Idyllic Shores of Croatia & Montenegro: A Cruise from...

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Idyllic Shores of Croatia & Montenegro: A Cruise from Venice to Dubrovnik Aboard the 100-Guest Corinthian May, August, September & October 2014 Book Today SmithsonianJourneys.org n 877-338-8687

Transcript of Idyllic Shores of Croatia & Montenegro: A Cruise from...

Idyllic Shores of Croatia & Montenegro:

A Cruise from Venice to DubrovnikAboard the 100-Guest Corinthian

May, August, September & October 2014

S M I T H S O N I A N I N S T I T U T I O N ’ S T R A V E L P R O G R A M

Book TodaySmithsonianJourneys.org n 877-338-8687

The fragrant lavender fields of Hvar

Voyage HigHligHts

• Sail Croatia and Montenegro’s dramatic coastline aboard the luxurious small ship Corinthian.

• Discover idyllic islands, well-preserved medieval towns, phenomenal monuments, palm-lined promenades, and exquisite landscapes and seascapes which have retained their authenticity and original character.

• Spend a day in beautiful Dubrovnik and walk along the ancient city walls that have protected this civilized and sophisticated republic for five centuries.

• Enter the only fjord in southern Europe to reach Kotor, surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period.

• Visit magnificent islands: unspoiled Vis, fertile Hvar, picturesque Korcula, and the unusually formed Kornati Archipelago.

• Weather permitting, swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters of the Adriatic, kayak in secluded bays, or take one of the ship’s fleet of bikes out for a cycling excursion—all at no additional cost.

• Enjoy lively lectures with a team of expert study leaders, who’ll share their in-depth knowledge of the region.

Call 877-338-8687 or visit us at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org for more details and to register!

Dubrovnik, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities

Front cover: Corinthian docked in Korcula

Cruise, Learn & Be InspiredEvery cruise will be accompanied by expert speakers who will lecture on various topics relating to our destinations. Examples of some of the experts who accompany our journeys include the following:

Harry Amory Cahill has served as an American diplomat for over 30 years, where he held several assignments in the former Yugoslavia and its present-day successor nations. Mr. Cahill continues to serve in the State Department’s Office of Global Information Systems, is a consultant to the Defense Department, and teaches international business management at Pepperdine University. During our trip he will lecture on the history, politics, economy, and arts and culture of the region. (Onboard August 28 - September 5)

Andrew M.T. Moore is First Vice President of the Archaeological Institute of America. Recently retired from Rochester Institute of Technology, he also taught archaeology at the University of Arizona and Yale University. Since 1966, Dr. Moore has participated in archaeological surveys, excavations, and field research in Croatia and other countries. In 2002, he began a project investigating the spread of farming around the Mediterranean and into southern Europe and is conducting this research in Dalmatia. (Onboard October 9 - 17)

John Meffert has traveled extensively as a lecturer on architecture, preservation, and culture for many respected institutions. He served as the director for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Southern Office from 1982-1988 and was the director of the Preservation Society of Charleston, the oldest nonprofit organization in the U.S. Mr. Meffert is a principal with Heritage Consulting Services. (Onboard September 25 - October 3)

Deborah Voigt is recognized as one of the world’s greatest opera stars. A leading dramatic soprano, internationally celebrated for her performances in the operas of Wagner, Strauss, Verdi, and Puccini, she is also an active recitalist and performer of Broadway standards and popular songs. She has graced the stage at the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, and several other distinguished venues. She appears regularly, as both performer and host, in the Met’s “Live in HD” series. Aboard ship, Deborah will host a round-table discussion about her fascinating career. She will also perform two recitals at venues ashore in Korcula and Split.

Special Perfoming Artist Deborah Voigt Onboard May 15-23—limited space available

Jodi Magness is Kenan Distinguished Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina. Her career has included research and teaching positions at Brown University and Tufts University, where she taught Classical Archaeology for ten years. Jodi’s lecture topics will include, “What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us?”, Byzantine Art and Architecture, and Early Greek colonization. (Onboard May 15 - 23)

MONTENEGROKotor

CROATIA

DUBROVNIK

VENICE

Rab Island

Ploce

Mostar

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

ITALYVisIsland

Adriat ic Sea

Kornati Islands SplitHvarIsland

Korcula Island

Day 1 – Thursday USAFly from the U.S. to Venice, Italy.

