Honeymoon in Croatian - Mediterra DMC · Honeymoon in Croatian Discover the newest honeymoon...

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Tour B-106 Honeymoon in Croatian Discover the newest honeymoon frontier! You will be surprised how good it is 10-day tour of must-see sites, exceptional gourmet food and wine in Croatia From $2,596.00 p.p. in 4-star hotels You will have your own driver, your own guides, cozy boutique hotels with lots of fluffy pillows and goose dawns Including 10 “must-see” sites plus truffle hunting safari, truffle cooking demo and more. Let us make this the trip of your lifetime. We will pamper you and care for you all the way, but we promise, we will let you alone too.

Transcript of Honeymoon in Croatian - Mediterra DMC · Honeymoon in Croatian Discover the newest honeymoon...

Page 1: Honeymoon in Croatian - Mediterra DMC · Honeymoon in Croatian Discover the newest honeymoon frontier! You will be surprised how good it is 10-day tour of must-see sites, exceptional

Tour B-106

Honeymoon in Croatian

Discover the newest honeymoon frontier! You will be surprised how good it is

10-day tour of must-see sites, exceptional gourmet food and wine in Croatia From $2,596.00 p.p. in 4-star hotels

You will have your own driver, your own guides, cozy boutique hotels with lots of fluffy pillows and goose dawns

Including 10 “must-see” sites plus truffle hunting safari, truffle cooking demo and more. Let us make this the trip of your lifetime. We will pamper you and care for you all the way, but we promise, we will let you alone too.

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Congratulations and welcome to Croatia! Congratulations on tying the knots and thank you for choosing our country for your honeymoon! You are just about to take one of the most memorable trips to a beautiful country that for many years was under the radar. Croatia is truly wonderful destination and offers almost everything: rich history, culture, arts, architecture, ancient monuments (7 UNESCO sites), beautiful countryside, Adriatic Sea with its beautiful and rugged Dalmatian Coast and more than 1 200 islands, ideal Mediterranean climate, gourmet food, excellent wines and wonderful, warm and friendly people. Until 1991 Croatia was part of former Yugoslavia along with 6 other new countries: Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia and Kosovo. Bloody Balkan conflict of 1991-95 that took more than 250 000 lives, caused the break-up of Yugoslavia and 7 new countries were born. Croatia and Slovenia eventually became part of the EU while the other 5 are still struggling and trying to meet EU’s strict admission criteria. You will be surprised how beautiful Croatia is. Typical comment by first time visitor is: ”WOW! I did not know that Croatia is so beautiful and that has so much to offer.” We know how important this trip for you is and Mediterra staff will do everything and will go an extra mile to make sure you start your new life on a happy note. We hope you will find our country beautiful and will enjoy your trip. Congratulations and thank you for choosing Mediterra to be part of your life.

YOUR ITINERARY This itinerary that we have created is just a sample of what we think you should see. Needless to say, we will tailor your arrangements to suit you plans, travel dates and budget. Please be assured that we will take good care of you and will be “hovering” during the entire trip. The minute you land in our country, we will be there for you and will virtually “hold your hand” during the entire trip. Our local Croatian office staff and our manager Ms. Jasmina Mikic whose personal cell phone you will have (supplied with your final documents), will be available to you 7/24 for any assistance or questions you might have. She will check with you on daily basis to make sure you are completely satisfied and well taken care off. For any issues, no matter where you will be, for any question, emergencies of any kind, dining suggestions and dining and concert reservations, and for anything else, Jasmina will be your main contact. Please feel free to contact her any time.

ITINERARY Day 1

ARRIVAL IN ZAGREB

Welcome to Croatia and welcome to Zagreb, the capital! One of Mediterra “cousins” will meet you and assist at ZAG airport. He/she will have lollypop sign you’re your name “M/M DOE” on it. Baggage assistance and private transfer to historic Hotel Esplanade (5-star/formerly Regent and featured in Agatha Christy’s novel “Murder on Orient Express”). Welcome dinner will be served at “Stari Puntijar” one of the most interesting restaurants in Zagreb. This restaurant hosted Pope John Paul II when he visited Croatia. Featured will be a selection of Croatian specialties, culinary creations reflecting the local gastronomy and presentation by master-chef/owner Zlatko and accompanied with wine tasting some of typical Croatian, locally grown and produced wines; Grasevina, Traminer, Riesling etc. Owners of this restaurant also have one of the richest cook-books library, cooking paraphernalia and menus from all over the world. In cook book collection, they have the smallest cook book in the world; merely

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1 sq. inch with some incredible recipes. Family cellar contains some of rarest wines and here chef Zlatko also performs ceremonial Champagne bottle opening with a sword. Return to hotel after this memorable dinner for overnight at Hotel Esplanade in Zagreb (by private car).

