Arts, Sites, Foods and Wines of

&

10-day Tour visiting top artists, 10 “must see” sites and 10 best hidden eateries

in Venice and Croatia

See what Anthony Bourdain experienced in Croatia http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xqcg4o_anthony-bourdain-no-reservations-croatian-coast_travel

LAND PRICE FROM: $5,015.00 Land portion starts in either Venice or Zagreb and terminates in Dubrovnik (DBV)

Guaranteed departures. Group limited to 8 participants

Itinerary

Choice A./Starting in Venice

Day 1

VENICE-Arrival

MEALS: Dinner ART ACTIVITIES: No activities are scheduled for today. Upon arrival in Venice, you will be met by Mediterra representative who will assist with baggage and arrange for transfer to your boutique hotel located in St. Marc’s Square area. Enjoy your first day in Venice by refreshing and relaxing at your hotel or by taking leisurely walk through narrow streets of Venice. We will walk and have dinner at one of the best restaurants in Venice serving local and Mediterranean specialties. Return to hotel after dinner for overnight.

Day 2

VENICE

MEALS: Breakfast and Dinner ART ACTIVITIES: City walking tour that will include visit to Doge’s Palace, Murano art glass manufacturing, Burano and more. Afternoon: Venetian mask-making class. Breakfast at hotel in Venice. After breakfast, we have a full day of activities. First, we will spend morning in touring the Venice and its principal attractions including St. Marc’s Square, Doge’s Palace and other attractions. We will also spend about 2.0 hour at Venetian masks-making class. We will grab a light lunch somewhere and

take a boat ride to islands of Burano and famous glass manufacturing Murano island. In Murano we will have a private session and witness artistic glass production with expert narrating and explaining the entire process. Afternoon is reserved for a very special event; Venetian mask-making class. This class will walk us through intricate process of mask-making art. We will conclude the day with another dinner and another top restaurant in Venice serving exquisite cuisine and wines. Overnight in Venice.

Day 3

VENICE-TRIESTE-ROVINJ (Croatia)

MEALS: Breakfast and Dinner ART ACTIVITIES: In transit/None scheduled for this day. After breakfast at hotel in Venice, we will check-out and transfer to Piazza Roma where a minibus will be waiting for us to take us to Rovinj, Croatia. On the way to Rovinj, we will stop in Trieste for drive-through sightseeing and quick lunch. From Trieste to Rovinj is another 1.0 hr. driving. Rovinj is the most picturesque town in whole of the Mediterranean and the latest artists’ colony. It claims to be the most photographed town (as whole) in the entire Mediterranean. It is truly a jewel and artists’ paradise. We will check in at boutique hotel (TBA) in city’s old town section and hook up with rest of the group coming from Zagreb. After refreshing and relaxing we will walk to one of the most popular, most unique and the best restaurants in town, the Puntulina. Puntulina’ s dining terraces and patios, carved into rock and set at different levels right above the blue waters of the Adriatic, provide unique place to dine and watch one of the most spectacular sunsets. This restaurant gives the real meaning to “on the rocks” saying. Restaurant specializes in Mediterranean and seafood cuisine, but meat dishes are as good and available. There is also big selection of excellent local wines. Retire to your hotel after dinner.

For continuation of itinerary, please go to Day 5.

Choice B./Starting in Zagreb Day 1

ZAGREB-Arrival

MEALS: Dinner ART ACTIVITIES: TBA Welcome to Croatia and welcome to Zagreb, the capital! A Mediterra representative will meet you and assist at ZAG airport. Baggage assistance will extend through customs and immigration formalities until bags are on the bus. Transfer to historic Hotel Esplanade (5-star/formerly Regent). To help you unwind from a long journey, you can enjoy an invigorating and relaxing Croatian/Mediterranean massage or spa treatment at the hotel, compliments of Mediterra DMC. Please call hotel spa and make reservation. After relaxing and being rejuvenated, step into a cocktail reception at hotel’s lobby bar hosted by Mediterra. Dinner will be served in one of the most popular restaurants in Zagreb. Featured will be a selection of Croatian specialties, culinary creations reflecting the local gastronomy and entertainment by strolling musicians, a Croatian genre of Mariachis. Don’t be surprised if you see local patrons joining in singing; it’s just the way they love to do it. So enjoy and join them in singing, too! This first night will be warm, welcoming, fun and filled with new experiences of typical Croatian dishes and locally grown and produced wines. (Grasevina, Traminer, Riesling.) Overnight at Hotel Esplanade in Zagreb.