Day 2 – FridayVENICE, Italy | EMBARKArrive in Venice and transfer to Corinthian. Sail in the evening. (D)

Day 3 – Saturday RAB ISLAND, Croatia | CRUISING THE KORNATI ARCHIPELAGOPerched on a sloping peninsula overlooking a spacious bay, Rab, the only town on the small island by the same name, is one of the most beautiful towns along Croatia’s coast. Four graceful belfries pointing to the sky dominate the unspoiled medieval town, with its narrow streets that are lined with stately mansions and other buildings. The Cathedral of Sveta Marija Velika (Saint Mary the Great), consecrated in 1177, is an excellent

example of a Romanesque basilica, while its magnificent Bell Tower is a masterpiece of 12th-century architecture. Our walking tour of this lovely town will include all its landmark sites. In the afternoon, the ship will cruise by the Kornati Archipelago, a national park of about 100 uninhabited islands. (B, L, D)

Day 4 – SundaySPLIT Originally a Greco-Illyrian settlement, Split is an ancient city centered around the formidable Palace of Diocletian, built in a.d. 295-305. Today it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. An extensive structure, much of which is well preserved, the palace contains within its walls Split’s medieval town, making it the only palace that has been continuously inhabited since Roman times. Our tour includes a visit to its underground cellars, the Mausoleum, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Northern Gate. Conclude the city tour with a visit to the gallery of famous Croatian sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – MondayHVAR & VIS ISLANDS Discover Hvar, a fertile island of pale stone houses surrounded by rosemary, lavender, and laurel. The architecture is unmistakably Venetian, and there are fine fortifications. Our tour of the island’s principal town includes a visit to the 17th-century Municipal Theater, the Franciscan Monastery and

To Book Visit SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 877-338-8687

DEPARTURE DATESDEPART RETURN

May 15, 2014 May 23, 2014*

August 28, 2014 September 5, 2014

September 25, 2014 October 3, 2014

October 9, 2014 October 17, 2014

*Operates in the reverse, from Dubrovnik to Venice

I t I n e r A r y

In the Old Town of Dubrovnik Hvar’s ancient streets

its small gallery, the city’s Loggia, and St. Stephen’s Square. Continue by bus to the 16th-century fortress, at the top of the hill, for spectacular views of Hvar Town’s red-tiled rooftops and harbor. Later today, continue to Vis, one of Croatia’s most beautiful and unspoiled islands. Land at Vis Town, set on a splendid bay, and drive across the small island to the quaint town of Komiza, which has retained its medieval character and architecture. Stately homes and other buildings face the palm-lined harbor, while the terraced hillside provides a lovely background to this idyllic setting. (B, L, D)

Day 6 – Tuesday PLOCE | MOSTAR, Bosnia & Herzegovina | PLOCE, CroatiaSail to Ploce for an excursion to Mostar, which in the 15th century under the Ottoman Turks became a thriving center on the banks of the emerald Neretva River. Damaged by the military conflict in the 1990s, the town has been carefully restored by UNESCO and declared a World Heritage site. Admire the ethereally graceful Stari Most (“Old Bridge”), originally built in 1566, the nearby Tabacica Mosque, and an old Turkish house, among other sites. After lunch at a local restaurant there will be free time to explore the old bazaar, a haven for the city’s artists and craftsmen. (B, L, D)

Day 7 – Wednesday KORCULA ISLANDWe arrive at Korcula Island and dock at the town of the same name. Steps away from our ship stands the medieval city with its walls and guard towers still intact. Visit St. Mark’s Cathedral and its Treasury, the Bishop’s Palace, the Church of All Saints, the Icon Museum, and Marco Polo’s home. In the afternoon, drive to the village of Lumbarda to visit a family farm known for its production of excellent white wine from the indigenous Korcula Grk grape. Taste local wines as well as other products. (B, L, D)

Day 8 – ThursdayKOTOR, Montenegro | DUBROVNIK, CroatiaSail the deep, fjord-like Bay of Kotor to reach the port town of the same name, located at the head of the bay beneath towering mountains. One of the most striking and best-preserved towns along the Adriatic coast, Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A tour of this delightful town reveals its magnificent walls, palaces, and churches, including the Drago Palace, with its elegant Renaissance windows, the 12th-century St. Tryphon Cathedral, and the baroque Lipovac Palace. Over lunch aboard, sail to Dubrovnik. Set on a rocky peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities and

