single room, a single supplement shall apply. Alternatively, we shall try to match you with another solo traveler of same gender should there be someone. Please understand that compatibility cannot be guaranteed and this offer is conditional upon acceptance of the tour. BAGGAGE: One medium sized suitcase 20kg/person is permitted. Hand luggage may be taken on the coach, however it should not exceed standard hand luggage measurements. Please note that wheeled carry-on cases are not suitable hand luggage on motor coaches. LOCAL CURRENCY, TRAVELLERS CHEQUES: We recommend that you take with you a combination of appropriate foreign currency (Euros and Croatian Kuna) and credit/debit cards. Your local travel agent can organize local currency for you. PASSPORTS, VISAS, TAXES: You must have a current passport with six months validity from date of return. Quo Vadis Holidays or your booking travel agent will need to check your details at time of booking. SMOKING: is not permitted on board our coaches. COACHES: Modern luxury coaches will be used for travelling days and for day trips, either full-size coaches or mini-coaches (ie Mercedes Sprinter etc ) based upon tour size. MINIMUM NUMBERS: The costs for this tour are based on a minimum of 10 people travelling. NOT INCLUDED: International flights, charges for excess baggage, personal services, optional excursions on leisure days, (please refer to your documentation for a full list available), laundry, drinks and meals not shown in itinerary, personal accident and medical expenses, and incidental expenses including all communication charges incurred on behalf of passengers are the responsibility of the passenger. AGENTS RESPONSIBILITY: Quo Vadis Holidays and associated businesses act in the capacity of agent for the suppliers of transportation and accommodation services. Seasonal variations and currency fluctuations beyond our control may require changes to the tour details as described in this brochure or on our website. Changes in accommodation generally will be to a standard equivalent or better than outlined in the itinerary. For further conditions please see those listed at our website under Terms and Conditions. TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is strongly recommended and a requirement for travel on our tours.