Palace Tours − Luxury Tours Collection Gourmet Taste of Istria

Palace Tours − Luxury Tours Collection
Gourmet Taste of Istria
Gourmet Taste of Istria
Immerse yourself in the culture of Istria on this 8−day privately guided tour from Pula. Lush rolling hills overlook the fields
and valleys with quaint towns perched on the hillsides, recalling landscapes of yore. Discover the enchanting details of
the past as you travel through Rovinj, Zminj, Motovun, Umag and Groznjan, complete with visits to wine cellars and local
households to experience Istrian delicacies, including wine, truffles, oysters, prosciutto and more! Nature lovers rejoice
as this tour also takes you to the pristine Brijuni Islands and Limski Fjord.
ITINERARY
• Day 1 − Welcome to Croatia
You are met by your tour guide upon arrival at Pula airport and transferred to your hotel in Rovinj. The rest of the day is
yours at leisure to rest and relax at the hotel or explore Rovinj.
• Day 2 − Excursion to Brijuni National Park
After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Fazana and embark on a boat ride to the Brijuni National Park, an
archiepelago of 14 islands and islets. Brijuni is a place of exquisite beauty with unspoiled nature, historical remains, and
protected flora and fauna. In addition, Brijuni has entered the UNESCO Register of World National Heritage. A guided
tour via electric train enables you to see the remains of ancient Bezant villas, a safari park with various exotic animals
such as zebras, and lions, brought as gifts from statesmen who visited President Tito at his residence on Brijuni. Some
tamed animals, like deer, roam around free. The Island’s attractions also include valuable archeological end
ethnographic collections, and an exhibition of photographs of visitors to the island, including statesmen from all over the
world, and celebrities like Sofia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, and dine from the delectable president’s menu: risotto with scampi, peaches and
champagne or fillet of sole in rue, lemon and anchovy sauce on bed of asparagus or scampi on a sweet bed of orange
juice with spinach and pine nuts. Return to Pula later this afternoon and spend the remainder of your day at leisure,
exploring the city. Stay overnight at the hotel in Rovinj. (B, L)
• Day 3 − Tour of Svetvincenat and a wine cellar visit in Vodnjan
Meet your local guide this morning after breakfast for a half−day sightseeing tour of Pula. Visit the famous Roman
theatre, the third largest in the world, and the Roman Golden Gate. Depart on a 1−hour drive to Žminj, where you are
treated to lunch in a local household, where the cheese, prosciutto, and wine are homemade. Menu suggestion:
Maneštra (Istrian vegetable soup) Fuzi (istrian handmade pasta) with wild game, or lamb, veal, homemade sausages
under an iron bell, with fritule (pastry) for dessert.
In the center of the southernmost part of Istria, halfway between Pazin and Pula, where the road connects inland Istria
with the south of the peninsula, lies the old town of Svetvincenat, with its medieval castle, churches and bell tower.
Svetvincenat, Sanvincenti, and Savicenta are three names for the same locality, which was named after the Hispanic
martyr St. Vincent. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Svetvincenat, followed by a visit to the Giacometti & Monscarda wine
cellar in Vodnjan, the winner of many gold and silver medals for white wine. Taste the famous varietals of Istrian wine −
Mouscat and Cabernet Sauvignon, traditional brandy and olive oil. Return to Rovinj where you have free time until dinner.
Suggestion: Restaurant Konoba Veli Joze. Menu suggestions: Maneštra, fish specialties, homemade pasta with shrimp
or mushrooms, or lamb specialties. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B, L)
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• Day 4 − Sightseeing of Rovinj and oyster tasting at Limski Fjord
This morning after breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Rovinj, one of the most romantic Croatian tourist
destinations. Rovinj was the recipient of the Blue Flower Award 2006 for being the best kept town on Adriatic Coast.