P r O G r A M I n C L u S I O n S

Optional extensions in Venice, Dubrovnik & Sarajevo

The distinctive skyline of Rab Town

The fragrant lavender fields of Hvar

1-night Optional extension in VeniceRates: $775 per person, double occupancy; single supplement: $260

1-night Optional extension in DubrovnikRates: $435 per person, double occupancy; single supplement: $190

3-night Optional extension in Sarajevo & DubrovnikRates: $1,290 per person, double occupancy; single supplement: $385

All extensions include deluxe hotel accommodations with breakfast, transfers, city tours, taxes, and service charges. Additional hotel nights available. Please call for further details.

a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. The city contains within its ramparts the Rector’s Palace; the Franciscan Monastery, which houses a 13th-century pharmacy (the oldest in Europe); and the baroque Cathedral, with works by Renaissance painters Titian and Andrea del Sarto. Overnight aboard ship docked in Dubrovnik. (B, L, D)

Day 9 – FridayDUBROVNIK | DISEMBARK | FLY TO USADisembark and transfer to the airport for return flights. (B)

To Book Visit SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 877-338-8687

■ 7-night cruise aboard the all-suite, 100-guest Corinthian

■ All meals aboard ship, including wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner

■ Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship■ All tours and excursions■ Enrichment program of lectures and discussions by

accompanying experts and private recitals on the May 15th cruise

■ Comprehensive pre-departure materials■ Transfers and baggage handling abroad on the

designated arrival and departure dates■ Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers■ Professional Travel Dynamics International tour staff■ Emergency emergency evacuation insurance (up

to $50,000), medical expenses coverage (up to $25,000), and dental expenses (up to $500)

Not Included■ Airfare ■ Visa and passport fees (if applicable)■ Trip cancellation and baggage insurance■ Meals and beverages other than those specified above ■ Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone,

Internet, etc.)■ Port taxes and charges■ Gratuities to shipboard personnel

Air Reservations

Airfare is not included in the Cruise and Land Rates. To make your air reservations, please contact your preferred airline, travel agent, or the Travel Dynamics International air desk toll-free at 1-877-711-9896 Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 5:30 pm (EST).

In an era of mega cruise ships that carry thousands of passengers, Corinthian is a delightful alternative. More like a private yacht than a cruise ship, Corinthian accommodates only 100 guests in 50 suites. Corinthian’s limited guest capacity, fine facilities, and distinctive style of operation attract like-minded travelers who return again and again to enjoy its custom-crafted itineraries and a style of cruising that is rarely found today.

All of Corinthian’s suites face outside, providing views of the sea and landscape. Several have a private balcony. There are expansive open deck areas and attractive facilities, including a gym, spa, library (with Internet access), beauty salon, boutique, two lounges, a sun deck with Jacuzzi, and an outdoor cafe. An elegant restaurant accommodates all guests in an open, unassigned seating. An elevator serves all decks. A resident physician attends a well-equipped infirmary. Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.

Served by 65 seasoned officers and crew, Corinthian complies with the latest international safety regulations, including those of the U.S. Coast Guard, meets the requirements of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology. Corinthian is equipped with retractable fin stabilizers and a fleet of Zodiac inflatable craft for forays ashore.

Corinthian Sets the Standard for Private-Style Cruising

Restaurant Veranda Suite

Phoebe Deck

Cleo Deck

Leto Deck

Ariadne Deck

Athena Deck

603

604

601

602

519 517 515

431 433 429 427 425 423 421

420 422 424 428 430

345 343 341 339 337 335

334 336 338

251

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249 247

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511 509

516 514 512 510

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Gym

Sun Deck/Outdoor Café

Beauty Salon/Massage Rm

Nautilus Club

Lounge/Lecture Hall

Restaurant

Hospital

Elevator

Reception

Elevator

Elevator

Elevator

Elevator

Bridge

Jacuzzi

D e C K P L A n

C r u I S e & L A n D r At e S | per person, double occupancy

All accommodations aboard Corinthian are suites. They face outside, affording sea views, and include a bedroom with two twin-size beds that can convert to a queen-size bed, sitting area, mini-refrigerator, safe, spacious closets, climate control, telephone, TV, DVD/CD player, Internet connection, and bathroom with marble vanity, shower, and other amenities. All suites are non-smoking.

category description rate

EDeluxe suites on Ariadne and Leto Decks with windows and sitting area. 215 sq. ft. Suites *342 - *345,*428,*429 * PARTIALLY OBSTRUCTED VIEW