Day 2

ZAGREB

MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch ART ACTIVITIES: TBA

Champagne breakfast at hotel. Full-day excursion to Zagreb’s hinterland and visit Krapina, Trakoscan Castle, Hlebine, a village where Crotian Naïve Art was born, Medieval =charming town of Varazdin and much more. Lunch will be in country restaurant serving authentic local dishes and wines. Return to Zagreb in late afternoon or early evening hours. Overnight in Zagreb

Day 3

ZAGREB-OPATIJA-ROVINJ (3.0 hr. total driving time)

MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch ART ACTIVITIES: TBA Champagne breakfast at your hotel in Zagreb. After breakfast, We will take a walking tour of Zagreb with private guide. Zagreb, having been under Austro-Hungarian rule for many centuries, was influenced in large measure by those rulers. The city's architecture resembles the buildings of Vienna, Budapest or Munich, thus earning it the nickname of “Little Vienna.” The Austrians also left their mark on culture, cuisine, industry and the general quality of life. The tour will include 2.0 hours visiting all the major historical and cultural attractions and points of interest, which are within walking distance in this vibrant city. We will be visiting the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art. Naïve art is very popular in Croatia and, in fact, originated in the vicinity of Zagreb about 75 years ago. According to local historians, on long winter nights when farming activity was relegated to merely feeding animals, several peasant farmers without formal education in art, ventured into depicting farm life and painting village motifs. Their art became an instant hit and more and more of them started getting involved in painting and sculpting. Today, some of those peasant artists earn more money from their art work than they will ever earn farming. We will have a break for lunch in Zagreb (not included in tour price) at a typical restaurant popular with the locals to try some of their specialties. Zagreb is one of 10 “must see” places in Croatia. To learn more about Zagreb: http://www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr/&lang=en After lunch we will check out and travel to Opatija (some 174 km/108 mi, about a 2- hour drive) OPATIJA: Opatija (pron: oh-pa-tee-yah) is probably the most elegant resort town on the entire Adriatic. It was once the summer playground of European nobility in the 19th and 20th centuries. European royalty and aristocracy flocked during the summer months to this little spa-resort town resembling Monte Carlo. Anyone

who was anybody in Europe at that time had to vacation in Opatija. Many hotels built to accommodate that nobility are to this day accommodating thousands of tourists in Opatija every year. Opatija is also the birthplace of scientist Leo Henrik Sternbach, the inventor of the drug valium. To learn more about Opatija: http://www.opatija-tourism.hr/en/opatija/ After stop in Opatija, we will continue to Rovinj where we will hook up with rest of the group that is coming from Venice. We will check in at boutique hotel (TBA) in city’s old town section. After refreshing and relaxing we will walk to one of the most popular, most unique and the best restaurants in town, the Puntulina. Puntulina’s dining terraces and patios, carved into rock and set at different levels right above the blue waters of the Adriatic, provide unique place to dine and watch one of the most spectacular sunsets. This restaurant gives the real meaning to “on the rocks” saying. Restaurant specializes in Mediterranean and seafood cuisine, but meat dishes are as good and available. There is also big selection of excellent local wines. Rovinj is one of the 10 “must see” places in Croatia.

