The Pearls of Dalmatia
Absorb Croatia’s remarkable history and unspoiled Dalmatian coastline on this captivating 15-day journey. Travel from Zagreb to Ljubljana to charming Opatija and on to beloved Dubrovnik. Enjoy the fascinating history and Mediterranean atmosphere of the alluring Istrian Peninsula. Optional 4-day/3-night extension to the Balkan gem of Montenegro.
Itinerary
After a connecting flight in Europe, we arrive in Zagreb and transfer to our hotel. As guests’ arrival times may vary greatly, we have no group activities or meals planned for today.
Amadria Park Hotel Capital
This morning’s tour of the Croatian capital by coach and on foot reveals a gracious city of culture and hospitality. We visit Mirogoj Park Cemetery, known for its arcades and sculpture; then continue through Old Town with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. After calling on the colorful Dolac open-air market, we have the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner.
Amadria Park Hotel Capital (B,D)
Departing by coach this morning, we arrive in the Slovenian capital in time for lunch on our own. An afternoon walking tour reveals the heart of this friendly mid-sized city of romantic bridges, ornate façades, pedestrian zones, and abundant parkland. We dine tonight at our hotel.
UHotel Ljubljana (B,D)
This morning we visit Bled, Slovenia’s popular resort town whose namesake lake is the stuff of fairytales. Sitting in the foothills of the Julian Alps with a medieval castle perched above its emerald-green waters, Lake Bled draws visitors and locals alike. We tour the castle then enjoy a leisurely boat ride around the placid milewide lake. After this relaxing interlude, we return to Ljubljana with the remainder of the day at leisure.
UHotel Ljubljana (B)
En route to Opatija today, we stop to explore Postojna Cave, the almost 13-mile-long karst cave system where an electric train takes us deeper than is possible in any other cave in the world. Then after free time here for lunch on our own, we continue on to Opatija, the seaside resort where Habsburg princes once vacationed. Upon arrival, we explore the “Opatija Riviera” on a walking tour of this modern-day resort town nestled between green forested hills and the cobalt Adriatic. We dine together tonight.
Hotel Milenij (B,D)
Today’s tour of the Istrian Peninsula reveals the multicultural roots of this alluring spit of land jutting into the Adriatic. At various times a vassal of Venice, the first Austro-Hungarian Empire, Fascist Italy, the Yugoslav Federation, and finally, Croatia, Istra, as it is known, boasts an interesting history, mild Mediterranean climate, lovely scenery, and good wines. Our first stop is in the port of Pula, where we visit the well-preserved remains of a Roman amphitheater (c. 177 ce). Next is Rovinj, a charming old Venetian port where we are free to explore on our own and perhaps enjoy lunch at an outdoor café. After returning to Opatija late this afternoon, we dine together tonight at a local restaurant.
Hotel Milenij (B,D)
Today we visit nearby Moscenicka, a one-time fishing village that now draws visitors to its tranquil port and beautiful pebble beaches. After lunch together we return to Opatija where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Hotel Milenij (B,L)
We travel south this morning for an excursion to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Famed for its string of 16 turquoise-colored lakes connected by a series of waterfalls and cascades, separated by distinctive travertine deposits, and surrounded by dense forests, Plitvice counts as one of UNESCO’s first natural sites and Croatia’s largest national park. Late afternoon we depart for Trogir, arriving early this evening in time for dinner at our hotel.
Hotel Trogir Palace (B,L,D)
This morning we travel to Split, the main city of the central Dalmatian Coast and home of 3rd-century Diocletian’s Palace. As we see on our guided tour, the palace, and eventually its ruins, formed the historic heart of picturesque Split. After time for lunch on our own, we board a ferry for the two-hour cruise to Hvar, “queen” of the Dalmatian islands. Upon arrival we travel by coach to lively Hvar Town, where we spend the next two nights. We dine tonight at a local restaurant just a short walk from our hotel.
