The Dalmatian Coast Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania

September 20 - October 6, 2018 17 Days • 35 Meals

Escorted by Alan and Jenny Ingram

Beautiful Scenery of the Dalmatian Coast Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Dalmatian coast is truly one of the world’s dream destinations. It is known for its long sunny days, amazing natural beauty such as the magnificent Bay of Kotor and the Mljet National Park, quaint fishing villages and warm friendly people. It enjoys a long and varied history with many UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Diocletian's Palace and the walled city of Dubrovnik. And don’t forget the Adriatic Sea - crystal clear waters lapping rugged coast lines with wonderful beaches. This journey begins with a nine day exploration by land through the countryside and towns of mysterious Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. The journey is highlighted with the full charter of a delightful small yacht for a week long cruise in the Adriatic, exploring the most fascinating islands and ports of call. This promises to be a truly exceptional adventure. Read on but don’t delay as space is very limited and previous departures filled months in advance.

OUR PRIVATE YACHT • ms Apolon

Launched in the summer of 2016 and designed to sail the waterways of the Adriatic, this private yacht is the perfect size for this voyage, allowing us to visit a host a fascinating villages and ports which are simply not accessible to larger ships. Our group will be limited to a maximum of 34/36 persons in 19 comfortable cabins under the care of an experienced crew of 6 (Captain, two waitresses, chef, and two sailors). All cabins have double or twin beds (2x200x80cm or 200x160cm) and are ocean view with private facilities (basin, toilet and shower). Cabin features include a safe deposit box, radio, Wi-Fi, hair dryer, luggage space under bed, and 220 volt power. Cabins range from 120 to 140 sq. ft. and are fully air conditioned.

Standard (Lower) Deck Cabins - 8 cabins, each with 2 portholes (sealed) and entry from an interior door. They are generally more stable and quiet.

Main (Middle) Deck Cabins - 11 cabins, each with a window. Cabins on the Main Deck are more accessible with fewer stairs.

The Upper Deck contains the public areas including a comfortable bar lounge with a big screen TV and the dining area (large enough for all to eat at the same time). Wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is available and free. On the outside terrace of the Upper Deck, there is a sitting area with tables and chairs (fully covered), great for relaxing, enjoying breakfast and watching the world pass by. A large platform is located at the stern with two ladders for easy access for swimming. The Sunny (Top) Deck has enough sun-beds to accommodate all guests, a shaded open area deck plus a roof top Jacuzzi.

FEATURES & HIGHLIGHTS

7 night cruise on the ms Apolon, based on sharing a double stateroom in category selected

9 day / 8 night escorted tour with superior hotels

35 meals (B-15 breakfasts, L-10 lunches, D-10 dinners)

Services of your cruise/tour escort and/or cruise director and tour manager

All gratuities, surcharges, taxes and fees for included services

Air inclusive rates also include:

Group transfers between airport, ship, and hotel

Return economy airfare from Canada to Europe

Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value

Rob Craig

Rated one of the most beautiful Beaches in the World, Bol, Croatia

TOUR / CRUISE ESCORTS We are very pleased to have Alan and Jennifer Ingram escorting this delightful journey to the Dalmatian Coast. When not working with children and seniors or following their children, Alan and Jenny travel on independent trips, on international community service projects or with tour groups. They have led over 50 groups to destinations throughout the world. In the last few years they escorted trips to Portugal, Germany, Iceland, Costa Rica, Indochina and more. They look forward to sharing this unique journey through Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia and along the absolutely breathtaking islands of the Adriatic Sea with you.

September 20, Thursday Depart Canada Group members from across Canada gather in Toronto for the overnight flights to Tirana, Albania.

