Croatia Cruise

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FLY FROM BRISTOL

DISCOVER CROATIA & THE DALMATIAN COAST 11 DAY CRUISE & STAY

17th SEPTEMBER 2020 Spend a week on this superb 18 cabin yacht limited to just 36 passengers

Hvar

ITINERARY KorČula

Introduction by Roger & Helen Hawke Small ship yacht cruising off the Dalmatian coast is now very popular, so much so, that at Newell’s TRAVEL we have decided to charter a yacht exclusively for ourselves to experience island hopping and Dubrovnik first hand.

We’ll be welcomed on-board by our knowledgeable and friendly Captain and crew who will be available to point us in the direction of cosy local restaurants and bars to spend our free evenings, dining on local delicacies as we venture to medieval towns and islands that are swathed in natural beauty and unwind in the VIP Saloon for a breath-taking view of the Adriatic Sea as the sun goes down.

Please join us for what promises to be a fabulous holiday.

THURSDAY 17th SEPTEMBER Following our early morning flight from Bristol we will arrive in Dubrovnik at approximately mid-day.

After clearing Customs our coach will be waiting to take us on the short transfer to check into our Valamar hotel for our 2 nights stay.

At 4pm we depart for our city tour. Our local guide will take us to the historical centre of Dubrovnik, the famous city listed as an UNESCO’s World Heritage site, to show us the most interesting landmarks. After the city tour, we will be left on our own to explore further, visit the City Walls or take the cable car to the top of Mount Srd. The coach returns to our hotel at approximately 9.30pm.

FRIDAY 18th SEPTEMBER | DUBROVNIK Free day at leisure (B) SATURDAY 19th SEPTEMBER | DUBROVNIK - SLANO After a leisurely morning and lunchtime exploring the local area of Lapad our transfer coach will depart from our hotel at 1.45pm taking us to the harbour where our private yacht awaits.

The Captain’s Welcome Lunch will be served while cruising to Slano, with a swim stop en-route and where it is our first opportunity to meet our Captain, Cruise Director and the crew.

Afternoon excursion to Ston (Approx €50 per person) – Optional On arrival in Slano we travel by coach to Mali Ston, for the “Oyster Experience” boat trip over Mali Ston Bay where families have grown oysters for generations. After a welcome drink on the wooden boat we set off for our tour of the shellfish farm with a presentation and delicious oyster and mussel tasting on the boat with a glass of house wine and water. On our return journey we visit

Ston, the fortified town famous for its 5km long walls, a city built in the 15th century with a rectangular scheme of streets and squares. Another landmark of Ston is its old salt ponds where the salt is still gathered today in the traditional way. After relaxing and time for dinner in one of the many restaurants we will return to our yacht.

For those not taking the excursion, we can explore the village of Slano at our leisure. Rich with beautiful beaches and coves it also has a scattering of tavernas and shops.

You might also visit the 14th century Franciscan monastery with a collection of Roman sarcophagi. Dining options of your choice abound in the family-owned authentic restaurants around the bay.

Overnight in Slano (B, Captain’s Welcome Lunch) SUNDAY 20th SEPTEMBER | SLANO – HVAR We start our day with a morning departure towards the sunniest island of Croatia, Hvar, one of the most popular and very attractive tourist destinations, sailing by many coves and bays. We will have lunch and a swim stop on the way. On arrival a local guide will take us on an afternoon walking tour of the town introducing us to the history, culture and way of life on this island. Again, dinner is taken ashore.

Overnight in Hvar Historical Town (B,L) MONDAY 21st SEPTEMBER | HVAR – BOL – SPLIT We’ll start our day with a morning departure to Bol, famous for having one of the finest European beaches, called Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape). Here you can relax in this charming Dalmatian town, have a walk, a cup of coffee or a swim, until lunch is served on-board.

After lunch we’ll continue cruising towards Split, where our guide will, as part of our tour, walk us through the historical Diocletian’s Palace where Split’s historical and

Mljet

Revelin Tower KorČula

cultural buildings are located inside the walls. The second largest urban centre in Croatia and the seat of the SplitDalmatia County, Split boasts 1700 years of history. Since 1979 the historic centre of Split has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. After the city tour you will be free to explore and have dinner in a restaurant of your choice.

