SEPTEMBER 2012 Slovenia, Croatia & Bosnia

 Jewels of the Adriatic

Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Montenegro
September 23 – October 6, 2012

“If you think you are boring the audience, go slower not faster.”

-Gustav Mahler-

 

Save $250 pp, view the Ways to Save offers below!

 

Sleepy Slovenia with its towering Julian Alps and mountain lakes is the vibrant springboard for your journey down the coast of Croatia. Experience the villages of the Adriatic and stroll in the old town of Stari Grad in Dubrovnik with its marble-paved squares and steep cobbled streets. Cross over suspended wooden footbridges on the cascading turquoise lakes of Plitvice National Park and wander through an incredibly well-preserved Roman palace in Split. Designed with the true wayfarer in mind, this expedition is perfect for those travelers who love stunning natural beauty, colorful seaside villages and historic, off-the-beaten-path medieval treasures.

 

JOURNEY OVERVIEW 

2 Nights Lake Bled, Slovenia
2 Nights Opatija, Croatia
2 Nights Plitvice National Park, Croatia
1 Night Split
3 Nights Hvar, Dalmatian Islands
3 Nights Dubrovnik/Cavtat
1 Night Mostar, Bosnia extension

 

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

• The stunning scenery of Lake Bled & the Julian Alps
• Opportunities for an alpine hike or bike ride
• A guided stroll through Ljubljana, Split & Dubrovnik
• A wine tasting with local producer
• The colorful seaside village of Šibenik
• Two nights in the elegant 19th century resort town of Opatija
• Plitvice National Park with its stunning lakes and waterfalls
• Croatia’s glistening coastline
• The Roman ruins of Solana and Diocletian’s Palace in Split
• Island hopping in Dalmatia
• Village outings on Hvar
• A small boat cruise through the archipelago of Hvar
• A day in magnificent Montenegro
• A small group of soon-to-be-friends

 

IT’S INCLUDED 

• A savvy Earthbound Expeditions program director
• Thirteen nights of accommodation in charming inns and historic hotels (all with private bath)
• A wine tasting with a producer in Croatia
• Historic walks with intriguing local guides
• Museum, palace and park entrances
• All breakfasts and thirteen additional meals (two-thirds of all meals)
• Private motor coach transport from Lake Bled to Dubrovnik
• Ferry transport in the Dalmatian islands
• Fun language lessons given en route
• Gratuities for local guides, drivers and your group leader
• Trip highlights as listed in your itinerary
• A reading list and video list
• A small, fun group of soon to be friends!
• Alumni appreciation discounts applied toward future Earthbound Expeditions.

 

TRIP FACTS
Length: 14 Days/13 Nights
Price: $3,750 (16-24 participants)
Single Supplement: $695
Trip dates: September 23 to October 6
*Based on an exchange rate of .76 Euro to the USD

 

WAYS TO SAVE!

Pay by check: Pay your final balance by check or money order and save $75 per person.

Alumni Discounts: All alumni of Earthbound Expeditions will receive $100 off the published journey price (private trips may be excluded). If Earthbound Expeditions has other discounts available, participants may choose the greatest available discount.

Refer a Friend: Refer a friend and save an additional $75 for each person new to Earthbound who travels with you on an Earthbound Expedition. “Refer a Friend” discounts may be combined with other discounts.

 

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 “Those who seek paradise on earth, should come and see Dubrovnik.”

-George Bernard Shaw-

 YOUR  JOURNEY BEGINS…

DAY 0
Depart Your Home Country for Quaint Slovenia!
Remember, you’ll need to depart one day early in order to arrive in Slovenia on the day your adventure begins.

 

DAY 1
Arrive in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Today, Earthbound Expeditions will be offering a complimentary 4:00 p.m. afternoon group transfer from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. In the early evening, meet your Guide for an orientation and a Welcome to Slovenia feast. Sleep near Lake Bled.

 

DAY 2
Villages, Castles and Vintage Gorge
Breathe the sub-Alpine air and luxuriate in the gorgeous surroundings! You’re at the foot of the towering Julian Alps where Lake Bled offers up stunning sceneries and a perfect location to explore the mountains, lakes and meadows of this magnificent region.

Today’s agenda includes an easy two mile walk to stunning Vintgar Gorge. There you’ll walk on a flat trail and suspended bridges above a rushing river and powerful cascading waterfalls. Then, we are off to the little island on Lake Bled. The small church on the island dates back to the 10th century, but the present building was built in the 17th century. According to local tradition, a husband who can carry his new bride the 99 steps from the dock into the church will be ensured a happy marriage, and ringing the bell in the church will make your dreams come true. The way to reach the island is by a special boat called Pletna. In the afternoon, you’ll have some options, such as a bike ride around Lake Bled or a visit to the nearby thermal spring/spa. Sleep near Lake Bled.