Day 2

ZAGREB-OPATIJA (approx. 160 km/2.0 hr. ride) Champagne breakfast in bed at your hotel in Zagreb. First thing after breakfast, we will take a walking tour of Zagreb with our “cousin” Petra, your private guide. She will take you to all interesting points, museums and tell you about history of this vibrant city. Having been part Austro-Hungarian Empire for many centuries, Zagreb was influenced in large measure by those rulers. The city's architecture resembles the buildings of Vienna, Budapest or Munich, thus earning it the nickname of “Little Vienna.” The Austrians also left their mark on culture, cuisine, industry and the general quality of life. The tour will include 2.0 hours light walking and visiting all the major historical and cultural attractions and points of interest, which are within walking distance in this beautiful city. You will be visiting among other attractions, the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art. Naïve art is very popular in Croatia and, in fact, originated in the vicinity of Zagreb about 75 years ago. According to local historians, on long winter nights when farming activity was relegated to merely feeding animals, several peasant farmers without formal education in art, ventured into depicting farm life and painting village motifs. Their art became an instant hit and more and more of them started getting involved in painting and sculpting. Today, some of those peasant artists earn more money from their art work than they will ever earn farming. Zagreb is one of 10 “must see” places in Croatia. To learn more about Zagreb: http://www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr/&lang=en

After city tour of Zagreb, we will return to hotel, check out and our driver will pick you up in private car and take to Opatija (about 2.0 hr. drive on freeway). ABOUT OPATIJA: Opatija (pron: oh-pa-tee-yah) is probably the most elegant resort town on the entire Adriatic. Upon arrival in Opatija, our local “Cousin Maria will take us on a short (1.0 hr.) walking tour of this beautiful resort town and its Riviera. Opatija was during the Austrian and Habsburg ruling the winter playground of European nobility in the 18th, 19th and part of 20th century. While entire Europe was covered with snow, European royalty and aristocracy flocked during the winter months to this little warm Mediterranean spa-resort town resembling Monte Carlo. Anyone who was somebody in Europe at that time had to come to Opatija. Many hotels built to accommodate that nobility are to this day still here and accommodating thousands of tourists visiting Opatija every year. Your hotel Milenij (Millennium) was a private villa at one time and was also built by the Austrians.

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Opatija is also the birthplace of scientist Leo Henrik Sternbach, the inventor of many medications and drugs including valium. Taking a walk on Opatija waterfront walk (15 mi. long-locals call in “Lungo Mare) is a pure delight. You will also come to the section where they have “walk of stars” similar to Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood California with stars on pavement honoring many Croatian celebrities and important personalities. To learn more about Opatija: http://www.opatija-tourism.hr/en/opatija/ 2-night accommodation in Opatija will be at 5* hotel Milenij right on waterfront. DAY 3

OPATIJA-PULA-ROVINJ-MOTOVUN-OPATIJA:

“Circle of Istria” Excursion (with private car, driver and guide) Breakfast at hotel in Opatija. After breakfast, we will take a full-day excursion “Circle of Istria” with private car and guide. We will start with Pula, home to the best preserved Roman amphitheater and our “cousin” Maria will guide you throughout this entire excursion.

PULA is the largest city here and also the site of Roman amphitheater. During their dominance in the Mediterranean the Romans built about 35 amphitheaters. With the exception of five or six, they were all completely destroyed. While the Roman Coliseum is the biggest, Pula amphitheater is the best preserved. Its entire structure, with only a few stones missing from massive walls, the structure is standing intact centuries later. It is still today used for civic events, including the annual Croatian summer film festival. Just outside Pula, there is a small archipelago Briuni where several very beautiful islands are located. In fact, one of those islands was the summer residence of former Yugoslav president Tito. Ironically, not far from it, another island called Goli Otok (Denuded Island) used to house political prisoners, those opposing Tito’s communist regime. The joke at that time was that: “Tito did not discriminate. He treated everyone equally, including his enemies.

