October 9 to 19, 2020

SHORT HISTORY: “The Atlantic and Pacific are seas of distance; the Mediterranen—a sea of propinquity; the Adriatic—a sea of intimacy.” - Predrag Matvejević.

The Adriatic Sea, with its crystal-clear sapphire water, its tranquil temperament, and its enveloping warmth, is one of the most beautiful in the world. Centered between two winsome coastlines, the Pearl of the Adriatic coastline is the most enticing. Gliding along the eastern coast, the Pearl of the Adriatic con-sists of over 1,000 enchanting islands, including areas such as Croatia and Slovenia. Croatia, with its balmy days shaded by ancient walled towns, and Slovenia, with its paradise of snow-capped peaks, tur-quoise rivers and Venetian-style design aid in cultivating a vacation brimming with natural treasures of harmonious architecture, charming rustic culture, medieval history, and sophisticated cuisine. Join Exec-utive Cultural Tours in 2020 on a tour of the alluring coastline that has enchanted inhabitants and visi-tors alike for centuries.

This journey filled with beauty, culture, and history will begin in Ljubljana, Slo-venia. As the capital city, Ljubljana is a delightful blend of youthful exuberance, natural green living, and ancient archi-tecture. With a combination of Roman, Baroque, and Vienna-style design, nu-merous museums, galleries, and thea-tres, as well as its alluring attractions, Ljubljana is the perfect place to start your 10-day adventure.

Upon arrival, meet the group at the air-port or transfer to the 4-star Hotel Lev—a hotel of comfort, luxury and style.

Once you have settled in, make your way down to the hotel dining room for a delicious Welcome Dinner.

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Start today with breakfast at the hotel then depart for a sightseeing tour of Ljubljana.

Walk along the River Ljubljanica, Ljubljana's most notable landmark. Stretching through the heart of down-town, the river is framed by tree-lined paths, the popular weeping willow-lined terrace path, and most famously, the Triple Bridge. Starting out as a sin-gle bridge in the late 1800s, the bridge was expanded to include two additional bridges in the 1920s and adjoins the historical portion of Ljubljana's with the modern portion. It’s unique “W” shape is definitely a sight to see.

Observe Ljubljana Castle, a key land-mark sitting atop Castle Hill which over-looks the city’s downtown, is an 11th century structure that was originally a medieval fortress. These days, it offers spectacular city views and many attrac-tions and exhibits that give you a glimpse into Slovenian history.

Afterwards, you will make your way to Bled; a beautiful town which sits at the foothills of the Julian Alps and is set along the glacial Lake Bled.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Castle Bled, the oldest Slovenian Castle still in existence.

Then, step onto the Pletna boat; a unique hand-made wooden boat with origins dating back to the 14th century. Fitted with wooden benches and a bright awning, you will sit in comfort as you travel the lengths of River Bled towards a small island that holds the Church of St Mary Of The Lake.

The church, which is the only thing that stands on this tiny island, was built in 1465 and holds many legends. Attached to the church is a “Wishing Bell” which has been said to bring good fortune to those who ring it. Climb the steps to this sacred monument and ring the bell! After this fun-filled day, travel back to your hotel for your overnight.

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Following breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel before leaving for Opatija; a sea-side town in Western Croatia.

Enroute to Opatija, you will stop at the Postojna Cave, coined the Queen of the Underground World, is the largest tourist cave in the world. Take an electric train ride though the 5 km of mountains, riv-ers, glaciers, and even baby dragons!

After this magnificent tour, transfer to your hotel: the 5-star Hotel Ambassa-dor in Opatija. Check in and enjoy din-ner. Remainder of the evening on your own.

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Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morn-ing before departing for the western coast of Croatia—Istria.

You will spend your entire day in Istria; the largest peninsula in the Adriatic sea.

