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<strong>CROATIA</strong><br />

Beyond the ordinary


DEAR TRAVELLER<br />

As a child, I was privileged to travel the world,<br />

my senses overwhelmed by this astonishing<br />

planet’s beauty and diversity. Bitten by that<br />

bug, it is little wonder that today I dedicate my<br />

working life to making extraordinary travel<br />

experiences available to Transun guests.<br />

Transun is one of Britain’s longestestablished<br />

independent tour operators, with<br />

a 30-year pedigree of pioneering destinations<br />

both in Europe and the Near and Far East.<br />

We do not attempt to cover the entire<br />

globe. We would not pretend our expertise<br />

stretches that far. Instead, we prefer to<br />

operate to those destinations where we know<br />

our many years of personal experience,<br />

knowledge and enthusiasm can make a world<br />

of difference.<br />

Let Transun tailor your next holiday just<br />

for you. Providing you with highly attuned,<br />

personal service and travel arrangements<br />

that are exactly as luxurious as you require,<br />

our hand-picked team of like-minded travel<br />

experts will ensure your trip is unique,<br />

memorable and, most importantly, stress-free.<br />

NICO KOSTICH<br />

DIRECTOR OF TRADING


HAND-PICKED AND TAILORED TO YOU…<br />

Welcome to Transun’s latest Croatia Brochure. We hope it will give you an evocative flavour of<br />

how special a holiday in Croatia can be. Our brochure is intended to whet your appetite and you<br />

will find even more detail and information on our website.<br />

Croatia was once the land known as Ilyria, setting for Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and we<br />

believe the enduring grandeur of the country’s scenery is well-matched by the grandeur of the<br />

Bard’s writing.<br />

Every ingredient in this brochure has been personally devised by a Transun executive through<br />

on-the-ground experience. And every hotel has been hand-picked for its unique qualities.<br />

Because at Transun, we are dedicated to taking the guesswork out of travel – by sharing our<br />

knowledge and expertise with you.<br />

Transun has been operating to Croatia for decades and our understanding of the region, its<br />

people and its unique ways, means we can provide you with worry-free, tailor-made arrangements.<br />

Whatever your personal requirements, you will always sense we’re on your wavelength, always<br />

ready to do more to ensure your trip is exactly as you’d like it.<br />

In the internet age, that’s a rare and precious thing... like a holiday in Croatia, Europe’s newly<br />

pre-eminent holiday destination, in fact.<br />

3


n CALL 01865 565 397 TO SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR <strong>CROATIA</strong> EXPERTS OR VISIT WWW.TRANSUN.CO.UK/<strong>CROATIA</strong>


Stuff your eyes with wonder,’ he said, ‘live as if<br />

you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world.<br />

It’s more fantastic than any dream made or<br />

paid for in factories.<br />

RAY BRADBURY<br />

Korchula Town<br />

5


n CALL 01865 565 397 TO SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR <strong>CROATIA</strong> EXPERTS OR VISIT WWW.TRANSUN.CO.UK/<strong>CROATIA</strong>


EUROPE’S ‘IT’ DESTINATION<br />

‘The Mediterranean as it once was’ says the<br />

tourist board advertising for Croatia. But we<br />

believe Mediterranean holidays have never<br />

been as good as this!<br />

Even for seasoned Croatia specialists<br />

like ourselves, there’s a growing sense of<br />

excitement and glamour surrounding Croatia’s<br />

spectacularly beautiful Mediterranean coast.<br />

Historic towns like Dubrovnik and Hvar<br />

have developed an undoubted star appeal,<br />

where days spent in languorous sun worship<br />

are followed by a lively night life. Celebrityspotting,<br />

with your designer cocktail in hand,<br />

is all the rage, while the rich and famous park<br />

their ‘gin palace’ yachts nearby.<br />

But for those who seek peace and quiet,<br />

Croatia offers tranquillity in abundance, with<br />

quiet fishing villages, secluded coves and idyllic<br />

islands all waiting for your visit.<br />

Croatia’s food and wines are<br />

often overlooked. Throughout this<br />

brochure we highlight just some of the<br />

region’s gastronomic credentials.<br />

Families love the many safe beaches, and<br />

there are activities galore, whatever your age<br />

or interests.<br />

And don’t just take our word for it. This is<br />

what the authoritative Lonely Planet guide has<br />

to say: ‘Croatia’s rare blend of glamour and<br />

old-fashioned authenticity make this Europe’s<br />

‘it’ destination, where beaches and sunshine<br />

vie for attention with cultural treasures,<br />

ancient architecture and time-tested folk<br />

traditions.’<br />

We couldn’t agree more. Whether you<br />

want to explore historic cities, kick back on a<br />

scenic beach or perhaps explore the Croatian<br />

coastline on an island-hopping cruise boat,<br />

you will find the perfect holiday here, created<br />

for you by one of the UK’s leading Croatia<br />

specialists.<br />

To move, to breathe, to fly, to<br />

float; to gain all while you give;<br />

to roam the roads of lands<br />

remote; to travel is to live.<br />

WILLIAM G.T. SHEDD<br />

7


<strong>CROATIA</strong> HIGHLIGHTS<br />

Croatia has rapidly established itself as one<br />

of the most exciting holiday destinations in<br />

Europe. And thanks to decades of experience<br />

in operating there, Transun can provide you<br />

with expertise and insight to complement your<br />

tailor-made holiday experience.<br />

For a small country, Croatia offers a wealth<br />

of travel experiences, from ancient cities<br />

steeped in history’s grandeur, to tranquil<br />

islands, some where time really has stood still,<br />

providing a step back into a gentler and more<br />

tranquil past.<br />

Whether its city visits, beaches, astonishing<br />

national parks or even Dalmatian cruising,<br />

you can even combine your favourite Croatian<br />

holiday experiences with an adventure in<br />

neighbouring Bosnia, where the fabled city of<br />

Sarajevo and Mostar’s iconic bridge await.<br />

1<br />

DUBROVNIK<br />

With its magnificent ancient walls and polished<br />

marble streets, Dubrovnik provides a city<br />

experience like no other you have tried before,<br />

all set beside the azure Adriatic sea.<br />

2<br />

HVAR<br />

It has been called the Med’s new St Tropez but<br />

Hvar is so much more than just an island that<br />

draws the wealthy and the fashionable to its<br />

honeyed charms. Away from the trendy crowds<br />

can be found an island of exquisite beauty.<br />

3<br />

KORCULA<br />

With its fabled vineyards, quiet beaches and<br />

unspoiled villages, Korcula, birthplace of explorer<br />

Marco Polo, is a holiday haven we simply cannot<br />

resist returning to again and again.<br />

4<br />

VIS<br />

Forgotten, thanks to a quirk of history, for<br />

half a century, Vis is an unspoiled island, lying<br />

somnolent in the caresses of the Adriatic, where<br />

the gentler pace of a lost age still holds sway.<br />

5<br />

SPLIT<br />

A Roman emperor chose it as his retirement<br />

playground and you can step back two thousand<br />

years in Diocletian’s palace at the heart of this<br />

bustling port town, gateway to the islands.<br />

6<br />

DALMATIA CRUISING<br />

No better way to explore Croatia’s stunning<br />

coastline than aboard a small and friendly<br />

cruise vessel, when every day brings a new and<br />

exciting port of call.<br />

7<br />

PLITVICE LAKES<br />

Croatia’s largest national park is world famous<br />

for its 16 beautiful lakes arranged in cascades<br />

and connected by spectacular waterfalls. Here<br />

you will find natural beauty in breathtaking<br />

abundance.<br />

8<br />

MOSTAR<br />

Its iconic bridge is an enduring symbol of man’s<br />

soaring spirit and you can make a visit to this<br />

historic town in Bosnia part of your Croatia<br />

adventure.<br />

9<br />

SARAJEVO<br />

A city that lies at the confluence of East and<br />

West and which has played a central role in<br />

history’s pageant. Add a visit to your itinerary<br />

for a fascinating stopover.<br />

10<br />

LIMITED EDITION<br />

Some accommodation simply defies definition.<br />

Unique, special and courageously different, such<br />

properties provide a holiday sanctuary unlike<br />

anywhere else. Such properties are few and far<br />

between but in Croatia and Bosnia, we have<br />

found two such havens…<br />

11<br />

VILLAS<br />

If you are travelling as a large group or just<br />

prefer tranquillity and seclusion, a villa in Croatia<br />

will provide you with the benefit and freedom<br />

of your own private accommodation, often<br />

enjoying a stunning location.<br />

n CALL 01865 565 397 TO SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR <strong>CROATIA</strong> EXPERTS OR VISIT WWW.TRANSUN.CO.UK/<strong>CROATIA</strong>