Day 4

“CIRCLE OF ISTRIA” EXCURSION: ROVINJ LIM FJORD-POREC-MOTOVUN-ROVINJ

(total 3.5 hr. driving time with many stops. No ride is longer than 60 min.) MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner VISITING ARTIST: TBA Breakfast at the hotel in Rovinj. After breakfast, we will take a full day excursion through Istria with an expert guide. Our first sightseeing will be a brief walk-through Rovinj. ROVINJ is the most photographed city in Croatia and probably in the entire Mediterranean and the latest international artists’ colony. It is a typical Venetian style small town with a cathedral set on the top of the hill

dominating the entire area with its tiny streets circling the hill and intersecting like a spider’s web. The town was started by the Venetians in the late 12th century and today is one of the most desired tourist destinations in Croatia. Its picturesque and charming appeal continues to draw more and more artists every year from around the globe. We will take a brief walking tour of about 1-hour. It’s an easy to moderate walk with some steps. Bring your camera for you will want to take a picture of everything you see: streets, monuments, storefront windows, people scenes. Our first stop after Rovinj on today's excursion will be the city of Pula at the very tip of the Istrian peninsula. PULA is the largest city here and also the site of the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the world. During their dominance in the Mediterranean the Romans built about 35 amphitheaters. Except for five or six, they were all completely destroyed. The Pula Coliseum is the best preserved, its entire structure--- with only a few stones missing from its massive walls---- standing intact centuries later. It is still being used today for civic events, including the annual Croatian summer film festival. Just outside Pula, there is a small archipelago Brijuni where several very beautiful islands are located. In fact, one of those islands was the summer residence of former Yugoslav president Tito. Ironically, next to it, another island called Goli Otok (Denuded Island) used to house political prisoners, those opposing Tito’s dictatorship. The joke at that time was that: “Tito did not discriminate. He treated everyone equally, including his enemies. They all spent summers on the islands”. Brijuni is a short boat ride from Pula. Pula is one of 10 “must see” places in Croatia To learn more about Pula: http://www.pulainfo.hr/en/

POREC is a small town also built during the Venetian times and is the site of one of Croatia’s 7 UNESCO World Heritage monuments; the Euphrasius Basilica. This is one of the most western located Byzantine churches from the 6th century. It is still a mystery as to how this church which is entirely Byzantine in architectural style and appearance came to be built in the Western part of the Roman Empire hundreds of years after the powerful Empire split into Eastern (Byzantine) and Western Roman Empire.

Then we will hit the road and explore this fascinating Croatian province whose fertile land was one of breadbaskets of the Old Roman Empire. In fact they called it “Istria Nobilissima” (Bountiful Istria) for it produced almost anything the mighty Empire needed. But the real Renaissance of Istria came just 15 or so years ago. It all started in 1999 when a young man by the name of Giancarlo Zigante stumbled upon the largest white truffle ever found anywhere in the world. While the normal, average size of the white truffle is no bigger than a fist and weighs just a few ounces, this one weighed almost three pounds (1.32 kg). White truffle (Tuber magnatum) and Black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) are fungi in mushroom family that grow about 4 to 10 inches under the surface of the earth. Specially trained dogs or pigs are used to detect them. Mr. Zigante was smart enough to register his find in the Guinness Book of World Records and the rest is history. He became one of the richest men in Croatia and today he is a multi-millionaire with several stores selling truffle products, olive oils and wines. He also owns one of the best restaurants specializing in truffle dishes where we will have dinner. This discovery catapulted Istria onto the world scene of gourmet destinations and it became the newest culinary frontier. Foodies and truffle lovers started flocking to the area in big numbers giving a boost to the local economy. What visitors who came for truffles also discovered was some of the best wines, olive oils and prosciutto. Hundreds of small, boutique wineries sprouted up quickly. Numerous olive oil producers today sell some of the world's best olive oils. As part of exploring the delights of this area, you will travel along the route of several wineries.