Your first stop in Istria will be Poreć. A small 6th century historic town famous for its gem-studded Byzantine mosaics as well as the Basillica of Euphrasius, which was built on the site of a 4th-century oratory and includes a church, an atrium and a baptistery.

Afterwards, savor lunch in the town of Rovinj. A charming fishing harbor off the coast of Croatia, Rovinj is “the star attraction.” With its tall compacted homes and its steep cobbled streets, this 11th century town is the epitome of ancient living.

And then continue to Pula; a seafront city of Roman ruins including the re-markably well-preserved Roman am-phitheater among other ancient Roman architecture.

Afterwards, return to Opatija for din-ner and an evening on your own.

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After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and make your way to Zadar; a quirky and unique town of Roman ruins, medieval churches, cos-mopolitan cafés and quality museums. Present-day Zadar traces its earliest evidence of human life to the late Stone Age and the ancient relics you will see can attest to that. Many current urban Roman structures were built during the times of Julius Caesar, but the atmos-phere is far from “ancient.” Coined the “entertainment center of the Adriatic,” this vibrant town also offers one thing you cannot see anywhere else: A Sea Organ.

Visit the 9th century circular church of St. Donatus; the largest pre-Romanesque structure in Croatia and the 4th century St. Anastasia’s Cathe-dral (some of it rebuilt in the 11th cen-tury).

Enjoy dinner and overnight at the 4-star Hotel Funimation.

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After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and depart for Split on the Dalmacia coast.

Enroute, you will stop in:

 

• Sibenik: A medieval stone-labyrinth of a town is home to the Cathedral of St. James, the most important architectural Renaissance monument in the country.
• Trogir: Set within medieval walls on a tiny island, this 13th century town contains an exorbitant collection of Romanesque and Renaissance architecture for your to absorb.

 

Then, arrive in Split. This exuberant city is the second largest city in Croatia and is the perfect blend of tradition and modern. You will visit such places as:

 

• Emperor Diocletian Palace: One of the most impressive and valuable Roman monuments in the world, the Palace was built in the early 4th century when Emperor Diocletian voluntarily gave up the throne to the Roman Empire. The Palace was deemed a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1979 and is now home to numerous shops, cafés, restaurant, and apartments, as well as world-famous sites (which you will visit) like Peristyle, The Temple of Juniper, The Cellars, and The Cathedral of St. Dominus.

 

Later, check in at the 5-star Hotel Park for dinner and overnight.

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Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning and then depart for your full-day excursion on the Island of Hvar: the sunniest spot in the country and one of the most luxurious beach destinations. Known for its lavender fields, watercolour landscapes and historical treasures, this small island is the epicenter of art and culture and home to one of the first theaters in Europe.

Enjoy lunch on the island followed by some more sightseeing before heading back to the Hotel Park for dinner and evening on your own.

In the afternoon, you will visit a small museum about the park including information on the wild endangered horses and how they were reintroduced into the wild some years ago with the help of numerous European Zoologists.

The best time to spot these beautiful creatures is just before sunset when they descend the mountains to stream for water. You will take a short drive and a small hike to see them in their natural habitat. You may also witness other wildlife such as fox, deer, marmot and eagles. Return to the camp for dinner and your overnight.

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Enjoy breakfast at Hotel Park before checking out and along the Makarska Riviera and Neretva Valley on your way to Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik, a city the likes of which the remainder of Croatia strives to be, is alluring and bewitching with beauty that never ceases to amaze with its limestone streets, baroque buildings and infinite shimmer of the sea.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then head for an afternoon guided tour of this beautiful stone city.

View places such as:

 

• The Stradun
• Rector’s Palace
• The Church of St. Vlaho
• The Three Monasteries
• City Hal

 

Then, check into Hotel More – a luxury 5- star hotel with views of the sea, surrounding aromatic gardens, and your home for the remainder of your trip.

Dinner on your own and overnight in Dubrovnik

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After breakfast, depart the hotel for another wonderful full-day excursion. Start by boarding the ferry to Korčula.

