Discover Croatia
Presented by Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce

Day 1: Monday, March 15, 2010
Overnight Flight

Join Collette Vacations and explore the hidden treasures and wonders of Croatia and Slovenia. Filled with medieval architecture, tranquil lakes and rolling green hills, this is one of today's "must see" destinations. An unforgettable journey awaits you as you depart on your overnight flight to Europe's newest destination.

Day 2: Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Arrive Zagreb, Croatia - Tour Begins

Your tour begins in Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner.
Today Dinner is included.

Day 3: Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Zagreb - Bled, Slovenia

LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. This morning join a local guide for a city tour featuring Zagreb’s Old City and experience such sights as the majestic cathedral, St. Mark’s Church and the Opera House. Meet the locals as you explore the colorful Dolac Market and perhaps even purchase some native figs or olives during your visit. This afternoon, depart for beautiful Bled, Slovenia, your home for the next two evenings. If you are lucky, you may catch a spectacular sunset over the tranquil blue waters of Lake Bled with the majestic Julian Alps as a backdrop.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 4: Thursday, March 18, 2010
Bled

Today explore Bled from the water. Enjoy the old-world charm of taking a “pletna” boat to the island on the lake to visit the 17th century cathedral, St. Mary’s Church, and the “wishing bell”. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and explore charming Bled on your own.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 5: Friday, March 19, 2010
Bled - Lipica - Opatija, Croatia

Today you travel to two of the region's most fascinating destinations. Your first stop is the Lipica Stud Farm, home of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses. The farm was founded in 1580 by Charles, the Archduke of Vienna, and has remained one of Slovenia’s treasures. Learn more about the famous horses as you tour the farm and enjoy an actual training session* of these magnificent animals with their skilled trainers. Your next stop is one of the finest wine producing areas in the region where you have the opportunity to sample some locally produced varieties. Then it is on to the seaside city of Opatija. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief orientation tour of the town center.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 6: Saturday, March 20, 2010
Opatija

Today is at leisure to enjoy Croatia's "Riviera". Perhaps you would like to join an optional excursion to the island of Brijuni and the magnificent city of Pula and its amphitheater. This excursion allows you to enjoy a delightful cruise to the magnificent Istrian peninsula where you will explore Brijuni Island, former Yugoslavia leader Tito’s paradise. Then, in Pula, you will have the opportunity to visit the 6th largest Roman amphitheater in the world.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 7: Sunday, March 21, 2010
Opatija - Plitvice Lakes

After breakfast, travel to Croatia’s most beautiful national park, Plitvice Lakes, an integral part of UNESCO World Heritage. Enjoy awe-inspiring scenery as you travel through this natural phenomenon of sixteen terraced lakes surrounded by forests and thick vegetation. Each lake is connected by a series of waterfalls and free flowing cascades. A cruise on the lake takes you into the heart of this natural wonder where pristine clear waters reveal the underwater life that inhabits the park.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 8: Monday, March 22, 2010
Plitvice Lakes - Split

Begin your day by traveling to the ancient city of Split. Experience Split’s impressive Roman Palace of Diocletian, one of the most significant late-Roman historical monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition, you will see the peristyle of the palace and the Temple of Jupiter. The remainder of your day is free for you to explore the winding streets of the old city.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 9: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Split - Korcula - Dubrovnik

This morning, travel down the Dalmatian Coast towards the medieval city of Dubrovnik, enjoying some breathtaking views of the beautiful blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Your first destination today is the birthplace and childhood home of Marco Polo, the island of Korcula. Upon arrival in the city of Orebic, take a short cruise to the city of Korcula where history lives. Walk in the footsteps of Marco Polo as you explore the streets that lead to the Venetian-influenced Cathedral Square.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 10: Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Dubrovnik

Join an expert local guide on a tour of “Old Dubrovnik”, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Franciscan Monastery, where Europe’s oldest pharmacy lies; Rector’s Palace; the City Walls; and many more historical sites. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating city. This evening, travel to the culturally-rich Konavle region and join your fellow travelers for a home-hosted farewell dinner. While visiting with your host family, you will learn about life in the Croatian countryside and enjoy a discussion on the unique traditional clothing worn in the region. Costumed staff will serve you a culinary feast prepared in the customary way of their ancestors.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 11: Thursday, March 25, 2010
Dubrovnik - Tour Ends


Today Breakfast is included.

Collette Logo

March 15 - March 25, 2010

Highlights...
Zagreb • Bled • Pletna Boat Ride • Lipica Stud Farm • Wine Tasting • Opatija • Plitvice Lakes National Park • Split • Diocletian Palace • Korcula Island • Dubrovnik •

11 Days • 15 Meals:
9 Breakfasts • 6 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $3269
Single $3869

Triple $3239

*Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $390 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers, Round Trip Air from San Francisco Intl Airport.
Click Here for Details
*Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $200 per person.


YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
  Overnight Flight
DAY 2
  The Westin, Zagreb
DAY 3 - 4
  Golf Hotel, Bled
DAY 5 - 6
  Hotel Agava, Opatija
DAY 7
  Hotel Jezero, Plitvice
DAY 8
  Hotel President, Split
DAY 9 - 10
  Dubrovnik President, Dubrovnik

On some dates alternate hotels may be used.


Experience It!
Dubrovnik


Dubrovnik was founded in the first half of the 7th century by a group of refugees from Epidaurum (today’s Cavtat). The city was under the protection of the Byzantine Empire through the 12th century. From 1205-1358, Dubrovnik fell under the sovereignty of Venice. Dubrovnik ruled itself as a free state between the 14th century and 1808 as the Republic of Dubrovnik. It flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and became the chief shipping rival to Venice. A devastating earthquake in 1667 killed over 5,000 citizens and marked the beginning of the decline for the Republic. The Republic officially met its final demise in 1808 after it was conquered by Napoleon’s armies and Marshal Marmont abolished the Republic and integrated it into the Illyrian provinces. Since 1808, Dubrovnik has fallen under attack, been occupied and annexed several times, most recently as part of the second Yugoslavia (1945-1991); however, it continues to be one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities on the entire Adriatic. With its medieval walls that surround the old city, and the ancient buildings contained within, Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage site unlike any other.

Click here for: Important Reservation Information.

For more information call
Joe Shammas
Pacific Grove Travel
(831) 373.0631


Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• * Training session not available in November through March. Visit will only include tour of farm.
• Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
• Based on return flight options, an early morning departure from the hotel may be required on the last day.