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Croatia: Treasure of the Adriatic Coast

Program Number: 16636RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/7/2013 - 9/19/2013; 10/7/2013 - 10/19/2013; 4/24/2014 - 5/6/2014; 9/6/2014 - 9/18/2014;
Duration: 12 nights
Location: Croatia
Price starting at: $3,110.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type:
Meals: 32; 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Low Salt; Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

In the two-plus decades since Croatia declared its independence, its people have rebuilt their country physically and also rebuilt its identity. On this journey along the breathtaking Adriatic Coast meet historians, government experts and students who share the story of Croatia's rebirth.




Highlights

• Marvel at the Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Monastery, Onofrio Fountain and St. Blaise’s Church on narrated excursions through Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• In Montenegro, explore the labyrinthine streets and piazzas of Kotor, a region situated at the head of Southern Europe’s deepest fjord.
• Explore Porec, home of the Euphrasian Basilica — one of the finest examples of Byzantine art from the fifth century.



Activity Particulars

Walking through city streets; many stairs, cobblestones.




Date Specific Information

9-7-2013, 10-7-2013

The itinerary for this program date is as follows: Arrival Dubrovnik, 4 nights; coach to Split, 3 nights; coach to Opatija, 2 nights; coach to Zagreb, 2 nights; departure. Please refer to detailed itinerary for specifics.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



4-24-2014, 9-6-2014

The itinerary for this program date is as follows: Arrival Zagreb, 2 nights; coach to Opatija, 2 nights; coach to Split, 3 nights; coach to Dubrovnik, 4 nights; departure.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Dubrovnik, 4 nights; coach to Split, 3 nights; coach to Opatija, 2 nights; coach to Zagreb, 2 nights; departure.



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night
Arrival Dubrovnik
4 nights

In the middle ages, Dubrovnik was a rich independent republic under the name of Ragusa. The old town surrounded by city walls still stands and symbolizes the freedom and strength of the local community. Examine Croatia’s history and present-day life, and explore Kotor Bay in Montenegro and the nearby Elafiti Islands.



Coach to Split
3 nights

Split sits on a lush peninsula of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. En route to Split, stop in Mostar to see the world-famous bridge and symbol of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A walking excursion through the Old Town reveals the Roman emperor Diocletian’s fortress and summer residence. View pieces from a world-famous Croatian sculptor at the Mestrovic Gallery overlooking the blue Adriatic Sea. Enjoy a half-day excursion to the charming islets, where the island of Trogir is situated with its overwhelming amount of architectural treasures.



Coach to Opatija
2 nights

Study the rich wildlife of the Dinaric Mountains at Krka National Park. Arrive in Opatija, the favorite resort of the Austro-Hungarian nobility in the 19th century that still holds its old world charm. Experience the warm welcome of the people who live on the heart-shaped Istrian peninsula during excursions through the charming towns of Rovinj and Porec.



Coach to Zagreb
2 nights
Departure

En route to the capital, explore Rijeka, the most important transportation center of the region. It was an important port during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and its architecture is reminiscent of that of Vienna or Budapest. Find an intriguing combination of Eastern and Western Europe in the bustling capital city of Zagreb. Enjoy Zagreb’s wide selection of museums and charming street cafés. Explore the 17th-century Jelacic Square, as well as the two medieval towns of Kaptol and Gradec.




Croatia

Flanked by Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia, and other Balkan states, Croatia’s crescent-shaped border reveals the transformative history of foreign invasions and more recent Communist collapse. More than 1,700 tiny inlets and islands sprinkle the nation’s Adriatic coast, while beneath the water’s surface rest shipwrecks and cargo from the Greeks through World War II. Seaside promenades in Split attract admirers, as do the mountains outside Zagreb.
Accommodations
Dubrovnik: Historic hotel typical of old Dubrovnik stone architecture. Split: Hotel in center of old town. Opatija: Historic hotel that was once the lodging of Austro-Hungarian emporors. Zagreb: Three-star hotel located in city center.
Meals and Lodgings
   Hotel Komodor
  Dubrovnik, Croatia 4 nights
   Hotel Slavija
  Split, Croatia 3 nights
   Hotel Imperial
  Opatija, Croatia 2 nights
   Hotel Central
  Zagreb, Croatia 2 nights
 Hotel Komodor
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Hotel Komodor is one of the oldest hotels on the Lapad peninsula and is a typical example of the old Dubrovnik stone architecture.
  Contact info: Masarykov put 5
Dubrovnik,  20000 Croatia
phone: +385-20-43-36-33
web: www.hotelimaestral.com
  Room amenities: Each room has a telephone, satellite television, hair dryer, and air conditioning.
  Facility amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, lounge, outdoor swimming pool, air conditioning, laundry service, fax machine, payphones, Internet access, and car and bike rentals.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: N/A Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