Adriana Hotel Hvar (B,D)
With captivating natural beauty and a strategic Adriatic location, Hvar has prospered since antiquity. We discover some of its charms this morning, first with a walking tour of Venetian-tinged Hvar Town then with a walking tour of nearby Stari Grad, one of Croatia’s oldest cities and where we also have time to wander on our own. Then we visit a local winery for a tasting and lunch.
Adriana Hotel Hvar (B,L)
We leave Hvar for the mainland today, traveling south along the scenic Dalmatian coast to beloved Dubrovnik. After reaching our hotel late afternoon, we enjoy dinner there this evening.
Dubrovnik Palace (B,L,D)
Today we discover the city whose ancient walls have withstood both time and a tumultuous history, including the Siege of Dubrovnik in 1991. We begin with a walking tour around the city walls, whose original ramparts and bastions date to the 12th and 13th centuries. Then we continue through the Old City, paying a visit to the stately Baroque Cathedral (c. 1672). We also see the Treasury, with its gilded shelves and historic relics; and the Franciscan monastery with a 14th century pharmacy. This afternoon is free to explore on our own.
Dubrovnik Palace (B)
Today is free to explore on our own. From the medieval Old Town to the contemporary city with its Mediterranean accent, Dubrovnik offers discoveries aplenty. Then we enjoy a small group highlight as we set out late this afternoon for a farewell dinner with a local family whose home overlooks Dubrovnik. Our menu features produce from their garden, homemade olive oil, and local wine.
Dubrovnik Palace (B,D)
This morning we transfer to the airport for our return flights to the U.S. (B)
Discover this tiny nation with a stunning coastline, imposing mountains, ancient towns, and a rich culture formed from its perch straddling East and West.
Cost and Details
Main Program
Departing from:
San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Portland (OR), Seattle
Boston, New York: $6,684
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, surcharges, and fees of $589, which are subject to change until final payment is made.
Land Only: $5,295 (transfers not included)
Single Room Supplement: $1,395
Airline upgrades on round-trip Trans-Atlantic flights:
Business Class - $3,795 per person (upgrades are subject to availability and pricing is subject to change). Premium Economy upgrade to $1,595. Upgrade prices are in addition to the costs above.
Included in Tour Price
Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; 13 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class, and First Class hotels; 25 meals: 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners; Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees; Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director; Educational program throughout the trip; Commonwealth Club representative at 15 guests; Private motor coach transportation throughout your trip; Luggage handling for one bag per person; Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers.
Not Included in Tour Price
Airfare when purchasing a Land Only package; costs of passports and visas; personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, and meals not specified; airport transfers when purchasing a Land Only package; communication charges; gratuities to your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director, which are at your discretion (suggested gratuities: $10-$15 per traveler, per day); optional sightseeing; and travel protection insurance. Additional baggage fees may apply and are subject to change at any time. You should confirm directly with your airline(s) prior to departure.
Optional post-tour extension
Montenegro
Cost: $1,495 per person, based on double occupancy
Single room supplement: $495
Included in extension cost
Round-trip private motor coach transportation Dubrovnik/Tivat, Montenegro; 3 nights’ accommodations: 2 nights in Tivat at Regent Porto Montenegro (Deluxe); 1 night in Cavtat, Croatia, at Hotel Croatia (Superior First Class); 5 meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners; Extensive included sightseeing: Kotor town and bay, Our Lady of the Rocks church, walled city of Budva, histtoric capital of Cetinje, Roman mosaics of Risan; Services of an Odysseys Unlimited representative; Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, hotel porters, and all drivers
This is a moderately active tour and participants must be able to keep up with an active group of travelers. There is a considerable amount of walking on this trip. For the safety and enjoyment of each participant and the group, participants must be able to:
- Walk on average 1-3 miles in cities and towns at a steady pace for approximately 2-8 hours of touring (with breaks).
- Walk with good balance on cobblestone, paths and uneven surfaces that may be slippery. Be able to walk uphill for certain excursions.
- Stand for up to approximately 2 hours at a time each day.
