Travel Experiences

CRUISE EUROPE CROATIA, ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE‘19 & THE LORD’S TEST If you have ever dreamt Introduction of chartering your own Croatia is a Central European, Mediterranean country bordering Slovenia in the west, Hungary in the north, Serbia in the east and Bosnia Herzegovina in the south. It shares the Adriatic Sea with its neighbour Italy making it a super-yacht, then this highly desirable destination for travellers from around the world attracted by good value, generous sunshine, unrivalled history and a coastline that is truly tour is for you! spectacular. We visit three significant destinations; Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik whilst cruising the Dalmatian coast; as well as getting the chance to visit many other locations.

If you have ever dreamt of chartering your own super-yacht, then this tour is for you! We have exclusively chartered ships from the Katarina-Line. Our ships are of equal standard with different styling, yet both have a fabulously relaxed ambience. This is a cruise where you can relax, unwind, watch the world go by and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow like-minded MCC Members – it doesn’t get much better than this! The tour is open to Full, Restricted and Provisional members to attend and each member can be accompanied by one non- member guest. After flying in from via Dubai we commence in the capital of Zagreb with the traditional MCC Welcome Reception. Throughout the tour, the emphasis is on high-quality food, local wines and unique experiences. City tours are leisurely walking tours with experienced local guides. Ample time is available for you to do your own exploring. The cruise itself starts and ends in the coastal city of Split visiting several islands including the iconic walled town of Dubrovnik (pictured right), meandering amongst the historic and quaint islands along the Dalmatian coast steeped in tradition and history.

Welcome to the 2019 edition of the MCC Travel Experiences: Cruise Europe where you will of course, end up at the hallowed turf of the Lords Ground for the second Test match between arch rivals England and .

For repeat MCC Tour travellers, welcome back on board and for the newcomers; we can assure you this will be an occasion you simply won’t forget. We look forward to seeing you all soon.

Scott Butler Glenn & Gayle Hedley General Manager, Events Travel Tour Managers Membership & Heritage and MCC Members Thu 1st Aug ZAGREB to SPLIT – THE PARK HOTEL (B, L) 08.00 Bags are to be ready for collection outside your room prior to or after breakfast. 09.30 Our coach departs Zagreb heading for the coastal port city of Split. The journey will take around six hours overall including rest stops and an enjoyable lunch en-route. A fabulous local produce luncheon is included at Roca, around 90 mins north of our destination – enjoy the rustic atmosphere and farm to table dining with newly found friends. This afternoon we check into our hotel for 2 nights in Split and this evening is free to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities and the marvellous views. Maybe a poolside cocktail is tempting? The luxury 5 Star Park Hotel offers a unique Split experience, located within easy walking distance of the Port and the Old Town you can enjoy the finest in hotel services, including an outdoor pool. The building is historic, yet the inside is contemporary providing the comforts that guests expect on our Members Tours. The Park Hotel is one of only a few 2019 Itinerary hotels in the city that can take a group our size, ensuring all guests the best possible location, access and amenities. Flights & times shown are based on 2018 flight schedules and are subject to change. Fri 2nd Aug SPLIT OLD TOWN (B) Included meals: B=Buffet Breakfast, L = Lunch, D= Dinner 06.30-08.30 Buffet breakfast is served. Beverages are not included other than at Official Functions: 09.00 After breakfast we embark on a guided walking tour of Split, the second largest city in Croatia and indeed the WR=Welcome Reception, ETD=Events Travel Dinner, LL=Lord’s Lunch largest in the region of Dalmatia. Lying on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, this is a popular tourism destination and you will discover why. A highlight is the Diocletian’s Palace built for the Roman Emperor in 305 A.D. The city was Mon 29th July MELBOURNE to DUBAI originally founded by the Greeks in the 3rd & 2nd Centuries B.C. The current population of the city is around 168,000 with the wider area housing around 293,000 inhabitants. It’s a small city packed with character, history and culture. 18.00 Check in at Melbourne Airport considering a light dinner at the airport as supper will be served inflight. After the walking tour you may continue, on your own around the city or head back to the hotel. The afternoon is 21.15 Emirates flight departs Melbourne to Dubai. free to relax, explore and make sure you have Split covered! You may wish to arrange with the Concierge a Game of Thrones Location Tour.

