E X CU R S I O N S 2007.

PORT OF ZADAR

PLITVICE ( THE LAKES OF PLITVICE)

Price : 55€
Duration : 8:30 to 17:00
Included in the price: transport by bus, guide and ticket.

Panoramic sightseeing of Zadar and leaving for the National Park "Plitvička jezera".
The Lakes of Plitvice are the best known National Park in Croatia and one of the most captivating sights of nature in Europe. This "pearl of the inland-Croatia", full of natural wonders and diversity, was inscribed on UNESCO List of World Heritage.
The National Park Plitvička jezera, covering an area of 226 km², is made up of 16 terrace-shaped lakes mutually linked by waterfalls and cascades.

ZADAR
Price: 17€
Duration: 10:00 to 12:30
Included in the price: guide

The city of Zadar, more than 3000 years old, with its extraordinary history, precious works of art, rich cultural heritage, and its unique beauty, is a matter of permanent interest and admiration of many historians, writers, cultural workers, tourist and the people of Zadar. The millenarian history of Zadar as an urban centre, can be seen and felt on a number of lovingly preserved sites as its streets still strongly evoke the past. Inside the historic nucleus, located on a peninsula, the town preserved a characteristic urban structure of the Roman age which has been further developed and refined by the works of the Medieval architects and artist.
Located in the vicinity of five National Parks, with the Ravni kotari plane dominated by the mountain chain Velebit, extending in its hinterland, and the islands of Kornati scattered in front of it, Zadar is a natural jewel worked out and finished by man's hand.


PORT OF PLOČE

MOSTAR
Price: 44€
Duration: 07:45 to 14:00
Included in the price: transport by bus and guide

When we enter Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is the visit to Počitelj that remind us of more than four centuries long cultural influence the East was exerting on this region. Yet, the visit to Mostar is the most interesting part of our excursion. This is a town widely known as a "melting pot" of different cultures, where the influence of the centuries-long Ottoman rule can be seen and felt on a number of extraordinary sites: elevated slender sky oriented minarets, narrow winding cobblestoned bazaar' s streets where one can buy beautiful souvenirs which are still made in a traditional way that can be literally seen and heard while walking through the overcrowded baazar's streets, houses with wooden balconies. All these remained as a silent witness of history.
The visit to Mostar is not complete without a walk to the Old Bridge over Neretva river, whose construction was completed 1566.
Indeed, Mostar is the place where the West meets the East.


MEDJUGORJE
Price: 39€
Duration: 7:45 to 14:00
Included in the price: transport by bus and guide

Medjugorje is a little village in Herzegovina, 25 km south-east of Mostar, worldwide known as a place of the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The present-day parish was established in 1892 and was dedicated to St. Jacob Apostle, patron saint of pilgrims. Nowadays, it is one of the best known and most visited sanctuary of the Catholic world. As witnessed by six, at that time young, parishioners from the locality Bijakovići, the Blessed Virging Mary has been appearing to them every day since June 24, 1981. Her appearance was an important event for this little town and its inhabitants, as nothing has been now the same since that day: once modest and ordinary village parish, Medjugorje has been transformed into the place of pilgrimage and prayers meeting, one of the most important in the world. Another worth-seeing feature of Medjugorje is a large Cross which the people of Medjugorje had built on the hill Križevac before the Blessed Virgin Mary made her appearance, as a vow of protection of their parish and village from the hailstorm and other adverse weather conditions.


PORT OF KORČULA (on the island of Korčula)

KORČULA
Price: 17
Duration: 18:30 to 21:00
Included in the price: guide

The people of Korčula believe that Marco Polo was born in Korčula. It is a town where the history and tradition can be met at every step. The sightseeing tour includes visits to all important cultural and historical monuments such as town walls, Abbatial Treasury and the City Museum with an interesting collection of icons.


PORT OF KOTOR

KOTOR
Price: 18 €
Duration: from 10:45 to 12:00
Included in the price: guide

Promenade through the old town of Kotor which is among the best preserved medieval towns in this part of the Mediterranean. It is well known for having preserved its original urban structure typical of towns constructed between the 12th and 14th century. The network of its narrow winding streets and small squares with many valuable monuments of the medieval architecture had been recognized by UNESCO, as a result of which Kotor was inscribed on World Heritage List.


MONTENEGRO TOUR
Price: 62€
Duration: from 13:15 to 20:00
Included in the price: transport by bus, guide and refreshment

The old hairpin-bend road, cut into the Kotor hillside, will take us to Njeguše, the home town of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, great Montenegrin statesman and poet. After having a short refreshment consisting of regional specialties and drinks, the journey continues towards Cetinje. It was Cetinje where the Montenegro- cultural treasure was, not only, created but preserved and protected by force of arms. Cetinje is a genuine city museum with one of the most interesting and best preserved collection of weapons in the Balkans. The next destinations are: Sveti Stefan, situated in the central part of the Budva –Riviera, and Budva which is believed to be one of the oldest settlement in the Balkans.


