Cruising the ADRIATICBest of Slovenia and Croatia aboard Queen Eleganza • September 10–21, 2021 Dear National Trust Traveler, Over the course of many millennia, a succession of civilizations—from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires to the Crusades and the Renaissance— swept across the Eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, leaving behind a wealth of architectural and cultural treasures. In a region well worth exploring for its natural beauty alone, you will visit spellbinding archaeological sites, impressive cathedrals, dramatic palaces, and ancient city centers that illuminate the layered history of the Dalmatian Coast. Begin in Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana, a city with roots dating back to Roman times. Discover magical Lake Bled, monumental karst caves, and mountain aeries before continuing to Rovinj, Croatia to begin your 7-night Adriatic cruise. Sail along the Croatian coast from the Istrian Peninsula to Dubrovnik, calling at Veliki Brijun Island, Pula, Zadar, Split, Hvar, and Korčula along the way. A leisurely pace allows for free time in town to sample local cuisine and mingle with locals. Launched in 2018, the intimate Queen Eleganza yacht features a casual ambiance and the ability to call at small, inviting islands and ports not accessible to large cruise ships. With space for only 28 travelers, this program will likely fill quickly and I encourage you to reserve your place today! Sincerely, Meg Annacone-Poretz Director, National Trust Tours For information on this or other National Trust Tours, call (888) 484-8785. Find us on National Trust Tours The NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to saving historic places and revitalizing America’s communities. For more information, visit the Trust’s website at www.savingplaces.org or phone (800) 944-6847 or (202) 588-6000. Study Leader JOHN MEFFERT, consultant on Heritage Conservation Services, has a long tradition with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He has served as the Director for our Southern Office from 1982 to 1988 and was the director of the Preservation Society of Charleston, the oldest nonprofit organization in the United States. John has delighted countless study tour groups with his lectures and insights on preservation and receives rave reviews as study leader. Highlights Experience Veliki Brijun Island where Tito once entertained celebrity guests, now a national park with abundant flora and fauna. Marvel at the well-preserved Roman ruins of Emperor Diocletian’s palace at Split and Pula’s amphitheater and temple. Explore World Heritage designated Plitvice Lake National Park’s 16 lakes, interconnected by a series of soaring waterfalls and splashing cascades. Delve into the historic grandeur of Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Swim in the pristine waters of the Kornati Archipelago. Moor at or near town centers aboard the yacht-like Queen Eleganza, with easy walk-off access to explore independently. Itinerary Friday–Saturday, Sept. 10–11 Caves, a vast network of nearby Pula to explore its Home / Ljubljana, tunnels and chambers well-preserved Roman Slovenia sometimes referred to as ruins, including the Depart home on an the “underground Grand impressive colosseum, the overnight flight to Ljubljana. Canyon.” Settle in at the only Roman amphitheater in Upon arrival, transfer to the Kempinski Palace Hotel near the world with a complete Grand Union Hotel located the oceanfront promenade circle wall. within the historic center of of Portoroz, and this QUEEN ELEGANZA (B,L,D) the city. evening, dine at the historic Thursday, September 16 GRAND UNION HOTEL (R,D) Venetian stronghold Piran. KEMPINSKI PALACE HOTEL (B,L,D) At Sea / Zadar Sunday, September 12 Spend the morning sailing Ljubljana Tuesday, September 14 the scenic coastline and After a morning lecture, set Rovinj, Croatia enjoying the educational out on a walking tour of the Cross the border into program en route to historic center, which is off Croatia and drive to Rovinj Zadar, with stops for limits to automobiles, and by way of the scenic swimming also possible. visit the sprawling Central mountaintop village of The impressive but less- Market. See the famous Motovun on the Istrian crowded city of Zadar Dragon Bridge and explore Peninsula. Enjoy a walking boasts a rich history that the ancient Roman wall. tour of the charming old dates as far back as the After lunch, venture to the town, which was a small Neolithic Era. The streets lovely and impossibly blue island until 1763, and time of the old town are paved Lake Bled this afternoon at leisure to explore the with shining white marble, and ride gondola-like Pletna cobbled streets. Embark and the inviting waterfront boats to visit Slovenia’s the Queen Eleganza this is a magnet for art lovers. only island, a picturesque evening in time for a Spend the evening at leisure outpost in the center of the welcome reception and exploring Roman ruins, lake. Dinner is at your leisure dinner. Venetian architecture, and this evening. QUEEN