Croatia: Adriatic Adventures Dates: May 1- May 10 Number of participants: 16 minimum Registration Deadline: October 15, 2019 Travel arrangements through Milne Educational Tours (Itinerary subject to change)

SPLIT – – ISLAND OF – KORCULA – STON – DUBROVNIK

Bask in the Mediterranean, European, and Balkan influences that have formed ancient heritage throughout its pastoral countryside. Feast your eyes on the sapphire waters in the shade of ancient walled towns.

Start your adventures in Split, the heart of , with ruins dating back to the Roman Empire, a bustling waterfront, and fresh seafood. Explore the perfectly preserved, Venetian-styled architecture and the sandy coves of the medieval island of Hvar, ’s sunniest island, amidst rolling lavender fields and pine-carpeted hills. Enjoy the charming island of Trogir, with finely carved facades, a wide seaside promenade, elegant churches and palaces, mazelike marble streets, and Renaissance gates that reflect Dalmatian art and architecture at its best. Next stop? Korcula Island. Travel through landscapes of lush pine forests, scattered with stone walls, vineyards and olive groves. Visit organic bee and oil farm and taste popular Croatian wines from grapes grown on the island. Spend time in the salt-producing town of Ston, home of second largest town wall in the world after the Great Wall of China, and its famous oyster beds! Venture to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. 16th-century city walls, sparkling red roof tiles, limestone streets, baroque buildings and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic. Enjoy a delicious lunch in a small village in the Konavle region, a hidden nook between the Bosnian and Montenegrin borders, the mountainous backdrop and fertile agricultural region. Set on a small peninsula embraced by two harbours, the ancient town of Cavtat (pronounced tsav-tat) has a pretty waterfront promenade peppered with restaurants, pebbly beaches and an interesting assortment of artsy attractions.

Travel through powerful mountain ranges that have carved legacies in their midst while fairytale castles and walled seaside villages stand as a testimony to its tumultuous past. 1

DAY 1 MAY 2, 2020 SPLIT ARRIVAL

The second-largest city in Croatia, Split (Spalato in Italian) is a great place to see Dalmatian life. Always buzzing, this exuberant city has just the right balance of tradition and modernity. Step inside Diocletian’s Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments) and you’ll see dozens of bars, restaurants and shops thriving amid the atmospheric old walls where Split life has been going on for thousands of years.

Time Itinerary Service (approx.) Arrival at the Split airport. Meet & Greet at the TBA Welcome to Croatia! airport by English- speaking tour leader Meet your tour leader and driver at the airport and head to your hotel. Private transfer Split airport – hotel Upon arrival, check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Porterages as per itinerary

Have an orientation session with the tour guide. TIPS for tour leader, Dinner at the hotel restaurant. driver, local guides and restaurant (D) Overnight, Split. Headphones during city tours

Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Accommodation at Hotel Dioklecijan 4* in Split 2

DAY 2 MAY 3, 2020 SPLIT

Take in the Olive groves, indigenous aromatic plants, the white stone against the verdant vegetation and the towering mountain massif of Biokovo whose spurs reach all the way to the sea. In this place, during the year 305, the Roman Emperor Diocletian, ruled the entire world at that time, and decided to build his leisure abode - in which he intended to spend the rest of his life – in the Adriatic town of Split.

Time Itinerary Service (approx.) Breakfast at the hotel.

9 AM Meet your driver and head for Split town. Private transfer hotel – town – hotel Meet the guide and start private guided walking tour of Split.

Private guided walking Your tour will cover the Diocletian's Palace and the tour of Split surrounding medieval highlights. Walk inside Diocletian’s Palace, once the summer residence of the Roman emperor Diocletian’s palace Diocletian and you’ll see bars, restaurants and shops thriving entrance tickets amidst the ancient walls where Split life has been going on since the 4th century. Split has risen on the foundation of the Cathedral tickets Split palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian built in 305 AD.

Various cultural monuments are located inside and outside 12 PM the Diocletian’s Palace walls, as Renaissance Prokurative Square, noble family’s palaces, churches, galleries and Lunch at local museums. restaurant

After the tour, lunch will be served at local restaurant.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure to further explore Split.

