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Pirates and Peaks: An Intergenerational Adventure on the Dalmatian Coast

Program Number: 17991RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/19/2013 - 7/1/2013; 6/18/2014 - 6/30/2014;
Duration: 12 nights
Location: Croatia
Price starting at: $3,999.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational; Outdoor Adventures, Misc.
Intergenerational 		Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 31; 11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 11 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Low Fat    

Program intended for grandchildren from 9 - 13 years of age.

Walk, bike, sail and climb your way through the beautiful Dalmatian Coast and spectacular Dubrovnik as you forge bonds and memories that will last a lifetime. Visit seaside villages founded by pirates, learn of aquatic ecosystems while snorkeling in the Adriatic, bike through the most charming countryside on earth and much more on an Intergenerational adventure that won’t soon be forgotten.




Highlights

• Cheer on your grandchildren as they play soccer and forge bonds with local youths.
• In the Elafiti Islands, drop anchor and go snorkeling to see what kinds of creatures inhabit the warm Adriatic.
• Immerse yourself in local customs as you mingle with market-goers in the small village of Cilipi.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to four miles, 2-4 hours per day. Elevation change of 500-800 feet over two miles. Elevation above 3,000 feet on one day.



One youth per adult in shared accommodations. Participants wishing to enroll with two adults and one youth have two options: if all three enroll under double occupancy option you will be accommodated in a triple room, or if you would like two adjoining rooms then one adult must enroll under the single occupancy option (youth cannot occupy the single room).



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Split; coach to Tucepi, 6 nights; coach to Dubrovnik, 5 nights; departure.



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night
Arrival Split
Coach to Tucepi
6 nights

Your adventure begins with your first breathtaking views of the Adriatic coastline. Summit by coach the highest mountain peak in Dalmatia, Sveti Jure. Watch your grandchild play soccer with local youngsters, and go rafting on the River Cetina amid canyons and the Croatian countryside. Visit the city of Omis to learn of the most powerful pirates ever to sail the Mediterranean, and cast your line to see what’s biting as you sail one of the Bacina Lakes. On the island of Brac, see the white stone used to build the White House, and ascend Vidova Gora for sweeping views of the Adriatic Islands.



Coach via Ston to Dubrovnik
5 nights
Departure

Walk through historic Dubrovnik with insight from a local expert, then go swimming and snorkeling on a cruise among the Elafiti Islands. Bike from the village of Gruda through orchards, corn fields, vineyards and blackberry bushes, crossing small bridges and shallow rivers and stopping at a wine cellar for a tasting (adults only). In the village of Cilipi, attend the local Sunday fair where locals sell silk embroidery and traditional goods.




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
Tucepi: Three-star hotel with seawater pool and sport center offering many games and activities; short walk to beach. Dubrovnik: Four-star hotel on Babin Kuk Peninsula with spectacular sea views.
Meals and Lodgings
   Hotel Dalmatija
  Makarska, Croatia 6 nights
   Valamar Club Dubrovnik
  Dubrovnik, Croatia 5 nights
 Hotel Dalmatija
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: The Hotel Dalmatija is a family hotel. Located on the beach and decorated with bright, island colors, this hotel offers an authentic experience of the Dalmatian Coast. It is a 15-minute walk to the town center.
  Contact info: Kralja Petra Kresimira IV br. 41
Makarska,  HR-21300 Croatia
phone: +358 21 510 500
web: www.hoteli-makarska.hr
  Room amenities: Each room has a television, telephone, balcony, air conditioning, mini bar, wireless Internet access (for a fee), and a hair dryer.
  Facility amenities: The hotel offers restaurants, bars, a pool, private beach, sun terrace, souvenir shop, newsstand, laundry and ironing services, safe, Internet cafe, and wireless Internet access in the rooms (for a fee).
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior:  Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404
  Check in time: 2:00 PM