ELEGANZA (B,L,D) street-side cafes. GRAND UNION HOTEL (B,L) QUEEN ELEGANZA (B,L) Wednesday, September 15 Monday, September 13 Pula Friday, September 17 Portoroz Cruise to Veliki Brijun Plitvice Lakes National Travel by coach to Lipica Island, formerly a favorite Park / Split Stud Farm, breeding of Marshal Tito, now part Explore Plitvice Lakes home of Vienna’s famed of a national park known National Park, a series of Lipizzaner horses. Continue for dinosaur footprints 16 lakes interconnected by to the UNESCO-designated and home to a 1st-Century waterfalls and pedestrian ancient Skocjan Karst Roman villa. Continue to bridges, and a World Lake SLOVENIA Bled Ljubljana CROATIA Portoroz Rovinj Plitvice Pula Lakes Zadar Split Adriatic Sea Hvar Korčula Dubrovnik Land Cruise Heritage Site. Continue to on a promontory on its clad Stradun, including Split, Croatia’s fashionable, namesake island. Take Onofrio’s Fountain, St. second-largest city. Enjoy a walking tour of the Blaise’s Church, the Rector’s time to explore the old town narrow, stepped streets Palace, and the Franciscan and have dinner at leisure. and enjoy a wine tasting Church and Monastery, a QUEEN ELEGANZA (B,L) with accompanying local large complex belonging specialties. Korčula is to the Order of the Friars Saturday, September 18 the sixth-largest island in Minor and consisting of a Split / Hvar the Adriatic Sea, rich in monastery, church, library, Visit Roman Emperor vineyards and olive groves, and pharmacy, the latter Diocletian’s Palace, an picturesque villages and a of which dates from A.D. ancient fortress-like glorious old town, and age- 1317. Enjoy free time in complex spread along the old religious ceremonies, the afternoon to explore Split waterfront, before folk music, and dance the maze of alleyways cruising to lavender-scented traditions. Sample some and Renaissance-era Hvar Island. Stroll along of Croatia’s famous wines, architecture before a the elegant main square, including the white wine farewell dinner on board. with views of St. Stephen’s made from pošip grapes QUEEN ELEGANZA (B,D) Cathedral, distinguished that grow primarily on by its tall, rectangular bell Korčula, as well as local Tuesday, September 21 tower, and the 15th-century specialties. Continue to Dubrovnik / Home Franciscan Monastery, Dubrovnik this afternoon. Disembark this morning and whose refectory contains QUEEN ELEGANZA (B,L,D) transfer to the Dubrovnik a 1524 edition of Ptolemy’s airport for flights home. (B) Atlas. Explore the yacht- Monday, September 20 filled waterfront and enjoy Dubrovnik PHOTO CREDITS: Dubrovnik Rooftops an evening at leisure in the Noted for its expansive © Nikolai Sorokin; Pula © Phant; Dragon Statue © Svetlana Leybova; Ljubljana © restaurant-lined avenues. walls and red tile rooftops, Kasto80; Lake Bled © Andrey Rodionov; QUEEN ELEGANZA (B,L) Dubrovnik is perhaps the Split © Daliu80; Plitvice Lakes © Pmartike; Zadar © Dreamer4787; Dubrovnik Bay © most-visited destination Dreamer4787; Emperor Diocletian © Oleg Sunday, September 19 on the Adriatic coast. Bannikov Korčula / Dubrovnik This morning explore Cruise to the fortified the sites along the city’s town of Korčula, perched main street, the marble- Queen Eleganza SUN DECK OUTDOOR DINING The yacht-like Queen Eleganza, launched in the spring of 2018, was beautifully crafted in Croatia specificallyUPPER DECK to cruise the Adriatic coastline. With its small number of travelers, there is a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board. The 18 cabins are finished to high standards with sleek lines and neutral colors. The bar/restaurant and lounge boast comfortable seating areas, large windows, andRESTAURANT complimentary tea/coffee. Meals are served in a single & BAR seating and feature fresh and tasty Mediterranean cuisine.LOUNGE MAIN DECK 9 7 5 3 1 8 6 4 2 LOWER DECK 17 15 13 11 12 18 16 14 Program Rates (per person) CATEGORY DOUBLE SINGLE A (LOWER DECK) 161 sq ft; queen bed; two portholes $6,990 $10,390 B (LOWER DECK) 156–178 sq ft; twins or queen; two portholes $7,990 $11,640 C (MAIN DECK) 156–172 sq ft; twin beds; 3 windows $8,990 – (MAIN DECK) 151 sq ft; twins or queen; large picture window; D cabins 8 & 9 have partially obstructed views $9,990 – E (MAIN DECK) 242 sq ft; king size bed; 4 windows $10,990 – General Information PROGRAM RATES INCLUDE WHAT TO EXPECT All accommodations, meals, and excursions as specified The pace of this tour is moderately active with in the itinerary, including three hotel nights and seven considerable walking each day, often over very uneven nights aboard Queen Eleganza • Comprehensive and cobblestoned terrain, and extended periods of program of briefings, lectures, and presentations • standing. The ship has no elevator, so guests should be Transfers for all participants on group arrival and capable of navigating stairs on rolling seas. Participants departure dates • Gratuities to porters, wait staff, must be in good health and able to keep up with the guides, drivers, and shipboard personnel for all group without assistance from tour staff.