The entire central Istria was nicknamed “Croatian Tuscany” since it is very reminiscent of that famous Italian region around Chianti equally known for having a large variety of wine and olive oil. As one of our past customers put it, “if you like Tuscany, you’ll love Istria.” On the way to Motovun, the heart of central Istria we will stop at one of village retreats that specializes in truffle picking and truffle processing. They usually also offer delicious truffle dishes. We will have a lunch, sampling truffle delicacies and witnessing truffle meals cooking demonstration. There will be also wine sampling during the lunch. Some of the best Istrian wines are Teran and Malvasia (similar to Chardonnay). After lunch we will try our luck in truffle hunting. Truffles as mentioned earlier are in mushroom family and grow about 4-10 inches underground completely undetectable by humans. Specially trained dogs or pigs who can sniff them and find them are here man’s best friends. A good truffle dog can cost as much as $10,000. Local professional truffle hunter with her dogs and shovel will take us on an interesting safari, truffle hunting safari. We will see exactly how truffles are detected and collected. After truffle safari we will visit charming town of Motovun.

MOTOVUN town and the interior of the Istrian peninsula with small towns perched on hilltops and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves offer many surprises. The town of Motovun is the crown of them all. And it happened right here, at the foothill of this town that the largest truffle was discovered by Mr. Zigante! Motovun is also the birth place of Mario Andretti, the famous Indy car racer. Time permitting, we will visit the house where he was born which is not open to the public. You will see a plaque on it bearing Andretti’s name. Interestingly, both the Italians and Croatians claim him as a native son, perhaps rightly so since Motovun was under Italian occupation during World War II when Andretti was Dinner with wine tasting will be at Zigante Restaurant specializing in truffle dishes. We hope to meet Mr. Zigante, the finder of the largest white truffle and hear the entire story from the “horse’s mouth.” He loves to socialize with his patrons and enjoys telling his story when he is around. Motovun, Zigante Restaurant and adjacent specialty store are not to be missed by any visitor to Istria. Motovun and central Istria are one of 10 “must see” places in Croatia. Return to Rovinj after dinner (about 30 minutes from Motovun). This entire excursion will lasts about 12 hours, covers 110 miles and includes many stops en route with the longest ride no more than 45 minutes. Day 5

ROVINJ-PLITVICE LAKES-ZADAR (approx. 214 mi/3.5 hours effective driving to Plitvice plus 1.5 h. to Zadar) MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch ART ACTIVITIES: TBA Buffet breakfast at the hotel in Rovinj.

After breakfast, departure to Plitvice Lakes National Park (pron.: pleet-vee-tseh) and arrive in time for lunch. After lunch we'll take a leisurely walk along the lakes and enjoy the natural beauty of the setting. This will be a welcome change of scenery and pace, a marked contrast from the urban hustle and bustle with its noisy traffic and crowded streets. Our Mediterra guide will explain the virtues of Mother Nature which abound in this locality of Croatia. Well maintained paths, wooden boardwalks and bridges make it easy to walk around. PLITVICE LAKES: Imagine sixteen pristine lakes set one above the other, connected by exploding waterfalls and cascades and all nestled in a jungle-like environment, resplendent with a green native landscape. This unique natural endowment was proclaimed a UNESCO world heritage monument, the only natural monument in Croatia under UNESCO’s protection. Not to be missed! It is one of 10 “must see” places in Croatia and in Europe. We will spend 4.0 hours sightseeing and touring the lakes. There are several restaurants and eateries within the park and lunch here is on your own. To learn more about Plitvice Lakes: http://www.tzplitvice.hr/ We will depart Plitvice in late afternoon with sufficient time left to catch “the most spectacular sunset in Zadar”, as Alfred Hitchcock said once. We will take a brief city tour of Zadar visiting Sea Organs, Salute to the Sun, Roman monuments and St. Donatus Cathedral before checking in at boutique hotel Bastion. After refreshing and unpacking, we will have a nice dinner at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant with Dalmatian wines sampling. Overnight at hotel in Zadar

Day 6

ZADAR-SIBENIK- LAKES-SPLIT (158 mi/3.0 h driving) MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch ART ACTIVITIES: TBA