7<br />

<strong>CROATIA</strong><br />

BOSNIA &<br />

HERZEGOVINA<br />

9<br />

5<br />

8<br />

4<br />

2<br />

6<br />

11<br />

10<br />

3<br />

1<br />

MONTENEGRO<br />

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL<br />

Croatia’s stunning islands and warm<br />

Mediterranean climate make for the perfect<br />

summer holiday destination. Spring and<br />

Autumn are a great time for sightseeing, there<br />

is plenty of history and charm to uncover in<br />

the medieval streets of Dubrovnik and Split<br />

when the temperatures are cool enough to<br />

truly explore Croatia’s hidden treasures. July<br />

and August can be the most popular months to<br />

visit the Adriatic coast resulting in crowds, but<br />

temperatures boast an average of 30C, making<br />

it a good time to enjoy the warm sea and<br />

Croatia’s vibrant social scene.<br />

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL FACTS<br />

Fly to<br />

Flying time<br />

Time difference<br />

Visa requirements<br />

Split and Dubrovnik<br />

Approx 2.5 hours<br />

GMT + 1 hours<br />

UK passport holders<br />

will not need a<br />

visa to travel to<br />

Croatia and Bosnia.<br />

Passports will need<br />

to be valid on the<br />

date of return<br />

<strong>CROATIA</strong>-SPLIT AVERAGE TEMPERATURE IN ˚C<br />

HIGH LOW<br />

40<br />

30<br />

20<br />

10<br />

0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC<br />

AVERAGE MONTHLY RAINFALL (MM)<br />

15.4 27.4 40.7 56.1 39.5 31.5 8.4 28.4 27 86.4 59.5 86.4<br />

AVERAGE DAILY HOURS SUNLIGHT<br />

5 6 7 8 9 11 12 10 8 6 4 4<br />

9


n CALL 01865 565 397 TO SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR <strong>CROATIA</strong> EXPERTS OR VISIT WWW.TRANSUN.CO.UK/<strong>CROATIA</strong>


Viola: ‘What country, friends, is this’<br />

Sea Captain: ‘This is Illyria, lady. …’<br />

TWELFTH NIGHT, WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE<br />

11


Pucic Palace<br />

Rixos Libertas<br />

Hotel Stari Grad<br />

DUBROVNIK:<br />

UNIQUE AND UNFORGETTABLE<br />

Dubrovnik is unlike any city you have ever visited<br />

before. An experience, not just a destination. A<br />

step back through its massive stone walls into a<br />

past of sieges and naval battles, heroic deeds and<br />

historic events.<br />

Dubrovnik is perfect for everyone who<br />

believes a break shouldn’t just be about sitting on<br />

a beach. This wonderfully preserved medieval<br />

city’s marble streets and baroque buildings are<br />

a treasure trove of history, beauty and artistic<br />

delights, beyond which lies the eternal azure<br />

shimmer of the Adriatic Sea.<br />

There are beaches to escape to close by, for<br />

when you need to relax, and within the Old<br />

Town’s mighty walls, there is a warren of narrow<br />

alleyways and streets waiting to be explored.<br />

Here, architectural treasures await at every<br />

turn, such as the Rector’s Palace, cathedral<br />

and the city gates. In the 15th Century the city<br />

was a mighty republic known as Ragusa and a<br />

maritime power to rival Venice.<br />

To the north of the city, a cable car whisks<br />

visitors to a mountain top for spectacular views<br />

of the city’s red tiled roofs and, beyond, the<br />

nearby island of lokrum, where Richard the<br />

Lionheart is said to once have been shipwrecked.<br />

But Dubrovnik is not a dusty old museum<br />

piece. Instead, it is a lively, fashionable city,<br />

inspiring awe and delight in all who visit it, and<br />

offering exciting modern lifestyle options such<br />

as elegant designer boutiques and a plethora of<br />

wonderful places to eat, drink and relax. You will<br />

undoubtedly develop a taste for Posip, that finest<br />

of light white Dalmatian wines.<br />

PUCIC PALACE<br />

A 17th century baroque building in Gundulic<br />

Square, the cultural heart of Dubrovnik’s Old<br />

Town, the Pucic Palace is a tranquil retreat<br />

from the city’s hustle and bustle. The hotel<br />

has just 17 luxury rooms and two suites,<br />

creating an exclusive and intimate experience.<br />

n Why we chose it: This former<br />

nobleman’s house offers the highest-ranked<br />

accommodation within Dubrovnik’s ancient<br />

city walls, putting you at the heart of this<br />

amazing city’s daily life.<br />

HOTEL STARI GRAD<br />

Fully renovated in 2013 and situated on<br />

a quiet street yet just steps away from the<br />

vibrant Stradun, this historic residence offers<br />

eight spacious guest bedrooms and free<br />

wi-fi in all areas. Guests can enjoy terrace<br />

views over the rooftops of the Old Town. A<br />

TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice winner 2013.<br />

n Why we chose it: Dubrovnik’s only<br />

other hotel located within the city walls,<br />

making a visit to this historic city a truly<br />

unique experience.<br />

RIXOS LIBERTAS<br />

This unique hotel is set into a cliff, meaning<br />

the majority of its 250 air-conditioned<br />

rooms benefit from a balcony with a sea<br />

view, which is one of our favourite things<br />

about the Rixos. This modern hotel has a<br />

small indoor plunge pool and large outdoor<br />

swimming pool, as well as direct step access<br />

into the Adriatic sea. Located around 1.6k<br />

– a 20-minute walk – from the historic Old<br />

Town’s northern gate.<br />

n Why we chose it: Each room has its<br />

own balcony overlooking the sea, while the<br />

Old Town is within walking distance.<br />

HOTEL ZAGREB<br />

Set amidst lush gardens and pine trees, the<br />

charming Hotel Zagreb dates back to the<br />

Austro-Hungarian era but refurbished in<br />

2005. The hotel is close to two waterfront<br />

locations, including a thriving pedestrian<br />

boulevard of shops, cafes and restaurants.<br />

Dubrovnik Old Town is 3km away and easily<br />

reached by bus.<br />

n Why we chose it: This is our<br />

most affordable hotel in Dubrovnik, a<br />

traditional resort-style hotel in an ‘awayfor-it-all’<br />

location yet within easy access of<br />

Dubrovnik’s attractions.<br />

Hotel Zagreb<br />

n CALL 01865 565 397 TO SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR <strong>CROATIA</strong> EXPERTS OR VISIT WWW.TRANSUN.CO.UK/<strong>CROATIA</strong>