Among its salient qualities is the beautiful architecturally intact old town center with a relaxed Mediterranean feel and the
proximity of inland Istria. Transfer by boat or car to Limski Fjord (also known as Lim Bay), one of the most beautiful
natural resources of the Istrian peninsula. Limski Fjord is part of the 35 km long Lim Valley (Draga) that stretches almost
to the center of Istria, to the town of Pazin. The water in the bay is partly brackish, because of its underwater sources of
sweet water and it is thus suitable for the growth of plant and animal life. Limski Fjord is a well−known fish and oyster
farm (oysters, mussels, giltheads, sea bass), delicacies which you may sample at today’s lunch on the coast at
Restaurant Fjord. Menu suggestions: Seafood risotto, mussel salad or oysters; grilled fish, grilled calamari, or homemade
noodles with lobster; and pancakes, ice cream or fritters for dessert. You have some free time to enjoy the scenery
before returning to Rovinj for dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
• Day 5 − Explore the medieval town of Motovun and wine tasting in Narduci
Continue your journey to the Istrian hinterlands this morning after breakfast. You are met by a local tour guide upon
arrival in Motovun, the most beautiful medieval town in Istria with houses dotting the picturesque landscape. The city gate
dates from the 15th century and the city walls date from the 12th century. Drive to a nearby restaurant in Livade and
experience a unique truffle search demonstration, followed by tasting and lunch at Restaurant Zigante (guests' own
account). Menu suggestion: Istrian pasta “Fuži†with truffles and Istrian traditional fritters.
Later this afternoon, proceed to the small village of Narduci for a wine tasting at the wine cellar of the Arman family. They
are famous wine producers of all sorts such as Pinot, Malvazija, Teran, and Chardonnay. Depart to the city of Umag and
check in to your hotel upon arrival. (B)
• Day 6 − Discover the wine roads of Istria
Journey through the wine roads, starting in the ultimate north of Istria at Bašanija Savudrija and the wine cellars of the
Moreno Degrassi. Enjoy a visit of the cellar and a wine tasting. Continue on to the Kremenje or Momjan to visit the wine
cellar accompanied by a knowledgeable sommelier, and have a wine, prosciutto and cheese tasting. Lunch is served at
the restaurant Marino, where you can experience traditional fare such as asparagus champignons flavored with the
famous truffles.
Depart for Grožnjan, a city whose written history dates back to 1102 when it was a property of the Aquilean patriarchs.
Monuments recovered on the neighboring hills testify about vivid activity of this area in agriculture and trade in the port
on the river Mirna. Return to Umag and spend some time at leisure before dinner at the household Casa Romantica in La
Parenzana, just 2 kilometers from Buje. Stay overnight at your hotel in Umag. (B, L, D)
• Day 7 − Delicious seafood and sightseeing in Opatija
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the rocky and picturesque resort town of Opatija. Lunch is served at the
restaurant Evergreen. Menu suggestions: fish marinade, two grilled fish filets accompanied with potatoes and Swiss
chard, fruit salad with cream. Embark on sightseeing of the city with a local tour guide and spend the rest of the day at
leisure in Opatija, relaxing at your hotel or exploring the town. (B, L)
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• Day 8 − Farewell, Istria
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Opatija or Pula for your departure flight home or to your next exotic destination.
(B)
DESTINATION INFORMATION
• Žminj
Žminj is a municipality in the central part of Istria in Croatia, 15 km south of Pazin with a population of 3,447. The
town is located on a limestone hill between the Lim valley and the Raša valley. This unique part of Istria has a
number of attractions − beautiful landscapes and remnants of cultural heritage from all ages, such as a tower Citadel
in the old town. Exquisite specialities of Istrian cuisine include "manestra", sausages with cabbage, venison with
gnocchi, "supa" (crisp bread in red wine, with olive−oil and pepper) and the famous wines, teran and malmsey.
• Brijuni
Brijuni (also called Brioni or Brionian) are a group of fourteen small islands in the Croatian part of the northern Adriatic
Sea, separated from the west coast of the Istrian peninsula by the narrow Fažana Strait. Famous for their scenic
beauty, the islands are a holiday resort and a Croatian National Park. The largest island, Veli Brijun (5.6 km²), lies 2
km off the coast. At four sites on Veli Brijun over 200 dinosaur footprints have been discovered, which can be traced
to the Cretaceous Period from where Brijuni's Cretaceous Park gets its name.
• Buje
Buje is a picturesque town situated in Istria, Croatia's westernmost peninsula, with a population of 2,979 (2001). Buje
was known as the "sentinel of Istria" for its hilltop site located 10 km inland from the Adriatic sea. It still commands an
excellent panorama. Buje has a rich history, with traces of life in the region dating back to prehistoric times. The town
developed from a Roman and Slavic settlement into a medieval town, and today it is a modern regional center.
Despite its development Buje has retained many features typical of various historical periods. With its narrow streets
and a central square, the old town is a fine example of medieval architecture with strong Venetian influences.