Tue 30th July DUBAI to ZAGREB (WR) 12.00 Alternatively, we have an optional excursion (included at no extra cost) to explore a little around the region of Split. The coach is at our disposal and it’s likely, depending on numbers, we will head along the coast nearby visiting 05.15 Scheduled arrival time in Dubai remaining in transit. Podstrana and Omis to find a relaxing spot for a local seaside lunch (not included but reserved). Your MCC Host and 08.30 Departure time for our onward Emirates flight, direct to Zagreb. Events Travel Tour Hosts Managers will be on hand to lead the way! Return around 16.00hrs to the hotel. 12.35 Scheduled arrival in Zagreb. On arrival you will be met by your MCC Host and Events Travel Tour Managers, a local guide and the coach driver for the Sat 3rd Aug CROATIA CRUISE (B, D, WR) Overnight Split transfer to the hotel for two nights. The afternoon is free to freshen up, take a wander to explore your surroundings or This morning after breakfast is free time until check out when we will take care of your luggage, so you can head into indulge in a quick nap, however it’s best to beat the jet-lag by suffering through day one and having an early night. the Old Town for a spot of lunch and some more shopping and exploring. Luggage collection and check out details will be provided on the final itinerary.

18.00 15.00 Boarding our vessels commences and this is when you get to unpack for 7 nights in a row! Because we have This evening you will be invited to our smart-casual MCC Welcome Reception. Enjoy a cool beer, a soft-drink, a local a chartered the ships, cabins will be assigned prior to departing Australia, just collect the keys. We will attempt as wine and tempting canapés (as a light dinner) before retiring after the long journey. Your MCC Host and Tour Managers much as possible to allocate a specific ship to Members who indicate they know other Members on tour – this process will explain what lays ahead and update you on any late timing changes if there are any. Supper can be taken on your will occur once all bookings are confirmed. account in the Hotel if required, however we do expect the canapés as ample for most Members, considering an early On board each day, expect fresh produce with lots of salads and local dishes. The dress code is ultra-casual, night is on the cards. so shorts, swimwear and summer frocks are the go! Enjoy a Welcome Reception and dinner on board as we relax overnighting here in the Port of Split. You are welcome Wed 31st July OLD TOWN ZAGREB – THE WESTIN HOTEL (B) to disembark at any time to continue your exploration of the city. 06.30-08.30 The Westin’s Buffet Breakfast eagerly await you. 09.00 After a nourishing breakfast we will be heading off for a guided walking tour of the Old Town in Zagreb. Locally known as Gornji Grad (Upper Town), the old town combines the twin settlements of Gradec and Kaptol close to the main street of Ilica. Our guide will outline the architecture, history and regale a few stories from the past whilst we relax, take photos and stroll around the old Gornji Grad. Lunch and Dinner are as you wish today, with the afternoon free to explore the capital at your own pace, maybe retracing some of your steps from the tour and checking out the sites and boutique shops in more detail. The Hotel Concierge is always a great start to seek dinner arrangements or if you are still tired, the hotel is always a good option whilst you get over your jetlag – however it’s not too bad flying towards Europe. Sun 4th Aug SPLIT to KORCULA (B, L) Sat 10th Aug BOL – SPLIT – LONDON & ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE (B) This morning we cruise to the island of Korcula, best known as the birth place of Marco Polo. We stop for lunch in It’s an early morning departure cruising to Split, where on arrival we say goodbye to the crew before we disembark one of the secluded bays en route. On arrival enjoy a guided walking tour of this enchanting town with its fortified and head for Split Airport on our chartered coaches. walls. We will spend overnight in port at Korcula. 11.00 Check in time at Split Airport, where you can purchase lunch. 14.10 Croatia Airlines departs Split non-stop for London. Mon 5th Aug KORCULA to MLJET & DUBROVNIK (B, L, D) 15.50 Scheduled arrival time at London Heathrow Terminal 2. On arrival clear Immigration, collect your bags Today we cruise further south to the island of Mljet. Join the Cruise Manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in and head for the Arrivals Hall where we will gather, before boarding our transport. the Mljet National Park (entry fees are included) and enjoy the boat ride to the Isle of Saint Mary, where you will visit At this point we can’t tell you where you are going but it is in the English Countryside and it will be a relaxing break an ancient Benedictine Monastery, and an old Abbey and Church dating to the 12th Century. We return to the ship prior to the big city lights in London. This section will be updated once final tour numbers are confirmed. for lunch before setting sail to Dubrovnik. Late afternoon we arrive in Dubrovnik, but before we tie up at Gruz harbour, the Captain will take us for an evening cruise alongside the old city walls whilst a buffet dinner is served on deck. Enjoy the spectacular views of this Sun 11th Aug ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE (B) magnificent old town. Overnight in port. Today will be spent in the English countryside exploring the local sights. More information once the details are finalised but you can rest assured, this will be excellent quality and something for everyone.

