Balkan Beauties
Jewels of Croatia and Slovenia
May 23 - June 3, 2007
BY THE BEAUTIFUL SEA
The countries of the “Balkans” are in southeastern Europe
and take this historic and geographic name from a mountain range that
runs through the middle of the region. Don’t look for many other
connections between them beyond that, however. Each is as different
from the next as night from day, with unique cultures, languages, and
traditions.
Two of the Balkans—Croatia and Slovenia—do
share some fragmented and violent history, as former provinces of the
former Yugoslavian Republic. Both had long been regarded as two of Europe’s
finest attractions and best-kept secrets. Prior to 1991, they were rapidly
becoming some of the continent’s hottest vacation spots, with
10 million tourists annually. They came seeking a touch of the medieval
along with the sun, sand and surf of the Adriatic’s Dalmatian
Coast, as well as the refreshing mountain air of the Julian Alps.
Unfortunately, Croatia had to contend with
the violent break-up of its country and nearly a decade of civil war.
(Slovenia escaped relatively unscathed.) All is calm in the region once
more, and visitors are returning gradually. Now is the time to see this
remarkable place before it once again becomes overrun by tourist throngs.
With its sublime stretch of very long
coast on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia feels almost Mediterranean in its
pace and warm climate. One of Croatia’s most fascinating places
is the fortified city of Dubrovnik, built on an isthmus and bordered
on two sides by harbors. As its maritime trade grew, it became the only
eastern Adriatic city-state that rivaled Venice in terms of wealth and
skilled diplomacy during the Middle Ages. Inhabitants of Dubrovnik often
proudly quote the Irish playwright and man of letters, George Bernard
Shaw, who visited the city in 1929: “If you want to see heaven
on earth, come to Dubrovnik.”
A drive along the Adriatic coast takes
us to the ancient Roman center of Split, the cultural center of Trogir,
and the old Slavic city of Zadar. Zagreb is Croatia’s other great
center, and its capital since 1557. Central European in spirit and appearance,
the city still bears the influence of centuries spent under rule by
the great houses of Vienna and Budapest.
Croatia’s neighbor to the north,
Slovenia was also once part of the Yugoslavian Republic. Mostly landlocked,
the country’s allure is in its picturesque alpine scenery, typified
by the iconic image of a church floating on a little island in the middle
of Lake Bled. The charming capital of Ljubljana is straight out of a
medieval fairy tale, with its winding cobblestone streets, ancient churches,
and quaint ambience.
With balmy sea breezes, fascinating history,
varied culture and exquisite cuisine, this delectable new adventure
has it all! Come with Toto Tours to see the beautiful Balkan countries
of Croatia and Slovenia.
ITINERARY
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Departure
Today is a travel day. Depart the United States on an overnight flight,
arriving in Dubrovnik, Croatia, tomorrow morning. For excellent prices
on airfare, contact Croatia
Travel located in Astoria, New York. Their toll-free
number is: 800-662-7628. Another useful link providing
tips for air travel is Visit
Croatia. If you would like to arrive in Dubrovnik
a day or two early, we can extend your reservation at our group hotel.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Arrival in Dubrovnik / Welcome Dinner
Plan to arrive in Croatia this morning. Collect your luggage and make
your own way to our hotel. (We provide directions on how to do this
before the tour commences, and can also arrange private transfers for
you in advance.) Once you check in to your room, you have the afternoon
to recover from jet lag or do a little exploring on your own. Our group
meets for the first time tonight in our hotel lobby, from where we venture
out to a local restaurant for our Welcome Dinner. Afterwards, you will
have a chance to check out Dubrovnik’s gay nightlife. (Dinner
Included)
Friday, May 25, 2007
Dubrovnik Sightseeing
Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of the glories of old Dubrovnik, designated
as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between the 13th and 16th centuries,
the ancient city walls are roughly 8 stories high with 16 towers which
provide the best view of the old town area, known as Stari Grad. This
automobile-free zone has marble-paved squares, steep cobbled streets,
tall houses, convents, churches, palaces, fountains and museums, all
cut from the same light-colored stone.