September 21, Friday Tirana, Albania Our morning connection brings us to Tirana, the capital and principle city in Albania. On arrival we transfer directly to our hotel where we have dinner and a relaxing night. Hotel Rogner (2 nights) D

September 22, Saturday Tirana We begin with a panoramic city tour viewing Skanderbeg Square, the Mosque of Et’Hem Bey (visit), the Clock Tower, the statue of Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg, the Soviet-era Palace of Culture and the National History Museum, (visit) which sports a mosaic façade depicting the history of Albania. The afternoon has been left free to explore the city on our own, to shop or just relax. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. BD

September 23, Sunday Krujë / Sveti Stefan / Budva, Montenegro Enjoy the rural countryside as we make our way to Krujë, and visit the medieval bazaar and impressive Krujë Castle. View Sveti Stefan, Montenegro’s iconic island. It was once a fortified village connected to the estate of the Villa Milo čer. Enjoy the pristine beauty of the coastline and a break at one of the beautiful sandy beaches en route to historic Budva. After dinner take the opportunity to walk through the Old Town and explore its narrow cobbled streets with Venetian-style piazzas, churches, boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Hotel Budva (2 nights) BLD

September 24, Monday Cetinje / Njeguši / Kotor Enjoy a day of scenic beauty as we explore the hinterland of the Lovćen National Park. In Cetinje, visit King Nikola’s Palace, the former residence of Montenegrin royalty. Following a traditional lunch in the village of Njeguši, enjoy a stroll in the centre of the Old Town of Kotor, with one of the best-preserved medieval towns, surrounded by 5 km of original walls and home to St Tryphon’s Cathedral (1166AD). BLD

September 25, Tuesday Perast / Trebinje / Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina This morning we enjoy a scenic drive by the Bay of Kotor en route to Perast for a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks Island. It was created by man and is home to a beautiful church and museum. Head inland to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the village of Trebinje. Enjoy a very scenic drive through the mountains following the valley of the River Drina. This afternoon, we are in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia, and site of the 1984 Winter Olympic Games. Hotel Europe Sarajevo (2 nights) BLD

September 26, Wednesday Sarajevo Like much of this region, Sarajevo has seen many cultures and civilizations cross through its gates and is known for its cultural and religious diversity. It was here that the first shots were fired in WWI, following the assassination of Austria’s Archduke Franz Ferdinand. We’ll visit the picturesque Turkish Bazaar “Bascarsija”, Husrev Bey’s Mosque and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum followed by a free afternoon in this historic city. BD

September 27, Thursday Mostar / Dubrovnik, Croatia Departing Sarajevo we follow the Neretva River Gorge, stopping in Mostar to visit the historic Turkish Quarter and walk over the famous 16th century Ottoman bridge for which the town is named.

Visit the Koski Mehmed Mosque before we continue to the coast and the legendary walled city state of Dubrovnik, an UNESCO World heritage Site. Our hotel overlooks the city and the Adriatic. Grand Villa Argentina Resort (2 nights) BD

September 28, Friday Dubrovnik This morning we will walk from our hotel down into the old city. Our morning exploration will include views of the Rector’s Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, the Franciscan Monastery, Orlando’s Column and Sponza Palace. Visit the exquisite Dominican Monastery, one of the most important buildings in the city. Following lunch in a restaurant in the old city, the afternoon and evening will be free to explore the city on our own, to climb the city walls and to enjoy dinner in one of the many great local restaurants. BL

September 29, Saturday Dubrovnik / Embark Enjoy a free morning with an opportunity to return to the city or to relax in our resort. Early this afternoon we transfer to the pier and embark on the ms Apolon, our home for the next week. This afternoon we will have time to settle in before we join the Captain and his staff for a Welcome Reception and dinner. Ms Apolon (7 nights) BD

September 30, Sunday Trstenik / Mljet This morning we depart on a full day tour through Dubrovnik’s Primorje region to the Pelješac Peninsula. Visit the Gastro Vista centre where we will learn about the production of honey and enjoy a few samples. Visit the oyster farms in the channel by Ston (with a tasting) and enjoy a wine tasting with traditional lunch in a local restaurant in a village on the Pelješac Peninsula. Late this afternoon relax on board as we cruise through the islands to Mljet, with dinner on board. BLD

October 1, Monday Mljet / Korčula Mljet, a vision of lush green and dark blues, is one of the largest islands in the Adriatic. It is known by legend for captivating Odysseus with its magnificent scenery and tranquillity. Take an informative walk to the salt lakes of Mljet National Park with our Cruise Manager, with free time to explore on our own. Enjoy lunch on board as we cruise to Korčula. Our walking tour of Korčula includes views of Marco Polo's House, the Bishops' Palace, and St. Mark's Cathedral which houses the works of Tintoretto. This evening there will be an optional wine and dine experience on shore (approx. 70 Euro). BL

October 2, Tuesday Korčula / Vela Luka / Vis This morning we will explore the island to the pretty village of Vela Luka where we will rejoin our yacht. En route we stop in Blato and visit the Ethno Museum of the family Barilo, a very traditional stone house. Over lunch we sail to the magical remote Island of Vis, world-renowned for the spectacular remains of the ancient Issa, the very first urban centre in Croatia.