We recommend visiting the Split Archaeological Museum. The oldest museum institution in Croatia was founded in 1820 by the decree of the Dalmatian government in Zadar. The incentive for the establishment of the Museum was provided by the visit of Emperor Francis I to Dalmatia in 1818, which 3

also included visits to Split and . The original museum building was erected in 1821 next to the eastern walls of Diocletian's Palace, but soon became too small to house the growing number of monuments.

When you tire of the city bustle, there’s Marjan, hill symbol over the city, with its forest, jogging trails, mountain climbing and biking, recreational terrains, but also the ancient Accommodation at churches where the late citizens of Split sought spiritual Hotel Dioklecijan 4* in peace. Also very unusual to find in a city the size of Split, are Split the numerous beaches with extraordinarily clean sea, from the well known Bacvice to the stone secluded oases’ all around Marjan.

(B, L) Overnight, Split.

DAY 3 MAY 4, 2020 SPLIT – KLIS – TROGIR – SPLIT

In the old Dalmatian village discover the old way of life through the magic of Mediterranean architecture and Dalmatian delicacies. Take a tour through the Mediterranean garden and ecological olive grove up to the ethno village where past and present create the most beautiful scenery.

Time Itinerary Service (approx.) Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer Split 9 PM Meet your driver and head towards Trogir. – Klis – Trogir – Split 10 AM Upon arrival, explore Trogir with your guide. The tour will help you get to know the tiny and unique town of Trogir – beautifully Private guided set within medieval walls, its streets knotted and maze-like. It’s walking tour of fronted by a wide seaside promenade lined with bars and cafes, Trogir and yachts in the summer. Trogir is unique among Dalmatian towns for its profuse collection of Romanesque and Renaissance Cathedral tickets architecture along with its magnificent cathedral, earned a Trogir UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997. 4

12 PM After the tour, meet your driver and head to Klis Fortress from where you can take some beautiful panorama pictures of Split. Kliss fortress tickets The Klis Fortress is situated on the eponymous hill near the town of Split and dates back to the 7th century and it was a very 12:30 PM important defense point in the history of Croatia.

Visit Old Dalmatian village Stella Croatica, a family owned Stella Croatica estate estate which produces traditional Dalmatian delicacies. All their guidance and products are based on traditional recipes with authentic traditional lunch ingredients. You will have a chance to learn about Dalmatian Lecture from local cultural heritage through their ethno village and collections of expert / historian authentic furniture, objects and utensils. Taste Dalmatian history through their homemade delicacies and bring some home with you! Have a traditional Dalmatian lunch followed by a lecture from local expert / historian!

3:30 PM Meet your driver and transfer back to Split. Accommodation at Hotel Dioklecijan 4* Spend the rest of the day at leisure. in Split

(B, L) Overnight, Split.

DAY 4 MAY 5, 2020 SPLIT – ISLAND OF HVAR – SPLIT

Conde Nast's signature travel magazine described this lavender island as "one of the best 10 islands in the world”. Hvar is the number-one holder of Croatia’s superlatives: it is the most luxurious island, the sunniest place in the country (2724 sunny hours each year) and, along with Dubrovnik, the most popular tourist destination.

Time Itinerary Service (approx)

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Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer hotel – pier – 9:30 AM Head to Hvar pier and embark the catamaran to Hvar hotel island. 11 AM Upon arrival, meet your guide and have a private guided Catamaran tickets Split – walking tour of Hvar town. Hvar – Split

Encompassing all the major sights and landmarks of Private guided walking tour historic Hvar, this tour offers truly the best and the most of Hvar complete perspective of what was once the most important Venetian harbour in the Adriatic sea. Hvar is a visual feast for lovers of architecture and it looks like "an open air gallery" for every style which is waiting to be discovered. You will surely enjoy the charm of the Old Town called Groda, the Piazza, the Arsenal and the first public theatre in Europe, the Cathedral of St. Stephen, the Franciscan Monastery, the Renaissance 1 PM Palaces and many others.

After the tour have some time at leisure for lunch and to 5:30 PM further enjoy Hvar town.