 Hotel Slavija
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Hotel Slavija is in the core of the old town, a 5-minute walk on cobblestone streets to the airport bus terminal, the train, and the bus station. Due to its location within Diocletian's palace, Hotel Slavija is under the protection of UNESCO as an international monument of culture. The building was built above western Diocletian baths and can be traced back to the late 16th and early 17th century. The bus can stop approx. 300 meters from the hotel and participants must walk to the hotel.
  Contact info: Buvinina 2
Split,  21000 Croatia
phone: +385 21 323 840
web: www.hotelslavija.hr
  Room amenities: Each room has air conditioning, floor-heating, satellite/cable television, telephone, high speed Internet access, and a hair dryer.
  Facility amenities: The hotel offers laundry service, air conditioning, room service, safe-deposit box at the front desk and wireless Internet access.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Hotel Imperial
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Hotel Imperial, built in 1885, is still one of the most beautiful adornments of Opatija's main promenade. The Austro-Hungarian Emperors Franz Joseph I and Wilhelm II used to lodge here, and the hotel staff continues to treat guests like royalty. This three-star hotel, with its extraordinary Secessian architecture and tradition, entices you to enjoy all the luxuries of the modern facilities it offers.
  Contact info: Marshal Tita 124
Opatija,  51410 Croatia
phone: +385- 5127 16 77
web: www.liburnia.hr
  Room amenities: Each room has a hair dyer, telephone, and satellite television.
  Facility amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, lounge, fax, Internet corner, café with terrace, and air conditioned public areas.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hotel Central
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Hotel Central is situated in the city center, across from the main railway station and very close to the bus station and the bus terminal to the Zagreb Airport. The two-story building was built in 1893 and the hotel was established in 1952. The hotel was expanded in 1959 and newly renovated in 2001.
  Contact info: Branimirova 3 PP 97
Zagreb,  HR-1000 Croatia
phone: +385(0)1 4841122
web: www.hotel-central.hr
  Room amenities: Each room has a satellite television, telephone, hair dryer, and free wireless Internet access.
  Facility amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, lounge, currency exchange, laundry service, computer with Internet access, fax machine and pay phone.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: N/A Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Dubrovnik, Croatia. 6:00 PM orientation at the hotel. You will be staying at Hotel Komodor that night.
  End of Program:
Zagreb, Croatia. After the farewell dinner in hotel, the night before departure. You will be staying at Hotel Central the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Ferry, bus and train also operate in the region. More details can be found here: www.croatia.hr
To Start of Program
  Location:  Dubrovnik
  Nearest city or town:  Dubrovnik
  Nearest highway: A1
  Nearest airport:  Dubrovnik airport
  Transportation to site: The airport is located approx. 11 miles from the city center. Take a taxi to the hotel, approx. 25 Euro, 3 passengers per taxi. There is also an airport shuttle (approx. 3 Euro per person), which stops approx. 500 meters from the hotel, but you may have to wait 30-60 minutes for it.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Zagreb
  Nearest city or town:  Zagreb
  Nearest highway: A1, A3, A4
  Nearest airport:  Zagreb
  Transportation from site: Take the airport bus, which stops 500 meters from the hotel. Trip takes about 30 minutes and costs approx. 3 Euro per person. If you prefer to take a taxi, it is approximately 20 minutes, 150 Croatian Kuna.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: In Transit
(Monday, October 7)
   
 In Transit: Depart US/Canada on international overnight flight to Dubrovnik airport (DBV).

Day 2: Welcome Dinner / Orientation
(Tuesday, October 8)
   
