CROATIA 2015 IDYLLIC ISLES & ANCIENT CITIES CRUISE CROATIA

8 Days / 7 Nights Saturday to Saturday ex Trogir (Split) Nothing compares to experiencing the ancient towns and stunning islands of mid and southern Dalmatia than cruising on board a boat small enough to navigate the many islands and secret coves, yet big enough to enjoy the experience. Your adventure begins in the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Trogir, one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. You then sail to the islands of Hvar, Korčula, Mljet and of course, to the truly stunning city of Dubrovnik. Lord Byron gave Dubrovnik its title “the pearl of the Adriatic” and George Bernard Shaw famously said “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik”. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves. Swimming, snorkelling and exploring idyllic bays under a bright Adriatic sun; strolling cathedrals, monasteries and tiny stone paved alleys in medieval towns. At night, discover divine local restaurants and lively entertainment. by night. Let the waves take you to the historical towns and islands of Croatia for one unforgettable week.

Day 1 Saturday / Trogir

Check in aboard the MS Otac Nikola begins at 1pm. You can drop your bags earlier so take the opportunity to explore this exquisite little town set within medieval walls. . Trogir is unique among Dalmatian towns for its wonderful Romanesque and Renaissance architecture (a legacy from Venetian rule); this along with its magnificent cathedral earned Trogir UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997. Fronted by a wide seaside promenade lined with bars and cafes, the streets behind are knotted and mazelike. Although Trogir is 25kms from Split, it is just 3kms from Split Airport. Tonight, meet your companions for the cruise and the crew whilst enjoying dinner on board. Overnight: Trogir Meals onboard: Welcome dinner DAY 2 Sunday TROGIR - MAKARSKA

This morning we sail towards the Hvar channel to the island of Brac. Just past the picturesque town of Bol, once the home of wine-growers, fishermen and sailors, we stop and swim at Dalmatia’s most famous beach of all – Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn). Stretching almost vertically into the sea, the glorious Zlatni Rat beach changes shape depending on the winds, as if it were made of liquid gold. After lunch we sail on to the city of Makarska situated below the towering peaks of Mount Biokovo and right at the centre of Makarska Riviera. This afternoon visit the old town with its narrow stone-paved streets, flower and fruit market and Franciscan monastery. The many restaurants, cafes, shops, cultural and entertainment venues of Makarska create a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy day and night. Overnight: Makarska Meals onboard: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 3 Monday MAKARSKA – KORKULA

After breakfast we sail around the east end of Hvar Island towards Pelješac Peninsular and the most inhabited island in the Adriatic sea, Korčula. Supposedly the birthplace of Marco Polo, the medieval walled town of Korčula sits on a small headland. Following lunch, immerse yourself in the town’s narrow walkways, Venetian architecture and many monuments. Climb to the top of St Mark’s Cathedral for spectacular views of the town, the Peljesac peninsular and the sparkling Adriatic sea. A leisurely stroll west from the old town along Sveti Nikola takes you to the bay of Medvinjak. Overnight: Pomena Meals onboard: Breakfast and lunch DAY 4 Tuesday KORCULA - DUBROVNIK

On our way to Dubrovnik this morning, we sail along the Pelješac peninsula. This area is well known for its excellent red wines named after the slopes on the southern side of the peninsula - Postup and Dingac. We cruise through the Elaphiti Archipelago, a group of 14 idyllic islands and islets, stopping at the beautiful island of Lopud. Then it’s on to Port Gruz - have your cameras ready for incredible views the Dubrovnik’s mighty city walls. Dubrovnik’s Old Town became a World Heritage site in 1979 and its 1,940 metre long city walls are among Europe’s best preserved middle-age fortifications- a walk around these famous city walls is a must. The Old Town is pedestrian only and the Stradun, with its marble paving, is a great place to explore the city’s architectural treasures. Overnight: Dubrovnik Meals onboard: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 5 Wednesday DUBROVNIK - POMENA After breakfast we set sail from Dubrovnik to Pomena, a tiny village and hidden harbour on the west coast of the idyllic island of Mljet (pronounced 'mil-yet'). Covered in olive groves, vineyards and dense forest, Mljet is known as the greenest island of Croatia. Thirty-seven kilometres (23 mi) long, there are several villages, two salt water lakes and a Benedictine Monastery on St Mary Island. Most of the villages on Mljet were founded between the 15th and the 18th century and according to legend, the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus captive for seven years. It's a heavenly place to explore by foot. The entrance fee to the Mjlet National Park is not included in the price of the cruise: approx. 15 euro per person Overnight: Pomena Meals onboard: Breakfast and lunch Day 6 Thursday MLJET ISLAND – HVAR ISLAND