HVAR: THE INSIDER’S ISLAND<br />

Long warm days, old stone homes and fields<br />

of lavender all characterise beautiful Hvar.<br />

Lush vineyards nestling at the foot of ragged<br />

mountains, gorgeous beaches with secluded<br />

coves, tempting restaurants, boutiques, and<br />

a renowned nightlife in Hvar Town are just a<br />

few of the treats in store.<br />

Only an hour by fast ferry from Split,<br />

architecturally charming Hvar Town is at<br />

once both venerable and trendy. In the old<br />

town, citrus, bougainvillea and pomegranates<br />

spill over the tops of walled gardens, while<br />

every turn provides a glimpse of the cerulean<br />

sea through a narrow street vista or an<br />

architectural detail.<br />

The Town Square is a delight to explore.<br />

The hvarska gregada is a typical<br />

fisherman’s dish from the island of<br />

Hvar, with different types of fish cooked<br />

in a pan alongside potatoes, herbs and<br />

white wine.<br />

There is also a fortress at the top of the<br />

hill that’s worth the trek, because of the<br />

wonderful views.<br />

It has been described by The Traveller<br />

magazine as ‘one of the ten most beautiful<br />

islands of the world’, but Hvar is not just a<br />

playground for the rich and famous who flock<br />

here. This is a delightful destination whatever<br />

your taste and budget.<br />

Vogue magazine, that achingly stylish bible<br />

for the fashion-conscious is unreserved in<br />

its praise for Hvar. They write: The town of<br />

Hvar is rapidly turning into one of the coolest<br />

destinations in the Mediterranean, this not just<br />

thanks to its beautiful landscape and historical<br />

heritage but also thanks to its busy port and<br />

the lively nightlife venues.’<br />

The magazine wasn’t slow to notice Hvar’s<br />

fashionable shopping opportunities too!<br />

n CALL 01865 565 397 TO SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR <strong>CROATIA</strong> EXPERTS OR VISIT WWW.TRANSUN.CO.UK/<strong>CROATIA</strong>


Hotel Adriana<br />

Hotel Villa Dalmacija<br />

Hotel Riva<br />

HOTEL ADRIANA<br />

On the promenade beside the harbour,<br />

facing the old city centre, the Adriana is<br />

Hvar’s most stylish hotel, with views over<br />

the Old Town. Named as one of Europe’s<br />

coolest hotels by the Sunday Times, the<br />

modern Adriana has a year-round rooftop<br />

seawater swimming pool, restaurant,<br />

spectacular Top Bar for panoramic views<br />

and the Sensori Spa, a member of the<br />

Leading Spas of the World.<br />

n Why we chose it: Hvar’s most stylish<br />

hotel offering everything you might need<br />

for a complete, modern hotel experience.<br />

HOTEL RIVA<br />

Overlooking the waterfront promenade in<br />

the heart of Hvar Old Town, the design of<br />

Riva is inspired by old Hollywood glamour.<br />

Incorporating a beautiful 100-year-old<br />

building, Riva blends old world charm and<br />

state of-the-art luxury. Its rooms feature<br />

contemporary design and furnishings and an<br />

exceptional view, combined with a front row<br />

overview of the Hvar party scene.<br />

n Why we chose it: Enjoys undoubtedly<br />

the best location in Hvar along the harbour side<br />

where the ‘gin palaces’ of the rich and famous<br />

are often moored.<br />

HOTEL VILLA<br />

DALMACIJA<br />

A perfect choice for guests who appreciate<br />

the simplicity of traditional Dalmatian<br />

ambience, the Hotel Villa Dalmacija is<br />

housed in an old Hvar-stone building<br />

overlooking the Franciscan monastery<br />

and Hvar bay. The atmosphere here is<br />

intimate and personal. Rooms are simple,<br />

yet comfortable and affordable, providing<br />

straightforward comfort while capturing the<br />

Mediterranean character of a simpler time.<br />

n Why we chose it: The Dalmacija is the<br />

most cost-effective hotel for those who want<br />

to stay within vibrant Hvar Town.<br />

15


n CALL 01865 565 397 TO SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR <strong>CROATIA</strong> EXPERTS OR VISIT WWW.TRANSUN.CO.UK/<strong>CROATIA</strong>