- Walk up and down stairs without handrails, without the assistance of another person.
- Get off and on tour vehicles without assistance.
Educational Highlights
Learn from our expert guide throughout the trip. Hear from guest speakers on a variety of topics along the way.
Terms and Conditions
Cancellations, Refunds and Changes
If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your written notification. Refunds for cancellations are subject to the following per person charges:
Cancel 95 days or more before departure: full refund
Cancel 94-65 days before departure: 25% of tour price
Cancel 64-45 days before departure: 50% of tour price
Cancel 44-30 days before departure: 75% of tour price
Cancel 29-0 days before departure: No refund.
If a guest makes any changes to their reservation within 94 and 30 days prior to departure, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. will apply a $100 per person administrative fee, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties. Changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If your reservation changes from double occupancy to single occupancy for any reason, you will be charged the single supplement. No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure. Upon reservation, you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport as well as your date of birth and gender. In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue.
Eligibility
We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a worldwide membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415) 597-6720.
Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event you must cancel your participation in the travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Information will be sent upon registration and can be viewed Travel Insurance Services website
Responsibility
The liability of the Commonwealth Club, as sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., as tour operator, is strictly limited. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under our control. We serve only as agents for these suppliers in securing tour arrangements, and therefore will not accept responsibility for wrongful, negligent or arbitrary acts or omissions of these independent contractors, their employees, agents, servants or representatives. The Commonwealth Club and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. are not liable for injury, damage, loss, accident or delay that may be caused by events not within our control, including without limitation, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, the defect of any vehicle, or the negligence or default of any third party. All coupons, receipts and tickets issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the air carriers, cruise line and other independent suppliers. We will make every effort to operate our tours as planned, but we reserve the right to make itinerary changes as necessary. If unforeseen circumstances require us to change a hotel, we will select alternative accommodations of the same or better quality.
Health and Medical Issues
We request that you be in good health to participate in this tour. There is a considerable amount of walking, and you must be able to get on and off motorcoaches and all boats on your own. We regret that we cannot offer individual assistance; in such cases you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you. Please note that our itineraries cannot accommodate wheelchairs. We reserve the right to remove anyone whose physical or mental condition, in our opinion, compromises the operation of the tour or detracts from the enjoyment or safety of the other passengers. In that event, Odysseys Unlimited and the Commonwealth Club assume no financial responsibility for any unused portion of the tour.
Air Transportation – Important Information
Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. includes in its tour price round-trip economy air from designated gateway cities as shown and contracts with those airlines the company feels provide the level of service, routings, and value necessary for your entire trip. While another airline may offer a more direct connection, it may be at a price unavailable at the lower group rates. You will receive your preliminary air schedule approximately 2½ months prior to departure. Please note that seat assignments on your international flight are usually done at airport check-in. Odysseys Unlimited is unable to guarantee any seat assignments. Due to the nature of tour operator tickets, other restrictions apply, including, but not limited to, frequent flyer mileage accrual, stopovers, alternate travel dates, upgrades, and airline taxes and fees. If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, Land Only is available on most tours. Since international and domestic air schedules are subject to change at any time, we recommend that if you choose to make your own airline reservations, you do not purchase non-refundable tickets or those with high penalties for changes. If you choose to make your own flight arrangements and not use those provided by the tour company, we recommend that you do not do so until making your final payment to the tour company confirming details of your trip’s scheduled departure. However, if you choose to make your own flight arrangements, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from tour cancellations or changes in this tour.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols: The well-being of our guests and staff members on tour will continue to be our highest priority. To maintain a healthy environment for travel, we will be establishing and adhering to a detailed set of health and safety protocols for all facets of your tour. We are committed to following the guidelines of the State Department, CDC, WHO, and authorities of respective countries regarding travel to a particular destination. Detailed protocols for this tour, based on conditions at the time, will be provided to you departure.
Registration
Commonwealth Club of California-CST# 2096889-40
Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. CST #2077973-40