This morning we head for Hvar; not only the longest and sunniest Croatian island but also one of the most beautiful in the world. Just over 68km long and 10.5km wide, Hvar’s gently rolling hills are painted brilliant purple by fields of lavender while lush vineyards nestle at the foot of the island’s ragged mountains. After lunch explore the city of Hvar, known for both its cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. The fortress perched on the hill above the old town was built at the beginning of the 16th century. Visit the Cathedral, the Arsenal and the Franciscan Monastery. For dinner, you are spoilt for choice with lovely waterfront cafes and a fresher than fresh seafood and calamari. Overnight: Hvar Meals onboard: Breakfast and lunch DAY 7 Friday HVAR - TROGIR This morning we sail back to Trogir and its fabulous Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Trogir is intimate, and charming with a warren of ancient streets and alleys leading to the waterfront in one direction and open air courts in the other. The crown jewel of its architectural ensemble is St. Lawrence Cathedral whose portal by Radovna (1240) is astonishing; but as you’ll discover, what’s tucked inside the Cathedral is simply jaw-dropping. All this and Trogir has a bustling outdoor green market and terrific food and shopping! Overnight: Trogir Meals onboard: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 8 Saturday TROGIR After breakfast you disembark and arrangements end at 8.00am (bags can be left on the boat if your flight is later in the day). Meals on board: Breakfast

ABOUT THE MS OTAC NIKOLANi

Your cruise ship MS Otac Nikola was built in 2006 especially for cruises in the Adriatic. The vessel is 26m long, 7.8m wide, with a cruising speed of 9 -10 knots. It has capacity for up to 32 passengers. SHIP FEATURES  14 fully air-conditioned cabins with ensuites  Saloon with a bar  sun deck with deck chairs  platform on the stern for easy access into the sea Lower Deck (cabins:8.5sqmtrs) Fixed portholes 3 twin cabins (twin beds) 3 double cabins (queen beds)

Main Deck (cabins: 9sqmtrs) Upper Deck (cabins 7.5sqmtrs) Opening portholes Opening portholes 4 double cabins (queen+extra bed) 4 double cabins (queen beds)

SPECIAL OFFER: ONE FREE DINNER ABOARD THE OTAC NIKOLA FOR DEPARTURES MAY 16 - JUNE 6! 2015 PRICES Per Person €

Lower Deck private ensuite

Main Deck private ensuite

Upper Deck private ensuite

May 16, 23, 30

617 twin 911 single 471 third person

712 twin 1052 single 541 third person

755 twin 1118 single 573 third person

Jun 6,13,20 Aug 29 Sep 5,12,19

724 twin 1070 single 550 third person

817 twin 1211 single 620 third person

855 twin 1267 single 649 third person

Jun 27 Jul 4,11,18, 25 Aug 1,8,15, 22

786 twin 1164 single 597 third person

880 twin 1305 single 668 third person

918 twin 1361 single 695 third person

Cruise Includes:  8 days/7 nights cruise in chosen category cabin  Welcome dinner (D)  Port and Harbour taxes  Daily breakfast (B)  6 lunches (L)  Water  Coffee (breakfast only)

Cruise Does Not Include:  Entrance ticket for Mljet National Park – approx €15 per person (pay onboard)  Entrance fee for Lokrum Island  Optional Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) supplement €70 per person  Beverages from the ship’s bar  Tips and any items of personal nature  Beach towels



Mandatory City Tax-€1 per night to be paid onboard

OPTIONAL GUIDED SIGHTSEEING - Booked onboard, minimum numbers required Trogir: €35 per person - The city walk starts with the 13th century St. Lawrence’s Cathedral and leads you to all the key sights of Trogir’s Old Town. Duration: 60minutes Hvar: €40 per person – Walk to the BENEDICTINE CONVENT (Benediktini Smostan) where the nuns have been making intricate lace for over 100 years. This is followed by a visit to a 15th-century FRANCISCAN MONASTERY. Duration: 75minutes Dubrovnik: €29 per person - Walk the cobbled streets with a professional guide discovering the treasures of Dubrovnik’s past and present. Duration: 90minutes Korcula €24 per person - Your guide will take through the narrow streets, beautiful churches and impressive palaces of this beautiful city. Duration: 90 minutes Konavle Wine Train €50 per person. Departing from Dubrovnik visit a wine cellar and then ride a tourist train through the rich vineyards of the Konavale Valley stopping off at four traditional family-run wineries along the way. Duration: 6 hours

Important Information: • Check in on SATURDAYS from midday at the Port of Trogir • Cash bar available onboard. Drinks cannot be brought onboard. • The Captain reserves the right to change the route in the case of bad weather conditions or emergency. • Guests must abide by the ship’s rules. • This cruise may not be suitable for persons with restricted mobility. • Every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary as stated. However, due to the schedule changes beyond the organiser’s control, we reserve the right, without prior notice, to change the route or alter the shore excursions. • In some ports the ship may be moored sideways to the other boats. In this case guests will need to walk across other boats to reach the pier. Guests with walking disabilities might find crossing other boats challenging. Although every effort will be made to assist, please be aware that crew availability is severely limited in most circumstances and therefore a physically challenged guest will require the services of a responsible adult. • Cabins are cleaned once a week before embarkation.

For further information please contact our office.

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Don’t just see the world. Experience it. Ph: (09) 486-7473 / 1 Fax: (09) 484-0091 Email: [email protected]