Hotel Marco Polo<br />

Hotel Korsal<br />

KORCULA: ISLAND OF DREAMS<br />

Here at Transun, the dreaming, idyllic island of<br />

Korcula haunts our memories, conjuring images<br />

of endless summer days of sunshine, laughter,<br />

happiness, quiet tranquility and a white wine<br />

called Grk that really is the nectar of the gods.<br />

Separated from the mainland’s Pelješac<br />

Peninsula by a narrow channel, Korcula is rich<br />

in vineyards, olive groves and sleepy villages.<br />

And scattered along its azure coast are tiny bays<br />

and delightful beaches.<br />

The island was once densely wooded, leading<br />

the original Greek settlers to call the island<br />

Korkyra Melaina (Black Korcula).<br />

The island’s main settlement, Korcula Town,<br />

is a Dubrovnik in miniature, a gorgeous grid<br />

of marble streets and historic architecture.<br />

Exploring these narrow streets, within the<br />

embrace of the ancient defensive walls, is<br />

a delight. There are fascinating shops, art<br />

galleries and delightful restaurants waiting to<br />

be discovered, as well as Venetian Renaissance<br />

architecture, dominated by the splendid 15th<br />

Century St Mark’s Cathedral built in the Gothic-<br />

Renaissance style. Here too you will find the<br />

house said to have been the home of the great<br />

explorer Marco Polo.<br />

Being famous stonemasons, shipbuilders and<br />

seafarers, the people of Korcula left their mark<br />

all over the world, but they saved their best<br />

works for their own city.<br />

The island’s steep southern coast is dotted<br />

with little coves and peaceful beaches, while the<br />

flatter northern shore is rich in natural harbours.<br />

Out in the countryside, tradition still abounds on<br />

Korcula, with long-revered religious ceremonies,<br />

folk music and dances still being performed<br />

despite the growth of tourism.<br />

Close to Korcula Town lies the somnolent<br />

village of Lumbarda, its shoreline flanked<br />

with pine and mimosa, where walks through<br />

vivid green vineyards bring you to a choice<br />

of beautiful quiet sandy beaches. And those<br />

vineyards produce the grapes that make<br />

the delicious local Grk wine, fabled among<br />

oenophiles, that ensure your every holiday meal<br />

is memorable.<br />

HOTEL MARCO POLO<br />

A modern, holiday hotel, set close to Korcula’s<br />

Old Town, with a range of amenities including<br />

indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and set<br />

beside a narrow beach. Other facilities are shared<br />

with sister hotels and include a tennis court,<br />

bicycles for hire, sailing and windsurfing centre<br />

and minigolf. All rooms are air conditioned.<br />

n Why we chose it: Unpretentious<br />

but clean and well run, the Marco Polo offers<br />

you the historic Old Town within a 15-minute<br />

walk as well as a host of holiday amenities.<br />

HOTEL KORSAL<br />

Located just a two-minute stroll from the<br />

fortified walls of Korcula’s Old Town and close<br />

to the marina, all ten rooms at the Hotel Korsal<br />

are modern and comfortable and provide<br />

views to the sea across a small local beach.<br />

All rooms have mini bar, satellite TV LCD,<br />

free wi-fi, telephone, air conditioning, heating<br />

and comfortable bathrooms with underfloor<br />

heating. The hotel’s traditional restaurant, with<br />

a spacious outdoor terrace providing views<br />

of the sea, makes an ideal setting for lunch<br />

or dinner. The hotel is a recent renovation<br />

of a historic building and was a TripAdvisor<br />

Certificate of Excellence winner in 2014.<br />

n Why we chose it: Friendly staff, a<br />

quiet location and stunning sea views<br />

from every room.<br />

See Limited Edition, pages 32-33,<br />

for another Korcula hotel option.<br />

17


Hotel San Georgio<br />

VIS: THE ISLAND TIME FORGOT<br />

The beautiful island of Vis has a fascinating<br />

history. An Allied outpost during the Second<br />

World War, it was closed for decades as a<br />

strategic military fort during communist<br />

rule in the former Yugoslavia. Now fully open,<br />

the island offers rich benefits from its half a<br />

century of seclusion, as if frozen in time, with<br />

beautiful beaches, unspoiled nature, ancient<br />

agricultural methods and traditional architecture.<br />

Travellers are now drawn to Vis, seeking<br />

out its authenticity, nature, gastronomy and<br />

complete peace and quiet. Vis produces some<br />

of Croatia’s best-known wines, including vugava<br />

(white) and plavac (red), and vineyards cover<br />

much of the island. It is said that the first grape<br />

vine in Dalmatia was planted by the ancient<br />

Greeks and that it was planted on a Vis field.<br />

And a thriving fishing tradition means you<br />

will taste some of the freshest seafood here.<br />

The small town of Komiza, one of the island’s<br />

two main settlements, is considered the cradle<br />

of fishing in the Adriatic, and in times gone<br />

by, the Komiza fishermen were renowned<br />

throughout the Mediterranean as experts in<br />

their field. Today the town’s Fishing Museum<br />

pays testament to the history of the fishermen<br />

of Vis.<br />

The rugged coast around the island is<br />

dotted with gorgeous coves – frequented by<br />

loggerhead turtles and bottlenose dolphins<br />

– caves and a couple of sandy beaches.<br />

All along the Croatian coast, the<br />

tradition of grilling fish has been<br />

carried down from generation to generation,<br />

the taste depending on the technique and<br />

the wood chosen.<br />

Remnants of the island’s antiquity, displayed<br />

in the Archaeological Museum and elsewhere<br />

around Vis Town, offer a fascinating insight<br />

into the complex character of this tiny island,<br />

which has become a destination for in-theknow<br />

travellers.<br />

HOTEL SAN GEORGIO<br />

Set in the historic part of Vis Town, located<br />

beside the marina and a 15-minute walk from<br />

the ferry, the Hotel San Georgio has a garden<br />

rich with palms, lemon and orange trees,<br />

where breakfast is served. The San Georgio is<br />

remembered with affection by those who stay<br />

there, for its quiet charm, its clean, modern<br />

rooms and staff who go out of their way to<br />

help you.<br />

n Why we chose it: Vis’s best-kept<br />

secret. Ssssh, let’s try to keep it that way!<br />

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Hotel Slavija, Split<br />

SPLIT: ANCIENT AND MODERN<br />

Roman emperor Diocletian built his retirement<br />

home in Split and 2,000 years later, his<br />

palace remains the beating heart of this lively<br />

Adriatic city. Amid the atmospheric old walls<br />

of Diocletian’s Palace, today a UNESCO world<br />

heritage site, there are thriving shops, bars,<br />

restaurants and even our recommended hotel! Set<br />

beneath dramatic mountains, Split is the gateway<br />

to Croatia’s islands, increasingly a destination<br />

for the hip and the fashionable. But Split itself,<br />

a perfect mix of tradition and modernity, is<br />

well worth a lingering look, rewarding you with<br />

culture, history and enduring style, before you<br />

head off for more sybaritic pursuits.<br />

The city is centred on what is probably the<br />

best preserved Roman palace in the world.<br />

Among the ancient treasures you will find<br />

here are St. Duje’s cathedral (originally built as<br />

Diocletian’s mausoleum and a beautiful mixture<br />

of Roman temple and Catholic church, with a<br />

splendid belltower offering a great panoramic<br />

view of Split, the nearby islands and Marjan<br />

hill), the Peristylium (the palace’s main square),<br />

According to legend, emperor<br />

Diocletian loved drinking Dalmatian<br />

Prosec wine in his palace in Split. Not to<br />

be confused with sparkling Italian Prosecco,<br />

Prosec is a still wine with a dark-copper<br />

colour and an aroma of matured grapes.<br />

the ancient Jupiter’s Temple and two original<br />

Sphinxes brought from Egypt by Diocletian.<br />

Elsewhere, you can sunbathe and swim on<br />

one of the surrounding beaches. Bacvice, though<br />

crowded, is popular with the locals and will<br />

immerse you in the Croatian lifestyle. So too will<br />

a visit to the Poljud stadium, home to Dalmatia’s<br />

fervently supported football team, Hadjuk Split.<br />

Then there are the charming streets and<br />

beautiful small houses of Varoš, one of the oldest<br />

parts of town, once home to the city peasants<br />

and fishermen. If yet more culture appeals, visit<br />

the Archeological Museum or Galerija Meštrovic,<br />

which contains works of Ivan Meštrovic, the<br />

famous Croatian sculptor.<br />

HOTEL SLAVIJA, SPLIT<br />

Situated within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace, the<br />

