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
DAY 1– THU 2 JUL 09 – DEPART AUSTRALIAToday make your way to the international airport for your flights to Europe.
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.
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
DAY 8– THU 9 JUL 09 – ZAGREB – SPLITHead 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Your tour ends after breakfast with transfers to the airport. (BB)
Depart on your international flight to 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:
NOT INCLUDED:
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
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.