 Valamar Club Dubrovnik
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: The Valamar Club Dubrovnik is a family hotel. Located on the beautiful shores of the Babin Kuk peninsula and just minutes away from the old town, the Valamar Club Dubrovnik is a great place to stay.
  Contact info: Uva dulcica 41
Dubrovnik,  HR-20000 Croatia
phone: +385 52 465 000
web: www.valamar.com
  Room amenities: Each room has a satellite television, telephone, air conditioning, safe, free wireless Internet access and a hair dryer.
  Facility amenities: The hotel offers spacious family rooms, a pebble beach, outdoor pools, bars, laundry services, air conditioning and free wireless Internet access throughout the hotel.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after:  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: 10:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Split Airport. Meet your group at 2:00 PM for the group transfer to Makarska (approx. 2 hours). (Hotel check-in is available after 2:00 PM.) You will be staying at Hotel Dalmatija that night.
  End of Program:
Dubrovnik, Croatia. After breakfast on the last day. (Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM.) You will be staying at Valamar Club Dubrovnik the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Passport valid for at least 6 months from the return date of the program for U.S. and Canadian citizens. No Visa required for U.S. citizens.
  Parking availability:
At each hotel.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Taxi is the best option.
To Start of Program
  Location:  Makarska
  Transportation to site: From the airport in Split, take a taxi or bus to the Hotel Dalmatija. The 75 km journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Dubrovnik
  Nearest city or town:  Dubrovnik
  Nearest airport:  Dubrovnik
  Transportation from site: Take a taxi from the Valamar Club Hotel to the airport in Dubrovnik (approx. 30 minutes, 35 Euro - payable in Croatian Kuna or Euro).
Elevation Note: There is only one day that is above 3000 feet, the other active days are below 3000 feet.

Equipment Requirements: Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are required (ankle-high shoes are not required, but highly recommended). If participants want to go snorkeling, they must bring their own gear or purchase it during the program.
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: Overnight flight from the U.S.A. to Europe.
(Wednesday, June 19)
   
 In Transit: Overnight flight from the U.S.A. to Europe.

Day 2: Arrivals
(Thursday, June 20)

Note: Approximate total activity time is 1.5 hours.
   
 Arrive To: Private coach transfer (2 hours) from the Split airport to Makarska (400 feet) with a population of approximately 14,000. Travel along the Adriatic coastline where you will experience the first breathtaking views of this beautiful sea.
 Afternoon: Take an introductory walk through the town and visit the Shell Museum. Welcome drink and orientation before dinner.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Dalmatija
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Sveti Jure / Soccer Game
(Friday, June 21)

Note: Approximate total activity time is 3 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: Begin the day with an unforgettable coach ride along the winding road to the top of Sveti Jure (Saint George 5800 feet), the largest and highest peak of the Biokovo mountain range and in Dalmatia. Hear a field lecture on the Nature Park Biokovo.
 Lunch: Experience a typical lunch in an old rebuilt stone house with regional grown products.
 Afternoon: After lunch compete or be a spectator of a soccer game against the children's team of Makarska, played on the field where the athletes train to be professional soccer players.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Dalmatija
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: River Rafting on the Cetina River
(Saturday, June 22)

Note: Approximate total activity time is 3 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: The River Cetina (total length of 65 miles) is one of the most beautiful places in Croatia. It is situated in the peaceful countryside of Dalmatinska Zagora region, slowly running through numerous canyons with hills rising above it. The source of the river is five strong wells that descend from an altitude of 1263 feet down to sea level, where it flows into the Adriatic Sea. If you wish, you may experience the excitement of river rafting on this magnificent river. After receiving the necessary equipment (swimming jackets, helmets and paddles), begin the introduction to basic rafting skills. On your way down the river conquer different obstacles while having the impression of being far away from civilization!
 Lunch: Lunch at a restaurant providing a “Flintstone” atmosphere, and where the food is traditional and most of it cooked over an open fire.
 Afternoon: Following the river rafting, drive up the mountain and overlook where the River Cetina meets the ocean, passing through old villages that are nestled up in the mountains. Take in a field lecture entitled "River Cetina & Dalmatinska Zagora Region."
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Dalmatija
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Island of Brac
(Sunday, June 23)

Note: Approximate total activity time is 4 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Begin today with a ferry transfer to the Island of Brac (1775 feet), famous for its white stone that was used to build the White House, and a field trip to the stone masonry. Continue by coach to Vidova Gora (2559 feet), the highest peak of the Adriatic islands. Enjoy sweeping views of the nearby islands and the Dalmatian coast at every turn of the drive.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch on the beach.
 Afternoon: The afternoon is spent on the unique beach of Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) of Bols (59 feet) for swimming, snorkeling and lunch. Please remember: snorkeling equipment is NOT provided, you must bring your own.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Dalmatija
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Bacina Lakes / Freshwater Fishing
(Monday, June 24)