Hotel Slavija is perfect for short stays in medieval<br />

Split. The 16th century building was built over the<br />

site of the old Roman baths, and there are historic<br />

touches throughout. There are 25 comfortable, ensuite<br />

rooms, each with air conditioning, bath tub,<br />

satellite TV and internet, while some offer terraces<br />

with views over the rooftops, church towers and<br />

narrow streets of the old town.<br />

n Why we chose it: Staying within the walls of<br />

a Roman Emperor’s palace! Need we say more<br />

Beguile the time, and feed<br />

your knowledge with viewing<br />

of the town.<br />

TWELFTH NIGHT, WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE<br />

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DALMATIA CRUISING<br />

With gems such as the medieval city of<br />

Dubrovnik and the beautiful island of Hvar,<br />

‘the new St Tropez’, Croatia offers a dazzling<br />

choice of tempting destinations.<br />

And what better way of seeing them than<br />

on a relaxing cruise, calling in at some of<br />

Croatia’s most scenic destinations.<br />

Your cabin will be aboard a beautiful vessel,<br />

ideal for island hopping, and small enough to<br />

visit some of Croatia’s smaller ports of call,<br />

out of the reach of the big cruise liners.<br />

The fully-crewed boats we select are<br />

strictly Category A+ and above, being<br />

newly-built craft with air-conditioned cabins<br />

with en suite facilities, sundecks for relaxing<br />

and a welcoming restaurant providing half<br />

board. Deluxe category boats are available<br />

for some departures.<br />

Our boats average around 20 cabins, a far<br />

cry from the huge, ‘block of flats’ cruise liners,<br />

making your Croatia island hopping holiday a<br />

friendly and intimate experience.<br />

Each day you will enjoy the delights of a<br />

new port of call, often stopping to swim in<br />

crystal clear waters. As your vessel travels<br />

between destinations, the glorious coastline<br />

of Croatia slips in and out of view, while<br />

occasionally pods of dolphins might playfully<br />

accompany your voyage for a while.<br />

And with half board included, we think<br />

you will agree that our one-week cruises offer<br />

not just blissful relaxation and a variety of<br />

fascinating destinations but amazing holiday<br />

value-for-money too.<br />

A number of exciting itineraries are<br />

available to choose from. For example,<br />

you might opt for the Croatia Island<br />

Hopping voyage, a seven-night round<br />

trip from Split, calling in at the beautiful<br />

Makarska Riviera, the delightful island<br />

of Mjlet, with its tranquil lakes and 12th<br />

Century monastery, fabulous Dubrovnik,<br />

the pearl of the Adriatic, Korcula,<br />

probably our favourite Croatian island, and<br />

fashionable Hvar with its peaceful Palkeni<br />

islands and fabled high-season nightlife, with<br />

time for a guided tour back in Split before<br />

your return flight.<br />

Other options include the Dalmatian<br />

Voyage, a seven-night round-trip sailing from<br />

Dubrovnik, and Southern Pearls, a one-way<br />

voyage setting out from Split and finishing<br />

in Dubrovnik, or vise versa. Full details are<br />

available on our website.<br />

A ship in the harbour is safe,<br />

but that’s not what ships are<br />

built for.<br />

WILLIAM G.T. SHEDD<br />

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Hotel Jezero<br />

PLITVICE: A MIRACLE OF NATURE<br />

If you’ve never visited Croatia’s Plitvice<br />

Lakes, what are you waiting for Put simply,<br />

this is one of the most amazingly scenic<br />

locations in the whole of Europe. The beauty<br />

of the National Park lies in its 16 lakes,<br />

interconnected by a series of spectacular<br />

waterfalls, and set in deep woodland<br />

populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and<br />

rare bird species, as well as frogs and fish. The<br />

Plitvice Lakes National Park is, quite rightly,<br />

Croatia’s most popular tourist attraction and<br />

was granted UNESCO World Heritage status<br />

in 1979.<br />

The lakes are renowned for their distinctive<br />

colours, ranging from azure to green, grey<br />

or blue. The colours change constantly<br />

depending on the quantity of minerals or<br />

organisms in the water and the angle of<br />

sunlight.<br />

You can choose from different paths around<br />

the lakes, ranging in both time and difficulty.<br />

The views are simply spectacular. Some trails<br />

Croatian brodet, or fish stew, is<br />

perhaps the coastal region’s most<br />

famous fish dish, while Scampi Buzara,<br />

grilled sardines, crni rizoto (cuttlefish risotto),<br />

and bakalar (dried cod) are also unforgettable.<br />

have boat and bus transfers (included in the<br />

entrance price) to save time. The paths are<br />

very well maintained and consist of wooden<br />

planks, gravel, rocks, and steps.<br />

Special attractions at Plitvice include the<br />

Veliki Splat, a 100ft waterfall surrounded by<br />

nearby boulders to which tourists have access.<br />

There is also a large waterfall complex that<br />

can be access via a cave in the surrounding<br />

rock face. Keep in mind that, in order to<br />

preserve Plitvice’s unique habitat, swimming is<br />

not allowed anywhere in the park.<br />

Visitors to Plitvice can stop off at the<br />

Dalmatian Ethno Village near Sibenik, a<br />

faithfully recreated traditional village where<br />

guests enjoy homemade bread baked in a<br />

traditional oven from flour crushed in the<br />

village’s centuries-old mills, as well as sampling<br />

other traditional produce such as brandy, wine<br />

and olive oil.<br />

HOTEL JEZERO<br />

Situated in the very heart of the Plitvice Lakes<br />

National Park, only 300 metres from the largest<br />

lake, Kozjak, the Jezero has 229 rooms and<br />

is a busy tourist hotel. Rooms on the lake side<br />

are equipped with bathrooms with bathtubs,<br />

while the rooms on the forest side have<br />

shower cabins. Designed to integrate with its<br />

surroundings, the hotel offers a café bar, a gym,<br />

complimentary use of the whirlpool massage,<br />

two Finnish saunas and a Turkish bath (at extra<br />

charge).<br />

n Why we chose it: A busy tourist hotel,<br />

yes, but wonderfully located right at the heart<br />

of the National Park.<br />

25


Shangri La Mansion<br />

MOSTAR: A BRIDGE INTO HISTORY<br />

At the heart of Mostar lies an enchanting, iconic<br />

scene: a stone bridge shaped like a rainbow that<br />

impossibly spans two ancient riverbanks.<br />

The historic city of Mostar, in Bosnia and<br />

Herzegovina, was in fact named after the bridge<br />

keepers (mostari) who in the medieval times<br />

guarded the fabled Stari Most (Old Bridge) over<br />

the River Neretva.<br />

Commissioned in 1557 by the great<br />

Ottoman emperor Suleiman the Magnificent,<br />

the Old Bridge was considered one of the most<br />

exemplary pieces of Islamic architecture in the<br />

Balkans. The 17th Century traveller Evliya<br />

Çelebi wrote: ‘The bridge is like a rainbow arch<br />

soaring up to the skies …. I have never seen<br />

such a high bridge. It is thrown from rock to<br />

rock as high as the sky.’<br />

The Old Bridge stood for 427 years, until it<br />

was tragically destroyed on November 9, 1993,<br />

during the War in Bosnia and Herzegovina.<br />

Newspapers reported that more than 60 shells<br />

hit the bridge before it collapsed. After the war,<br />

thanks to international aid, the bridge was rebuilt<br />

as close to the original as possible, using the<br />

Delicious meat dishes include<br />

Dalmatian prsut, smoked ham dried in<br />

the bura (north-eastern wind) and janjetina<br />

ispod peke, lamb prepared in the traditional<br />

way under a metal cover.<br />

same technology and materials.<br />

Today, the bridge is once again the iconic<br />

centrepiece of an historic city, standing in<br />

defiance of man’s worst excesses. And it is a<br />

sight best enjoyed in the evening after summer’s<br />

hoards of daytrippers have departed.<br />

It’s an enchanting scene. At dusk, the lights<br />

of numerous millhouse restaurants can be<br />

seen across leaping streamlets, while narrow<br />

Kujundžiluk, or ‘gold alley’, is alive with trinket<br />

sellers.<br />

Mostar is ideal for a one or two-night visit.<br />

Elsewhere, this fascinating city’s don’t-miss<br />

sites include the Bishop’s Ordinariate building,<br />

the remains of the Early Christian Basilica<br />

Cim, the public Turkish bath or hammam, the<br />

clock tower, various magnificent mosques from<br />

the 16th Century, the Franciscan Monastery,<br />

magnificent Ottoman residences, the Crooked<br />

Bridge and the Tara and Halebija Towers.<br />

SHANGRI LA MANSION<br />

Wonderfully located up a small hill at the<br />

heart of Mostar just 100 metres from the Old<br />

bridge, the Shangri La Mansion is a boutique<br />

hotel set in an historic building dating from<br />

1887 which has been recently renovated<br />

providing modern, minimalist interiors. The<br />

hotel offers eight spacious and tastefully<br />

decorated rooms and all include an en-suite<br />