Overnight in Split Historical Town (B,L) TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER | SPLIT – VIS This morning we leave for Vis Island and town, left untouched by the development of tourism for many years and due to its strategic location on the open sea, it served as a military zone.

Beautiful beaches and preserved nature, ecological agriculture and traditional architecture are unique advantages of this pearl among Croatian Adriatic islands.

Lunch on-board. Enjoy this afternoon and evening in Vis town.

Overnight in Vis Town (B,L) WEDNESDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER | VIS - BIŠEVO BLUE CAVE – VELA LUKA This morning we cruise to the Island of Biševo with its Blue Cave. The cave has its own natural entrance which is located below sea level, which requires visitors to dive through, only to resurface in the cave’s mysterious blue depths. This natural phenomenon creates a magical effect of deep blue and shiny silver, mystifying her visitors.

Subject to weather conditions as high waves prevent entrance to the Blue Cave. After lunch on-board we continue our journey to Vela Luka, the second largest town on the beautiful island of Korčula.

Afternoon wine & olive oil tasting excursion by coach Included Start the exploration with a visit to the Zlokic Olive

Oil Production founded in 1995. The family is known for being one of the leading olive oil producers on the island and their collection boasts many old-fashioned tools for olive oil making, including a 15th century wooden olive press and an 18th century hydraulic compression system.

The family’s oil mill covers 700 square metres and gives its visitors the chance to learn more about this elixir of the Gods. As part of their facilities, the Zlokic Family has a “sports field” typical of Dalmatia where the traditional game “Bocce” is played. After tasting the olive oil, watch this game prior to continuing to the small town of Blato and the Barilo Family Museum. The Barilo ethnographic collection offers a unique and unforgettable experience of the island and shows the life and the costumes of their ancestors. The objects were collected for many years and they come from all aspects of life – there are elements of agricultural tools, formal clothing, furniture and traditional crafts.

Our island exploration continues with a visit to the Toreta Winery with wine tasting. This family boutique winery in Smokvica produces wines from indigenous grape varieties such as Posip, Rukatac and Plavac. The winery was named after the “Toreta” – field stone shelter that can still be found in some parts of Smokvica.

Today is completed with our Captain’s Dinner with onboard live music and entertainment.

Overnight in Vela Luka (B,L, Captain’s Dinner with live music) THURSDAY 24th SEPTEMBER | VELA LUKA – KORČULA Today we cruise towards Korčula town, on Korčula Island, known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, the famous explorer. After time for a swim stop and lunch on-board our guide will take us on a walking tour of the town through the narrow and cobbled streets. We are again at leisure to enjoy dinner ashore.

Overnight in Korčula (B,L) FRIDAY 25th SEPTEMBER | KORČULA - NP MLJET – ELAPHITI ISLANDS This morning we cruise to Mljet National Park where we expect to arrive at 9.30am. We will have just enough time to explore the park, to walk around the Great and Small Lake and Islet of St. Mary with its Benedictine Monastery from the 12th century and, of course, to swim in the heart of the National Park.

Lunch on-board as we cruise onward to the magnificent Elaphiti islands archipelago, to the northwest of Dubrovnik, with a swim stop along the way. Overnight at Elaphiti Islands, staying at one of the small picturesque, peaceful fishermen’s villages.

Overnight in the Elaphiti Islands (Šipan, Lopud or Koločep) (B,L) SATURDAY 26th SEPTEMBER | ELAPHITI ISLANDS – DUBROVNIK On our last morning of the cruise we return to Dubrovnik.

After breakfast it is time to say farewell to our Captain and crew on the MS Invictus. Our coach will transfer us to the Sun Gardens Hotel at Orasac for some rest and relaxation on our final night in Croatia before tomorrow’s flight home.

SUNDAY 27th SEPTEMBER There are choices for this morning. Some of us may want to relax and make use of the hotel’s excellent facilities whereas others might want to take advantage of exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town for one last time.

Check-in at Dubrovnik Airport by mid-afternoon for an evening arrival at Bristol International Airport.

Valamar Lacroma

OUR HOTELS Both the Valamar Lacroma and the Valamar Argosy hotels are set on the Babin Kuk peninsula and offer stylish accommodation, an excellent range of dining options and an abundance of wellness facilities.