Buffet breakfast at the hotel in Zadar. After breakfast, we will hit the road toward Sibenik, the site of St. James Cathedral, another Croatia’s UNESCO heritage monument. Our local guide will meet us and take us on a 2.o hour walking tour of this Croatian seaside city. Next stop after Sibenik will be medieval town of Trogir, yet another UNESCO site. Our tour guide will meet us here and take us on 1.0 hour walking tour of this islnd-town that is one of the oldest Croatian townships. The entire town is situated on a small island of Ciovo (pron. Chee-oh-vo) just 50 feet from the mainland and connected by a single arch stone bridge. After the sightseeing, we will settle in a typical Dalmatian “konoba” (tavern) and have a nice, liesurely lunch with some wine sampling. After lunch we will continue to Split jut 20 minutes away. Upon arrival in Split while our baggage is being holed from the bus to hotel, we will take 2.0 hour walking tour of Split’s famous Diocletian’s Palace. Accommodations in Split will be at the boutique hotel Jupiter within the walls of historic Diocletian’s Palace and in the very heart of city center. Dinner is open and on your own. Explore rich dining scene of this Dalmatian largest city. Overnight at boutique hotel Jupiter in Split.

Day 7

SPLIT

MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch ART ACTIVITIES: TBA Buffet breakfast at the hotel in Split. Entire day is free in Split. Our Croatian office and staff will be at your disposal to assist you with dining and shopping suggestions.

SPLIT: Split is the largest city on the Dalmatian Coast and is Dalmatia’s economic, political and cultural center. However, Split is best known for Diocletian’s Palace. Diocletian's Palace (Croatian: Dioklecijanova palača http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletian%27s_Palace) was built in Split by the Roman emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 4th century AD.

Roman Emperor Diocletian started building this massive palace in 305 AD in preparation for his retirement. It lies in a bay on the south side of a short peninsula jutting out from the Dalmatian coast, four miles from Salona, then capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Unfortunately, the Emperor never lived long enough to enjoy this beautiful structure. The Palace stood for a century unused, neglected and exposed to the elements. Eventually it got almost completely destroyed except for the outside walls and a few interior structures. When the Slavic tribes (Croats) moved into this area in 7th century AD, they saw an opportunity to settle here by using building material piled up in the destroyed palace. So they started building their houses and habitats within the walls of the old Palace. Thus even today there are more than 100 houses and structures within the Palace, and presently, in excess of 500 Split residents have their residencies within the Palace. The main promenade, which is closed to vehicle traffic, runs along the South wall which is dotted with cafes and restaurants. This is the superior place to sit over drinks or coffee and watch the people scene. There are also four boutique hotels within the palace including the one where you're staying. Since the Palace is in the heart of the city and no traffic enters the Palace nor is allowed in the city center, walking is the only means of transportation. Diocletian Palace is one of Croatia’s 7 UNESCO Heritage Monuments and one of the 10 “must see” places in Croatia. Split is also home to the Mestrovic (pron.: mesh-tro-vich) Gallery. Ivan Mestrovic was a Croatian peasant sculptor who eventually came to the United States and taught sculpture at Syracuse and Notre Dame Universities where he died in 1962. He was extremely talented and by some accounts, even Rodin acquired some of Mestrovic’s sculptures for his private collection. Many of his works are held by collectors or in private galleries in countries scattered throughout the world. The two Indian warriors (the Bowman and the Spearman) in Chicago’s Grant Park are works of this talented artist. The Croatian government was able to collect about 100 of his art works and they are today on permanent exhibition, which is open to the public at the Mestrovic Gallery just outside of Split city center. A must see exhibition. Balance of day is free in Split. Dinner in yet another authentic “konoba” in Split with Dalmatian wine tasting.