$4,890

D Deluxe suites on Ariadne and Leto Decks with windows and sitting area. 215 sq. ft. Suites 334 - 335, 433 $5,290

C Deluxe suites on Athena Deck with portholes and sitting area. 275 sq. ft. Suites 246 - 252 $5,890

B Deluxe suites on Ariadne Deck with windows and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 336 - 341 $6,790

A Deluxe suites on Leto Deck with windows and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 420 - 427, 430 - 431 $7,290

AA Deluxe suites on Cleo Deck with forward windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft. Suites 505 - 506 $7,890

VS Deluxe Veranda Suites on Cleo Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 245 sq. ft. Suites 507 - 519 $8,690

PHS Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Phoebe Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 260 sq. ft. Suites 601 - 604 $9,290

Third person sharing a suite: $1,990

SinglES: Single accommodations are available in select categories at a supplement to the per person, double occupancy rates as follows: Category E: $1,790; Category C: $2,090; Category A: $2,490; Category VS: $4,390.

Port taxes and charges are an additional $310 per person.

Sun Deck

Our MissionSmithsonian Journeys are designed to engage travelers in Smithsonian’s mission—“the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Like the Institution, our tours enrich our guests’ lives and satisfy their curiosity about the world. Your participation benefits the work of Smithsonian’s 19 museums, the National Zoo and nine research centers, helping to preserve our national treasures and shape the future through science, research, and exhibitions.

RegistrationSpace is reserved in the order of receipt of reservation request.

To submit a request for a reservation, please order using our secure online process starting at SmithsonianJourneys.org or call 877-338-8687 to speak with a Reservations Specialist, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

Submitting an online request does not guarantee space on a tour. You will be notified of your status when your request has been received and processed.

PaymentsDeposit of $1,500 per person, per tour, payable by check or major credit card to the tour operator is required to reserve a space on a tour. Deposits are applied to payment of the program price.

Please note: Balance due upon invoicing, 90 days prior to departure.

If purchasing air arrangements, airfare will be billed by Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc. and may be paid by check or credit card.

Late RegistrationDue to the nature of tour operators and supplier payment schedules, any registration received within 90 days of departure is considered a “late registration” and must be subject to special confirmation by a Reservations Specialist.

Full payment is required at this time and must be paid immediately to the tour operator. You will be advised by the Smithsonian as to the name of the operator and what forms of payment are acceptable.

For additional information, please call a Reservations Specialist at 877-338-8687 weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) or e-mail [email protected]

A Note About CostsTour costs are based upon current airfares, tariffs, currency values, and on the basis of a minimum number of participants. While we will do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, they are subject to change. Should actual enrollments fall significantly below minimum numbers, a surcharge may be added. Due to fluctuations in oil prices, a fuel surcharge may be added to your tour fee (e.g. internal flights, cruises, etc.). Details and costs will be advised prior to departure.

Wait ListIf the program(s) of your choice are fully subscribed, you will be placed on a wait list. If you choose to withdraw from the wait list, please notify us.

Please note that we are unable to keep you apprised of your status on the wait list. We will call you only if a space becomes available, but you are welcome to call us at your convenience to inquire about your status at 877-338-8687.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Per person cancellation fees are based on date of notice to Smithsonian Journeys (subsequent written notice required):

• Cancellation within 7 days of booking (prior to final payment date): full refund.

• Cancellation after 7 days of booking: $600 per person cancellation fee.

• Final payment due: 90 days before departure.

• Cancellation made within 90 days prior to departure: no refund.

• Cancellation by the Smithsonian: full refund.

• No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.

Please understand that there will be no exceptions to our cancellation policies.

Air ServiceIndividual Arrivals and Group Transfers

Your first tour bulletin will thoroughly explain the details of the options available for your flights.

Air Tickets Purchased Independently of the Tour

We urge you to check airline cancellation penalties before purchasing airline tickets since international departure times and flights can change. Tours also can be cancelled due to low enrollments. Neither Smithsonian Institution nor the tour operator accepts liability for cancellation penalties related to domestic or international airline tickets purchased independently in conjunction with a tour.

Travel InsuranceFor the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a Provided Insurance Plan, through Travel Guard, with the price of your tour. This travel insurance plan includes $50,000 in emergency evacuation; $25,000 in emergency medical expenses and $500 in emergency dental expenses. Please visit SmithsonianJourneys.org to view coverage details. Please also visit www.TravelGuard.com/SmithsonianJourneys to learn about optional coverage.