Later, embark the catamaran back to Split. 6:20 PM Dinner at the hotel Upon arrival, dinner will be served at the hotel. Accommodation at Hotel Spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Dioklecijan 4* in Split area

(B, D) Overnight Split.

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DAY 5 MAY 6, 2020 SPLIT – KORCULA

The island of Korcula is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic Sea, with abundant vineyards and olive groves. The dense woods led the original Greek settlers to call the island Korkyra Melaina (Black Korcula). The main city of the island Korcula has the same name. Ringed by imposing defenses, this coastal citadel is dripping in history, with marble streets rich in Renaissance and Gothic architecture.

Time (approx.) Itinerary Service Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Private transfer hotel – pier 7:40 AM Head towards Split pier where you will embark catamaran to Korcula. Catamaran tickets Split - Korcula 10 AM Upon arrival, head to your hotel, leave your luggage and relax. 2 PM Private transfer pier – hotel Later, meet your local guide and explore this romantic Dalmatian town in private tour. Private guide of Korcula

Your guide will share with you all the secrets of this medieval town. Most of Korcula was built in the 15th century when locals were renowned throughout the Adriatic for their stone-carving skills. The center of the town is dominated by the splendid St Mark's Cathedral. The Gothic-Renaissance style is superb and the interior features the Pietà by Ivan Mestrovic, Croatia's most famous sculptor. Walk along the ancient walls that surround the city and pay a visit to 4 PM the birthplace of the famed traveller Marco Polo. Dinner at the hotel

After the tour, spend the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation at Port 9 Hotel 4* in Korcula Dinner at the hotel.

(B, D) Overnight, Korcula. 7

DAY 6 MAY 7, 2020 KORCULA – STON – DUBROVNIK

Set in the centre of the Old Town, Korčula's cathedral is one of the finest examples of Dalmatian church architecture. Taking three centuries to build, it features several styles, including Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque. The luminous sandy-yellow stone of the bell-tower and facade was finally revealed in full glory in late 2013 after spending the previous two years hidden behind restoration workers' scaffolding.

Time Itinerary Service (approx.) Breakfast at the hotel and check out.

9 AM Meet your driver and guide and start your private tour of island Private transfer Korcula. Korcula – Ston Dubrovnik Visit organic bee & oil farm that dates from 2008. They make its own, homemade but also recognized and established ecological products of Visit and tasting of the island of Korcula. It is the result of love, lust and good will organic honey & oil towards keeping the old ways of our grandfathers with a twist of farm modern technology, the best available to us today. Experience, knowledge and wisdom of the old combined with up to date technology resulted in a palette of top produce, handmade on the organic farm, all of which are awarded an ecological certificate.

Have a delicious lunch and wine tasting at family estate (agro – Lunch with local tourism). Taste Dalmatia cheese and prosciutto, homemade pasta delicacies and wine (“Korcula macaroni”) in sauce. Taste famous red wine “Plavac tasting at family estate mali” and white wines “Grk” and “Bire” as well as local liqueurs. in Lumbarda

We continue our drive through other picturesque places in the central 3:15 PM part of the island, Zrnovo, Pupnat, Cara, Smokvica, each unique in its own way. 3:25 PM After the tour embark the ferry to Orebic.

4:30 PM Upon arrival head to Ston village, famous for its magnificent city Ston oysters experience walls fortification complex dating back to the 14th century. 8

(NOTE: Possibility of There, you will have a spectacular gourmet tour where you will have the boat ride depends a chance to learn about the production of these world-famous on the weather delicacies. Your host will take you on a boat ride to an oyster farm on condition) 5:30 PM the sea where you will get a chance to learn about oyster production. Taste the oysters fresh out of the sea or try to open one on the spot. 6:30 PM Drizzle a little lemon juice on them and have a taste of the sea. Accommodation at Continue towards Dubrovnik which is an hour drive away. Hotel Valamar club 3* or Tirena 3* in Upon arrival, check in at the hotel Dubrovnik

(B, L) Overnight Dubrovnik.