 

DAY 3
Baroque Capitals, Vast Caves & Regal Seaside Resorts
This morning we are off to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s quaint capital. You’ll have a short guided visit through Ljubljana’s charming lanes before being set free for lunch and the chance to browse the canal-lined cobblestone streets. In the afternoon, our adventure continues as we visit one of the planet’s most impressive caves in Postojna. We then set off to Opatija. Before World War I, this was Austria-Hungary’s most fashionable seaside resort. For the Czars of Russia in the early 20th century or Isadora Duncan and Gustav Mahler, if one was of status, this was THE place to be seen. The grand residences of the wealthy and noble are now elegant hotels that offer the grandeur and sophistication of a bygone age. We’ll arrive in the late afternoon just in time for a regal waterfront promenade. Sleep in Opatija, Croatia.

 

DAY 4
Istria: Roman Arena’s and a Venetian Seaside Town
This morning we are off to explore “Istria,” a unique region which encompasses the northern coastal region of both Croatia and Slovenia. Throughout the ages, Istria has been either a part of or under the influence of Italy. Many residents here still speak a form of old Italian, while Venetian architecture and Roman ruins dot the Istrian coastline. Today you’ll be visiting two of Istria’s most impressive sites: Pula, with its well-preserved Roman arena, and the Venetian seaside town of Rovinj. Sleep in Opatija.

 

DAY 5
Plitvice National Park, The Land of 16 Lakes
Relax in Opatija this morning before departing for Plitvice National Park. En route, we’ll stop for lunch in the seaside town of Senj and then drive east through the coastal mountains and rich pasture lands of the interior of Croatia before arriving at the park in the late afternoon. The extraordinary natural beauty of Plitvice National Park proves there is more to see in Croatia than just the stunning coastline. The sixteen turquoise lakes are linked by a series of waterfalls and cascades. Wooden footbridges follow the lakes and streams over, under and across the rumbling water for an exhilaratingly damp 13 miles. Sleep in Plitvice National Park, Croatia.

 

DAY 6
A Full Day Exploring the World Heritage Site of Plitvice
The stunning lake system is divided into 16 upper and lower magical lakes. Accompanied by a National Park guide, your day will be spent lakeside, strolling along the suspended wooden walkway of the lakes, hopping electric boats and if weather permits, enjoying a Croatian lakeside picnic. Sleep in Plitvice National Park, Croatia.

 

DAY 7
The UNESCO Seaside Towns of Šibenik & Split
Our expedition continues south to the coastal towns of Šibenik and Split. Šibenik was mentioned for the first time under its present name in 1066 under the reign of King Petar Krešimir IV. Unlike other coastal towns, which were founded by the Illyrians, Greeks, or Romans, Šibenik is the oldest native Croatian town on the eastern shore of the Adriatic. Surrounded by the sea, a river, Limestone Mountains and beautiful valleys, Šibenik claims rightfully to possess Croatia’s most stunning cathedral. St. James is a unique and outstanding structure in which Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles have been successfully blended, and it is also a protected UNESCO site. After our visit and lunch, we’ll continue south to our home: the walled ancient city of Split. Sleep in Split.

 

DAY 8
Roman Ruins & Sunny Dalmatian Islands
Not to be missed is the ancient city of Salona. Under the early Roman emperors, Salona was one of the chief ports of the Adriatic and in many ways the center of the Roman Empire. Then, we are off to discover yet another important UNESCO site and the largest city in the region, Split. Along with our superb local guide, we’ll set out to explore the Old Town or “Grad.” The oldest part of Split is located within the walls of Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. This well-preserved palace represents the most valuable example of Roman architecture on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. After constructing the palace in the 4th century AD, Diocletian spent his declining years here, which wasn’t far from his birthplace of Aspalthos in Dalmatia. After lunch, we board our ferry and cruise west to one of the prettiest islands in Dalmatia, Hvar. Sleep in Hvar (Dalmatian Islands).

 

DAY 9
The Sunny Dalmatian Islands
The island of Hvar is so beautiful that many travelers find themselves unable to continue on with their planned journey and instead spend their remaining days trapped by her beauty. Wild lavender, rosemary, olive trees and vines cover the rich landscape of this long and narrow island. The town of Hvar is protected by 13th century walls and enjoys the embrace of pine-covered hills and the azure-blue Adriatic. Historically, Hvar owes her charms to Venice, for it was under Venetian rule that many of the glorious buildings were built.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the interior of the island where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting with a local family.  Sleep on the island of Hvar.

