Palace Tours − Luxury Tours Collection Croatia`s Culinary
Transcription
Palace Tours − Luxury Tours Collection Croatia`s Culinary
Palace Tours − Luxury Tours Collection Croatia's Culinary Experience Croatia's Culinary Experience Embark on a magnificent hand−crafted journey through the heart of Croatia, discovering the many distinctive flavors, sights and aromas of this fascinating region. This 12−day privately guided culinary tour takes you from the capital of Zagreb to the beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park, to the ancient city of Split, the Hvar Islands, Dubrovnik and many more cities and villages in between. A few of the highlights include a truffle demonstration in Motovun, a tour of a famous wine cellar in Hvar, and a hands−on meal preparation experience with a local family in Konavle. ITINERARY • Day 1 − Welcome to Croatia You are welcomed upon arrival by your friendly tour guide at the airport in Zagreb and transferred to the hotel. Rest and relax after your long flight, then enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel. (D) • Day 2 − Zagreb sightseeing and city exploration Around 10:00 this morning, after a delicious breakfast at the hotel, meet your local guide for a half−day sightseeing tour of Zagreb. Start off with sightseeing of the famous streets of Ciril and Metod, St. Mark`s Square with its impressive roof displaying the Croatian coat of arms, City Hall, Parliament and Stone Gate. Continue onwards to St. Stephen’s Cathedral where lies the tomb of Cardinal Stepinac who was martyred for saving the Jews during World War II. Visit Ban Jelacic Square with the statue of Viceroy Josip Jelacic on the horse before enjoying lunch at the traditional restaurant Vinodol. The afternoon is yours at leisure to explore the city on your own. Dinner is served in the famous restaurant Putinjar, where you have the opportunity to spend the evening with the owner of the restaurant, visit his wine cellar, and learn recipes of traditional meals from Zagreb. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay. (B, L, D) • Day 3 − Explore TrakoÅ¡can castle and the village of Kumrovec This morning after breakfast, depart your hotel for the Croatian Highlands, an area about 50 − 70 km from Zagreb. During this excursion, feast your eyes on the beautiful landscape dotted with romantic castles and vineyards on the hills. Today’s first stop is the well−preserved lakeside castle TrakoÅ¡can, for a fascinating tour of its ancient rooms and halls. Built in the 13th century as a part of the defense fortification network of Zagorje principality, TrakoÅ¡can was the home of many noble Croatian families, the most important being the Draskovic family. Discover the castle’s rich history as you gaze upon furniture from different centuries, and a collection of the weapons and portraits of the Draskovic family. You are treated to lunch in a traditional farm household where you’ll enjoy local specialties as cheese with cream, boiled ham, turkey with mlinci, and zagorski strukli. Later this afternoon, proceed to the ethno village of Kumrovec where President Tito was born. Here, you may learn the history of daily life, trade and manufacturing of this Zagorje village. Return to Zagreb and enjoy a light dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D) 1 • Day 4 − An unforgettable truffle experience in Motovun Check out of the hotel around 08:00 this morning after breakfast and travel to the medieval village of Motovun (approx. 4 hour drive). After a brief sightseeing tour around town, receive an introduction to the truffles for which the area is known as you meet with the truffle producers and experience a truffle search demonstration. Proceed to the restaurant Zigante to observe the preparation of truffle pasta, and enjoy the results for lunch. Later, drive to Rovinj and check in to your hotel, followed by dinner at the Limski Fjord restaurant. (B, L, D) • Day 5 − Visit Opatija and relax at Plitvice Lakes Transfer to Opatija this morning after breakfast and arrive around 11:00. Opatija is also known as “The Old Lady of Croatian tourism†because it has been the tourism center in Croatia since the reign of the Austrian Hungarian Monarchy. It used to be a winter resort for Royal family, and they have built beautiful hotels and villas. Take a the walk along “Lungo mareâ€, a 50 km long promenade bordering the sea which connects the entire Opatija Riviera of Ika, Icici, Lovran, Opatija and Volosko. Reach the quaint town of Kastav for lunch at Kukuriku restaurant, where you can meet the owner and feast on traditional specialties of the Kvarner region. Continue onwards on a drive to Lika region, home of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Check in to your hotel which is nestled inside the Park and spend some free time exploring your beautiful surroundings. Later this evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D) • Day 6 − The beautiful blue−green Plitvice Lakes and journey to the heart of Split Meet your local guide this morning after breakfast for a half−day excursion