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They all spent summers on the islands”. Briuni is a short boat ride from Pula. Pula is one of 10 “must see” places in Croatia

To learn more about Pula: http://www.pulainfo.hr/en/ After brief sightseeing of Roman amphitheater (locals call it Arena), continue driving to Rovinj (30 min), the most picturesque town in whole of the Mediterranean.

ROVINJ is a typical Venetian style small town with a cathedral set on the top of the hill dominating the entire area with its tiny streets circling the hill and intersecting like a spider’s web. The town was started by the Venetians in the late 12th century and today is one of the most desired tourist destinations in Croatia. Its picturesque and charming appeal continues to draw more and more artists every year from around the globe. We will take a brief walking tour of about 1-hour. It’s an easy to moderate walk with some steps. Bring your camera for you will want to take a picture of everything you see: streets, monuments, storefront windows, people scenes. Rovinj is one of the 10 “must see” places in Croatia. After Rovinj, we will turn to Central Istria whose fertile land was one of breadbaskets of the Old Roman Empire. In fact, they called it “Istria Nobilissima” (Bountiful Istria) for it produced almost anything the mighty Empire needed. But the real Renaissance of Istria came just at the turn of the century. It all started in 1999 when a young man by the name of Giancarlo Zigante stumbled upon the largest white truffle ever found anywhere in the world. While the normal, average size of the white truffle is no bigger than a fist and weighs just a few ounces, this one weighed almost three pounds (1.32 kg). White truffle (Tuber magnatum) and Black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) are fungi in mushroom family that grow about 4 to 10 inches under the surface of the earth. Specially trained dogs or pigs are used to detect them. Mr. Zigante was smart enough to register his find in the Guinness Book of World Records and the rest is history. He became one of the richest men in Croatia and today he is a multi-millionaire with several stores selling truffle products, olive oils and wines. He also owns one of the best restaurants specializing in truffle dishes where we will have dinner. This discovery catapulted Istria onto the world scene of gourmet destinations and it became the newest culinary frontier. Foodies and truffle lovers started flocking to the area in big numbers giving a boost to the local economy. What visitors who came for truffles also discovered was some of the best wines, olive oils and prosciutto. Hundreds of small, boutique wineries sprouted up quickly. Numerous olive oil producers today sell some of the world's best olive oils. As part of exploring the delights of this area, you will travel along the route of several wineries.

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The entire Central Istria was nicknamed “Croatian Tuscany” since it is very reminiscent of that famous Italian region around Chianti equally known for having a large variety of wine and olive oil. As one of our past customers put it, “if you like Tuscany, you’ll love Istria.” We will stop at one of truffle lodges and try our luck with truffle hunting. A professional truffle hunter with their dogs will take us in the forest where truffles are usually found. In most cases they find something and you will see how unearthing and taming the dogs is done.

After truffle hunt we will settle for a truffle lunch with local wine tasting. You will have a chance to try many different specialties made with truffles. There will be also a brief cooking demonstration and instructions how to cook with truffles. The Lodge also has a small deli/souvenir shop where various truffle products and local wine and olive oils can be purchased.

After lunch, we will visit charming town of Motovun. Little town of Motovun perched on the top of a hill is the crown of the Central Istria. Motovun BTW is birthplace of Indi car racer Mario Andretti Sr. who was born here in 1940 while the town was under Italian ruling. Thus, he is claimed by Italy as a native sun as well. We will visit the house of his birth (unfortunately, not open to the public).

After all these exciting experiences, we will return to Opatija for overnight. Day 4

OPATIJA-PLITVICE LAKES-ZADAR (approx. 286 km/5.0 hours effective driving)

Early morning breakfast and check-out from hotel in Opatija. After breakfast, departure to Plitvice Lakes National Park (pron.: pleet-vee-tseh) and arrive in time for lunch. After lunch you can take a leisurely, self-guided walk along the lakes and enjoy the natural beauty of the setting. This will be a welcome change of scenery and pace, a marked contrast from the urban hustle and bustle with its noisy traffic and crowded streets. Well maintained paths, wooden boardwalks and bridges make it easy to walk around. PLITVICE LAKES: Imagine sixteen pristine lakes set one above the other, connected by exploding waterfalls and cascades and all nestled in a jungle-like environment, resplendent with a green native landscape. This unique natural endowment was proclaimed a UNESCO world heritage monument, the only natural monument in Croatia under UNESCO’s protection. Not to be missed! It is one of 10 “must see” places in Croatia and in entire Europe. There are several restaurants and eateries within the Park and lunch here is on your own. Our driver and local “cousins” will assist you with this. To learn more about Plitvice Lakes: http://www.tzplitvice.hr/ We will depart Plitvice in late afternoon in time to catch “the most spectacular sunset in Zadar”, as Alfred Hitchcock said once. Check-in at boutique hotel Bastion. Anthony Bourdain stayed at this hotel when we