bathroom, air conditioning, TV, wi-fi and<br />

desk. A fabulous bonus is the hotel’s large<br />

rooftop terrace garden, which provides<br />

panoramic views over Mostar.<br />

n Why we chose it: Friendly and helpful<br />

owners and staff, a great location and those<br />

fabulous rooftop views!<br />

See Limited Edition, pages 32-33,<br />

for another Mostar hotel option.<br />

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Art Hotel<br />

Hotel Bristol<br />

SARAJEVO: EAST MEETS WEST<br />

Sarajevo will always be remembered as the<br />

city where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was<br />

assassinated, thus triggering the Great War in<br />

1914, now more than 100 years ago.<br />

But Sarajevo is one of the most<br />

historically interesting and varied cities in<br />

Europe. The city, which during the Bosnian<br />

War also suffered the longest siege of<br />

any city in modern times, has culture and<br />

character that far outshine its troubled role<br />

in modern history.<br />

Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and<br />

Herzegovina, is a place where the people<br />

of the Roman Catholic west, the Eastern<br />

Orthodox east and the Ottoman south, met,<br />

lived and warred. It has been both an example<br />

of historical turbulence and the clash of<br />

civilizations, as well as a beacon of hope for<br />

peace and tolerance through multi-cultural<br />

integration.<br />

A walk through Sarajevo is a walk through<br />

its past. Here, the Byzantine and Ottoman<br />

empires of the East and the Roman, Venetian<br />

and Austro-Hungarian empires of the West<br />

left their indelible marks through culture,<br />

traditions and religions. From the oriental<br />

Ottoman quarters lined with sweet shops,<br />

cafés and handicraft workshops, to the<br />

administrative and cultural centre of Austro-<br />

Hungarian times, Sarajevo encompasses a<br />

host of cultures and reminders of empires,<br />

their legacy being the numerous churches<br />

and mosques.<br />

Those with a renewed interest in the Great<br />

War following 2014’s centenary events can<br />

visit the spot, just across the Latin Bridge,<br />

where Gavrilo Princip shot Archduke Franz<br />

Ferdinand and set the momentous events of<br />

the First World War in motion.<br />

In the Old Town, the cobbled streets,<br />

mosques and Oriental style shops are a world<br />

away from Europe. In Sarajevo, you can<br />

actually be walking by a Catholic church,<br />

an Orthodox church and a Synagogue and<br />

listening to the Islamic call to prayer all at the<br />

same time. Perfect for a one or two-night visit.<br />

ART HOTEL<br />

A very modern building, yet located at the<br />

centre of the Old Town, where Ottoman and<br />

Austro-Hungarian architectural gems rub<br />

shoulders. The hotel’s Restaurant Maroko is<br />

decorated with carefully chosen works by local<br />

artists. The 28 comfortable rooms all have wifi<br />

and satellite television.<br />

n Why we chose it: Sometimes location<br />

can be everything and the Art Hotel’s nofrills<br />

accommodation is compensated by a<br />

highly-convenient location for access to the<br />

city’s Old Town.<br />

HOTEL BRISTOL<br />

Providing international standard hotel<br />

accommodation, and voted Bosnia’s leading<br />

hotel in the 2012 World Travel Awards,<br />

the Hotel Bristol is located by the Miljacka<br />

River on one of Sarajevo’s most popular<br />

promenades, Wilson’s Lane. The hotel’s<br />

186 rooms and suites offer unique designs<br />

and panoramic views of the city. Facilities<br />

include two restaurants, wifi, room service and<br />

wellness programmes.<br />

n Why we chose it: A ten-minute drive<br />

from the Old Town, the Bristol provides a<br />

host of modern comforts after exploring one<br />

of history’s far-flung gems.<br />

29


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Once you have travelled, the voyage never<br />

ends, but is played out over and over<br />

again in the quietest chambers. The mind<br />

can never break off from the journey.<br />

PAT CONROY<br />

View from Hvar Town<br />

31


Muslibegović House<br />

Muslibegović House<br />

Hotel Lesic Dimitri Palace<br />

LIMITED EDITION<br />

Some accommodation simply defies definition<br />

and description. Unique, special, and<br />

courageously individual, these properties<br />

provide a holiday sanctuary unlike anything<br />

else, anywhere. Such hotels are few and<br />

far between but in Croatia, we are pleased<br />

to reveal, we have found two such havens,<br />

very special places that merit our Limited<br />

Edition accolade. Such sumptuous living, such<br />

attention to detail, comes at a cost, of course.<br />

But if you want to add a memorable night or<br />

two at one of these exceptional oases, we<br />

cannot recommend them enough!<br />

Cevapi is to Bosnia what the hamburger<br />

is to America. Cevapi are little rolled<br />

beef sausages classically served with bread,<br />

diced onion, and kajmak (a Bosnian cheese).<br />

MUSLIBEGOVIĆ HOUSE<br />

Now you can sample the lifestyle of an<br />

Ottoman nobleman while staying in Mostar,<br />

the renowned old town in Bosnia blessed<br />

with an iconic bridge (see pages 26-27).<br />

The historic interior of Muslibegovic House,<br />

dating back to the late 18th Century, has<br />

been restored and furnished with artefacts<br />

and works of art from the Ottoman period.<br />

Part national monument, part museum, part<br />

hotel, this historic complex is unlike any<br />

hotel you have stayed in before and in 2010<br />

was listed among the world’s ten best places<br />

to stay by Expedia. 12 luxury bedrooms and<br />

suites, a graceful blend of past and present.<br />

n Why we chose it: Unique rooms set in<br />

beautiful grounds yet within walking distance<br />

of Mostar’s Stari Most, or Old Bridge.<br />

HOTEL LESIC<br />

DIMITRI PALACE<br />

Set within beautifully preserved medieval<br />

stonework, and located within the<br />

atmospheric Old Town of Korcula (see<br />

pages 16-17), the Lesic Dimitri Palace is a<br />

fabulously stylish and playful ‘apart-hotel’<br />

with five residences, which range from one<br />

to three bedrooms each. They feature daring<br />

interior design by Thai architect Attayut<br />

Piravinich, such as open-plan bedrooms<br />

with free-standing bathtubs, as well as funky<br />

modern furniture, high-tech kitchens and<br />

cool mood lighting.<br />

n Why we chose it: Elegant modern<br />

luxury set within the walls of an 18th Century<br />

bishop’s palace and five nearby cottages, all<br />

transformed with style and panache.<br />

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33<br />

Hotel Lesic Dimitri Palace


An eagle’s eye view of Casa<br />

Sviracina’s tranquil location<br />

VILLAS: WE PICK THE BEST<br />

Sometimes, a private villa can be your best<br />

holiday option in Croatia. If you are travelling<br />

as a large group or just prefer tranquillity<br />

and seclusion, a villa will provide you with<br />

the benefit and freedom of your own private<br />

accommodation, often enjoying a stunning<br />

location. What’s more, if you rent a car,<br />

you have the opportunity to use your villa<br />

as a base for exploring Croatia’s stunning<br />

coastline. Here, we feature just three of the<br />

villas Transun offers in Croatia, to provide but<br />

a taste of the accommodation available. A call<br />

to our specialist Croatia advisors will soon help<br />

you select a villa best suited to your holiday<br />

requirements.<br />

CASA SVIRACINA, HVAR<br />

We think this is a lovely way to enjoy magical<br />

Hvar (see pages 14-15) if you are travelling<br />

as a large family or group. Casa Sviracina is a<br />

20-year-old private home in a magical, quiet<br />

bay, ten minutes from Hvar Town. With the sea<br />

immediately outside and shady woods all around,<br />

the setting is delightful. The Mediterranean’s<br />

special scents of wild rosemary, sage, basil and<br />

oregano fill the air and the gentle lapping sea<br />

provides a soothing background.<br />

The house has been redesigned and<br />

updated with loving attention to detail. The<br />

accommodation is arranged as a living area on<br />

the ground floor and six bedrooms with two<br />

spacious and modern bathrooms with shower,<br />

separate jacuzzi and granite worktops, on the first<br />

floor. With six air-conditioned bedrooms (two en<br />

suite), up to 12 people can be accommodated,<br />

which could easily consist of two families<br />

holidaying together. Two further guests can be<br />

accommodated on comfortable fold-up beds.<br />

There are outside-access staircases to the<br />

first-floor bedrooms from both sides and a<br />

magnificent balcony the length of the house<br />

overlooking the sea and woods.<br />

Ground-floor facilities include a fully equipped<br />

kitchen with two electric cookers, washing<br />

machine, dishwasher, two fridges and a full range<br />

of cooking equipment. There is also a spacious<br />

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Lighthouse Villa Korkyra Casa Sviracina, Hvar<br />