One of the largest Adriatic islands, Korčula can be dated as far back as 12 century BC and is largely recognized for its culture and tradition.

Although it is appreciated for its vineyards, olive groves, quaint villages, quiet coves, and small sandy beaches, the island is more widely known for its age-old religious ceremonies, folk music (such as the a Capella Klape groups) and traditional dances (such as the Morěska sword dance).

You will spend a little time here before having lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, board another ferry to Orebić on the Peljesac peninsula. One of the two towns that bookend the Peljesac peninsula, Orebić is a town rife with nature and heritage.

Continue south along the peninsula back towards Dubrovnik with a short stop in Ston, the other town which bookends the peninsula. Located at the gates of the peninsula, Ston is surrounded by three seas, protected by four hills, is rich in fresh water and saltwater, and has been an important political, cultural and ecclesiastical center since the 8th century. Dinner on your own. Overnight at hotel

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Enjoy a leisurely Sunday morning on your own in Dubrovnik before an enjoyable afternoon in Cavtat; a city founded in 6th century BC. Situated along the Adriatic sea, this sea-front town is peppered with quaint shops, restaurants, and artistic attractions. It was also the chosen location for King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson’s honeymoon!

Continue on to Konavle Valley, a rural farming area tucked within the mountains known for its excellent cuisine. Coined the “Golden Valley,” it is home to waterfalls and watermills with small canals scattered throughout.

It is also known for its residents who maintain the old customs by adorning the traditional red, white and black Konavle garb.

This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the best restaurants in the region situated near the old mill and small river of Ljuta.

Return to your hotel after dinner.

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Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend a couple of hours of free time before checking out in preparation for your return home concluding your 10-day historical adventure of Croatia & Slovenia!

Croatia & Slovenia—General Conditions

RESPONSIBILITY

Executive Cultural Tours and/or their agents, affiliates, or subsidiaries act only as agents for the hotel, airlines, bus companies and operators providing accommodation, transportation, meals, tours or other services and all coupons, exchange orders, receipts, contracts and tickets issued by the Company are issued subject to all tariffs, terms and conditions under which the forgoing or any other services whatsoever are provided by such hotels, airlines, bus companies. By the acceptance of such coupons, exchange orders, receipts, contracts and tickets, the tour member agrees that the Company shall not become liable or responsible for any loss, injury or damage to the person, firm or corporation. Further, the Company shall not become liable or responsible for any loss, injury or damage due to an Act of God or Act of War. The tour operator reserves the right to withdraw a tour, to refuse to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour at any time or to make changes in the itinerary whenever in their sole judgment conditions warrant or if such changes result from circumstances beyond the control of the tour operator. Executive Cultural Tours and/or their agents shall not be responsible for the injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or other, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying or providing transportation to the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour or otherwise in connection therewith, or of any other hotel proprietor or employee. The aforesaid and their agents can accept no responsibility for losses or accidental expenses due to delay or changes in schedules or hotel overbookings or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger.

CONDITIONS

BOOKING

A deposit of CAD $1,000 per person is required at time of reservation, as well as package tour insurance costs (optional). Post-dated cheques must also be supplied at time of booking: the first for $1,000, dated February 13, 2020, and the second for the remaining balance, dated July 20, 2020. Cheques should be made payable to Uniglobe The Premiere Travel Group. Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards are accepted.

CANCELLATION

Full refund up to 180 days prior to departure less $500 per person. Between 180 and 90 days prior, full refund less $1,000 per person. Between 90 and 60 days prior, full refund less $2,000 per person. Less than 60 days prior, total cost of tour is non-refundable. After departure, no refund will be made for any unused hotel accommodation, meals, transfers, sightseeing, etc. Notice of cancellation must be made in writing.

INSURANCE

The following insurance packages are optional but highly recommended. Package Tour Insurance includes cancellation. Cancellation coverage is valid mainly for medical reasons.