Tue 6th Aug DUBROVNIK (B) After breakfast, transfer to the Old Town for a guided walking tour to enjoy the magic that is Dubrovnik. You will no Mon 12th Aug TO LONDON (B) via doubt take some amazing pictures as we take the cable car from the Old Town to Mount Srd to enjoy the fabulous 1/ Highclere Castle of Downton Abbey fame or views. The rest of the day is at leisure, so you can explore the old city finding suitable venues for lunch and dinner. Perhaps walk the famous city walls (1,940 metres long) and take a stroll along the walking street “Stradun”, both a 2/ A tour of Oxford including the university. street and a square. Overnight in port in Dubrovnik. The number of visitors to Highclere is very limited so we will be seeking preferences for today. The alternative is a wonderful tour through the town of Oxford, including the famous university. Wed 7th Aug DUBROVNIK – PELJESAC PENINSULA (B, L, D) See London hotel details at the back. It’s an early departure today heading towards the Peninsula, well known for its excellent wines. Before lunch we stop at one of the Elafiti Islands before arriving at the Peljesac Peninsula for lunch. We then move inland to explore the rural area giving you a taste of farming life in Croatia. We visit a local village and farm where we experience a typical village party offering Croatian delicacies; and a dinner with local dishes from home grown produce. After dinner we transfer back to the ship. Overnight in port.

Thu 8th Aug PELJESAC – HVAR (B, L) A morning departure sees us stopping at the small island of Scedro, followed by a swim stop at the Pakleni Islands. We then cruise to the island of Hvar arriving in the afternoon for lunch Hvar is the longest island in the Adriatic and one of the sunniest; known for its lush lavender fields and breathtaking beauty. One can find many historical landmarks in Hvar; the Renaissance Cathedral with its original tower, the oldest community theatre in Europe founded in 1612 and some scenic views overlooking the harbour with views of our ships. The evening is free to explore an abundance of dining. Overnight in Port at Hvar. Keeping it in the family! Highclere Castle is a country house in Fri 9th Aug HVAR – BOL (B, L, D) the Jacobethan style by the architect Our final stop on the cruise will be the island of Brac and the picturesque town of Bol. Walk along the Promenade or Charles Barry, with a Park designed by swim at one of the most famous beaches in Dalmatia; Zlatni Rat (the Golden Cape). Bol is a typical fisherman’s town Capability Brown. The 5,000 Acre Estate turned into a popular tourist destination. After lunch on board we enjoy an afternoon wine tasting in the facilities of the oldest Dalmatian wine co-operative (1903), followed by the Captains Dinner with live entertainment on board. is in Hampshire, about 5-miles south of Overnight in Bol or nearby Milna, onboard. Newbury. It is currently inhabited by the Countess of Carnarvon, who claims she didn’t watch Downton Abbey because she worried about how the house would look. It’s been in the family since 1679! The first match ever played at ‘Lord’s Cricket Ground’ came in 1787 when businessman Thomas Lord staged a game between Middlesex and Essex. Tue 13th Aug LONDON Free Day (B) Today you have the opportunity to explore London at your leisure and use your Hop on Hop off ticket or your Oyster card to see some Tour Pricing of the city’s famous landmarks. 17.00-19.30 Members Test Match Ticket Collection at the hotel, the specific room will be advised on the hotel notice board. Please take your time, you don’t need lines! Feel free to pop in any time over this period to collect your match tickets. Twin (2 beds) or Double (one bed) sharing, per person, excluding the variable air Taxes/Govt. charges^: Lower Deck with Portholes: $12,898 Twin or Double. Single occupancy $17,998* Please note Test match tickets are not included in the tour package and will need to be ordered separately. Members will be notified, Main Deck with Portholes, Windows or Balconies: $13,498 Twin or Double. Single occupancy A$18,498* once release the relevant information and process. Members will also be informed about the dress code and access to the Pavilion at Lords at the information night held prior to the Tour departing Australia. Upper Decks Suites with Windows: $13,798. (Limited number) Single occupancy N/A Upgrade to Business Class on Emirates flights A$TBA on application Wed 14th Aug THE SECOND TEST AT LORD’S (B) *Single supplements will be limited on the cruise and availability will depend on the general take-up of Cabins. If this is your first time visiting the hallowed ground, then you are in for a real treat! Instructions on how to get to Lord’s will be Test match tickets for Lords are purchased separately – you will receive notification from the Melbourne Cricket Club provided at ticket-collection. on the process for requesting tickets on the days you wish to attend. Note that the Marylebone Cricket Club Museum is open on Match days. It’s also a good idea to obtain any merchandise early from the Lord’s Shop to get the right sizes and availability. ^Estimated air taxes as at 13 August 2018 = A$355

