TOUR IHS8: ALONG THE ADRIATIC COAST
13 days Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia
The wild natural beauty of Montenegro’s landscapes is no longer a secret. Many say that this newly independent country has leapt onto the world tourism stage. Its 277km narrow coastal plain is dotted with beaches, inlets and secluded coves has justified Montenegro’s claim to its own “Montenegrin Riviera”. The seashores provide excellent facilities for swimming, diving, sailing and most watersports and are a mix of white pebbles and unbroken sandy beaches. Throw in a mild Mediterranean climate, azure blue waters, a rush of new luxury and competitively priced hotels with spa facilities and a warm, open-hearted welcome from the locals and you have a country that is beautiful and spellbinding.
Croatia used to be East Europe’s best kept secret, but now it seems that everyone knows about it. It hosts an extraordinary collection of lush green islands, unspoiled fishing villages, beaches, lakes, and walled medieval cities all of which mark it out as somewhere special just waiting for you to visit. Don’t expect to find sand along its thousands of kilometers of coastline, but the waters are sparkling clean. There are 1185 islands and islets along this section of the Adriatic coast many with jagged slabs of rock jutting out just perfect for sun bathing. Dubrovnik is the jewel in the crown. Georg Bernard Shaw called it “paradise on earth”; and Lord Byron merely named it “the Pearl of the Adriatic”. Probably they were both correct for Dubrovnik is something very special. Don’t miss it.
Slovenia is the third stopover on this Dalmatian tour waiting to welcome you. This peaceful and very beautiful country is a land of mountains, forests, caves and coastline. Its origins date from ancient Rome, but for centuries, present day Slovenia, except for the Venetian controlled ports, was dominated by the Habsburgs. Signs of their influences can be found everywhere. Some visitors liken the capital Ljubljana to a “mini-Prague”. Slovenia is not yet overrun by tourists but its natural beauty is attracting them in increasing numbers. Bled and its lake is Slovenia’s jewel in the crown. Its idyllic setting on a 2km-long subalpine lake with a castle crag and romantic island placed exactly where you want them to be seems to be designed for some greater being.
Departures: June 14, 2010; September 12, 2010; May 23, 2011; September 26, 2011 Itinerary: Montenegro (3 days); Croatia (6 days); Slovenia (4 days) Suggested Arrivals by air: From London, Fly into Dubrovnik (many Budva hotels will provide transfers); or fly into Skopje, or Belgrade, or Tirana, or Podgorica, then private transfer to Budva. Contact Imperial Holidays who are pleased to offer pre-tour programs in any of these centres
Day 1: Arrival in Budva, Montenegro. Transfer to your hotel Evening Village Party for traditional Montenegrin hospitality in the small village of Pobori. Share an evening meal with local hosts whilst being entertained by a Folklore performance. Evening: Dinner and folklore performance
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: After breakfast you will embark on a full day Montenegrin Tour. First stop is at the former capital of Cetinje and see the palaces and homes of the former Royal Family. Today the heir to the ruling house regularly visits Cetinje where his base is in parts of Prince Danilo’s Blue Palace built during the 1890s. Under the reign of King Nicholas, Cetinje was host to no less than 12 diplomatic embassies. These beautiful residences still there today include the British, Russian, Italian, French, Bulgarian, and Turkish Embassies reflect the past glory of the city. Must see also are the Cetinje Monastery, the Biljarda, museums and the Royal Mausoleum. On your return you will see the country’s most beautiful destination, the Bay of Kotor Evening: At leisure Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Today includes a visit to the intriguing 340 year old Monastery of Ostrog, 900 m above the beautiful Zeta Valley. The Upper Monastery looks as if it has been engraved into the cliff. This is a full day tour into the Black Mountains area. Evening: At leisure Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: The drive along the coast towards Dubrovnik is dotted with many beautiful islands and beaches. On the way there will be time to stop at Sveti Stefan. Once a fishing village , the whole island is now an exclusive resort hotel. (At time of printing the site was undergoing extensive renovations that will set it up as a very exclusive, luxury hotel.) On your sightseeing visit you can explore the island’s beauty, with its old town, narrow streets and old churches which remain mostly unchanged. Arrival in Dubrovnik will be early afternoon with plenty of time to check in to your hotel which will be your home for the next four nights. Evening: After a welcome dinner at your hotel there is time for an evening stroll inside this remarkable walled city. