Country Roads of Dalmatia and Adriatic Coast

18 days ex Australia Country Roads of Dalmatia and Adriatic Coast

Departs: Tour departs Australia 2nd July , 2009
Price:  $6999 per person share twin from Brisbane/Sydney/Adelaide**

Diploma World Travel in association with Insight Vacations presents

COUNTRY ROADS OF DALMATIA AND THE ADRIATIC RIVIERA

Croatia Tour MapDAY 1– THU 2 JUL 09 – DEPART AUSTRALIA

Today make your way to the international airport for your flights to Europe.

DAY 2 – FRI 3 JUL 09 – ARRIVE VIENNA

On arrival at Vienna Airport, there will be complimentary transfers to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Pre-tour accommodation will be arranged for you in a first class hotel.

DAY 3 – SAT 4 JUL 09– VIENNA AT LEISURE

Welcome to a tour that showcases one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world! Meet your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink. Perhaps start your tour with a special concert.

DAY 4 – SUN 5 JUL 09 – VIENNA – BUDAPEST

Take a leisurely drive through farming country to the Hungarian border. Pass the eagle, overlooking the town of Tatabanya, before arriving in Budapest. Enjoy a panoramic view across the Danube from the lofty Citadel atop Gellert Hill, and then marvel at the murals in Matthias Church beside the Fisherman’s Bastion. View the Royal Palace of Buda, then cross the Danube to the Pest district to visit Heroes’ Square and drive along Andrassy Boulevard. As night falls, enjoy a Highlight Dinner with traditional Gypsy entertainment. (BB,HD)

DAY 5 – MON 6 JUL 09 – BUDAPEST AT LEISURE

The day is totally set aside for you to explore this fascinating city on your own or perhaps shop for bargains in fine porcelain and colourful embroideries. Or you might like to take an optional excursion to explore the secrets of Szentendre, the charming baroque town famous for its artists’ colony. (BB)

DAY 6 – TUE 7 JUL 09 – BUDAPEST – ZAGREB

Take an enchanting drive alongside tranquil Lake Balaton. Stop to admire the abbey of Tihany, perched on a peninsula reaching out into the lake, then cross farmland to the Croatian border and the capital of Zagreb. A guided tour takes you to Roosevelt Square, Ban Josip Jelacic Square and the cathedral. Walk through the medieval core of the Upper Town to see the Croatian Parliament, Stone Gate, St Mark’s Church and the ancient Gric Tower. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – WED 8 JUL 09 – ZAGREB

Today spend the day at leisure exploring the Croatian capital of Zagreb. It is renowned for its shopping, or perhaps you prefer to take an excursion to the Zagorje region to learn about local culture and traditions. (BB)

Split-habourDAY 8– THU 9 JUL 09  – ZAGREB – SPLIT

Head south to the Adriatic coast towards Split, visiting the ancient Roman port of Salona. Admire the 2nd century Amphitheatre, Roman Baths and Necropolis. More than 1700 years ago in the historic port city of Split, the Roman Emperor, Diocletian, built his palace. Today those very buildings make up the heart of the Old Town, listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. On a guided walking tour, explore the labyrinth of streets built within and without the walls of Diocletian’s Palace, unique because it is still lived in. (BB)

DAY 9 – FRI 10 JUL 09 – SPLIT – DUBROVNIK

Spend the morning exploring Split’s Old Town on your own before travelling on to Dubrovnik and your resort hotel, which is beautifully situated alongside the crystal clear Adriatic Sea and pine fresh forest. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – SAT 11 JUL 09 – DUBROVNIK SIGHTSEEING

If the Dalmatian Coast is the zenith of the Mediterranean, then Dubrovnik is the jewel in the crown! A guided sightseeing tour in the Old Town explores the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions. See Onofrio’s fountain and the Rector’s Palace and the city walls, as well as the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. The afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 11 – SUN 12 JUL 09 – DUBROVNIK AT LEISURE

The day is completely free to follow the advice of George Bernard Shaw: “Those who seek Paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.” Shop for handicrafts in the bazaar, sample local fish delicacies or just relax by the pool. (BB)

DAY 12– MON 13 JUL 09 – DUBROVNIK – PLITVICE

A magnificent drive takes you along the Dalmatian coast – a symphony of sparkling deep blue sea, studded with rocky islands. Visit Trogir, founded by the Greeks in 400BC, and admire its Romanesque cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace. Head inland to one of Europe’s finest natural wonders, Plitvice National Park. (BB,D)

DAY 13 – TUE 14 JUL 09 – PLITVICE – LJUBLJANA

Cruise the crystal blue-green beauty of the Plitvice Lakes; a scenic wonderland of 16 interconnecting lakes flanked by waterfalls and primeval forest. A visit to Korana Canyon to see the 230 foot high falls and Tomicevo Pogledalo for spectacular panoramic views over the park. In the afternoon, drive through the unique region of Lika, crossing into Slovenia and reaching the capital, Ljubljana, your home for two nights. (BB,D)

DAY 14– WED 15 JUL 09 – LJUBLJANA SIGHTSEEING

A local guide shows you the Baroque elegance of the ‘White City’. Its medieval castle sits atop a hill as an ancient guardian; the City Hall and Cathedral of St Nicholas testify to its historical importance; and the Triple Bridge spans the river Ljubjanica, whose banks disappear under the colourful umbrellas of the riverside cafes and restaurants. Spend the afternoon at leisure. (BB,D)

DAY 15 – THU 16 JUL 09  – LJUBLJANA – VIENNA

It’s only a short drive back across the Austrian border to the forested mountains of Styria. Pass by Graz, Austria’s second largest city and the birthplace of Arnold Schwarzenegger, to return to Vienna. Consider celebrating your final night on tour with a farewell dinner. (BB)

DAY 16– FRI 17 JUL 09 – VIENNA

Your tour ends after breakfast with transfers to the airport. (BB)
Depart on your international flight to Australia.