Boasting spectacular sea views, these superb hotels are located in a tranquil setting, but are still close enough to enjoy Dubrovnik Old Town. A regular local bus service runs to the Old Town running approximately every 15 minutes from outside Argosy (200 – 300 metres from Lacroma) costing £3 return.

Tickets purchased from the hotel reception; or you can take a pleasant coastal walk which will take you to the bars and restaurants of charming Lapad.

Prepare to be astounded as you enter the luxurious Sun Gardens Hotel situated on the seafront just 15kms from Dubrovnik and offers numerous bars and restaurants and also a choice of wine or pool bars as well as the largest spa on the Dalmatian coast. The hotel has recently become a part of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World Collection.

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MS INVICTUS Meet MS Invictus, our elegant cruise ship that guarantees an intimate cruise for all her guests!

LUXURY AND SAFETY Constructed to comply with the newest European cruise ship standards, MS Invictus is a part of our growing and versatile fleet of small cruise ships. MS Invictus is a luxury yacht made to satisfy your refined cruise expectations, featuring state-of-the-art navigation and safety systems, fully equipped comfortable air-conditioned cabins with private facilities, Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar, sun deck, elegant rooftop Jacuzzi, swimming platform and much else.

SMALL AND POWERFUL: JUST LIKE A PRIVATE YACHT Our small cruise ships are well-built and nimble, small and powerful. They will take you where the bigger vessels cannot go, navigating through the narrow waterways into the very hearts of bustling Mediterranean cities, anchoring in hidden Adriatic bays, docking in small Dalmatian island ports. Forget the time-wasting disembarkation. With MS Invictus the beauties and treasures of the Croatian coast and islands are at your reach, just as if you were cruising aboard your own private yacht!

TOTALLY CROATIAN We are very proud of the fact that all of our small cruise ships are designed and constructed in Croatia. Moreover, they are family-run. Their all-Croatian crews and captains descend from the generations of seafarers. These are people who know and love the sea and will do their very best to accommodate your wishes and make your Croatian holiday most enjoyable and unforgettable.

PUBLIC AREAS MS Invictus is a luxury yacht-like ship that will satisfy our refined expectations for a comfortable and safe cruise along the Croatian Coast.

Built for the cruise season in 2020, MS Invictus boasts the latest state-of-the-art equipment and amenities, offering an intimate cruise for all the guests.

Public areas include an extra-large fully airconditioned salon-restaurant on the upper deck with separate bar and lounge area, big screen LCD TV. Wireless Internet is also available.

The VIP Saloon is located at the ship’s front. Its lounge area offers a 180 degree vista through a single large window, ensuring we enjoy all those breath-taking seascapes as we cruise along the Adriatic coast.

Outside, we’ll find a fully covered terrace with sitting area, tables and chairs that can be closed with removable plastic windows in a rare case of windy conditions.

CABINS All guest cabins are situated on two decks and are fully air-conditioned, with an independent ventilation system enabling fresh air all the time.

Each cabin is en suite with both toilet and shower, and also equipped with, satellite LCD TV, safe deposit box, and 220 V electric supply.

Standard deck cabins have two portholes and a dual ventilation system. Main deck cabins have a cabin window and a porthole in the bathroom.

Hvar

INFORMATION

SUN DECK

UPPER DECK

MAIN DECK

LOWER DECK

CABIN CATEGORIES

Deck

Fare

CAT A CAT A+

Lower Main

£1,899pp £2,249pp

Twin/double with porthole Twin/double with window

Deposit £350pp

Terms & Conditions apply: *Price based on 2 persons sharing cabin and room. Limited availability and subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. E&OE.

WHAT'S INCLUDED •

Return flights Bristol/Dubrovnik with 20kgs of baggage and standard pre-booked seats

•

All overseas transfers

•

2 nights’ pre-cruise hotel on B&B basis

•

8 day Dalmatian Island Hopping Cruise with Captain’s Welcome Lunch, Captain’s 4 course Dinner plus on-board daily breakfasts and lunches and afternoon Wine & Olive Tasting excursion

• 1 night post-cruise hotel on B&B basis WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED • Port and tourist tax of €45 per person to be paid in cash when checking-in on the ship •

All entry fees and optional excursions