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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
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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 />
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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