GOSPA OD SKRPJELA (OUR LADY OF SKRPJELA)
Price: 40€
Duration: from 14:30 to 18:30
Included in the price: transport, guide and refreshment

The church of Our Lady of Skrpjela was built in 1630 on a small island off Perast in the Boka-Kotorska Bay. According to the legend, a miraculous icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Child was found on a cliff by fishermen of Perast who had a church built at that place. The church was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, the patroness of seamen and fishermen. After making tour of the church, we shall leave for Perast where the guests will be offered a refreshment and than, after a short break, en route to Kotor.


PORT OF DUBROVNIK

DUBROVNIK – sightseeing tour of the city
Price: 26€
Duration: from 8:15 to 11:15
Included in the price: transport by bus and guide

The sightseeing of Dubrovnik is not complete without a visit to the belvedere dominating the city. The sight that appears to the visitor is magnificent: town walls, old roofs, picturesque and lovely country side. Coming up next is a morning visit to the city which, on account of its unique beauty and cultural-historical heritage, is inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. Indeed, this old town perfectly preserved, encircled with the impressive medieval walls and fortifications, is a genuine treasury of precious architecture and objects of great artistic value which have been jealously taken care of and preserved through the centuries. While taking a pleasant walk, we shall visit the Rector's Palace, Franciscan Monastery (with an old pharmacy founded in the 14th century) and many other sights as well.


DUBROVNIK – TRSTENO – STON
Price: 40€
Duration: 13:15 to 18:15
Included in the price: transport by bus, guide and refreshment

After the sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik, Trsteno Arboretum, world famous for the richness and variety of its plants comes as a wonderful surprise. Here, one can admire the gigantic plane-trees, numerous sorts of palm and camphor-trees as well as various sorts of luxurious exotic vegetation. After a pleasant walk through this botanical garden, we shall leave for Ston- one of the first towns in Europe built according to town development plan. The most interesting are its 5 km long town walls, impressive by their size and monumentality. Also worth seeing are the well known oyster and mussel beds and old salt works (even today the sea salt here is made by applying a traditional panning technique). The sightseeing tour of Ston will be concluded with a get-together party in " dalmatinska konoba" ( wine-cellar of farm houses).


IN THE PEAK-SEASON ONLY

TWO ELAFIT ISLANDS
Price: 36€
Duration : 14:00 – 17:30
Included in the price: transport and guide

Excursion starts with a pleasant ride on board a motor-boat sailing from the port of Gruž toward the island of Koločep. Koločep or Kalamota, as named in Dubrovnik, is one of the islands and islets belonging to the Elafit archipelago. The islanders dwelling in the villages of Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo, mostly grape-farmers and olive-growers, are also involved in the cultivation of other mediterranean crops such as figs, oranges, lemons and many different sorts of vegetable. Yet, in the past between the 14th and 18th century, the islanders made their living mostly from coral diving. After making a tour around the island of Koločep, the boat will take us to Lopud. Lopud, a part of the Elafit archipelago too, is believed to be the most beautiful island of the Dubrovnik littoral. Our boat will make port in one of the island's villages. The island is well known for its sand beaches. The biggest of all is Sunj located at the distance of a 25 min. walk from the landing –place. But there are a number of smaller beaches situated in close vicinity. The island has many restaurants, bars and night clubs scattered all over the coast. Do not leave the place before visiting a small botanical garden adorning this beautiful island.


THE PORT OF PULA

PULA – sight seeing tour
Price: 18€
Duration: 13:00 to 15:30
Included in the price: guide and ticket

Pula is the largest Istrian town and port. Although the history of this town goes back to the prehistoric past, it was the Roman era, under the rule of Julius Caesar, when Pula started to flourish. Our sight seeing tour includes the Roman Forum – main city square, dominated by the Temple of Augustus (1 st c.) and the town hall built in the Venetian style. We shall pass through the Twin Gates (2 nd and 3rd c.), the Gate of Hercules ( 1st c.BC) and the Golden Gate with the Sergius' Arch ( 28 BC). Still, the most valuable and the best known ancient monument is the magnificent amphitheater, of the 2nd century, widely known as Arena. It is the sixth largest monument of its kind in the World and one of the best preserved. During the summer, it is transformed into a unique stage offering a number of musical and theatrical performances. A permanent exhibition of the valuable objects from the Roman period can be visited in its underground display area.
Be sure to take a turn through the old part of the city which strongly evoke the past. Here, one can experience Pula as it was in the Byzantine and Venetian period.


