Gems of the Adriatic

Zagreb, Split, Hvar
& Dubrovnik, Croatia

21-27 March 2010

Since 1991 ...

... we’ve visited cities & places with fellow travellers who understand what travel is all about: New horizons, new experiences, new friends.
 This privately guided journey reveals the charm, history & beauty of one of the least explored corners of Europe, a region of deep forests, mountain landscapes, & a lovely coast dotted with medieval towns. Enjoy leisurely 2-night stays in the finest hotels with the best locations – & the flexible pace of private car touring
Irene we hope you join us - Brian Nystedt and Jerry Kelley.

Zagreb is a distinctly central European city situated in the middle of the triangle of Vienna, Budapest & Venice. It has always been & remains a part of the cultural circle of   central Europe. Nine hundred year old Zagreb, capital of Croatia, lives a rich cultural life, with more than 20     theatres, 3 concert halls, around 60 museums & art    galleries. A city of a million inhabitants that has managed to stay romantic, & which offers visitors pleasant walks & enjoyment in a city full of parks & pedestrian zones. In short, it is a city that has managed to preserve its soul & identity, its cultural & historical heritage. Zagreb's       architecture, streets, squares of Upper & Lower town, open air green markets, churches & monuments are    witnesses of a history that successfully resisted the fast tempo of life at the end of the last century.
 
Split is busy & big (it's Croatia's second-largest city) but it remains one of the Adriatic's most fascinating ports with a long & eventful history. There are great sights to see in Split; home of the Roman Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Split offers a wealth of museums & Roman ruins under a dramatic mountain backdrop & opens onto a vast expanse of sea
 
Hvar has more history than anyone would want: Conquered by the Greeks, annexed by the Venetians, bossed by     Hungarians, seized by Napoleon, absorbed by Austria. Hvar town, embellished by Venetians, rises like an amphitheater from its harbor, backed by a hilltop fortress & protected from the open sea by a scattering of small islands known as Pakleni Otoci. Along the palm-lined quay, cafes &          restaurants are shaded by colorful awnings & umbrellas. A few steps away is the magnificent main square, Trg Sveti Stjepan, the largest piazza in Dalmatia.
 
It would take Hollywood's most creative architects to design a set as perfect as Dubrovnik. Yet this "city made of stone & light" is as enchanting as the shimmering    sunsets that ricochet off its 14th-century ramparts. In short: The Dalmatian UNESCO World Heritage city is   stunning.
 
Inside protective walls, the pedestrian-only Old Town bustles with an international crowd. Here you will find almost all the area's sights worth seeing -- historic churches & public buildings; designer shops & homey  restaurants; ancient sculptures & modern galleries; fountains & bell towers; monasteries & gardens; & the most famous of all, the ancient city wall & its towers.

Extend your stay: Extra nights in Zagreb & Dubrovnik
 
20 March: Add a pre-night; Jerry and Brian arrive today

21 March: Zagreb, Croatia
Check-in to the luxurious Hotel Regent Esplanade, an elegant landmark established in 1925 for passengers of the Orient Express. In the heart of downtown, you’ll delight in the hotel’s artful blend of contemporary luxury, old world charm, and gracious service.

22 March: Explore Zagreb
Join your personal guide this morning to explore the capital, beginning at Dulac Market, a lively emporium of fresh produce, tempting baked goods, and traditional Croatian crafts. Continue your privately-guided sightseeing in Gornji Grad (Upper Town), the beautifully-preserved historical center of the city. See St. Mark’s Church, easily recognized by its colorfully tiled roof, and the imposing Parliament. Continue on to the Government Palace and striking, twin-spired Cathedral. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace.

23 March: Zagreb / Split
Your private car and driver await this morning to escort you to the rail station for your scenic train ride southward and along the Adriatic coast. You’ll be met upon arrival in Split and escorted to the Hotel Globo, a great city-center, first-class hotel. Your privately-guided walking tour in this inviting city reveals ancient monuments and charming architecture, including the imposing Diocletian Palace built in the 4th century.

23 March: Excursion to Hvar
A private car transfer brings you to the pier for a scenic ferry boat ride to the island of Hvar. Step ashore in the charming harbor, backed by hills of rosemary and lavender, and meet your personal guide for a memorable day of sightseeing. In the Old Town, you’ll see many fine stone buildings – unmistakably Venetian in design! Return to your hotel in Split and enjoy a free evening.

25 March: Split / Dubrovnik
Journey southward along the coast with your private car and driver to Dubrovnik, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your personal local guide. Join our friendly expert and enter through the towering medieval gates to explore one of the world’s best preserved walled cities. Your private sightseeing tour includes the Rector’s Palace and Franciscan Monastery. You’ll overnight at the deluxe Hotel Argentina, perfectly situated just steps from the medieval walls of Old Town.

26 March: Dubrovnik at Leisure
Enjoy a full day free to explore at your own pace. Your hotel’s privileged location puts the best of Old Town nearly at your door! Step out and explore the charming cafes and boutiques of the medieval city, or walk along the ramparts for superb views over the red-tiled roofs of Dubrovnik.

27 March: Dubrovnik, after breakfast the journey is completed, unless...

28 March: Dubrovnik, add a day

28 March: Dubrovnik, after breakfast Jerry and Brian depart Croatia

Gems of the Adriatic includes:

 » 2 nights at the five-star Regent Esplanade in the heart of Zagreb

 » 2 nights at the four-star Hotel Globo, Split

 » 2 nights at the five-star Hotel Argentina, Dubrovnik, just steps from the Old Town

» Scenic ferry boat ride to the island of Hvar with a private guide

 » First-class rail travel between Zagreb & Split

 » Private guides & transfers throughout

 » City tours of Zagreb, Split & Dubrovnik

» Daily breakfast

» All hotel taxes & fees

» Escorted by New Departures’ Jerry Kelley & Brian Nystedt

» Personalized baggage tags

Extend your stay:
 Add a pre-night in Zagreb & two post nights in Dubrovnik allowing yourself the extra time to relax, explore & reflect.

» Zagreb extra night, Single: $ 367.00 

» Zagreb, add 20 March, Double Occupancy, per person: $ 257.00

» Double Occupancy, per person: $3799.00
» Single Occupancy: $5259.00

» Dubrovnik, add 27-28 March, Double, per person: $ 566.00

» Dubrovnik, 2 extra nights, Single: $ 960.00

Contact us about air fare.

$350.00 deposit per person due at sign-up; space is not held without a deposit.
Final payment due 10 January 2010. After that date full payment is due at time of booking.
 
Cost includes only listed features; gratuities & items of a personal nature are additional.

Cancellation fees:
Due to the special nature of this tour all payments are non-refundable. Trip insurance is highly recommended (A brochure will be sent at deposit). 

Phone 612.305.0025 or 1-800-853-1880