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arranged his trip to Croatia in 2012. Time permitting, we will have our “cousin” Paula meet you and take you on a city tour of Zadar before dinner. If not, we will do it next morning after breakfast. Zadar has many good restaurants and one of them is in your hotel. But Paula will assist you with dining tips and ideas since she is local and knows everything here. Overnight in Zadar.

Day 5

ZADAR-SIBENIK-TROGIR-SPLIT – by private car (2.5 hr. total driving time) Breakfast at hotel in Zadar. (if not done day before), Our “cousin” Paula in Zadar will meet you at your hotel and will take you on a 2.0 hr. walking tour of Zadar visiting Sea Organs, Salute to the Sun, Roman monuments and St. Donatus Cathedral. We will check out from hotel in Zadar and drive to Sibenik (1.0 hr.) and make a brief stop to see St. James (Sv. Jakov) Cathedral, a UNESCO site. After Sibenik, another brief stop in medieval town of Trogir, yet another UNESCO site. The entire town is situated on a small island of Ciovo (pron. Chee-oh-vo) just 50 feet from the mainland and connected by a single arch stone bridge. Continue to Split, just 20 minutes away. He is known in history as the Emperor who in year 285 A.D. initiated the split/division of mighty Roman Empire into Western and Eastern Roman Empire (Eastern later became known as Byzantine). According to historians, he was born in Salona (Croatian Solin), an important Roman metropolis located where city of Split is today. Remnants of this old city are still under excavations in Split suburb. Taking a step back in history; when the Romans ruled the entire Mediterranean basin several centuries before and several centuries after birth of Christ (A.D.), the entire Adriatic coast that is part of Croatia today, was an important Roman province called Dalmatia. Thus, it should not come as surprise that one of the most powerful Roman Emperors was born here.

ABOUT SPLIT: Split is the largest city on the Dalmatian Coast and is Dalmatia’s economic, political and cultural center. However, Split is best known for Diocletian’s Palace. Diocletian's Palace (Croatian: Dioklecijanova palača http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletian%27s_Palace) was built in Split by the Roman emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 4th century AD.

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Roman Emperor Diocletian (Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus Augustus) who ruled Roman Empire

between 284-305 AD, started building this massive palace in 305 A.D. in preparation for his retirement. It lies in a bay on the south side of a short peninsula jutting out from the Dalmatian coast, four miles from Salona, then capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Unfortunately, the Emperor never lived long enough (died in year 316 A.D) to enjoy this beautiful structure since it took more than 30 years to build it and was completed well after his death. The Palace stood for centuries unused, neglected and exposed to the elements. Invading tribes from Asia and Asia Minor looted the palace each time they came through this area. Eventually it got almost completely destroyed except for the outside walls, some interior and underground structures. When the Slavic tribes (Croats) moved into this area in 7th and 8th century AD, they saw an opportunity to settle here by using building material piled up in the destroyed Palace. So, they started building their houses, businesses and habitats within the walls of the old Palace. Thus, even today there are more than 100 houses and structures within the Palace, and presently, in excess of 500 Split residents have their residencies in the Palace. There are also 5 little boutique hotels within this historic structure including the one you are staying. This will probably be the oldest structure you have ever stayed in. The main promenade in Split, called Riva, which is closed to vehicular traffic, runs along the South wall of the Palace and dotted with cafes and restaurants is the superior place to sit over drinks or coffee and watch the people scene. Since the Palace is in the heart of the city and no traffic enters the Palace nor is allowed in the city center, walking is the only means of transportation. Diocletian Palace is one of Croatia’s 7 UNESCO Heritage Monuments and one of the 10 “must see” places in Croatia. Diocletian’s Palace was a location and

set for many scenes of popular HBO series “The Game of Thrones”