• Fažana
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Fažana is a village and a municipality in Croatia, a small port and fishermen's center in the south−western part of
the western Istrian coast in the Fažana Strait, 8 km northwest of Pula. It is located on a low part of the coast, well
protected from the sea by Brijuni Islands. Today, Fažana is the transport hub for boat excursions to the Islands.
Gentle hills in the interior are under orchards, vineyards and olive−groves; the landscape is dominated by pine
forests. Yugoslavia's Cold War leader, Marshall Tito, is reputed to have loved Fazana and the Brijuni Islands,
spending up to six months of his year there. Tito was reported to have joined local fishermen in their work during his
stays in Fažana.
• Grožnjan
Grožnjan is a village and a municipality in inner Istria, Croatia. According to the 2001 census, the municipality of
Grožnjan had 785 inhabitants of which 51.2% were Italians which makes Grožnjan the only municipality with a
majority share of ethnic Italians in Croatia. Today Grožnjan is the meeting point of young musicians from all over
the world because the International Cultural Centre of Young Musicians has its seat here. Every year Groznjan
organizes music courses (violin, cello, viola, piano, organ, etc.), orchestra courses, ballet courses, recital, directing,
video and sound recording and reproduction courses, seminars for architects, panel discussions about environmental
protection and yoga courses.
• Limski Fjord
The Lim bay and valley is a peculiar geographic feature found near Rovinj and Vrsar on the western coast of Istria,
Croatia, south of Porec. The name comes from the Latin limes for "limit", referring to the landform's position at the
border of two Roman provinces (Dalmatia and Italia). The Lim valley is the 35 km long valley of the river Pazincica,
which transforms into the Lim bay, a 10 kilometer long estuary. It is often called "Limski Fjord", or also "Lim fjord". The
Croats call it Limski zaljev or Limski kanal ("Lim Channel") and grow fish and oysters there.
• Motovun
Motovun is a village in central Istria, Croatia. The population of the village itself is 531, with a total of 983 residents in
the municipality (2001). It is situated on a hill 270 m (886 ft) above sea level and is perhaps the most beautiful
medieval town in Istria, with houses scattered all over the hill, fine examples of Venetian colonial architecture. The
river Mirna flows below the hill and on the other side of the river lies the famous Motovun forest, rich with prized black
and white truffles.
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• Opatija
Opatija is a town in western Croatia, just southwest of Rijeka on the Adriatic coast, population 7,850 (2001), total
municipality population 12,719 (2001). Opatija is situated in the Gulf of Kvarner in a sheltered position at the foot of
Ucka mountain, with Vojak peak at 1401 m. The city is geographically on the Istrian peninsula, though it is not in Istria
county, but Primorje−Gorski Kotar county. It is a popular summer and winter resort, with average temperatures of
10°C in winter, and 25°C in summer. Opatija is surrounded by beautiful woods of bay laurel. The whole sea−coast
to the north and south of Opatija is rocky and picturesque, and contains several smaller winter resorts.
• Pula
Pula is the largest city in Istria County, Croatia, situated at the southern tip of the Istria peninsula, with a population of
62,080 (2006). Like the rest of the region, it is known for its mild climate, tame sea, and unspoiled nature. The city has
a long tradition of winemaking, fishing, shipbuilding, and tourism. Pula has also been Istria's administrative center
since ancient Roman times. The city is best known for its many surviving ancient Roman buildings, the most famous
of which is its first century amphitheatre, sixth largest in the world and locally known as the Arena. This is one of the
best preserved amphitheatres from antiquity and is still in use today during summer film festivals. Two other notable
and well−preserved ancient Roman structures are the 1st century AD triumphal arch, the Arch of the Sergii and the
co−eval temple of Rome and Augustus.
• Rovinj
Rovinj is a city in Croatia situated on the north Adriatic Sea with a population of 13,562 (2007). It is located on the
western coast of the Istrian peninsula and is a popular tourist resort and an active fishing port. Istriot, a Romance
language once widely spoken in this part of Istria, is still spoken by part of the residents (also called Rovignese by
those who speak it here).