DAY 7 MAY 8, 2020 DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik is a medieval city on the Croatian side of the Adriatic coastline and a treasure trove of cultural, historical monuments that were created throughout its thousand-year existence. In the past, it was a City-Republic, and alongside Venice one of the most famous cultural-economic centres on the Mediterranean. In more recent times, it has become the centre of modern cultural and tourist events: a city of summer festivals, a city of museums and galleries. These values have turned Dubrovnik into a place that offers a rich selection of various experiences and excitement, but also a complete holiday in a quiet and calming, mild Mediterranean ambience and wonderful seaside landscapes.

Time Itinerary Service (approx.) Breakfast at the hotel.

9 am Meet your driver and head to the Old town for private Private transfer Dubrovnik walking tour. hotel – Pile Gate – hotel

Meet your guide and head for a private exclusive tour of Private guided walking tour Dubrovnik Old Town. Regardless of whether you are of Dubrovnik visiting Dubrovnik for the first time or the hundredth, the sense of awe never fails to descend when you set eyes on the beauty of the old town. Indeed, it’s hard to imagine anyone becoming jaded by the city’s marble streets, baroque buildings and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic. City walls entrance tickets

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Be inspired by a walk along the UNESCO landmark - ancient city walls that have protected a civilized, sophisticated republic for centuries. System of white ston walls constructed by forts, bastions, casemates, towers and detached forts 1.940 meter long. 12 pm After the tour, have a rest of the day at leisure to explore Dubrovnik on your own.

Meet the driver and return to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel restaurant Dinner at the hotel.

(B, D) Overnight Dubrovnik.

Take optional cable car ride up to Mt Srđ – on your own; marvel Accommodation at Hotel at the Mediterranean lifestyle and the interplay of light and Valamar club 3* or Tirena stone; trace the rise and fall of Dubrovnik in museums replete 3* in Dubrovnik with art and artefacts; exhaust yourself retracing history. Be amazed with the breathtaking views of the Old City of Dubrovnik, the crystal clear Adriatic Sea and the numerous islands.

After Dinner, take an optional taxi or shuttle to public Linđo Folklore presentation (show) in old city of Dubrovnik. (Additional 20-25 Euro per person depending on seats begins at 9:30pm). Established in Dubrovnik in 1964, the Linđo Folklore Ensemble is a cultural institution under the auspices of the City of Dubrovnik. It was named after the favorite and best known folk dance in the areas of Dubrovačko Primorje, Župa and Konavle. In addition to the Festival of St Blaise, the Dubrovnik dialect, the art of Konavle embroidery, the klapa singing, the Silent Circle Dance of Dalmatinska Zagora, the Bećarac dance, the Međimurska Popevka folk songs of Croatia, and many other Croatian cultural assets, the Linđo circle dance is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The Linđo Folklore Ensemble pays special attention to these traditional culture phenomena as specific symbols of identity, thus fulfilling its goal: the collecting, artistic interpretation and performance of the finest examples of Croatia's rich music and dance heritage. In each of these segments, the ensemble makes every effort to remain as faithful as possible to the authentic folk expression. It is particularly devoted to the klapa multipart singing, the nowadays most widespread form of traditional singing in the south of Croatia, and its littoral and island regions. In December 2012, UNESCO included the klapa singing in its Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The Linđo Folklore Ensemble has won a large number of accolades and awards. From 1967, it has performed on a regular basis at the 10

Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Appearing extensively at home and abroad, the ensemble has been a successful promoter of Dubrovnik and Croatia.

DAY 8 MAY 9, 2020 DUBROVNIK – KONAVLE REGION – CAVTAT – DUBROVNIK

Cavtat is built on the site of the Roman colony Epidaurum that was destroyed in the 7th-century Slav and Avar invasions. The beauty of its nature, lush vegetation, beaches and ancient monuments attract numerous visitors. Without Cavtat, there would be no Dubrovnik, as it was refugees from the original Cavtat who established the city of Dubrovnik in 614. However, Cavtat is interesting in itself. A lot more ‘local’ than Dubrovnik it has its own charm. Wrapped around a very pretty harbor bordered by beaches and backed by a curtain of imposing hills, the setting is breathtaking.