To learn more about Split: http://www.split.info/ Split is also home to the Mestrovic (pron.: mesh-tro-vich) Gallery. Ivan Mestrovic was a Croatian peasant sculptor who eventually came to the United States and taught sculpture at Syracuse and Notre Dame Universities where he died in 1962. He was extremely talented and by some accounts, even Rodin acquired some of Mestrovic’s sculptures for his private collection. Many of his works are held by collectors or in private galleries in countries scattered throughout the world. The two Indian warriors (the Bowman and the Spearman) in Chicago’s Grant Park are works of this talented artist. The Croatian government was able to collect about 100 of his art works and they are today on permanent exhibition, which is open to the public at the Mestrovic Gallery just outside of Split city center. A must-see exhibition. Accommodations in Split will be at the boutique hotel Jupiter Palace within the walls of this historic Diocletian’s Palace and in the very heart of city. After check-in, our local “cousin” Ivitza will meet you and take you on 2.0 hour walking tour of this historic Palace and surrounding area of Split center. Balance of day free in split after city tour. Overnight at boutique hotel Jupiter in Split.

Day 6

SPLIT-HVAR (by hydrofoil/1.0 hr. ride) Breakfast at hotel in Split. After breakfast check out and transfer to Split Ferry Terminal. Departure to island of Hvar and town of Hvar. Upon arrival in Hvar, we will have someone meet you and assist with transfer and baggage to a Grand Beach Hotel Amfora. Check-in and refreshing at hotel before private city tour. Our local "cousin" Yana will meet you and take you on a city tour of Hvar (1.0 hr. walking). She will introduce you to this ancient town and its history. After Hvar city tour, special transfer to “Lost & Forgotten” village for special treat. Traditional Croatian lunch prepared on an open fire (ispod peke) is unique way of introduction to Croatian old ways of life. Please refer to “Lost & Forgotten” village pamphlet attached here for more details.

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Hvar is Europe’s young’s “party island”. It was featured couple of years ago on “60 Minutes”. Parties here start at 2 or 3 PM and last until 6 AM If you feel like partying tonight, walk or grab one of local water taxis and visit one of the beach bars with world-renown disc jockeys. Parties in the city last until 2:00 am but then everyone moves to the neighboring island (5 min by boat) where there is no city ordinance and time limit. There are plenty of boats and water taxis to get there.

Carpe Diem: place designed to attract people who enjoy cocktails and good vibrations. The large cozy and

flowering terrace is a place of cheerful moves. Here you can prepare for a lovely evening; watching the sun fall

and the moon rise.

Carpe Diem Beach: a summer beach club in Stipanska bay, which stages parties through July and August, and is

reachable by taxi boats from Hvar Town. Enjoy tropical cocktails under the shade of pine forests with views on the beach volleyball, food and beverage with a fabulous view overlooking the swimming pool and the Adriatic. Veneranda: a lovely bar situated within the walls of onetime monastery, with a pool and dance floor.

You will listen here electronic music. From the terrace it is an amazing sunrise view. Hula Hula beach bar

Hula Hula: a 15-minute walk west of the center of town, on the seaside path between hotels Amfora and Podstine; is

a rustic wooden beach bar with fantastic sunset view and chill-out music.

To learn more about Hvar: http://www.tzhvar.hr/en/ Overnight in Hvar.

Day 7

HVAR

Have a leisurely breakfast in your room and enjoy entire day free in Hvar.

Day 8

HVAR-DUBROVNIK (by hydrofoil/3.5 ride) After breakfast and check out from hotel in Hvar, transfer to hydrofoil terminal for 3.0-hour ride to Dubrovnik. Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, transfer to 5* hotel More. Hotel more is one of the most romantic hotels in Dubrovnik. Please refer to attached flyer for details.

Hotel More is 5* boutique hotel set on the cliff right above the water. During construction, they stumbled upon a huge underground cave. Instead of destroying this beautiful cave and erecting the hotel’s foundation, the architect decided to alter the entire architectural plan and preserve the cave. Today this cave is a buzzing bar in a memorable setting, one of the most popular spots in all Dubrovnik. You must have a drink here. The hotel garage and front desk receive guests on the highest point of the hillcrest---- a "Wow" experience-- while guest rooms, restaurant and bar are located on floors below. It is similar to the setting and configuration of hotels along the Amalfi Coast in Italy. We suggest cocktails at the Cave Bar followed by dinner (not included in tour price) at the outstanding hotel restaurant, recognized for both ambiance and food.