Note: Approximate total activity time is 3 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: The seven Bacina Lakes (16 feet) are part of a picturesque landscape and surrounded by mountains. They are crypto-depression lakes with their bottom below the surface of the sea. Today travel along the lakes in an old fashioned wooden boat. Notice the abundant freshwater fish and the untouched nature, one of the most spectacular sights for nature-lovers and anglers. While boating throw out your fishing rod and give it a try! Hear a field lecture called "Story of the Lakes."
 Lunch: Lunch will be served on the boat.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon there will be time for swimming, volley-ball or time to spend exploring this natural playground on your own.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Dalmatija
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Pirate City of Omis / Introduction to Mountain Climbing
(Tuesday, June 25)

Note: Approximate total activity time is 2.5 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast served at the hotel.
 Morning: Croatia's surface is about 60% mountainous, and together with its unusual karst phenomena, this makes it one of the most interesting places to climb in Europe. On the way to where the introduction to mountain climbing will take place, stop for an excursion of the pirate city, Omis (108 feet). At the peak of their power, Omis pirates were one of the most powerful and feared pirates of the entire Mediterranean Sea. Hear a field lecture on the Pirates of Omis.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local inn.
 Afternoon: Continue to the area where “beginning” rock climbing will be introduced to only the children (but grandparents are welcome).
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Dalmatija
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Ston / Transfer to Dubrovnik
(Wednesday, June 26)

Note: Approximate total activity time is 1 hour.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast served at the hotel.
 Morning: Coach to Dubrovnik with an excursion en route to the enchanting town of Ston (0 feet), known for its old stone houses and the longest fortifications in Europe (approximately 4 miles). Step back into prehistoric and Roman times.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Ston.
 Afternoon: Continue after lunch by coach to Dubrovnik (167 feet).
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Valamar Club Dubrovnik
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Dubrovnik - "The Pearl in the Adriatic"
(Thursday, June 27)

Note: Approximate activity time is 1.5 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast served at the hotel.
 Morning: Take an introductory walk of the great historic and unique city of Dubrovnik. The harmony of the centuries-old buildings and the walls encircling the city are like a fairy tale apparition created for enjoyment. Hear a field lecture on this historic city.
 Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
 Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Dubrovnik. Your program staff will give you additional ideas of what to see and do.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Valamar Club Dubrovnik
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Cruise the Elafiti Islands / Swimming and Snorkeling
(Friday, June 28)

Note: Approximate total activity time is 4 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast served at the hotel.
 Morning: Today's field trip is a cruise to the Elafiti Islands (13 islands in total). During the cruise stop at the three most beautiful and only inhabited islands (165 feet) of the archipelago northwest of Dubrovnik; Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan. The terrain is forested and hilly, and the little villages retain the relaxed slowness of traditional Adriatic life. Hear a field lecture entitled "Elafiti Islands and the Inhabitants."
 Lunch: Lunch is served on the boat.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon there will be time for swimming and snorkeling in crystal blue water off of one of the islands.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Valamar Club Dubrovnik
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Kayaking around Lokrum Island
(Saturday, June 29)

Note: Approximate total activity time is 3 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Today you will have the unique opportunity to discover Dubrovnik's majestic walls and towers from the sea on a kayaking field trip. Your day starts beneath fort Lovrjenac in the small port of Pile. Accompanied by instructors, you will set off to explore caves and the beauties of Lokrum Island until you reach a hidden cave beach called Betina.
 Lunch: Sandwich-lunch on the beach during the kayaking trip.
 Afternoon: Learn about "Local Traditions" during a field lecture.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Valamar Club Dubrovnik
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Village of Cilipi / Folklore Dance Performance
(Sunday, June 30)

Note: Approximate activity time is 3 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast served at the hotel.
 Morning: Field trip this morning to the village of Cilipi (502 feet), well known for its carefully preserved traditional customs and famous embroidery. Walk through the picturesque village and have the opportunity to attend the local Sunday Fair, where inhabitants sell their traditional goods of the area (the silk embroidery is a very popular one), attend the Holy Mass at St. Nicholas' Church, or just sit and take in the village people dressed in their traditional folk costumes. After the mass, there will be a folklore dance performance accompanied by Dalmatian music. Learn about the local customs of traditional folk costumes and dancing during a field lecture.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Cilipi.
 Afternoon: Enjoy a free afternoon in Cilipi. Your program staff will give you additional ideas of what to see and do.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: Farewell reception and "special" good-bye.
   
Accommodations: Valamar Club Dubrovnik
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Departures
(Monday, July 1)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast served at the hotel.
 Morning: Transfer to the Dubrovnik airport for departing flights.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.

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