 

DAY 10
Island Hopping in Dalmatia
This morning we hop on a local boat and cruise out to the nearby archipelago. We’ll explore a tiny island and delight in a beach picnic and swim before returning to our island home. Tonight, enjoy a timeless promenade on the white marble boardwalk. Sleep on the island of Hvar.

 

DAY 11
Hvar to Dazzling Dubrovnik
Once a Roman town, Dubrovnik rightfully claims to be one of the world’s most beautiful cities. With her thick stone walls, wide café-lined marble streets, towering cathedrals and vibrant cultural life, Dubrovnik will seduce you. We’ll depart early for this Adriatic gem and arrive at our hotel by late afternoon. Lunch will be included en route. Sleep in Dubrovnik/Cavtat.

 

DAY 12
A full day to discover Dubrovnik!
Let’s take an intimate stroll with a local historian and learn about the ancient, medieval and fiercely independent history of Dubrovnik. The afternoon is yours to discover your own hidden café or walk along the towering walls of this medieval gem. Sleep in Dubrovnik/Cavtat.

 

DAY 13
An excursion to Charming Montenegro
From the ancient Romans to the Turks, Montenegro lands have been occupied. Only recently has this tiny seafaring nation voted by the slimmest of margins for independence. And, while citizens of Slovenia and Croatia utilize the Roman alphabet and are primarily Catholic, Montenegrins are taught Cyrillic and are overwhelming Serbian Orthodox. We will explore the charming walled town of Kotor. Located on a beautiful bay, Kotor is a city of traders and famous sailors, with many stories to tell. The Old City of Kotor is a well-preserved urbanization typical of the Middle Ages, built between the 12th and 14th century. Medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage have made Kotor a UNESCO “World Natural and Historical Heritage Site.” After discovering the best of Montenegro, we return to Dubrovnik for a Croatian farewell feast and toast to the jewels of the Adriatic! Sleep in Dubrovnik/Cavtat.

 

DAY 14
Post Tour Day Trip to Mostar: The Ottoman capital of Herzagovina, Bosnia
Your journey is officially over after breakfast. Wishing to extend your stay? Why not join us for an exciting full-day excursion to Bosnia’s captivating town, Mostar! This mid size town is located approximately two and a half hours east of Dubrovnik and is the capital of Herzegovina. Before the war, Mostar (meaning “Old Bridge”) was a melting pot in which Croats, Muslims and Serbs lived peacefully elbow to elbow. Today, the Muslim call to prayer echoes through the valley from soaring minarets and once again, the famous rebuilt Ottoman bridge stands proudly over a large ravine. Note: This is by most accounts the most culturally rich day one could spend in the old Yugoslavia and should not be missed! Sleep in Dubrovnik.

 

POST-TOUR TO MOSTAR
$295.00 Price per person in a double shared room
$79.00 Single Supplement

IT’S INCLUDED

• Transportation
  
• Lunch
  
• Entrances
  
• One additional night hotel in Dubrovnik
   

 

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW…

Deposit and payment schedule: A $500 deposit per person is required to reserve your journey.Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for our refund policy. A separate deposit may be requested for the air portion of your journey.

Not Included: Airline surcharges, taxes, baggage fees, alcoholic beverages with meals, meals not mentioned, room/mini-bar service, gratuities for hotel staff, travel insurance, items of a personal nature and activities not listed.

Pricing: In the event that there are fewer than the minimum number of participants listed on the itinerary, a small group comfort charge will be offered to ensure the journey departs as scheduled. Former guests have greatly appreciated the benefits of traveling with a smaller group. Earthbound staff or hosts are not included in the number of tour participants. Please refer to the detailed itinerary for pricing information specific to each journey. 

Currency Fluctuations: The exchange rate on which the trip is based is listed on the itinerary under “Trip Facts” and was obtained through www.xe.com. Although no changes in the price of your trip are expected, Earthbound reserves the right to add a currency supplement or offer a refund due to unexpected currency fluctuations of plus or minus 5%. Seventy-five days prior to departure, rates will be reviewed, and if necessary updated. Fluctuations greater then 5% will be noted in the final balance letter and invoice. Example: If the dollar falls against the Euro at a rate of 7%, a 2% surcharge will be added. In this case, Earthbound will absorb the initial 5% loss in the dollar. If the dollar gains against the Euro by 7%, a 2% reduction in price will be offered. NOTE: This policy pertains to euro zone countries (Russia, Western and Eastern Europe) only. 

Dress: In general, our guests feel most comfortable when dressed in a “casually smart” (not formal) way. We are often asked about jeans, and Europeans of all ages do indeed wear them. None of the places we visit or dine require that women wear dresses or that men wear suit jackets or ties or any other special clothing. You’ll dine in casually elegant bistros that are not at all stuffy.

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