Thu 15th Aug THE SECOND TEST AT LORD’S (B) DEPOSIT SCHEDULE: *$3,000 per person before 21st September 2019 Fri 16th Aug THE SECOND TEST AT LORD’S (B, ETD) **$3,500 per person stage payment by 28th Feb 2019 After the cricket, it’s time to put on the glad rags and head for the traditional Events Travel Test Dinner. This is always a highlight of the Tour and 2019 will be no exception. A jacket & tie is preferred. In 2005 the function was held at the Bailey’s hotel, in 2009 at Balance payment by 15th May 2019 (air taxes will be added at this point and flights ticketed) Cardiff City Hall, 2013 at the Grosvenor House Ballroom and in 2015 at Madame Tussauds. For 2019…watch this space! *Initial deposit is paid to the MCC via Visa or Mastercard only, no credit card surcharges are incurred. ** 2nd stage payment and balance payment made to Events Travel. There is a 1.5% merchant fee for payments made via Sat 17th Aug THE SECOND TEST AT LORD’S (B) Visa or Mastercard, or a 1.98% fee for using Amex. N.B.: If the number of members wanting to attend, exceeds the tour places available, a ballot may be conducted. Sun 18th Aug THE SECOND TEST AT LORD’S (B) Funds will only be charged to those successful in the ballot. The history of recent Test matches in the UK has meant that playing for 5 days is a very good chance, however if the Test is finished A detailed booking form will be sent to you by the MCC after lodging your initial deposit. early this becomes an automatic free day to further explore the city, pop in some late shopping in Knightsbridge or nearby Oxford Street or find an historic watering hole for a local ale or two. TOUR INCLUSIONS: Mon 19th Aug MCC LUNCHEON (B, L) + Return Economy class flights as listed flying Emirates, inclusive of 30kg luggage allowance After experiencing the thrill of an Australia v England Test match at Lord’s, today the Members Tour groups are provided a behind- (upgrades to Business & First Class on request) the-scenes tour at the ground and will also enjoy a fully-inclusive luncheon at this wonderful venue. The exact timings and details + All Transfers and Touring as outlined in the itinerary will be advised in due course and transport will be provided to and from Lord’s for this lunch where the Melbourne Cricket Club plays + 2 Nights in Zagreb at the Westin Zagreb its traditional match against the Marylebone Cricket Club. It will be a lovely way to finish the tour and swap contact details with your + 2 Nights in Split at The Park Hotel fellow MCC members as our tours come to a close. + 7 Night Cruise using two ships chartered from the Katarina-Line This evening is free to relax at the hotel or head further afield for a light dinner. + One-way economy class flight from Split to London + 2 nights in our countryside destination in England, free wifi included There are no refunds on deposits. Tue 20th Aug LONDON TO DUBAI (B) + 7 nights in London at the 5 star luxurious May Fair Hotel If you cancel your place refunds are 09.00 After breakfast it’s time to have your luggage ready for collection or you can bring it down for us to load on to the coaches + 21 Buffet breakfasts and 07 Tour Lunches only possible if we can resell your for the final time and the one-hour journey to the airport. places and some penalties will still + 05 Tour Dinners and 02 Welcome Receptions 10.00 Coaches depart for Heathrow. apply. Travel Insurance is available + Sightseeing as indicated on the Cruise with National Park entry from Events Travel with a 15% rebate 11.00 Arrival for check-in at Heathrow Terminal 3. + Optional complimentary afternoon tour in Split along the coast to all Tour Members. 14.20 Emirates flight departs Heathrow. + 1 day Hop On - Hop Off Bus ticket in London + London Oyster Card with a GBP30 value per person Wed 21st Aug DUBAI TO MELBOURNE + Tour and entry to Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) or tour of Oxford. 00.20 Scheduled arrival time in Dubai where you will remain in transit. + In-room Wi-Fi at the three hotels in Zagreb, Split and London Your bags will have been checked through to Melbourne. + Porterage at hotels 02.40 Emirates flight departs Dubai for Melbourne. + Group movement gratuities, other than the Ship staff – see below 21.50 Scheduled arrival time in Melbourne. Arriving at this time means a later night but straight to bed ensuring a reduced + Services of an MCC Tour Host throughout the tour jetlag effect – hopefully a good sleep will be had! + Services of Events Travel Tour Managers throughout the tour + Events Travel Merchandise Pack (Travel back-pack, water bottle, poncho, quality travel wallet) END of arrangements by Events Travel. + MCC Member Merchandise (Polo Shirt and Cap) Sample image of a lower deck cabin with portholes. Most cabins are similar; of a good size with private en-suites, air-conditioning, tasteful bedding and timber floors with a desk. Main deck cabins are the same size with windows, some with balconies. Cabin types will be allocated by ballot if any type is oversubscribed. During the day you will be ashore or on deck and at night in harbour or at anchor. Our ships were commissioned in 2017 & 2018, so they are very new.