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• Savudrija
Savudrija is a coastal settlement in northwestern Istria, Croatia. It has developed from a fishing village into a pleasant
holiday center. Savudrija is also the name of the surrounding area in the peninsula. The main sight of the settlement
is a 29 m high lighthouse. Three kinds of wind meet here so the area is popular with windsurfers. During the period of
fascist rule (1922−1945), the zone was almost completely Italianized. After 1945, most Italians fled the zone and were
replaced by a Croatian−speaking population. Today, Savudrija remains largely Croatian−speaking, but there is a
small Italian minority and most topographic signs are bilingual.
• Svetvincenat
Svetvincenat is a village and municipality in the south of the central part of Istria, Croatia, 16 km north of Vodnjan.
Historically, Svetvincenat was first mentioned around AD 965. The town is dominated by a large castle which has four
round towers a living quarters, and its economy today is based on farming and livestock breeding.
• Umag
Umag is a coastal city in Istria, Croatia. It is the westernmost city of Croatia and its municipality includes Savudrija
which is westernmost point of Croatia. Umag has a population of 7,769 (2001) that is multi−ethnic like many other
towns in Istria. Although a majority of the population considers itself ethnically Croatian, most residents also speak
Italian. The city hosts the yearly Croatia Open ATP tennis tournament on clay courts.
• Vodnjan
Vodnjan is a town and municipality in Istria County, Croatia, situated 10 km north of Pula. The large People Square in
the center of the town denotes the old place where a castle with towers was built probably in the 4th or the 5th
century and torn down in 1808. The square is surrounded by important buildings such as the City Hall in the
neo−Gothic style, the Benussi house, the Bembo house and the Bradamante palace with its decorated facade and an
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elegant triphora. The famous Bumbar Fiesta is held each August in Vodnjan, which is based on the ethnological
heritage of the local population, the Bumbari.
Price Chart
All prices quoted in U.S. Dollars ($) per person
Dates
Class
Double Rate
For departures June 25,2009 through August 31,2009
Deluxe
$10,692.00
For departures September 1,2009 through September 30,2009
Deluxe
$9,975.00
For departures October 1,2009 through October 25,2009
Deluxe
$8,750.00
PLEASE NOTE: The above rates are calculated based on the local currency (EUR) and are subject to change based on
exchange rate fluctuations. Your balance payment will be due and payable based on the exchange rate at that time. An
option to pay in full and lock in today’s exchange rate is also available; please contact us for details.
Your tour cost includes:
• 04 Nights accommodation in Rovinj at 5−star Hotel Monte Mulini or 4−star Hotel Eden (or similar)
• 02 Nights accommodation in Umag at 5−star Hotel Sol Coral or 4−star Hotel Sol Garden Istria (or similar)
• 01 Night accommodation in Opatija at 4−star Hotel Bristol or 5−star Hotel Millennium (or similar)
• Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
• Private transfers as per the itinerary in a high quality vehicle
• Professional English−speaking guide at your disposal throughout the tour
• Excursions, activities and monument entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Knowledgeable local guide for half−day sightseeing tour of Pula
Your tour cost excludes:
• Domestic or international airfare
• Travel insurance and visa fees
• Airport departure taxes
• Any meals not specifically mentioned as “includedâ€
• Beverages, gratuities, telephone bills, or other items of a personal nature
• Any item not specifically mentioned as "included"
HOTELS AND RESORTS
• Hotel Millennium Opatija , Opatija (5 −Star)
Maršala Tita 109 Opatija, Croatia
High quality standards, state−of−the art equipment and facilities as well as the unique
location in the center of Opatija make this five star luxury hotel the ideal place for
successful business events or happy holidays. In the city center park, off the coastal
promenade. 100 m from bus stop, 12 km from main train station, 45 km from Rijeka
airport, 200 km from international airports of Zagreb, Ljubljana and Trieste.
Facilities
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24 Hour Front Desk • Air Conditioned • Babysitting/Child Services •Business Center • City Center •
Concierge • Express Checkout • In Room Movies • Laundry/Valet Services • Lounge • Meeting/Banquet
Facilities • Mini Bar • Parking • Pool • Restaurant • Room Service • Safe • Safe Deposit Box •
Television with Cable • Room Facilities: Air condition • Luxuriously and stylishly decorated • Sea view • SAT
& PAY TV system • Minibar • Safe • Hairdryer • Single/ double beds • Desk • Telephone • Telephone
links and modem (analogous and ISDN) • Internet access
• Hotel Bristol , Opatija (4 −Star)
Ulica Marsala Tita 108
Opatija 51410 Croatia
The luxurious 4−star Hotel Bristol was built in 1906. The elegant hotel is situated in the
centre of Opatija, only a few steps from the sea. Recently renovated, the Hotel Bristol
continues to glow with its imperial charm, perfectly fitting into the spirit of the city of
Opatija. The extraordinary combination of the sea, the mild Mediterranean climate and
the mountains behind, make the Kvarner Gulf and the Riviera of Opatija an attractive
destination any time of year. The hotel’s architecture reflects its former imperial
glory. The magnificent details of the façade and moldings, wrought−iron balcony and
large windows are just one part of the beauty that distinguishes this splendid hotel.