After check-in and refreshing, our "cousin" Sanya" will meet you and take you on 3.0 hour walking tour of beautiful town of Dubrovnik. You will visit all important sites including Franciscan monetary the oldest working pharmacy, second oldest synagogue in Europe, Rectors Palace and other attractions. After the tour, Sanya will take you by cable car to Mt. Srdj for spectacular view of Dubrovnik, its Riviera and Dubrovnik archipelago. Sunset from this hill is unforgettable. Have at least sunset cocktail in one of the bars on the hill. Return to Old town by cable car and have a nice dinner in one of many waterfront and Old town restaurants. Our local staff will be on hand to assist. Grab a taxi and return to your hotel any time.

DUBROVNIK, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is arguably the most complex and arresting city in the region, one of the top destinations in Croatia, and a line item on countless bucket lists. It is a magnet for Adriatic cruises, a “must” port of call of all major cruise lines and it is not unusual during peak season to see 5 or 6 ocean liners anchored in the city’s Cruise Terminal. The sight of these magnificent vessels against the stunning backdrop of Dubrovnik and the sparkling azure sea is an image that stays in the mind's eye indelibly.

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During the centuries when Venice ruled the seas and controlled great swaths of Mediterranean trade, Dubrovnik was an independent republic comparable to Venice and its rivals well, competing with Venice in trade in the region. Yet they never raised arms against each other; in fact, they were trading partners. Venetian influence can be seen everywhere; in Dubrovnik’s monuments, churches, public squares and buildings. The difference between the two power centers (besides the canals) was that Venice was open and accessible from all sides while Dubrovnik was a fortress surrounded by massive walls, priding itself on its strong defenses against invaders and pirates. It wasn’t until Napoleon occupied Dubrovnik in 1808 that these defenses were breached and Dubrovnik’s long independence and considerable prosperity were undermined. The entire Old Town with its 5,000 residents has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserved with almost all of its original buildings. Its city wall, 4.5 m/15 ft. thick and over 7.6 m/25 ft. tall, is topped by a 2 km/1.25 mi foot path. Enjoy unforgettable vistas as you walk on paths carved above the city’s red and orange-tiled roofs, eyeing narrow streets scaling the hills and laundry flapping in the breeze. Another “must” is a cable-car ride up to the top of Dubrovnik hill for breathtaking views of the city below, the crayon-colored boats in the harbor, the nearby islands and the entire Riviera. Dubrovnik is a pedestrian zone, and its center is full of attractions, perfect for unhurried exploration: city squares, old buildings, churches, museums, galleries, boutiques, cafés and romantic spots to seduce you. Modern Dubrovnik may have expanded beyond the walls, but there are still about 5,000 residents living within the Old Town. Their lifestyle is casual and friendly as residents talk to each other across the stone balconies of their sturdy old houses, older than the oldest building in America. You’ll love Dubrovnik! Dubrovnik is also one of 10 “must see” places in Croatia and in Europe. To learn more about Dubrovnik: http://tzdubrovnik.hr/lang/en/ Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 9

DUBROVNIK Champagne breakfast in your room at the hotel More in Dubrovnik. Entire day free in Dubrovnik until 6:00 PM. At 6:00 PM our driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you tour village for an unforgettable evening and dinner with our family.

DINNER PROGRAM: This being your last night in Croatia, we would like to invite you to be our guests at our family Village Retreat just outside of Dubrovnik. Cousin Katarina who speaks excellent English likes to impress our guests by dressing up in traditional local Croatian costume. She takes them first to family cellar (konoba) and offers home-made liquors and grape schnapps along with home-made prosciutto, cheeses, jams and other home-made delicacies. Then she takes guests to a family organic garden to pick their own vegetables for dinner as well as lettuce and fruits (in season). Our hostess then encourages guests to participate in preparing the meal and is eager to teach how to make some prized Croatian recipes. Once everything is prepared, the cooking is done in the ancient, traditional, almost forgotten, Croatian way of cooking known as "ispod peke" or on open fire. The kitchen here is fairly big and one entire wall is an open fireplace. Fire is fueled by natural wood, hickory and mesquite and then the food is put in pans and covered by iron bells. All this is buried under chunks of hot wood and let cook for about one hour. Once the food is done, pans are brought to the table and the iron bell removed. Mediterra attests you will agree you've never smelled or tasted anything like this. Dinner is served and guests will sit with members of the family-kids, grandparents, host, hostess Katarina, maybe even a cat and a pair of turtles. The food is complimented by home-made family reserve wine that is from the family vineyard, not for commercial use but strictly family consumption. My cousin Katarina will entertain you during the dinner by telling stories about family, noble members of family and ancestors and

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episodes of history dating back to Ottoman times more than 400 years ago. Please see also attached pamphlet “Kameni Dvori.”