NOT INCLUDED: Airline/Government Taxes & Fees. Current rate is A$355 pp. These vary over time and will be outlined on your invoice then updated prior to flight ticketing. A Pleasant Journey. The Cruise Ships are Chartered and are similar quality vessels but with different décor and configurations. There will be Meals other than stated + items of a personal nature; personal tips, bar bills, laundry, phone calls etc. separate groups for this portion of the tour only. The groups will be travelling on the same itinerary and will be able to mix Travel Insurance (this is available from Events Travel with a 15% discount for MCC Members) at port in the evenings as well as during the shore excursions. Each Ship will have either an MCC Host or Events Travel Tour Manager on board. Importantly larger ships cannot enter the areas outlined in this itinerary making it a far more pleasant Test Match Tickets for Lords (these are managed and ordered directly with the Club, an order form will be provided, journey, very close to shore and with easy access to the port towns shown. It means we don’t have to constantly use tenders to once details are available) shuttle guests ashore as with large cruise ships. These small ships offer a far more personalised experience making it ideal Tips & Gratuities for good service offered – allow around EUR50-75 per person for the Cruise. for MCC Members on Tour. For hotels and other services, tips are at your discretion (10% is recommended for good service) The Superior Deluxe and Deluxe categories are the highest standard vessels of the Katerina-Line. These are comfortable, well run small ships with a very private feel, meeting very high European safety standards. Comparisons with large ocean- VISAS- note that Australian Passport holders do not require a visa for any portion of the official itinerary. Should your passport going ships and even river ships should not be made. These ships are the best possible vessels to explore the small islands be from another country, please discuss with Events Travel to ensure you are aware of any visa requirements in advance. on the Croatian Adriatic. The en-suite cabins are comfortable with essential toiletries and amenities. There is plenty of deck Note that all passports, regardless of nationality, must have at least 6 months validity from the date of departure from Australia. space for relaxing on what are short duration cruising sectors. Every night is spent in port and there are no long sailing days Additional travel arrangements- if you wish to extend your time in Europe or include stopovers on the way home, please speak making the cruise very stable and most enjoyable. Importantly you do not need to dress up for dinner, so you can travel very directly to Events Travel. light on this tour to enjoy the warm balmy evenings.

ACCOMMODATION ON THIS TOUR: Our hotels are always chosen for their high quality and excellent locations with services suitable for high end group travel. The emphasis is always on having the best possible position to achieve our objectives yet always considering access for large ‘St. Andrews’ coaches and the luggage involved with groups, as well as guest mobility. Events Travel 112 Bittern-Dromana Road PO Box 299 Merricks North VIC 3926 www.events.com.au www.voyages.golf The May Fair London is an excellent 5-star property right in the heart of Mayfair, just a 2 minute-walk to Green Park Underground, where you will be at St. Johns Wood station without changing in less than 10 minutes. Proudly operating MCC Members The hotel has excellent public areas with ideal wining & dining options; Tours since 2005 The May Fair Kitchen, the May Fair Bar and The May Fair Terrace with the former two at street level where you can watch the world go by. For those shoppers it’s just a 15 minute-walk to Selfridges in Oxford Street and even less to Bond Street and Regent Street, all very close by. Piccadilly Circus is 10 mins walk, Buckingham Palace 15 mins and Harrods around 25 minutes- walk. Your bedroom has complimentary Wi-Fi and is one of the most spacious and comfortable standard rooms in London.

For any enquiries please contact Holly Baker on [email protected] or (03) 9657 8939.