Facilities
Laundry/ Dry Cleaning Service • Common/Public Areas Accessible to Wheelchairs • Common Area Wireless Access
• Restaurant(s) in hotel • Room service (limited hours) • Bar/lounge • Coffee shop or café • Banquet
facilities • 24−hour front desk • Shoe shine • Elevator/lift • Air−conditioned public areas • Complimentary
breakfast • Room Facilities: Internet access − high speed • Cable/satellite TV • Air conditioning • Telephone
• Wake−up calls • Private bathroom • Hair dryer • Makeup mirror • Television − Satellite service •
In−room safe • Window opens • Smoking rooms
• Hotel Eden , Rovinj (4 −Star)
Luja Adamovica bb,
Rovinj 52210, Croatia
This is a hotel of a unique position, premium service and rich tradition, situated in the
shade of the centuries−old park forest Zlatni Rt. The private bay and beach are
accessible through abundant greenery, a luscious lawn and beautiful outdoor
swimming pools. Hotel Eden provides its guests with the opportunity to enjoy the
all−round peace and relaxed atmosphere. It is characterized by exceptional quality and
rich equipment of the rooms, ample and pleasant public areas, and terraces offering
spectacular views.
Facilities
Banquet facilities • Bar • Basketball court • Bowling • Children's facilities • Conference facilities •
Currency exchange • Gym/fitness facilities • Internet access− Wireless • Laundry service • Lift • Lobby •
Non−smoking rooms • Reception • Restaurant • Room service • Safe deposit box • Spa services •
Swimming pool both indoor and outdoor • Tennis court • Internet Access • Room Facilities: A/C • Alarm clock
• Balcony/Terrace • Cable/Satellite TV • En−suite/Private bathroom • Heating • Internet access • Mini
Bar • Non−smoking rooms • Pay TV • Radio • Room service • Safe in room • Telephone.
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• Hotel Monte Mulini , Rovinj (5 −Star)
A. Smareglia bb
Rovinj, 52210 Croatia
The story of Hotel Monte Mulini is a story of style told in a unique way. By a bold
architectural concept, warm and natural materials, carefully selected details and a
synergy of design, functionality and elegance. The hotel is unobtrusively situated right
by the shore and surrounded by abundant Mediterranean greenery. It is characterized
by top quality of all its facilities, especially the restaurants and the wine cellar, and a
highly personalized service.
Facilities
Indoor Pool • Car Rental Desk • Laundry Service • Outdoor Pool • Shops/Commercial Services •
Barber/Beauty Shop • 24 Hour Room Service • Room service • Handicapped rooms/facilities • Elevators •
Fitness room • Solarium • Exercise Gym • Sauna • Boutiques • Pool • Dining • Restaurant • Room
Facilities: Additional beds • Air conditioning • Color TV • Cot available upon request • Direct dial phone •
Electronic safe • Facilities for disabled people • Hairdryer in room • Heating • High speed Internet connection
• Individually controlled air conditioning • LCD flat screen TV • Mini bar • Non−smoking rooms •
Non−smoking rooms available upon request • Pay TV • Radio • Room terrace • Rooms with sea view •
Rooms with view • Safe • Satellite TV • Telephone • Telephone in bathroom • Wireless Internet connection
• Sol Coral , Umag (5 −Star)
Katoro bb
Umag, 52470 Umag, Istria − Croatia
Distant 3 kilometres from Umag, located in the tourist complex of Katoro, amidst a
pincewood and 50 m from the beach. The hotel has 34 single and 219 double rooms,
an air conditioned restaurant, a tavern a la carte, an aperitif bar. For your business
meetings, workshops and congresses there is a modern conference hall. The hotel
offers an indoor swimming pool and 3 outdoor swimming pools with salt water, 2 of
which are for children (with sun−beds and sunshades free of charge). The usage of the
sauna, the massage parlour, the fitness, the beauty centre and hairdresser?s services
are charged aside. The parking (not guarded) is free of charge. he rooms have a
bathroom, a balcony, the air condition, the central heating, a telephone, the satellite
TV, a mini bar and a safety deposit box. Nearby the hotel there is a trim path, 16 tennis
courts with a tennis school, water sports, mini golf, beach volley, table tennis, water
splash, handball, football and basketball courts and a riding centre. The rental of sport
playgrounds and equipment is charged aside