DAY 17  - SAT 18 JUL 09 – IN TRANSIT

  

DAY 18 – SUN 19 JUL 09 –  ARRIVE AUSTRALIA.

WELCOME HOME.

Passengers can return to Australia or extend.  Ask your Diploma consultant at the time of booking about the options available to you.


Meal Key:      (BB) =  Buffet Breakfast      (D) = Hotel Dinner  


TOUR PRICE: Price ex Brisbane / Sydney $6999.00 per person share twin room. From **Adelaide $7299.00.
Plus taxes of approx $800.00 (subject to change at time of ticketing). Single supplement $1200.00. 

DEPOSITS: A non refundable deposit of $820.00 is due at the time of confirmation of your tour.

BALANCE OF PAYMENT: Balance of payment is due by 01May 2009.

REGISTRATION: To register for this tour please complete the Registration Form and return this together with our Diploma World Travel Booking Conditions form and your deposit of $820.00 per person.
Please click here for Registration Form.


PRICE INCLUDES:

  • International Flights with Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa
  • Transfer in Vienna on arrival and departure
  • First Class Touring with Insight Vacations on a non exclusive scheduled departure
  • 14 nights accommodation including Vienna, Budapest, Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Plitvice, Ljubljana.
  • Meals as per itinerary including 13 Buffet Breakfasts, 5 three course table d’hôte Dinners or Buffets
  • Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
  • Services of an Insight Vacations Tour Director and Motor Coach Driver
  • Diploma Travel Group Leader ( subject to minimum number 21 passengers)
  • Insight Vacations Travelers document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Porterage and baggage handling fees for 1 standard suitcase per person
  • Documentation fee $40.00
  • Local Taxes and hotel service charges

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Taxes allow approx $800.00 per person
  • Airline taxes and fees as above
  • Domestic Flights to/from Sydney/Brisbane if required
  • Optional sightseeing excursions offered by Insight Vacations
  • Items of a personal nature including beverages, laundry, telephone calls, excess baggage etc
  • Travel Insurance
  • Passport and Visa fees
  • Security courier fees
  • Credit Card merchant fees
  • Gratitude’s for Insight Vacations Director, Motor Coach Driver and local guides
  • Insight Vacations recommendation is approx. 6 Euros per day for Tour Director and 4 Euros per day for Motor Coach Driver. Recommended gratuity for Local Guides is 2 Euro per person per excursion ( maximum duration half day)

This tour should be read in conjunction with the Insight Vacations Booking Conditions, Diploma World Travel Service Booking Form, Privacy Policy and Terms of Trade located at www.diplomatravel.com.au
The itinerary and prices listed are correct at time of going to print and are subject to variation and should be used as a guide only. The fully escorted tour price is based on a minimum group of 21. In the event the number is not reached Diploma reserves the right to recost the tour or operate the tour in Europe as fully escorted by a local representative of Insight Vacations.  

CANCELLATIONS

  • On confirmation up to 90 days - Loss of Deposit
  • 35-89 days prior to departure - 35% of the tour price plus any applicable airline cancellation fees
  • 15-34 days prior to departure - 65% of the tour price plus any applicable airline cancellation fees
  • Within 14 days and after departure - No Refund

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is essential for all participants on Diploma World Travel Service Tours. We strongly recommend travel insurance be purchased to a the time of paying the deposit to protect against unforeseen circumstances. Information and product disclosure document is available at www.diplomatravel.com.au or on request from  our office. We also recommend you visit www.insuranceombudsman.com.au and their article “A Guide to Travel Insurance”

Tour conditions are as outlined in the Insight Vacations brochure and should be read in conjunction with the Diploma World Travel Service Booking Form and terms of trade, located at www.diplomatravel.com.au.

PASSPORT & VISA:
All travelers must have at least 6 months validity left on the passport for their return flight to Australia. Diploma Travel will provide you with up to the minute information regarding your entry and visa requirements for this tour.

DUTY OF DISCLOSURE:
In some countries Australian passport holders may enter under a visa waiver program. However some of these countries may not permit entry under this program if you have a history of an arrest or conviction in Australia. It is your responsibility to disclose this information or any other information that may prevent you from entering any of the countries listed in this itinerary prior to you paying your deposit. If you fail to do this, and you are later denied permission to enter a country, full cancellation fees will apply as outlined above. Diploma accepts no responsibility for additional out of pocket expenses associated with you being prohibited from entering a country.

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