Our tour includes visits to the top of the
city walls, the Rector’s Palace, the Cathedral and the Treasury
Room. The afternoon and evening are free for independent activities. (Breakfast)
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Split
After breakfast we check out of the hotel and board our motorcoach
for the drive north along the Dalmatian Coast, a beautiful stretch of
unexploited and unspoiled towns and little fishing villages nestled
amongst dark green cypresses and pines. Split is about 125 miles north,
and we will take our time exploring and making photo stops along the
way.
Split is an ancient Roman center. Hemmed in
by the sprawling mansions and the modern harbor, the crumbling old town
lies within the precincts of the enormous Diocletian’s Palace,
built as a retirement home by Dalmatian-born Roman Emperor Diocletian
in 305 AD. It is one of the most outstanding classical remains in Europe
Enjoy lunch upon arrival in Split, followed
by hotel check in. This afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of the town’s
most important attractions, including the Diocletian’s Palace,
Cathedral St. Duje (including St. Lucy’s Crypt), and the Temple
of Jupiter. The evening is free. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Split
Today is free to delve further into the town’s long, colorful
history, or perhaps take an optional excursion to one of the beautiful
outlying islands for a restful day of beach-going. Enjoy a second night
in Split. (Breakfast)
Monday, May 28, 2007
Trogir / Zadar
After breakfast, we continue north about 20 miles along the coast to
the picturesque town of Trogir. Artists and scholars have made Trogir
into a cultural center, and we take time to enjoy a walking tour through
the historic center of town and free time for lunch.
Continue another 75 miles north to Zadar, the
oldest Slavic city on the Adriatic. It is located on a wide, calm harbor
and has picture postcard appeal. After checking in at our hotel, enjoy
a short walking tour of the town center including a view of the Roman
Forum, the Cathedral and St. Donat Church. Dinner is included at our
hotel this evening. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Opatija
Our northward migration continues this morning after breakfast as we
drive 140 miles to Opatija. For more than 160 years, the Bay of Kvarner,
along the Adriatic Sea, has been attracting European vacationers to
the resort town of Opatija, with its parks, beaches, seaside promenade
and old Austrian villas. After a lunch stop, we arrive in Opatija and
check-in to our hotel which is located right on the seaside promenade
near the town center. The remainder of the day is free to explore the
town to discover its surprises and enjoy the promenade at sunset. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Predjama Castle / Lake Bled
After breakfast we say farewell to the sea and head inland, crossing
the border into Slovenia. Our drive takes us through Postojna, but we
pass by the crowded Postojna Caves in favor of a photo stop at the Predjama
Castle, wedged into cliff walls in one of the most dramatic settings
anywhere.
Continue on to the town of Bled, beautifully
situated in the Julian Alps with magnificent views in all directions.
Slovenia has only one island, and it is a very tiny one in the middle
of Lake Bled. However, it is truly one of the most beautiful spots on
Earth, with the Alps as backdrop and St. Maria’s Church rising
from its heart. Our afternoon sightseeing tour includes a boat ride
out to this unusual site, as well as a visit to Bled Castle. The evening
is free. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Ljubljana
After breakfast depart Bled, bound for nearby Ljubljana, the capital
of Slovenia. It is one of the smallest capitals in all Europe. The drive
is just 45 minutes, so we will have a plenty of time to get acquainted
with this charming city.
A sightseeing tour of the old town center includes
the baroque City Hall, views of Robba's Fountain, the Three Bridges
and the Parliament, and a visit to the open air market. The remainder
of the day is free. (Breakfast)
Friday, June 1, 2007
Zagreb
Our visit to Slovenia concludes this morning as we cross back into
Croatia, traveling less than 100 miles to the capital city of Zagreb.
Upon arrival we enjoy lunch before plunging into a city sightseeing
tour. Featured during the tour are the Lotrscak Tower, Parliament and
Government Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Marshal Tito’s
Square. The evening is free to check out Zagreb’s surprising gay
nightlife. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Zagreb / Farewell Dinner
You are completely free today to relax and explore the environs of
our centrally located hotel in Zagreb, do some last-minute souvenir
shopping, or do some independent sightseeing. Our group gathers one
last time this evening to celebrate the conclusion of our tour with
a Farewell Dinner. You will have another opportunity to enjoy Zagreb’s
gay scene tonight. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Departure
The tour officially ends after breakfast this morning. We provide
one transfer to the airport today, timed to meet the needs of the greatest
number of departing passengers. (Breakfast)
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