This experience will give you a glimpse into an authentic Croatian family's everyday life and struggles as well as their joy and appreciation for what they have. This will be one of the highlights of your entire trip. After dinner return to hotel in Dubrovnik (about 30 min.). Overnight at the Hotel More in Dubrovnik.

Day 10

DUBROVNIK-HOME Breakfast at hotel in Dubrovnik Private car transfers to Dubrovnik (DBV) airport for return flight home.

***End of trip-Thank you!***

INCLUDED IN PACKAGE

• Private transfers upon arrival in Zagreb

• 7-day private car with English-speaking driver starting in Zagreb, terminating in Dubrovnik

• All vehicular expenses including tolls, parking, fuel and insurance

• 1-night accommodation at hotel (TBA) in Zagreb/1 DBL Standard room

• RT Private transfer to Stari Puntijar Restaurant in Zagreb for private dinner

• Complete dinner, ceremonial Champagne opening, visit to cookbook library and wine tasting at Stari Puntijar Restaurant

• 2.0-hour city tour of Zagreb with private guide (walking)

• 2-night accommodation at hotel (TBA) in Opatija/1 DBL Standard room

• Walking tour of Opatija (1.0 hr.) with private guide

• Sunset gourmet seafood dinner at Moscenice Hill Restaurant (near Opatija) with spectacular view of the sea and surrounding archipelago (wine included)

• Private full-day excursion “Circle of Istria” with private car, driver and private guide to include truffle safari, truffle lunch with wine and liquor tasting and truffle cooking demo (see attached pamphlet)

• Private tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park

• 1-night accommodation at boutique hotel Bastion in Zadar/1DBL Deluxe room

Page 12: Honeymoon in Croatian - Mediterra DMC · Honeymoon in Croatian Discover the newest honeymoon frontier! You will be surprised how good it is 10-day tour of must-see sites, exceptional

• 2.0-hour private tour of Zadar/walking

• 2-night accommodation at boutique hotel Jupiter Palace in historic Diocletian's Palace/1DBL Standard

• 2.0-hour private tour of Diocletian’s Palace in Split

• Transfers and baggage handling from hotel to Split Ferry/Hydrofoil terminal

• Hydrofoil tickets Split-Hvar

• Transfers and baggage handling from Hvar Ferry terminal to hotel Amfora

• 1.0-hour city tour of Hvar with private guide/walking

• Private RT transfers from Hvar to “Lost and Forgotten” village

• Traditional Croatian lunch (or dinner) at “Lost & Forgotten” village with wine and liquors

• Transfers and baggage handling from hotel to Hvar Ferry/Hydrofoil terminal

• Hydrofoil tickets Hvar-Dubrovnik

• Transfers and baggage handling from Dubrovnik Ferry terminal to hotel More

• 2-night accommodation at hotel (TBA) in Dubrovnik/1DBL Standard room

• 2.0-hour private city tour of Dubrovnik/walking

• Traditional Croatian dinner at private Family Village Retreat with RT transfers, wine and home-made spirits included

• Private transfer to DBV airport

• Daily breakfast at hotels

• VAT & Tourist taxes

• Mediterra 7/24 "Total Care" service (free of charge)

NOT INCLUDED • Air to/from Croatia (optional)

• Travel interruption and medical insurance (optional)

• Accident and medical evacuation insurance (optional)

• Meals other than those specified in itinerary

• Admission to attractions, national parks, churches, museums, galleries

• Cable car tickets

• Tips to drivers, guides, service personnel

HOTELS ZAGREB: TBA OPATIJA: TBA ZADAR: TBA SPLIT: TBA DUBROVNIK: TBA Hotel names, links and contacts will be supplied once firm booking has been placed.

For more information, please contact

888-488-3350

310-4281343 [email protected] www.mediterradmc.com