 Afternoon: Arrive in Dubrovnik, pearl of the Adriatic. Transfer to the hotel and settle in. 6:00 PM Orientation meeting and orientation walk.
 Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Komodor
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Dubrovnik Sightseeing
(Wednesday, October 9)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: Lecture on Croatia's history and present day life.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in the old town of Dubrovnik.
 Afternoon: Guided sightseeing walk in Dubrovnik (World Heritage Site). See the Rector's palace, Franciscan Monastery, Onofrio fountain, St. Blaise's Church, etc. Some free time to explore on your own.
 Dinner: Buffet dinner in the hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Komodor
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Kotor / Budva
(Thursday, October 10)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: All day excursion to Montenegro. Take a short photo stop in Perast, a small but well preserved Baroque town on the hillside beneath the towering mountainsides. Sitting before the town are two tiny island churches; St. George and the Lady of the Rocks. Travel to the World Heritage Site of Kotor, which is situated at the head of Southern Europe's deepest fjord and nestled at the foot of a high cliff.
 Lunch: Lunch at a charming local restaurant in Kotor.
 Afternoon: Explore Kotor, its labyrinth streets and piazzas. Travel on to Budva and explore one of the most popular towns along the coast with its outstanding old town. Arrive back in Dubrovnik around 7:00 PM.
 Dinner: Buffet dinner in the hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Komodor
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Elafiti Islands
(Friday, October 11)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: All day excursion by boat to the Elafiti (Deer) Islands, where the aristocracy of Dubrovnik spent their summers.
 Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch of fish.
 Afternoon: The Elafiti Islands have a lot to offer, including interesting churches and monasteries from the 16th century, stone houses of the aristocracy surrounded by exotic gardens, and wonderful views of the sea. Note: If the weather does not permit the boat excursion, we will take a bus to the Konavle region, which includes a visit to Cavtat and lunch at a local restaurant.
 Dinner: Buffet dinner in the hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Komodor
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Mostar
(Saturday, October 12)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: Travel to Split along the coastline. On the way, we stop in Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) to see its World Heritage Site. The old bridge of Mostar symbolizes the unity of the different nationalities living in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The bridge was destroyed in the war, but was rebuilt to its original form in 2004.
 Lunch: Lunch in Mostar.
 Afternoon: Arrive in Split. Settle in at the hotel.
 Dinner: Hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Slavija
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Diocletian's Palace / Mestrovic Gallery
(Sunday, October 13)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: Guided field trip through Diocletian's Palace in Split. The palace has been a living monument for 1700 years, since the Roman Empire. Explore the Peristyle, Cathedral, former gates and rooms of the palace, as well as majestic statues by Ivan Mestrovic - the greatest 20th century Croatian sculptor.
 Lunch: Lunch in the old town.
 Afternoon: Field trip to the Mestrovic Gallery, situated in the villa where he used to live that overlooks the blue Adriatic sea.
 Dinner: Hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Slavija
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Trogir
(Monday, October 14)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: Field trip to the World Heritage Site and charming medieval town of Trogir. The city is situated on a tiny island connected to the mainland by a bridge. The city is full of rich Romanesque and Renaissance architecture.
 Lunch: Lunch in town.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon in Split.
 Dinner: Hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Slavija
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Krka National Park
(Tuesday, October 15)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: Departure to Opatija. Travel along the coast to the Istrian Peninsula and stop along the way at Krka National Park. The Krka River formed a deep canyon through the limestone and created a unique landscape with beautiful waterfalls and crystal clear lakes. The national park has rich flora and fauna as well. During our stop we will take a short boat excursion on the river and explore some more of the park on foot.
 Lunch: Packed lunch at the park.
 Afternoon: Arrive in Opatija. Settle in at hotel.
 Dinner: Buffet dinner in the hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Imperial
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Rovinj / Porec
(Wednesday, October 16)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: Explore the Istrian Peninsula. The Istrian Peninsula was part of Italy until World War II, so it still has a strong Italian influence. Visit Porec, a lovely town that is proud of its Roman heritage. It is also the home to a World Heritage Monument, the Euphrasian Basilica, which is one of the finest examples of Byzantine Art from the 5th century.
 Lunch: Lunch en-route at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: The small island of Rovinj is one of the most charming towns in Istria, situated on a peninsula. The town is a maze of narrow streets, and the peninsula is crowned with the largest baroque church of the neighborhood, devoted to St. Euphemia.
 Dinner: Buffet dinner in the hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Imperial
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Rijeka
(Thursday, October 17)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: Travel to Zagreb. Explore Rijeka on the way. Rijeka (or Fiume, its Italian name) is the most important transportation center of this region. It was an important port during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and even today its architecture is reminiscent of Vienna or Budapest. We will walk along the Korzo, the main promenade of the city, to get a taste of this bustling city, and visit the hilltop town of Trst.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Trst.
 Afternoon: Arrive in Zagreb. Settle in at the hotel before attending a late afternoon lecture on the relationship of Croatia and the European Union.
 Dinner: Hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Central
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Zagreb Sightseeing
(Friday, October 18)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: Guided field trip in Zagreb, the bustling capital of Croatia. Walk along the curving streets of Kaptol and Gradec, see the Gothic cathedral, and explore the lower town, including the green horseshoe, by bus.
 Lunch: Lunch at a restaurant in the old town.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner in the hotel with folk music.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Central
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Departures
(Saturday, October 19)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: Transfer to Zagreb's Pleso airport (ZAG) for departures.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Dubrovnik Concert
You will have the opportunity to attend an optional concert in the evenings. A list of concerts will be available to you on the program.
  Split Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum, located north of the Old Town, has a large stock of archaeological objects from prehistoric times; from the period of the Greek colonization of the Adriatic and from the Roman, Early Christian and early Medieval ages. It is the oldest museum in Croatia.
  Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum displays many interesting items, including traditional Dalmatian folk costumes and local antique furniture. Also on exhibit is one very unique statue, discovered by accident at the bottom of the Adriatic Sea in 1996, dating back to the 4th-2nd century BC.
  The Split City Museum
Within the complex of Medieval buildings is the Gothic palace of the Papalic family, designed and built by the native master Juraj of Dalmatia and his stone carvers. The museum shows artifacts from the medieval period of Split. For additional information, visit www.mgst.net
  Zagreb Croatian History Museum
Located in a beautiful 18th-century Baroque palace, this museum houses more than 140,000 artifacts from the cultural and national heritage of Croatia from the Middle Ages to the present day. Everything from stone monuments to fine art, and religious artifacts to heraldry is on display.
  Croatian Museum of Architecture
Founded in 1995, the museum holds a collection of about 18,000 copies of various archival materials including plans, drawings, models, photographs, slides, correspondence, and other documents related to the history of Croatian architecture.
  Croatian Sport Museum
This museum cherishes the tradition of collecting physical training and sports items. The collection includes thousands of sports photographs and negatives, a large number of sports posters and over 20,000 books on sports.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A Taste of Croatia