of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the unique magic of water and woods in the valley situated between high forested mountains and a string of sixteen beautiful lakes of crystal blue−green color. The lakes are fed by many small streams and brooks and spill into each other in foaming cascades and thundering waterfalls. The tour also includes a ride via electric−boat and electric−train. Savor the taste of traditional lamb and pork from the Lika region baked in “razanj†at the Licka Kuka restaurant. This afternoon, bid farewell to the beautiful Plitvice Lakes and proceed to Split. Upon arrival, embark on a half−day sightseeing tour, which begins in the heart of Split, the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian, which was built in 295 BC. Within this magnificent palace are four gates, Golden gate being the most famous. In front of Golden Gate is the statue of Grgur Ninski made by Ivan MeÅ¡trovic, and Peristil Square where the emperor’s speeches took place. You may also visit the mausoleum of the Roman emperor which is known today as the Cathedral of St. Domnius with its famous bell tower. At the end of the city tour, continue to the Riva, a coastal walk with palm trees where you can relax in the sun and enjoy a beautiful view of the port and nearby islands. Later this evening, proceed to your hotel. Receive an introduction to fabulous Dalmatian cuisine during dinner tonight at Terra restaurant. (B, L, D) • Day 7 − Historical city tours of Å ibenik and Trogir Depart for Å ibenik early this morning after breakfast. Visit the old town, city hall, and Cathedral of St. Jacob, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Croatia, a masterpiece of renaissance architecture that is protected by UNESCO. En route to Trogir, visit the small town of Skradin for lunch. Arrive in Trogir this afternoon and meet your local guide for a half−day city tour. Trogir is a city with 2,300 years of tradition, with a rich culture that was created under the influence of old Greeks, Romans and Venetians. The concentration of palaces, churches, towers, and fortresses on such a small island certainly earns the historic city of Trogir the nickname of "The Stone Beauty.†Visit Trogir Cathedral and return to Split this evening. Enjoy a light dinner and overnight at your hotel in Split. (B, L, D) • Day 8 − Wine cellar tour in Hvar 2 Following breakfast at the hotel, depart to Split's ferry port for a ferry ride to Starigrad/Hvar Island. After your sightseeing tour of the Hvar group of islands, continue to the town of Hvar for lunch and to meet Mr. Plenkovic, a famous Croatian wine producer. His wines continue to conquer and dazzle the world many times over. You are invited to try his finest vines, made from grapes grown on the southern hills of Hvar. You may also sample their Prosek, a sweet desert wine. Participate in a cellar tour and don’t hesitate to ask questions! After this exciting visit, proceed back to port to take the ferry to Split. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure to explore Split or relax at the hotel. (B, L, D) • Day 9 − Learn about oyster and seashell preparation in Mali Ston Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and embark on a drive to Dubrovnik, stopping at Ston en route. Take an excursion to Mali Ston, “Little Ston,†famous for its seashell and oyster production. Learn how to prepare oysters and sea shells, after which lunch is served with a wine tasting. Continue the drive to Dubrovnik, check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. (B, L) • Day 10 − A day in the life of a family in Konavle Receive a transfer to Konavle today after breakfast. In the village household of family Monkovic, you will gain insight into their daily lives and customs. Participate in a hands−on lunch preparation, which includes sea bass with potatoes, and homemade rakija and orahovica. The remainder of the afternoon is free for sightseeing of Konavle, a geopolitical, strategically and economically important area. Return to Dubrovnik later this evening and have dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D) • Day 11 − City tour of Dubrovnik, "Pearl of the Adriatic" After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a half−day sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik with your local guide. Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik is "genuine, authentic and the only town in the world made of stone and light". Visit the Church of St. Blaise, Cathedral, Rector's Palace, Franciscan and Dominican Monasteries, Stradun Promenade, Onophrio’s fountain, Orlando Statue and Sponza Palace. Enjoy lunch in the restaurant Proto and spend the rest of your day at leisure. Dinner is served in the restaurant Nautika. (B, L, D) • Day 12 − Departure day Check out of your hotel this morning after breakfast and receive a transfer to the airport for your departure flight home or to your next exciting destination. (B) DESTINATION INFORMATION • Å ibenik Å ibenik is a historic town in Croatia, population 51,553 (2001). It is located in central Dalmatia where the river Krka flows into the Adriatic Sea. Å ibenik is a political, educational, transport, industrial and tourist center of Å ibenik−Knin County. The central church in Å ibenik, the Cathedral of St. James, is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. 