Facilities
Miniature Golf • Handicapped rooms/facilities • Sauna • Babysitting/Child Services • Parking • Fitness room
• Meeting/banquet facilities • No Smoking Rooms/Facilities • Doctor on Call • Coffee Maker in Room •
Restaurant • Exercise Gym • Bar/Lounge • Free Parking • Hairdryer in Room • 24 Hour Front Desk •
Barber/Beauty Shop • Mini Bar • Beach • Modem Lines in Room • Skiing • High Speed Internet • AM/FM
Alarm Clock • Water Skiing • Shops/Commercial Services • Television with Cable • Laundry/Valet Services
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• Internet Access • Room service • Tennis • Safe Deposit Box • Pool • Room Facilities: Air conditioning
• Direct dial phone • Hairdryer in room • Heating • Mini bar • Pay TV • Safe • Satellite TV
• Sol Garden Istra , Umag (4 −Star)
Katoro BB Umag
Croatia 52470
The recently refurbished Sol Garden Istra & Village Garden Istra hotel is 3 km from the
centre of Umag, in the tourist complex Katoro, situated in a pine and green oak wood,
only 300 m from the sea, close to the beach. Umag is located in the north−west of Istria
and is built on the ruins of ancient civilisations and bathed by the crystal−clear waters
of the Adriatic Sea. Umag provides visitors with a unique opportunity to enjoy history,
architecture, a magnificent coastline and a stunning natural environment.
Facilities
Business centre with fax and photocopy service • Gift shop • Laundry service • Multilingual staff • Cybercafé
• Library • Parking in front of the hotel (not supervised) • Safe at the reception (charged aside) • Facilities for
the disabled • Restaurants • Bars • Outdoor and indoor swimming pool • Wellness Centre • Fitness studio
• Multipurpose playing hall • Water sports • Water splash • Tennis school • Basketball and volleyball court
• Bowling • Mini golf • Table tennis • Beach volleyball • TV room • Playstation • Ranch near the hotel
• Meeting rooms• ireless Internet access • Room Facilities: Adjoining rooms for families available • Furnished
balcony • Bathroom with shower and hair−dryer • Air−conditioning • Heating • SAT TV • Telephone •
Safe • Mini bar • Internet access • Room service (from 7am to 11pm).
SUGGESTED EXTENSION TOURS
TRAVEL TIPS & FAQ's
What are the passport/visa requirements?
Please ensure that you have several blank pages in your passport and that it retains its validity for at least 6 months after
your departure. Currently, for U.S. citizens, there is no visa required for travel to Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina,
Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia or Albania. For all others, please check the visa requirements with your local
embassy.
What is the best time to travel to the region?
Generally, the best time to travel to Croatia and the surrounding countries is March to October. Croatia itself enjoys a
variety of climates; in the north and east it is continental, Mediterranean along the coast and a semi−highland and
highland climate in the south−central region. Istria has a temperate climate, while the Palagruža archipelago is home to
a subtropical climate.
What clothing is recommended?
Please dress according to the local weather conditions. Casual, comfortable clothing is best, and as many of the tours
involve a fair amount of walking, comfortable walking shoes are essential.
What type of vehicle transport is used? Is it air conditioned?
For privately guided tours, a Mercedes E−class, Vito or Viano is used. All vehicles are air conditioned.
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For the “at leisure†times in the itinerary, does the car/driver remain at my disposal?
Yes, upon request, the car/driver can remain at your disposal for local sightseeing.
What kind of food is served throughout the tour? Are vegetarian options available?
In each region, local ingredients and traditional meal preparations are showcased, and there are always vegetarian
options available. For the culinary tours, if you do not wish to dine in a particular restaurant, or if it is not available at the
time, there are several other comparable restaurants in each destination. Breakfasts at the hotels are normally
buffet−style. If you have any special dietary requirements or restrictions, please inform us upon booking so that we may
make the necessary arrangements.