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A Traveller's History of Croatia


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Art of the Byzantine Era


Author: David Talbot Rice


Description: Wide-ranging and literate, this thoroughly illustrated introduction to Byzantine art is an indispensable classic.



Balkan Ghosts, A Journey through History


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Description: Kaplan interweaves the history, art and culture of Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece with his travels in this portrait of the region.



Black Lamb and Grey Falcon: A Journey Through Yugoslavia


Author: Rebecca West, Christopher Hitchens (Introduction)


Description: First published in 1941, this monumental work explores the complex history of Yugoslavia, its heroes, politics and culture. It's a big, challenging book -- some call it the best ever written on the Balkans.



Bradt Mini Guide Dubrovnik


Author: Piers Letcher


Description: A helpful, condensed guide to the city in the popular Bradt series.



Croatia Coast Map


Author: Freytag & Berndt


Description: A nicely shaded map covering the Dalmatian Coast from Porec to Dubrovnik at a scale of 1:200,000, perfect for the complex coastline.



Croatia, A Nation Forged in War


Author: Marcus Tanner


Description: A modern history of Croatia from its medieval origins to Nazi occupation through to the present day by a British correspondent, who reported from the region during the events of 1993.



Croatia, Through Writers' Eyes


Author: Barnaby Rogerson (Editor)


Description: This collection of stories, tales and travel narratives illuminates the history and culture of Croatia. Including contributions by Rebecca West, Lawrence Durrell and Fitzroy MacLean.



Dubrovnik, A History


Author: Robin Harris


Description: Harris, a journalist who writes frequently on the Balkans, presents a comprehensive portrait of the historically important maritime city-state in this nicely illustrated, scholarly and readable history of Dubrovnik.



Eyewitness Guide Croatia


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: Gorgeously illustrated and filled with excellent maps, this compact book offers a thorough overview of Croatia's history, traditions, cultures and sights.



How We Survived Communism and Even Laughed


Author: Slavenka Drakulic


Description: These short essays capture the absurdity, struggle and day-to-day reality of being a woman in Yugoslavia under Communism. Drakulic is a Croatian journalist, novelist and contributing editor at The Nation.



Lonely Planet Croatian Phrasebook


Author: Lonely Planet Publications


Description: A palm-sized handy guide to pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.



Montenegro, A Novel


Author: Starling Lawrence


Description: Steeped in atmosphere, this compelling tale of intrigue set in turn-of-the-century Montenegro evokes the tangled politics of the region -- Muslim, Turk and British. Lawrence follows the adventures of a reluctant British spy, Harwell Auberon, from the Adriatic to mountain villages, capturing the essence of the people and the land.



Palgrave Concise Historical Atlas of the Balkans


Author: Dennis Hupchick


Description: The changing borders and complex history of the Balkans, clearly and concisely shown through 50 double-page maps and accompanying essays, organized chronologically.



The Balkans, A Short History


Author: Mark Mazower


Description: A brief, provocative survey of the complex and often contentious history of the Balkans. With eloquence and insight, Mazower addresses the issues of geography, nationalism and modern nation-building in the region.



The Bridge on the Drina


Author: Ivo Andric, Lovette F. Edwards (Translator)


Description: These linked stories by the Nobel-prize winning author capture the history and complexity of Christian and Muslim relations during Ottoman occupation. Hewn of stone, the bridge dividing the town of Visegrad was Andric's inspiration.



The Venetian Empire, A Sea Voyage


Author: Jan Morris


Description: Morris reconstructs the whole of the glittering dominion of the Venetian Republic in this evocative account of a journey by sea along historic trade routes to the Adriatic and beyond.



Zagreb, A Cultural History


Author: Celia Hawkesworth


Description: An illuminating account of the tumultuous but vibrant history of Croatia's capital, with a strong focus on the art and architecture of the city.





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