3 • Dubrovnik Dubrovnik, also known as "the Pearl of the Adriatic", is a city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the extreme south of Croatia, positioned at the terminal end of the Isthmus of Dubrovnik. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations on the Adriatic, a seaport and the center of Dubrovnik−Neretva County. Its population was 43,770 in 2001. In 1979, the city of Dubrovnik joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. The prosperity of the city of Dubrovnik has always been based on maritime trade. In the Middle Ages, as the Republic of Dubrovnik, it became the only eastern Adriatic city−state to rival Venice. Supported by its wealth and skilled diplomacy, the city achieved a remarkable level of development, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries. • Hvar Hvar is a town on the eponymous island of Hvar in Dalmatia, Croatia. The municipality has a population of 4,138 (2001) while the city itself is inhabited by 3,672 people, making it the largest settlement on the island of Hvar. It is located on the opposite side of the island from Stari Grad. Hvar, with its seven century−old walls and fortifications, is the site of the oldest municipal theatre in Europe, opened in 1612. The town also has many galleries, museums, and exhibitions, including Arsenal, Loda, Zvijezda Mora, Anuncijata, Skorpion, and the Croatian Institute, which hold numerous art collections. • Konavle Konavle is a small region and municipality located southeast of Dubrovnik, Croatia. It is administratively part of the Dubrovnik−Neretva county and forms a municipality with its center at Gruda with a total population of 8,250 people (2001) split in 32 villages. Even though considerably damaged during the Croatian War of Independence, Konavle maintain its status as one of the wealthiest counties in all of Croatia, consistently ranking amongst the ten richest counties. Konavle is actually a narrow field located between the Sniježnica Mountain and the Adriatic Sea, spanning the area from the coastal town of Cavtat to the Montenegrin border at Prevlaka. • Kumrovec 4 Kumrovec is a village in central Croatia, part of Krapina−Zagorje county. It sits on the Sutla River, along the Croatian−Slovenian border. The Kumrovec municipality has 1,854 residents (2001), but the village itself has only 304 people. Kumrovec's claim to fame is that it was the birth place of marshal Josip Broz Tito (1892−1980), the president of former Yugoslavia. The birth house of Tito (built in 1860 as the first brickwork house in the village) features the Memorial Museum of Marshal Tito, opened in 1953. • 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. • 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. • Plitvice Lakes National Park The Plitvice Lakes is a national park in Croatia, near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The lakes are situated on the eponymous Plitvice plateau, between the mountains of Licka PljeÅ¡evica, Mala Kapela and Medvedak (884 m). The Plitvice Lakes lie in a basin of karstic rock, mainly dolomite and limestone, which has given rise to their most distinctive feature. The lakes are separated by natural dams of travertine, which is deposited by the action of moss, algae and bacteria. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colors, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue. The colors change constantly depending on the quantity of minerals or organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight. 5 • 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). • Split Split is the largest Dalmatian city, the second−largest urban centre in Croatia, and the seat of Split−Dalmatia County. The city is situated on the shores of the Mediterranean, more specifically the eastern Adriatic Sea, spreading over a central peninsula and its surroundings. An important regional transit center, the city is a vital link to the numerous surrounding Adriatic islands and the Italian peninsula, as well as a popular tourist destination. Split is also one of the oldest cities in the area, and is traditionally considered just over 1,700 years old. However, recent archaeological research relating to the ancient Greek colony of Aspálathos (6th century BC) establishes the city as being several hundred years older. • Ston Ston is a village and municipality in the Dubrovnik−Neretva County of Croatia, located at the south of isthmus of the PeljeÅ¡ac peninsula. Ston was a major fort of the Ragusan Republic whose defensive walls were regarded as a notable feat of medieval architecture: the town's inner wall measures 890 meters in length, while the Great Wall outside the town has a circumference of 5 km. The walls extend to Mali Ston ("Little Ston"), a smaller town on the northern side of the PeljeÅ¡ac isthmus and the end of the Gulf of Mali Ston (Malostonski zaljev), notable