Physical and Medical ConsiderationsPlease note that these tours require that participants be in good physical condition: you must be capable, without assistance, of walking a minimum of two miles over uneven terrain and of climbing stairs that may not have handrails. Participants should have sufficient stamina to keep pace with an active group of travelers on long days of touring. If you have any questions about your ability to participate in a tour, please call us at 877-338-8687.Some tours have additional notes regarding physical and medical considerations, which are noted on the Special Tour Information link.

Itinerary or Program Modifications – Cruises and Train ToursSmithsonian strives to improve tour itineraries and their features. If improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. Every effort will be made to carry out the program as planned but alterations may still occur after the final itineraries are sent. Please note that weather conditions may force changes to the advertised sailing schedule. The ship’s captain has the authority to change the ship’s schedule.

Singles and RoommatesHotel rooms and ship cabins are always reserved for single travelers, however the number of single rooms/cabins available on a tour may be limited. Therefore we recommend that you register early. Please note that a single supplement will apply for a single room/cabin. If you are traveling alone and wish to share a room/cabin, we will do our best to find someone of the same gender to share with you. When a roommate cannot be found, the single supplement will be charged.

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMERRead Carefully: Responsibility Statement and Liability Disclaimer

Smithsonian Journeys are managed by professional tour operators hired as independent contractors. The use of tour operators allows the Smithsonian to offer its members a wide array of educational travel opportunities. The tour operator acts only as an agent for the respective suppliers by making arrangements for transportation, accommodations, and other services. Neither the Smithsonian Institution nor the tour operator shall be held liable for personal injury, death, property damage or accident, delay or irregularity arising out of any act or omission of these suppliers. The Smithsonian Institution and the tour operator reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of tour participants.

The Smithsonian Institution and the tour operator also reserve the right, without penalty, to withdraw the tour announced, to decline to accept any person as a participant in a tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is determined by tour staff to be in the best interests of the health, safety or general welfare of the tour group or the individual participant, subject only to the requirement that the recoverable portion of the total amount paid that corresponds to the cost of unused services and accommodations be refunded, if any. Participants are encouraged to purchase airline tickets no sooner than 60 days before the tour begins to avoid airline cancellation penalties if a tour is canceled or otherwise modified subsequent to the participant’s purchase of those tickets. The Smithsonian Institution and the tour operator accept no liability for the purchase of non-refundable airline tickets to the tour departure city and return. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant.

Dates, schedules, program details, and costs, although provided in good faith based on information available at the time of publication of the brochure or catalog, are subject to change and revision.

AS A CONDITION OF ACCEPTANCE OF ANY APPLICATION, EACH APPLICANT MUST AGREE TO THE STATEMENT SET FORTH BELOW:The undersigned has read carefully the Responsibility Statement and Liability Disclaimer set forth above, the schedule of activities for this tour, as well as the terms and conditions of application and participation as set forth in the tour brochure(s), and recognizes and accepts any risk associated with the tour and the conditions, including the refund policy, set forth in the tour brochure(s). The undersigned further acknowledges that there are many risks and uncertainties inherent in any travel tour, including but not limited to the hazards of various modes of transportation, forces of nature, acts or omissions of foreign governments, terrorism, war or insurrection, theft, illness, and damage to person or property due to the negligent acts or omissions of tour staff or others. In consideration of, and as part payment for, the right to participate in the tour, the undersigned, on behalf of himself, his dependents, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, agrees to release the Smithsonian Institution, its Regents, officers, employees, representatives or agents, the United States, and the tour operator and its officers, employees and agents, from liability for personal injury, death, property damage or loss suffered by any person in connection with this tour, even if caused by the negligence (but not the reckless, willful, or fraudulent conduct) of tour staff or other related persons or entities. In addition, by registering for this tour, the applicant certifies that he or she is mentally and physically capable of full participation in this tour.

By registering for a Smithsonian Journey, the participant agrees to the Responsibility Statement and Liability Disclaimer and the Terms and Conditions herein.

Resolution of any disputes arising hereunder shall be brought within the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, pursuant to applicable federal laws, including maritime statutes, except any such claim involving any such defendant or party which must be brought in the Court of Federal Claims. With respect to any claim which must be brought in the Court of Federal Claims, then those claims must be brought within that venue.Ship’s Registry: Malta CST #204 3599-40 TDI

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