Lighthouse Villa Korkyra<br />

Casa Sviracina, Hvar<br />

dining area with table and chairs and a large<br />

stone fireplace.<br />

French windows lead onto the vine-covered<br />

terrace/veranda with outdoor pizza oven and<br />

BBQ.<br />

Daily maid service and car rental can be<br />

provided, at extra cost, as can a chef and butler,<br />

should you choose.<br />

LIGHTHOUSE<br />

VILLA KORKYRA<br />

If you’ve always dreamed of holidaying in an<br />

away-from-it-all location, look no further! The<br />

Lighthouse Villa Korkyra is the only property<br />

The fish menus of the Croatian coast<br />

are unrivalled – even the humble<br />

sardine will never taste so delicious. Many<br />

restaurants have their own fishing boats, so<br />

you are assured of the freshness.<br />

located on the private island of Vela Sestrica,<br />

between beautiful Korcula (see pages 16-17)<br />

and the Croatian mainland.<br />

With a small outdoor pool and a private<br />

beach area, this solar powered four-bedroom,<br />

two-bathroom villa was converted from a<br />

lighthouse built in 1871 and fully renovated in<br />

2014. Sleeping up to nine persons, the villa<br />

overlooks the sea on all sides and offers free wi-fi,<br />

a living room with a TV and a DVD player, a<br />

fully equipped kitchen with a dining area and<br />

barbecue facilities in the garden. The bathroom<br />

features a spa bath and shower cabin.<br />

A free boat transfer is provided on arrival<br />

and departure, and there is a butler available<br />

should you require them. Food can be ordered<br />

from a restaurant and is delivered directly to<br />

the villa.<br />

The mainland town of Orebic is a short boat<br />

ride away, as is Korcula Town. Transfers to each<br />

can be organised, with local charges applying.<br />

And for those hoping for a restful holiday,<br />

don’t worry! Your duties do not include lighting<br />

the lamp each night!<br />

35


He who is outside his door has the<br />

hardest part of his journey behind him.<br />

DUTCH PROVERB<br />

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37<br />

Visitors in Dubrovnik


THE CHOICE<br />

IS ALL YOURS...<br />

SPLIT<br />

HVAR<br />

The eight Croatia itineraries provided on<br />

this page and the following spread are<br />

designed to give you just a flavour of the<br />

wealth of possibilities available on your<br />

Croatia and Bosnia holiday or short break.<br />

But as Transun provides you with an expert<br />

tailor-made travel service, your itinerary<br />

can be designed specifically to suit your<br />

requirements.<br />

From the moment you arrive in Croatia,<br />

your travel arrangements will have been<br />

prepared according to your personal<br />

itinerary, created in close liaison with one of<br />

our Croatia travel specialists.<br />

Whether it involves sunseeking, cruising,<br />

wildlife watching, city life or sightseeing, we<br />

will help you devise the perfect travel plans,<br />

in some cases involving a self-drive hire car<br />

which will allow you to immerse yourself<br />

in the stunning beauty of the Croatian<br />

coast and islands, as well as its fascinating<br />

hinterland..<br />

On this page we feature four sample<br />

itineraries that are more traditional in concept,<br />

perhaps better suiting those who wish to keep<br />

the travel arrangements to a minimum and<br />

instead get on with exploring/enjoying their<br />

new locations. We include a cruise here as,<br />

despite calling at a number of locations, this is<br />

travel of the most effortless variety.<br />

Overleaf, you will find four further sample<br />

itineraries of a more adventurous nature, or<br />

Grand Tours, as we have dubbed them.<br />

Whatever your unique idea of a perfect<br />

Croatia holiday may be, just call one of our<br />

Croatia specialists to learn how we can tailor<br />

your ideal holiday or short break.<br />

01865 565397<br />

HIDDEN HVAR<br />

(3 NIGHTS)<br />

From £649 per person,<br />

based on two sharing,<br />

including international flights<br />

Day 1<br />

Day 2<br />

Fly from the UK to Split,<br />

followed by a boat transfer<br />

to Hvar, and check into your<br />

chosen hotel.<br />

Enjoy a Waterside Feast in<br />

Milna, a delightful local village.<br />

Later, explore Hvar at your<br />

own pace.<br />

Day 3<br />

Day 4<br />

A busy day with a Vineyard<br />

Adventure in Hvar’s beautiful<br />

rural landscapes, followed by<br />

an Abandoned Village Dinner.<br />

A boat transfer back to Split<br />

and your return flight to the<br />

UK.<br />

The first condition of<br />

understanding a foreign<br />

country is to smell it.<br />

RUDYARD KIPLING<br />

n CALL 01865 565 397 TO SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR <strong>CROATIA</strong> EXPERTS OR VISIT WWW.TRANSUN.CO.UK/<strong>CROATIA</strong>


SPLIT<br />

BRAC<br />

HVAR<br />

PALKENI<br />

MAKARSKA<br />

SPLIT<br />

MOSTAR<br />

SARAJEVO<br />

KORCULA<br />

MLJET<br />

SIPAN<br />

DUBROVNIK<br />

DUBROVNIK<br />

DUBROVNIK<br />

DISCOVER DUBROVNIK<br />

(3 NIGHTS)<br />

From £499 per person,<br />

based on two sharing,<br />

including international flights<br />

Day 1<br />

Day 2<br />

Day 3<br />

Day 4<br />

Fly from the UK to Dubrovnik,<br />

transfer and check into your<br />

chosen hotel.<br />

Enjoy a guided walk around<br />

the Old Town’s historic walls,<br />

providing magnificent views<br />

and a step back in time. Later,<br />

explore the city at your own<br />

pace.<br />

A trip to the mountain<br />

hinterland behind Dubrovnik<br />

for an unforgettable lunch<br />

in the dappled forest shade<br />

beside a gushing mountain<br />

river. Rest of the day free to<br />

explore and relax.<br />

After breakfast you transfer<br />

to the airport for your return<br />

flight to the UK.<br />

DALMATIA ISLAND<br />

HOPPING<br />

(7 NIGHTS)<br />

From £749 per person,<br />

based on two sharing,<br />

including international flights<br />

Day 1<br />

Day 2<br />

Day 3<br />

Day 4<br />

Day 5<br />

Day 6<br />

Day 7<br />

Fly from the UK to Split,<br />

transfer to the quayside and<br />

board your cruise vessel,<br />

sailing first to Makarska.<br />

Sail to the beautiful island of<br />

Mljet, with time to explore.<br />

Sail to Dubrovnik, arriving<br />

after lunch in time for<br />

sightseeing tour.<br />

Morning free in Dubrovnik,<br />

then sail to Sipan island.<br />

Winery visit optional.<br />

Sail to Korcula, arriving in<br />

Korcula Town after lunch.<br />

Sail to Palkeni islands, then on<br />

to fashionable Hvar.<br />

Sail to Brac for a visit to the<br />

Golden Horn, then on to Split,<br />

arriving in the late afternoon.<br />

BOSNIA BREAK<br />

(3 NIGHTS)<br />

From £799 per person,<br />

based on two sharing,<br />

including international flights<br />

Day 1<br />

Day 2<br />

Day 3<br />

Day 4<br />

Fly from the UK to Split or<br />

Dubrovnik, journey to Sarajevo<br />

and check into your hotel.<br />

Full day in which to explore<br />

a city that straddles East and<br />

West and has played a crucial<br />

role in historic affairs.<br />

Transfer to Mostar and check<br />

into your hotel. Afternoon free<br />

to explore this landmark town<br />

and visit its iconic bridge.<br />

Return transfer to Split/<br />

Dubrovnik for your return<br />

flight to the UK.<br />

Day 8<br />

Transfer to the airport and<br />

your return flight to the UK.<br />

Please note: For more details of our Croatia programme as well as FAQs and our<br />