Overnight at the boutique hotel within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace in Split. To learn more about Split: http://www.split.info/

Day 8

SPLIT-STON-DUBROVNIK (approx. 141 mi/3.5 h. driving) MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch ART ACTIVITIES: TBA Buffet breakfast at the hotel in Split. After breakfast we will again forge ahead toward Dubrovnik with a brief stop for lunch in the little Mediterranean town of Ston. STON is an enchanting medieval town on the Mediterranean coast, just north of Dubrovnik, and it used to be the summer playground of wealthy Dubrovnik patrons. Well preserved, beautiful mansions are still in use by local residents. Ston is today known as one of the biggest oyster, mussel and other shellfish farms in the Adriatic. Miles and miles of lines holding nets filled with different shellfish species stretch in the blue and clear waters of Stone Bay. This area in and around the peninsula Peljesac is also known as the fertile ground for the grape that produces the brand called “Mali Plavac” that is actually the “great grandfather” of the popular Zinfandel wine. Napa Valley renowned vintner Mike Grgich (Grgich Hill Estate Winery in Napa) is from this part of Croatia and he produces wines from local grapes at his Peljesac Grgich Croatian Winery. Mike Grgich was adamant that Napa’s zinfandel originally came from his native Peljesac peninsula while the rest of Napa's wine experts believed that it came from Sicily. To prove his theory, Grgich commissioned Davis

University to do research on this issue. And Davis’ experts after extensive study and DNA testing established that Napa's zinfandel came from Sicily but Sicilian zinfandel came from Mike’s Peljesac. So both camps proved to be correct. Grgich Napa wines are frequently served at White House official state dinners. We will stop in Ston for a special experience. We will take a boat ride to one of the shellfish farms and pull out a net full of fresh growing oysters and mussels and taste them right there on the spot; straight from the water. Expert on shellfish growing and cultivation will be on hand to explain the entire growing process of each type of shells and will pull out nets filled with shellfish at different stages of their growth. After this experience, we will settle in a nice restaurant owned by shellfish farmer for leisurely and delightful shellfish and seafood lunch.

Following the lunch and shellfish feast we will visit local salt plantation and make a trip (45 min) to Grgich Croatian winery. After Grgich we will continue to Dubrovnik (about a 2.0 hour drive), our ultimate destination. We will check in at beautiful boutique Hotel More (pron.: moh-reh and means “The Sea” in the Croatian language). Hotel More is 5* boutique hotel set on the cliff right above the water. During construction they stumbled upon a huge cave. Instead of destroying this cave and erecting the hotel’s foundation, the architect decided to alter the entire architectural plan and preserve the cave. Today this cave is a buzzing bar in a memorable setting, one of the most popular spots in all Dubrovnik. You must have a drink here. The hotel garage and front desk receive guests on the highest point of the hillcrest---- a "Wow" experience-- while guest rooms, restaurant and bar are located on floors below. It is similar to the siting and configuration of hotels along the Amalfi Coast in Italy. We suggest cocktails at the Cave Bar followed by dinner (not included in tour price) at the outstanding hotel restaurant, recognized for both ambiance and food. Overnight in Dubrovnik at Hotel More.

Day 9

DUBROVNIK

MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch ART ACTIVITIES: TBA Buffet breakfast at the hotel in Dubrovnik After breakfast we will take a walking tour of Old Town Dubrovnik with our dedicated local expert-guide. She will tell as about this intriguing city, once an independent republic like Venice.

DUBROVNIK, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is arguably the most complex and arresting city in the region, one of the top destinations in Croatia, and a line item on countless bucket lists. It is a magnet for Adriatic cruises, a “must” port of call of all major cruise lines and it is not unusual during peak season to see 5 or 6 ocean liners anchored outside the city. The sight of these magnificent vessels against the stunning backdrop of Dubrovnik and the sparkling azure sea is an image that stays in the mind's eye indelibly. During the centuries when Venice ruled the seas and controlled great swaths of Mediterranean trade, Dubrovnik was an independent republic comparable to Venice and its rivals well, competing with Venice in trade in the region. Yet they never raised arms against each other; in fact, they were trading partners. Venetian influence can be seen everywhere; in Dubrovnik’s monuments, churches, public squares and buildings. The difference between the two power centers (besides the canals) was that Venice was open and accessible from all sides while Dubrovnik was a fortress surrounded by massive walls, priding itself on its strong defenses against invaders and pirates. It wasn’t until Napoleon occupied Dubrovnik in 1808 that these defenses were breached and Dubrovnik’s long independence and considerable prosperity were undermined. The entire Old Town with its 5,000 residents has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserved with almost all of its original buildings. Its city wall, 4.5 m/15 ft. thick and over 7.6 m/25 ft. tall, is topped by a 2 km/1.25 mi foot path. Enjoy unforgettable vistas as you walk on paths carved above the city’s red and orange-