BRIJUNI
Price: 51€
Duration: 13:00 to 19:00
Included in the price: transport ( bus and ship), guide and ticket

The Brijuni National Park- a cluster of islands, is an unique combination of natural assets and cultural-historical heritage. The autochthonous plants, luxuriant mediterranean vegetation cultivated with a special love, meadows with deers and mouflons, constitute the unforgettable landscape of Brijuni. We shall visit the remains of ville rusticae and facilities for the production of olive oil. Among them, the remains of a country house complex in the Verige Bay ( 1st c.) stand apart as the most impressive and luxurious monument of its kind on the eastern Adriatic coast.



ISTRA TOUR
Price: 49€
Duration: 13:00 to 20:00
Included in the price: transport by bus, guide and wine testing

Grožnjan is a charming Istrian hilltown. First written record of its name dates back to the 12th century ( in 1102) Since then, this little town situated at the height of 228 meter above sea-level, has been developing and succeeded to preserve its cultural-historical identity. Today, it is well known as a "town of artists" and attracts many visitors coming every day not only because of its cultural events but also because of its historical monuments. The parish church, situated in the central town square, was built in the 14th century and was originally dedicated to St. Mary. Its reconstruction took place in 1770. Today, it has three names, those of St. Vitus, St. Modest and St. Kresencije. Although far from the sea, Grožnjan has become a prime tourist destination of the northern inland Istria.
After Grožnjan, the road will take us to Motovun - another old town of inland Istria. Since prehistoric time, Motovun has been the most important settlement in this part of Istria. According to the latest researches of the "New Age" scientists, the key position and importance of this town can be explained by its position at the crossroads of the Earth's energy-meridians, so called "Dragon's Furrows". These are transferring a positive Earth life –energy. The intersection of such energy-furrows, as is the case with Motvun, are capable of generating a powerful positive energy source, known as " breathing hole of the planet Earth."

Lim Bay or Lim Straight or Fjord as also called, one of the most attractive natural assets of the Istrian peninsula, is a unique geomorphological phenomenon. It is a canyon which cuts 10 kilometers deep into the heart of Istria, 6oo kilometers wide, with steeep shores rising up to 150 meters above the sea-level. Being well known as oyster and mussels beds, Lim Bay is scoring high on the gastronomic map of this part of Croatia.

Our next destination is Rovinj, a picturesque Istrian town. Its beautiful scenery, natural attractions and extraordinary climate make it a genuine oasis attracting numerous tourists longing for health-promoting vacations. The town historic nucleus was originally established on a hill, whose thickset houses and winding streets encircle the square with the beautiful baroque church of St.Euphemia. Its slender belltower dominates not only the whole town but also the wide Valdibore Bay to the north and the Island of St. Katarina to the south.
During our journey through inland Istria, we shall visit an authentic "konoba" ( wine-cellar of farm houses) and discover a characteristic trait of good Istrian wines.



PORT OF KOPER

POSTOJNA ( the Cave of Postojna)
Price: 49€
Duration: 8:30 to 13:30
Included in the price: transport by bus, guide and ticket for the Cave of Postojna .

The Cave of Postojna is a 20 kilometers long network of underground caves, galleries and halls. An impressive number of more than 31 million people has visited Postojna since its opening some 185 years ago. Postojna is not only the largest classic Karst cave but also the best visited tourist cave in Europe. Moreover, it is the only cave in the world where the visitors, while being conveyed by a special cave train, have possibility to admire the beauty of this wide undeground space whose geological past was written down in a rather peculiar way.
The sights offered to the visitors are extraordinary ones: an immense wealth of the mineral dripstones of the most varied forms, colors and generations, calcite dripstones and many other works of art which the nature has been creating for thousands of years and which in the past centuries were admired by the kings, emperors, presidents and other person of distinction. As many natural scientist and research workers became interested in the Cave in the l7th century already, it is considered with good reason as a nursery of the caving biology The cave constant temperature is about 10˚ C.




PORT OF VENICE

VENICE – night tour
Price: 50€
Duration: 21:00 - 23:00
Included in the price: transport by ship and guide.

Excursion starts on board a motor boat at San Basilia, and continues through the canals of Giudecca and Tronchetto, followed by Canal Grande, under the Scalzi, Guglie and Rialto bridges. During the voyage the visitors have opportunity to admire the ravishing palaces of Venice : the best known of all the Vendramin-Carleghi Palace was the role model for many others. Gothic Ca d'Oro, whose facade used to glitter in gold, is perhaps the most spectacular one. The wider area around the bridge Rialto is the historic nucleus and the most important part of the city. It has always been a commercial centre and it is still a very lively district, surrounded with busy docks and small overcrowded market places. Our sightseeing tour of Venice will be concluded passing by the magnificent church Santa Maria dela Salute, riding through the canal close to St. Marc Square and going back to San Basilio.