Time Itinerary Service (approx.) 9:30 AM Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet your driver and transfer to the picturesque region of Private transfer Konavle, home to around 30 picturesque villages that have Dubrovnik – Cavtat – 10 AM settled among the verdant natural beauty. Konavle – Dubrovnik

First stop in Cavtat and meet the local guide to have Guided tour of Cavtat sightseeing. The beauty of its nature, green lush vegetation, beaches and Lunch at family estate interesting monuments attract numerous visitors. At the 11 AM cemetery of Saint Roch, do not miss to visit the mausoleum of the Racic family, a masterpiece of art designed by the most 12 PM famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic

After the tour, have some free time at leisure.

2:30 PM Continue towards village Lovorno, where you will have Accommodation at Hotel delicious lunch at estate owned by a local family who have Valamar club 3* or preserved its traditional way of life as it once was. Tirena 3* in Dubrovnik

After lunch, transfer back to Dubrovnik. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure. (B, L) Overnight Dubrovnik.

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DAY 9 MAY 10, 2020 DUBROVNIK DEPARTURE

Time Itinerary Service (approx.) TBA Breakfast at the hotel and check out.

Meet your driver at the hotel lobby for a private Meet & Greet to the airport by transfer to Dubrovnik airport to catch your flight English-speaking tour leader home. End of services! (B)

All OLLI Travel participants must be OLLI members.

Price of Trip: $3,695 per person, double occupancy; $555 single supplement.

Note: If you are a single person who would like to request a roommate to avoid the single supplement, please choose that option on the registration form. We will do our best to fulfill this request but cannot guarantee it.

**Round-trip group air travel will be arranged through Milne Travel after group minimum is met. Group trip insurance (highly recommended for all travelers) will be provided by Milne Travel along with the group air reservation. Current group air rates start from $1,500 per person.

Program includes:  VAT TAX INCLUDED  24 hour concierge service  Meet & Greet at the airport by English-speaking tour leader  Private transfers as per program in air conditioned vehicles  English-speaking tour leader for whole program  Porterages as per itinerary  Headphones during city tours  TIPS for tour leader, driver, local guides and restaurant  One glass of wine with included group dinners  Dinner at the hotel restaurant  May 2 – May 6, 4 night' accommodation at Hotel Dioklecijan 4* in Split  Private transfer hotel – town – hotel  Private guided walking tour of Split Diocletian’s palace entrance tickets  Cathedral tickets Split  Lunch at local restaurant  Private transfer Split – Trogir – Klis – Split  Private guided walking tour of Trogir Cathedral tickets Trogir  Kliss fortress tickets  Stella Croatica estate guidance and traditional lunch  Lecture from local expert / historian  Private transfer hotel – pier – hotel 12

 Catamaran tickets Split – Hvar – Split  Private guided walking tour of Hvar  Dinner at the hotel  Private transfer hotel – port  Catamaran tickets Split - Korcula  Private transfer pier – hotel  Private guide of Korcula  Dinner at the hotel  May 6 – May 7, 1 night accommodation at Port 9 Hotel 4* in Korcula  Private transfer Korcula – Ston – Dubrovnik  Visit and tasting of organic honey & oil farm  Lunch with local delicacies and wine tasting at family estate in Lumbarda  Ston oysters experience (NOTE: Possibility of the boat ride depends on the weather condition)  May 7 – May 19, 3 nights' accommodation at Hotel Valamar club 3* or Tirena 3* in Dubrovnik  Private transfer Dubrovnik hotel – Pile Gate – hotel  Private guided walking tour of Dubrovnik City walls entrance tickets  Dinner at the hotel restaurant  Private transfer Dubrovnik – Cavtat – Konavle – Dubrovnik  Guided tour of Cavtat Lunch at family estate  Meet & Greet to the airport by English-speaking tour leader

Program does not include:  Meals and drinks not listed in itinerary  International Airfare  Trip Insurance  Optional tours and excursions  Personal Expenses (e.g. telephone calls, bar bills/room service, laundry etc.)  No Bathroom on the motorcoach; this is not traditional in Croatia. Transfers are not long and frequent bathroom breaks will be made.

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