tiled roofs, eyeing narrow streets scaling the hills and laundry flapping in the breeze. Another “must” is a cable-car ride up to the top of Dubrovnik hill for breathtaking views of the city below, the crayon-colored boats in the harbor, the nearby islands and the entire Riviera. Dubrovnik is a pedestrian zone, and its center is full of attractions, perfect for unhurried exploration: city squares, old buildings, churches, museums, galleries, boutiques, cafés and romantic spots to seduce you. Modern Dubrovnik may have expanded beyond the walls, but there are still about 5,000 residents living within the Old Town. Their lifestyle is casual and friendly as residents talk to each other across the stone balconies of their sturdy old houses, older than the oldest building in America. You’ll love Dubrovnik! Dubrovnik is also one of 10 “must see” places in Croatia and in Europe. After the city tour, balance of the day is free in Dubrovnik. Explore this fascinating town on your own. You will find it very interesting. Our Croatian staff will be on hand to assist you. Dining suggestions TBA. Overnight at the Hotel More in Dubrovnik.

Day 10

DUBROVNIK

MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch ART ACTIVITIES: TBA Breakfast at the hotel in Dubrovnik Another day at leisure in Dubrovnik until 6:00 PM. DINNER PROGRAM: This being your last night in Croatia, we would like to invite you to be our guests at our family village retreat just outside of Dubrovnik on the return trip from Montenegro. Cousin Katarina who speaks very good English likes to impress our guests by dressing up in traditional local Croatian costume. She takes them first to family cellar (konoba) and offers home-made liquors and grape schnapps along with home-made

prosciutto, cheeses, jams and other home-made delicacies. Then she takes guests to a family organic garden to pick their own vegetables for dinner as well as lettuce and fruits (in season). Our hostess then encourages guests to participate in preparing the meal and is eager to teach how to make some prized Croatian recipes. Once everything is prepared, the cooking is done in the ancient, traditional, almost forgotten, Croatian way of cooking known as "ispod peke" or on open fire. The kitchen here is fairly big and one entire wall is an open fireplace. Fire is fueled by natural wood, hickory and mesquite and then the food is put in pans and covered by iron bells. All this is buried under chunks of hot wood and let cook for about one hour. Once the food is done, pans are brought to the table and the iron bell removed. Mediterra attests you will agree you've never smelled or tasted anything like this. Dinner is served and guests will sit with members of the family----kids, grandparents, host, hostess Katarina, maybe even a cat and a pair of turtles. The food is complimented by home-made family reserve wine that is from the family vineyard, not for commercial use but strictly family consumption. My cousin Katarina will entertain you during the dinner by telling stories about family, noble members of family and ancestors and episodes of history dating back to Ottoman times more than 400 years ago. This experience will give you a glimpse into an authentic Croatian family's everyday life and struggles as well as their joy and appreciation for what they have. Mediterra swears that this will be the highlight of your entire trip. After dinner return to your hotel in Dubrovnik (about 30 min.) Overnight in Dubrovnik Day 11

DUBROVNIK-HOME

MEALS: Breakfast & Lunch Buffet breakfast at the hotel in Dubrovnik Transfer to Dubrovnik (DBV) airport for return flight home

***End of trip-Thank you!***

INCLUDED IN PACKAGE

• Meet and baggage assistance upon arrival in Zagreb

• OW private transfer in Zagreb (airport-hotel)

• Standard massage at hotel upon arrival in Zagreb

• Bottle of Croatian wine in your hotel room upon arrival.