REV10OCT17

Cruise Cost in Canadian Dollars per person

Category/Description/Deck Sharing Twin 1 Standard Outside (Lower) ...................................... $5,295 2 Main Outside (Upper) ............................................. $5,645 1S Single Standard Outside (Lower) ..................... $6,795 2S Single Main Outside (Upper) ............................. $7,255

Above rates are per person based the category selected and include all of the applicable Inclusive Features. If you wish a cabin with twin beds, please request early.

Sample airfares from cities across Canada: Toronto ...................................................................... $1,630 Montreal / Ottawa ...................................................... $1,830 Halifax ....................................................................... $2,080 Winnipeg .................................................................... $2,080 Regina / Saskatoon ................................................... $2,200 Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver ............................... $2,170 Victoria ....................................................................... $2,200

Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Airfares and air carriers are preliminary and subject to confirmation. Land/cruise prices are based on rates, taxes and fees effective May 2017 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control.

Prices DO NOT INCLUDE the cost of insurance which is available and is highly recommended. Premiums vary with the cost, length of the trip, and the traveller’s age. For passengers up to and including 74 years on departure date, premiums will range from $312 to $484 pp plus applicable taxes. Cost supplements for travellers aged 75-85 will range from $201 to $424 pp plus applicable taxes. This insurance is effective from the date of purchase and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website for the most current information. Refer to the enrollment form for general information and conditions.

Final payment will be due June 20, 2018 Deposit is $900 per person

To reserve your spot on this tour, simply complete the enclosed enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit to:

CT RATING 3.5 - Challenging: The ship we are using does not have an elevator. This journey includes many walking excursions with stairs and uneven surfaces. Members must be physically fit and able walkers to fully enjoy this itinerary.

A Word About Meals: This cruise is a little different. Since most evenings are spent in delightful ports offering a wide variety of excellent local restaurants, several dinners are not included, allowing you the freedom to choose where you will dine. Your Tour Manager and Cruise Director will happily assist you in finding the best options.

Split, Croatia

Our tour includes the Roman Thermal Place and City Archeological Museum in Vis and the fisherman’s museum in Komiža. BL October 3, Wednesday Biševo (Blue Cave) / Hvar This morning, if possible, we will sail to the island of Biševo and visit the Blue Cave or Grotto (only possible if the weather cooperates). Later, enjoy a delicious lunch on board and a refreshing swim at the Pakleni Islands on route to the beautiful island of Hvar. Spend the late afternoon exploring the town of Hvar, set in a sheltered bay. This perfectly preserved medieval town features Venetian architecture and fine fortifications. Our walking tour will end at the Benedictine Monastery with a wine reception and Klapa (traditional singing). This evening why not have dinner ashore along the waterfront. BL

October 4, Thursday Hvar / Bol / Pučišća Enjoy a leisurely morning in port before sailing to the Island of Brač over lunch. The island of Brač is truly unique amongst the islands of the Dalmatian coast with its spectacular steep-sided natural harbours, its authentic Mediterranean architecture and rustic ambience. Our tour of the island begins in Bol and takes us to Pučišća, a delightful fishing village. This evening there will be an option of a special seafood dinner in a local restaurant. BL

October 5, Friday Pučišća / Split This morning we shall visit the stone masonry school, preserving an age old tradition on the island. Over lunchtime we sail to Split, and spend an afternoon in this ancient city centred around the famous Diocletian’s Palace built in A.D. 295-305. 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 walking tour includes a visit to its underground cellars, the Mausoleum, Jupiter's Temple, Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening we gather for our Farewell Dinner on board. BLD

October 6, Saturday Split / Canada This morning, after disembarking, we transfer to the airport and catch our flights back to Canada. B

Beautiful Scenery of the Dalmatian Coast, Cavtat, Croatia

1092 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, M4P 2M6 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 | Fax: 416-484-8143 cruises@craigtravel.com | www.craigtravel.com

Book and Deposit by March 29, 2018

and save $200 per person