for its mariculture. • Trogir 6 Trogir is a historic town and harbor on the Adriatic coast in Split−Dalmatia County, Croatia, with a population of 10,907 (2001) and a total municipality population of 13,322 (2001). Trogir is situated on a small island between the Croatian mainland and the island of Ciovo, and lies 27 kilometers west of the city of Split. Trogir has a fascinating 2300 years of continuous urban tradition, where its rich culture was created under the influence of old Greeks, Romans, and Venetians. Trogir has a high concentration of palaces, churches, and towers, as well as a fortress on a small island, and in 1997 was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. • Zagreb Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of Croatia, the only Croatian city whose metropolitan population exceeds one million people (approx. 1.2 million). It is situated between the southern slopes of the Medvednica Mountain and both northern and southern bank of the Sava River at an elevation of approximately 122 m (400 ft) above sea level. Zagreb is the cultural, scientific, cinematic, economic and governmental center of the Republic of Croatia. Zagreb is a city with a rich history, with Roman settlements such as Andautonia existing as early as the 1st century AD. Price Chart All prices quoted in U.S. Dollars ($) per person Dates Class Double Rate For departures June 21,2009 through August 31,2009 Deluxe $11,817.00 For departures September 1,2009 through September 30,2009 Deluxe $11,650.00 For departures October 1,2009 through October 21,2009 Deluxe $11,050.00 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: • 03 Nights accommodation in Zagreb at 5−star Hotel Regent Esplanade (or similar) • 01 Night accommodation in Rovinj at 5−star Hotel Monte Mulini (or similar) • 01 Night accommodation in Plitvice at 3−star Hotel Jezero (or similar) • 03 Nights accommodation in Split at 5−star Hotel Atrium (or similar) • 03 Nights accommodation in Dubrovnik at 5−star Hilton Imperial (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 and activities as per the itinerary • Entrance fees to the destinations as per the itinerary • Knowledgeable local guide for half−day sightseeing tours of Zagreb, Split, Trogir and Dubrovnik Your tour cost excludes: 7 • Domestic or international airfare • Travel insurance and visa fees • Airport departure taxes • Any meals not specifically mentioned as “included†• Beverages, gratuities, telephone bills, or other items of a personal nature • Any item not specifically mentioned as "included" HOTELS AND RESORTS • Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik , Dubrovnik (5 −Star) Marijana Blazica 2, Dubrovnik Croatia 20000 Take in spectacular views of historic Dubrovnik and the Adriatic from the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik hotel. Dine out on the restaurant's terrace or relax by the sunlit indoor pool. Dubrovnik's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 110 yards away. Take the whole family to Porat Restaurant with its kids' menu, Croatian specialties and local wines or just sip on a pina colada from The Bar. Splash in the indoor swimming pool or just relax at the onsite sauna and steam room. Doing business is easy at this city center hotel − it has 7 meeting rooms for 12 to 260 people, an Executive Lounge, business center and wireless internet access in all public spaces. From Hilton Guest Rooms to Executive Rooms and suites, all rooms have traditional Croatian decor and high−speed internet access. Executive Rooms and suites offer Executive Lounge access. Facilities Audio/Visual Equipment Rental • Business Center • Express Mail • Fax • Meeting Rooms • Modem • Office Rental • Printer • Secretarial Service • Children's Menu • Cribs •Family Package Offered • High chairs • Baggage Storage • Concierge Desk • Elevators • Foreign Currency Exchange • Gift Shop • Local Area Transportation • Lounge • Luggage Hold • Multi−Lingual Staff • News Stand • Room Service • Shoe Shine Stand • Fitness Room • Jogging Track • Pool • Sight Seeing Tours • Room Facilities: Accessible • Air Conditioning • Bathrobe • Connecting Rooms • Non−Smoking • Shower for Wheelchair • TV−Cable • TV−Pay per view • TV−Standard Network • Work Desk with Adjustable Lamp • 24 Hour Housekeeping • Bathroom Amenities • Coffee Maker • Efficiency • Hairdryer • Hand Held Shower • High Speed Internet Access • Internet access in guest room• Iron • Ironing Board • Mini Bar • Newspaper M−F (Wallstreet) • Newspaper Deliv'd M−F (Loca•l) • Tea/Coffee Making Facilities • Telephone − in Bath • Telephone − Two Phones • Telephone−with Speaker phone • Video Messaging • Wet Bar • Automatic Door Closer • Electronic Locks • Electronic Smoke Detector • Safe • Hotel Adriana , Hvar (5 −Star) Fabrika bb, 21450 Hvar Croatia Adriana, Hvar Marina Hotel and Spa is a contemporary four−storey property which enjoys a waterfront position with views across the sea and the old town on the Croatian island of Hvar. The Franciscan Monastery is one kilometre from the hotel, and the Spanish Fortress is two kilometres away. Split Kastela Airport is 75 kilometres distance, an approximate travelling time of two hours. 