• Fresh flowers, fruit and cheese tray in your room upon arrival

• Air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver throughout tour

• Fuel, driver’s expenses, parking and toll-road fees

• 2 nights' accommodations at 5* Hotel Esplanade in Zagreb

• 2 nights' accommodations at 5* boutique Hotel Lone in Rovinj

• 1 night's accommodations at 5* boutique Hotel Bastion in Zadar

• 2 nights' accommodations at 4* boutique Hotel Jupiter in Split

• 3 nights' accommodations at 5* boutique Hotel More in Dubrovnik

• Daily buffet breakfast (B) at hotels

• Lunch (L) or dinner (D) as indicated in itinerary

• Full-day excursion “Circle of Istria” with private guide

• Truffle lunch in Motovun, Istria with wine and cooking demo (subject to scheduling)

• Traditional Croatian dinner at private family Village Retreat in Dubrovnik including tasting of home-made aperitifs and wines and cooking demo

• Sightseeing tours with private guides in Zagreb, Opatija, Plitvice, Split and Dubrovnik

• Day excursion to Montenegro with private guide

• Admission to all attractions, artists’ studios museums, galleries and sites on itinerary

• OW transfer from hotel to Dubrovnik (DBV) airport

• Mediterra 7/24 “Total Care” service

• VAT, visitors and tourist taxes

NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE • Meals other than those indicated in Itinerary

• Wine tastings and beverages consumed in hotels and during meals except where indicated

• Personal items, art purchase, souvenirs, alcohol consumed in hotel rooms or bars, room service items ordered in hotels etc.

• Tips to guides, drivers, service personnel, porters and waiters

TOUR: B-109

Arts, Sites, Foods and Wines of Italy & Croatia

2020 DEPARTURES (VCE/ZAG) PRICE in USDMAR 18 5,625

APR 15 5,918

MAY 13, 6,348

JUN 10 6,826

JUL 8 6,826

AUG 8 6,826

SEP 2 6,826

SEP 30, OCT 28 6,348

NOV 11 5,918

DEC 9 5,625

Single Supplement +45%

Third Person sharing -30%

Deluxe Tour limited to 8 participants

Prices in USD per person based on double occupancy

DISCOUNTS:4 persons traveling together -$150 off p.p.

8 persons traveling together -$200 off p.p.

NOTE: Please note that due to various art events and artists’ schedule, art activities in each place will be

announced about 3 months before departure.

ABOUT ORGANIZER About Mediterra: Mediterra DMC is a new breed of tour operators with distinct and unparalleled service that leaves clients with WOW! Impressions. Several of our signature services are completely new in the industry. • • Meeting with hotel managers in every hotel and over the welcome drink getting briefed on hotel facilities, events, city, attractions etc.

• • “Total Care” Service: Mediterra Manager in Croatia checks with every client (or group leader) every day making sure everything is fine and according to the plan. Clients can request any additional services from manager like booking dining reservation, concert tickets, special favors etc. Mediterra does not charge for its services but additional services from other suppliers have its price and need to be paid on the spot. All prices will be communicated to clients before we order them. So be assured, from the moment you land in Croatia, we will be “holding your hands” during the entire trip.

Steve Alexis Steve Alexis was born in the former Yugoslavia and he has spent almost his entire professional life in the travel industry. In 2010, he formed his own tour company Mediterra with offices in Santa Monica, CA and Zagreb, Croatia specializing in creating customized travel arrangements for travel to Croatia, countries of the former Yugoslavia and the Mediterranean basin countries. He is seasoned traveler and spends his time between the US and Mediterranean countries.

About Mediterra “Cousins”: Several years ago, a happy couple who took Mediterra Croatian vacation returned to the US with unforgettable memories and pleasant experience. Mediterra Croatian staff and guides made this possible. Clients commented their experience with our guides, ”we felt so comfortable and close with these people who went out of their way to make us feel like at home. We felt like we are having our cousins taking us around and we actually started calling them cousins.” So please when you meet our guides, feel free to call them cousins. Actually, their name tags say “Cousin ….

1507 Seventh Street * Suite 364 * Santa Monica * CA * 90401

Ph. (310) 428-1343 * 888-488-3350 * E: info@mediterradmc.com

Offices in Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro & Serbia

California Travel Sellers License #2110120-40