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Today begins with a 3 hours walking tour of Dubrovnik city and the City Walls. Discover the many wonderful attractions of Dubrovnik, a charming Adriatic port city. Your tour begins at Pile Gate, the main entrance to the medieval old town, where your guide will take you through the compact city to visit the Rector’s Palace, Bell Tower clock, Onofrio’s Fountain and the 15th Century Orlando’s Column. Continuing through the narrow limestone corridors of the old town you will have the opportunity to see the Dominican Monastery as well as the Franciscan Monastery which houses the world’s oldest pharmacy. As a special extension you can enjoy a guided walk along the top of the walls that encircle the town. Enjoy great views of the city and the Adratic. Evening: At leisure Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Dubrovnik: For a change, today offers a full day cruise which takes you to the three islands of Kolocep, Sipan and Lopud. Enjoy the craggy hills and delightful inlets of each island and take the opportunity to stop and visit ruined patrician houses on Korocep and Sipan before continuing to Lopud to visit the 15th century Church of St Mary. There is time for further exploration on the island of Lopud before returning to Dubrovnik. Evening: At leisure Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Today we will venture into Bosnia and Hercegovina to visit Mostar, with its now restored stone arch bridge. This is a magical city which has survived through centuries of varied cultures and religions which now co-exist in a wonderful mix of European and Ottoman architecture, culture and atmosphere. The highlight of your visit will be to walk across the “old bridge of Mostar” with your guide who will share with you the interesting history that has shaped the bridge’s cultural significance. There will be time for lunch overlooking the emerald-coloured water of the Neretev River. There are 16th century mosques, houses and artisans shops to see as you wander along cobbled streets. Just an hour away is the town of Madugorje which you may wish to visit before your return to Dubrovnik via Pocitelj. Evening: At leisure Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: After leaving Dubrovnik this morning we will head north to the inland Dalmatian city of Split. The journey is along the winding coastline passing many quaint fishing villages and resort towns. Today you will enjoy a comprehensive tour of the city which has been built around the remarkable Diocletian’s Palace which was originally built as a retirement palace for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. View the many Romanesque and Gothic structures that lie within the walls of the palace including the Temple of Jupiter, and the Cathedral, originally the mausoleum of Diocletian. Evening: Dinner at your hotel, then at leisure Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: After breakfast, travel to Trogir, a centre of artistic activities, where scholars from around the world gather to study and paint. After just a brief stop and time for coffee you will continue inland towards the World Heritage listed Plitvice Lakes National Park. Enjoy a relaxing walking tour around several of the lower lakes, a breathtaking series of terraced turquoise lakes and waterfalls surrounded by thickly wooded mountains. Evening: Overnight at Plitvice Lakes and dinner Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Return today to the sparkling waters of the Adriatic to visit the popular resort of Opatija, an aristocratic retreat during the 19th century and today, a favourite spot for local holiday makers. Now we venture north and head for scenic Slovenia, stopping at Postojna, home to one of the largest caves in Europe. You will take a miniature electric train underground to tour Postojna’s fantastic subterranean passages and rock formations. Afterwards we continue to Bled. Evening: Overnight in Bled with dinner Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Today you have a full day to spend in the beautiful surrounds of Bled. The day begins with a sightseeing tour of the town located on the shores of the Picturesque Lake Bled. Visit the town’s most impressive sights including Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake, and enjoy the best views of the surrounding lake and mountains. Continue your day of leisure in the relaxing surroundings of Bled – you may wish to take a gondola ride to visit the old church resting on the island in the middle of the lake. Evening: At leisure. Overnight in Bled
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Today begins with an early morning scenic drive to Ljubljana, the small but charming capital of Slovenia. Our sightseeing tour begins with a visit to the lively open markets before continuing on to the Gothic City Hall, Robba’s Fountain and the three bridges. The rest of the day is free time for you to rest, shop or explore the city further. Evening: Overnight in Ljubljana and a farewell dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: After breakfast and check-out from your hotel, transfer to the airport or the railway station for your onward journey. Meals: Breakfast
Price: From $6,723.00 per person twin share
Features of this Holiday
* 12 Nights accommodation as follows: Budva (3 nights); Dubrovnik (4 nights); Split (1 night); Plitvice (1 night); Bled (2 nights); Ljubljana (1 night): 5-star; 4-star
* Transfers on arrival and on departure Days 1 and 13
* Meals: 12 Breakfasts; 6 Dinners; 1 Lunch
* Private transport by air-conditioned vehicle
* Sightseeing as per itinerary
* Fully escorted by professional, English-speaking Tour Guide
* Assistance with luggage handling
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