Is the drinking water safe? Is bottled water provided complimentary?
Drinking water is safe, however bottled water is provided complimentary throughout the journey.
Is there internet and telephone access available during the tour?
Yes, internet and telephone access is available for a fee at each of the hotels visited.
What is the recommended gratuity?
You may choose to present a gratuity to your tour director, driver and/or guide, which is completely at your discretion and
should be based on your satisfaction with the quality of service provided.
What is the recommended currency? Are there currency exchange facilities readily available?
The local currency in Croatia is the Kuna. Currency exchange facilities are readily available in major cities, and credit
cards are widely accepted. Traveler’s checks are very rarely used.
What types of electric outlets are there?
220 V outlets.
Is travel insurance required to take the tour?
Travel insurance is not required, but it is strongly recommended that clients take out a policy which covers trip
cancellation or delay, and medical evacuation. Travel insurance may be purchased through Palace Tours; please contact
us for details.
Can special accommodations be made if I am handicapped?
Please contact us prior to booking to check the availability of handicap−accessible rooms at the hotels. If the client is
confined to a wheelchair, they may not be able to visit some of the monuments/sights, as several of them have stairs and
are not wheelchair accessible.
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If more than one hotel is mentioned for a specific city, am I able to choose which hotel I want to stay in?
For private tours, you may advise us of your preferences for hotels, and we will try to accommodate your requests, subject to availability.
Palace Tours Contact Information
If at any time you have questions, concerns or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us via any of the below
methods:
On the Web:
www.palacetours.net
By e−mail:
[email protected]
By phone:
1−800−724−5120
India Desk :
1−877−GO−INDIA
USA:
Princeton, NJ: 609−683−5018
New York, NY: 212−920−2543
Houston, TX: 832−446−2709
Los Angeles, CA: 213−341−9099
International:
United Kingdom: 800−8456−201
Hong Kong: (852) 30518159
South Africa : (+27)11−46133299
Australia: 1800−156−671
New Zealand: 0800−442−510
By FAX:
By postal mail:
1−609−683−9772
Palace Tours Ltd.
20 Wall Street
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
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USA
DIRECTIONS TO OUR CORPORATE OFFICE
Please call ahead for hours and appointments!
By Car:
From Princeton area:
Our office is located on the north side of Route 206 in Princeton, New Jersey. We are in the Research Park office
complex, directly opposite from the Princeton Airport.
From points North:
Via Route 1: Take Route 1 South towards Trenton. After you pass Forrestal Village Campus, you will begin to see signs
for “Downtown Princeton & Shoppingâ€. Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for
approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) & follow
for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street.
Via Route 287: Take Route 287 South towards Somerville. Take exit 17 for Route 206 South (Somerville). You will pass
through a traffic circle – follow signs for Route 206 South. Follow Route 206 South for approximately 12 miles. Turn left
onto Wall Street.
From points South:
Via the Garden State Parkway: Take the Parkway North/South to exit 98 for Route 138 West toward Trenton. Route 138
West becomes Route 195 West. Follow 195 West for approximately 17 miles. Merge onto Route 295 North toward
Trenton. Follow directions below.
Via Route 95/ 295: Take Route 95 North until it becomes Route 295 North toward Trenton. Take exit 67A and merge
onto Route 1 North. Follow Route 1 North for approximately 5 miles. Take the exit for Washington Road. Turn right on
Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn
right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) & follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street.
By train:
Princeton Junction is the main train station along the Northeast Corridor for Amtrak and New Jersey Transit. Visitors can
take a cab from here to Princeton or transfer to a one−car train to Princeton called the "Dinky". The train ride takes about
5 minutes, and drops you at University Place across from McCarter Theatre. If you choose this option, be sure to
purchase a rail ticket to “Princeton†for presentation upon boarding the Dinky.
Our office is a 10−minute cab ride from Princeton station (approx. 4.5 miles).
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By bus:
Several buses arrive and depart daily from Princeton Research Park (i.e., New Jersey Transit’s 605 Montgomery
Line). From the bus station, walk into the Research Park office complex. We are located at #20 Wall Street.
For emergencies while traveling within India, you may contact our Jaipur office.
Details will be provided in your travel vouchers, which are issued upon full payment.
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