terms and conditions, please visit our website www.transun.co.uk<br />

39


WHY NOT A<br />

GRAND TOUR...<br />

PLITVICE<br />

SPLIT<br />

Here are our four sample Grand Tours for<br />

Croatia and Bosnia, providing just a few<br />

examples of what is possible for travellers<br />

who wish to spend some time exploring this<br />

most beautiful and fascinating of countries,<br />

and its nearby neighbours.<br />

From ancient cities redolent of the Roman<br />

era and the days of medieval knights, to<br />

locations of such breathtaking natural<br />

beauty they will leave you speechless, from<br />

delightful islands rich with unspoiled vistas<br />

and seafaring history, to places that have<br />

played central roles in the unfolding of<br />

modern Western history, the myriad delights<br />

of Croatia and Bosnia will unfold around you<br />

as you pursue your unique journey.<br />

Remember, too, that Croatia is a land rich<br />

in culinary delights, its unique foods and<br />

delectable wines rightly fabled around the<br />

world.<br />

All of our itineraries here are just<br />

examples of what can be arranged.<br />

Whatever your specific interests and<br />

requirements, you have only to call one of<br />

our Croatia specialists to have your own<br />

unique itinerary created, sympathetically<br />

matching your wish list.<br />

01865 565397<br />

LAKES AND ‘LOST’ ISLAND<br />

(7 NIGHTS)<br />

From £1149 per person,<br />

based on two sharing,<br />

including international flights<br />

Day 1<br />

VIS<br />

Fly from the UK to Split,<br />

journey to Plitvice and check<br />

into your hotel.<br />

Day 2<br />

Day 3<br />

Days 4-7<br />

Day 8<br />

A full day to explore the<br />

extraordinary natural beauty of<br />

the Plitvice national park.<br />

Transfer by road and boat<br />

to Vis, ‘the island that time<br />

forgot’, and check into your<br />

hotel.<br />

Relax and enjoy the unspoiled<br />

charms of this delightful<br />

Adriatic island, its beaches, its<br />

quiet villages and its unspoiled<br />

rural scenes.<br />

Boat and road transfer to Split<br />

for your return flight to the<br />

UK.<br />

Once a year go somewhere<br />

you have never been before.<br />

DALAI LAMA<br />

n CALL 01865 565 397 TO SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR <strong>CROATIA</strong> EXPERTS OR VISIT WWW.TRANSUN.CO.UK/<strong>CROATIA</strong>


PLITVICE<br />

SARAJEVO<br />

PLITVICE<br />

SARAJEVO<br />

SPLIT<br />

SPLIT<br />

SPLIT<br />

BRAC<br />

MOSTAR<br />

MAKARSKA<br />

MOSTAR<br />

HVAR<br />

HVAR<br />

HVAR<br />

VIS<br />

KORCULA<br />

VIS<br />

KORCULA<br />

MLJET<br />

SIPAN<br />

DUBROVNIK<br />

DUBROVNIK<br />

DUBROVNIK<br />

LAKES AND THREE ISLANDS<br />

(10 NIGHTS)<br />

From £1199 per person,<br />

based on two sharing,<br />

including international flights<br />

Day 1<br />

Day 2<br />

Day 3<br />

Day 4<br />

Day 5<br />

Days 6-7<br />

Day 8<br />

Day 9-10<br />

Day 11<br />

Fly from the UK to Split, journey<br />

to Plitvice and check into your<br />

hotel.<br />

A full day to explore the<br />

extraordinary natural beauty of<br />

the Plitvice national park.<br />

Transfer by road and boat to Vis,<br />

‘the island that time forgot’, and<br />

check into your hotel.<br />

A full day to enjoy the unspoiled<br />

charms of this delightful Adriatic<br />

island, its beaches, its quiet<br />

villages and its unspoiled rural<br />

scenes.<br />

Boat transfer to Hvar, Croatia’s<br />

fashionable island destination and<br />

check into your hotel.<br />

Two full days to enjoy the<br />

delights of Hvar, both the historic<br />

town and its lively nightlife and<br />

the island’s tranquil beaches and<br />

rural spots, as well as the nearby<br />

Pakleni archipelago.<br />

Boat transfer to Korcula and<br />

check into your hotel.<br />

Two full days to explore Korcula,<br />

its historic old town, its fabled<br />

vineyards and its tranquil<br />

beaches.<br />

Boat and road transfer to<br />

Dubrovnik for your return flight<br />

to the UK.<br />

A CRUISE – JUST FOR<br />

STARTERS<br />

(14 NIGHTS)<br />

From £1399 per person,<br />

based on two sharing,<br />

including international flights<br />

Day 1<br />

Days 2-7<br />

Day 8<br />

Day 9<br />

Day 10<br />

Day 11<br />

Fly from the UK to Split,<br />

transfer to the quayside<br />

and board your vessel for a<br />

relaxing Southern Pearls cruise<br />

to Dubrovnik.<br />

Your delightful cruise will<br />

include ports of call at<br />

Makarska, Brac, Vis, Hvar,<br />

Korcula, Mljet, Sipan and<br />

finally Dubrovnik.<br />

Journey to Sarajevo and check<br />

into your hotel.<br />

Full day in which to explore<br />

a city that straddles East and<br />

West and has played a crucial<br />

role in historic affairs.<br />

Transfer to Mostar and check<br />

into your hotel. Afternoon free<br />

to explore this landmark town<br />

and visit its iconic bridge.<br />

Return transfer to Dubrovnik<br />

and check into your hotel.<br />

Days 12-14 Three full days in which to<br />

explore the fabulous walled<br />

medieval city of Dubrovnik and<br />

the surrounding riviera.<br />

Day 15<br />

Transfer to Dubrovnik airport<br />

for your return flight to the<br />

UK.<br />

Please note: For more details of our Croatia programme as well as FAQs and our<br />

terms and conditions, please visit our website www.transun.co.uk<br />

DALMATIA GRAND TOUR<br />

(16 NIGHTS)<br />

From £1599 per person,<br />

based on two sharing,<br />

including international flights<br />

Day 1<br />

Days 2-5<br />

Day 6<br />

Day 7<br />

Day 8<br />

Day 9<br />

Fly from the UK to Dubrovnik<br />

and check into your hotel.<br />

Four full days in which to explore<br />

the walled medieval city of<br />

Dubrovnik and the surrounding<br />

riviera.<br />

Journey to Sarajevo and check<br />

into your hotel.<br />

Full day in which to explore a<br />

city that straddles East and West<br />

and has played a crucial role in<br />

historic affairs.<br />

Transfer to Mostar and check<br />

into your hotel. Afternoon free to<br />

explore and visit the iconic bridge.<br />

Transfer by road and boat to<br />

Hvar and check into your hotel.<br />

Days 10-13 Four full days to enjoy the delights<br />

of Hvar, both the historic town<br />

and its lively nightlife and the<br />

island’s tranquil beaches and<br />

rural spots, as well as the nearby<br />

Pakleni archipelago.<br />

Day 14<br />

Day 15<br />

Day 16<br />

Day 17<br />

Boat transfer to Split then<br />

journey to Plitvice and check into<br />

your hotel.<br />

A full day to explore the<br />

extraordinary natural beauty of<br />

the Plitvice national park.<br />

Returning to Split, you check into<br />

your hotel and enjoy the rest of<br />

the day and evening to explore<br />

this cities ancient roman heart.<br />

Transfer to Split airport for your<br />

return flight to the UK.<br />

41


n CALL 01865 565 397 TO SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR <strong>CROATIA</strong> EXPERTS OR VISIT WWW.TRANSUN.CO.UK/<strong>CROATIA</strong>


I pray you let us satisfy our eyes with<br />

the memorials and the things of fame<br />

that do renown this city.<br />

TWELFTH NIGHT, WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE<br />

Drobovnik market<br />

43


1A IFFLEY ROAD, OXFORD, OX4 1AS<br />

CALL 01865 565 397 EMAIL HOLIDAYS@TRANSUN.CO.UK<br />

VISIT WWW.TRANSUN.CO.UK/<strong>CROATIA</strong><br />

PUBLISHED: NOVEMBER 2014

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