8 Facilities Internet access − wireless • Cable/satellite TV • Pay movies • Hypo−allergenic bedding available • Climate control • Voice mail • Direct−dial phone • Multi−line phone • Minibar • Refrigerator (on request) • Wake−up calls • Bathrobes • Complimentary toiletries • Hair dryer • Shower/tub combination • Extra towels/bedding in room • Slippers • Electronic/magnetic keys • In−room safe • Smoking rooms • Cribs (infant beds) available • Room Facilities: Satellite television • Wireless Internet access • Direct−dial phones • Voicemail • Minibars • Climate control • Safes • Bathrooms have bathrobes • Slippers • Complimentary toiletries • Hair dryers • Wheelchair accessible. • Hotel Millennium Opatija , Opatija (5 −Star) MarÅ¡ala 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 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 Jezero , Plitvice Lakes National Park (3 −Star) Nacionalni Park Plitvicka Jezera Plitvice Lakes National Park 53231, Croatia Presenting comfortable accommodation and excellent service in a cosy atmosphere, the Jezero Hotel Plitvice is an ideal place to reside for both business as well as leisure travellers. Situated in the heart of the National Park in Plitvice, the Jezero Hotel Plitvice is set in beautiful natural surroundings and offers stunning views and tranquillity. Facilities On−site restaurant • Conference facility • On−site gymnasium or indulge in a game of tennis • Swimming pool • Sauna • Room Facilities: Spacious rooms • Balconies • Stunning views of the lakes and forests. • Hotel Monte Mulini , Rovinj (5 −Star) A. Smareglia bb Rovinj, 52210 Croatia 9 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 • Hotel Atrium , Split (5 −Star) Domovinskog Rata 49a; 21000 Split, Croatia It is our pleasure to introduce the new luxury 5 star hotel in Split, the first of its kind in Split downtown. Atrium Hotel architectural harmony of marble and glass was built on top of remains of the ancient Diocletian Aqueduct which can be seen in the gallery located below the street level next to the main hotel entrance. Modern interior, high tech facilities, relaxed atmosphere, courteous and above all professional staff will ensure both − a combination of business success and pleasure. Facilities Indoor pool • Jaccuzzi • Finnish sauna • Infra red sauna • Fitness • Business Center • Bar • Restaurant • Room Facilities: In−room bathtubs for personal spa treatment • Terry bathrobe & slippers • Cotton satin linen • Luxurious amenities by GFL • In−room safe • Cable/satellite television • Flat screen LCD and Pay TV • In−room bar • High speed wireless Internet access • Global newspaper valet service • Laundry valet service • 24−hour room service • 24−hour concierge • Smoke detectors & sprinklers. • The Regent Esplanade , Zagreb (5 −Star) Mihanoviceva 1, 10000 Zagreb Croatia 10 Housed in an elegant and distinguished building originally built in 1925 and designed to accommodate passengers from the Orient Express, the Regent Esplanade Hotel Zagreb is known for its impeccable service and luxurious accommodations. The Regent Esplanade Zagreb hotel is one of the city's most famous and gracious buildings, and it has hosted presidents, politicians, movie stars and musicians among its many distinguished guests. Our hotel in Zagreb, Croatia flawlessly combines luxury and convenience providing exquisite accommodations in Zagreb and ensuring a relaxing and rejuvenating stay for business and leisure travelers alike. Facilities 24−hr room service • 209 elegant and spacious rooms • Business Centre • Casino • Concierge desk • Express check−in/check−out • Four on−site restaurants • Health Centre − complimentary • High−speed, wireless Internet throughout hotel − complimentary • Limousine service • Massage and spa treatments available • Meeting/function space • Newsstand and gift shop • Non−smoking rooms available • On−site car rentals • On−site parking with surveillance • Pet friendly hotel • Pressing • Regent Club with meeting room • Same day laundry and dry cleaning • Segway City Tour • Valet parking • Room Facilities: 24−hour room service • 100% cotton oversized bath towels • All news cable network • Bath menu • Bathrobe and slippers • Flame resistant fabrics • Fresh flowers • Goose down pillows and duvets • Hair dryer • High−speed Internet access − complimentary • In−room safe • Non−smoking rooms available • Overnight shoe shine service − complimentary • Personalized turn down service • Satellite and pay TV • Three telephones with voicemail • Trouser press • Wool blankets available on request 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. 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. 11 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. If more than one hotel is mentioned for a specific city, am I able to choose which hotel I want to stay in? 12 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 USA 13 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). By bus: 14 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. 15