Here to Expertly Guide You Through the New Normal in Travel
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Our Experience At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting custom-designed journeys for 27 years. We are a team of specialists committed to providing the best travel experiences in our destinations. Each of our experts has either travelled extensively on reconnaissance trips, or has lived in their area of expertise, giving us unparalleled first-hand knowledge. Because we focus on specific parts of the globe, we return to the same destinations many times, honing our experience over the years. Knowledgeable Up-to-the-Minute Local Information We are best placed to give you advice about traveling to Europe and beyond; from logistics and new protocols in museums, hotels and restaurants in each country. We are here to expertly guide you through the new normal in travel. Original Custom Programs, Meticulously Planned Our experts speak your language both literally and culturally. Our advice and recommendations are impartial, honest, and always have the individual in mind. We save valuable time in pre-trip research and focus on developing experiences that enrich and enhance your experience. Once on your journey you will have complete peace of mind with our local 24-hour contact person who is on hand to coordinate any changes in your program or help you in the case of any emergency. Hand-Selected Guides We know that guides are one of the most important components of any travel experience. That is why we only use local experts who have a history of working with our guests and whom we know personally. We are extremely particular in selecting our guides and are confident that they will be one of the most memorable aspects of any of our trips. Flexible Deposit We prepay deposits for services so we can access the top guides, the best drivers and maintain preferred partnerships with our partner hotels. Our deposit to confirm services is 25% of the total trip cost. We want you to feel confident to book but also know that we are sensitive to current circumstances. Therefore, 15% of this deposit is refundable up to 31 days prior to departure if you are unable to travel for any reason. 10% of the deposit will be retained as a future travel credit for up to 3 years. Future travel will be priced at prevailing rates. If it is determined that you are unable to travel within 31 days of the start of services, all deposits paid will be converted to a future travel credit, less nonrefundable funds committed on your behalf and tickets such as train or theater tickets. This credit may also be applied to our sister travel companies: Almaz Journeys and Exeter Safari Company. Financial Stability We are proud to be recognized by Allianz Insurance on their list of covered travel suppliers to give you additional peace of mind. Arrive into Belgrade. Your private driver will greet you outside of customs for your private transfer to the Square 9 Hotel. Your journey will begin in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. The city lies on the confluence of two powerful rivers, the Sava and the Danube. The site of the city was settled in the 3rd century BC by the Celts before becoming a Roman settlement. The Slavic name Beligrad (literally meaning White City) was first recorded in 878 AD. Belgrade first became the capital of the Serbian Kingdom in the 13th century, and the Ottoman Turks ruled from the 14th century to the mid-19th century. After World War I, it was the capital of Yugoslavia from 1918 until 2006. Upon arriving at your hotel, you may spend the remainder of your day at your leisure. Airport Transfer Square 9 Hotel This morning after meeting your driver and guide, you will journey through some of the more recent history of the city, starting with a visit to the temple of Saint Sava. Built in 1825, this Serbian Orthodox cathedral is the largest Orthodox Church in use in the world and one of the symbols of Belgrade. Later you will enjoy a visit to the Royal Palace complex. There are two palaces: The Royal Palace, built in the Serbian-Byzantium style in the 1920s, and the White Palace, built a decade later. The Royal Palace is unique as it is the residence of the Royal Family HRH Crown Price Alexander and Princess Katherine. During the Socialist period both palaces were closed to visitors and were used by Tito to entertain visiting dignitaries. Next you will visit the Museum of Yugoslavia, which is the best place to learn about Josip Broz Tito’s rule and the history of Yugoslavia under his leadership. The museum is on the grounds of Tito’s main Belgrade residence where he wanted to be buried and includes his mausoleum. After, you will visit the fortress and have a walking tour of the Old Town (Stari Grad) which features some fine examples of neo-Renaissance (the School of Fine Arts), Art Nouveau (the Academy of Arts and Sciences), and neo-Baroque (the Krsmanovic House) architecture. The remainder of your evening is at leisure. Vehicle, Driver & Guide (6 Hours) Square 9 Hotel This morning you will meet your driver and guide and head to Kovačica, 35 miles from Belgrade. This area of the countryside has been a Slovakian enclave since 1802. Today you will meet some of the artists at the Gallery of Naïve Arts. The gallery was established in 1955 by self-taught artists, 18 of which remain. They are all in their late 70s and 80s and still paint prolifically. Today their main purpose is to pass down and preserve the tradition of Naïve painting to the next generation. Later, you will visit the workshop of a master violin maker and restorer. Jan’s son and granddaughter both have learned this artisanal skill, and it is wonderful to hear their story. Later this afternoon you will have a curator-led tour at the National Museum. Housed over three floors of a neoclassical former bank building on Republic Square, the museum has a 400,000-piece collection. The museum was closed for 15 years and has just re-opened. The first floor covers prehistory and classical antiquity, as well as an abundance of Roman material (18 emperors, including Constantine the Great, were born in what is now Serbia). The second floor has a collection of Byzantine-Serbian exhibits, and the top floor is devoted to paintings with a focus on Yugoslav and European art. The Impressionist collection is impressive, with works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Cézanne. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure. Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours) Square 9 Hotel This morning after check-out, your driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel for your transfer to Sarajevo. This journey will take approximately 4 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic and the number of stops you will make. Optional: You may also take a quick direct flight to Sarajevo. Cost of the flight is not included. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and may spend the remainder of your day at your leisure. Private Transfer - Belgrade to Sarajevo Swissotel Sarajevo This morning we will meet our guide to start our exploration of the city. The compact Old Town makes for an easy and enjoyable exploration on foot, and the Ferhadija pedestrian street is lined with architectural monuments, cafes, and shops. You will also see the Moraca Han, a caravanserai which once provided accommodations, meals, storage, and stables for merchants and travellers. It has now been renovated and houses a courtyard surrounded by several restaurants, cafes, and shops. It is also mainly along the Ferhadija Street that you will notice some of the Sarajevo roses: marks of mortar shell explosions on the pavements, many of which have been filled in with red paint or resin and accompanied by plaques with the names of the victims of the particular explosion. You will stroll along the Miljacka River and see the bridges built during Ottoman times. One of these, the elegant stone Latin Bridge, is where the Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip shot and killed Franz Ferdinand and his wife. Now, a plaque commemorates the place of the assassination, and a small museum stands on the northern bank of the river. Later, you may also wish to visit the Jewish Museum, housed in the oldest synagogue in the region. The remainder of your evening is at your leisure. Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours) Swissotel Sarajevo Today you will meet your driver for your transfer to the airport to board your departing flight onward. Cost of your flights are not included. Departure Transfer Cost of the Program: Per Person for Two (2) guests travelling together From $3,100 Per Person for Four (4) guests travelling together From $2,400 Accommodations Belgrade Three (3) nights at the Square 9 Hotel; tax and breakfast included. Located near the Studentski Park, Square Nine is just a short walk away from Belgrade Fortress and from Beograd Donji Grad Station. Its concept focuses on luxury and familiarity to match with the city’s own renovation yet staying true to the city’s identity. This hotel offers two distinct choices of fine dining. The Square, focusing on modern European cuisine with a large selection of international fine wines and spirits, and Ebisu, a rooftop Japanese restaurant serving authentic Japanese cuisine. Head to the Lobby Bar for a wide selection of cocktails, wines, fine spirits, Japanese beer, and various other beverages. Relax in their Spa & Wellness center, bordered by 500 square meters of natural stone with an 18-meter-long lap pool.