Highlights |
Escorted Package Includes
- Round trip flights NYC-Venice
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 9 nights accommodations
- All transfers
- 11 meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager
- Services of local guides in Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features
- Diocletian's Palace, Split
- Old City Walls, Dubrovnik
- Bled Castle, Bled
Also Available
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Itinerary |
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DAY 1, Thursday or Sunday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA to Italy. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey
DAY 2, Friday or Monday - Arrive in Opatija
Arrive in Venice and transfer to your hotel in Opatija, a popular summer and winter resort in the beautiful Gulf of Kvarner. With the afternoon at leisure, perhaps take a stroll along the "Lungo Mare" seafront, and in the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation at your hotel
Overnight: Opatija
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Saturday or Tuesday - Opatija
Enjoy a full day at leisure in the seaside town of Opatija
Optional: Full Day Istrian Peninsula (AM)
Overnight: Opatija
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Sunday or Wednesday - Zadar City Tour, Arrive in Split
This morning, travel via coach to Split. Along the way, stop in Zadar, one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city that includes the ruins of the Roman Forum, the cathedral, and St. Donat Church. Continue to Split with the remainder of the day at leisure
Overnight: Split
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Monday or Thursday - Split City Tour, Arrive Dubrovnik
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Split. View the Roman remains of Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Temple of Jupiter. Later, relax in a waterfront café and shop in the local market before continuing along the coast to Dubrovnik
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Tuesday or Friday - Dubrovnik City Tour
This morning's walking tour of "Old Dubrovnik" includes a visit to the city walls and a stroll along the main street of Stradun. Continue to view the old harbor, St. Laurence Fortress, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Palaces of Sponza and Rector. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Wednesday or Saturday - Dubrovnik
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Dubrovnik independently. The historic Old City center is a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site, or, for a more modern taste of Dubrovnik enjoy lunch at a chic outdoor café
Optional: Full Day Montenegro Tour (AM)
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Thursday or Sunday - Arrive Zagreb
Today, travel inland through wooded mountains and lush vegetation to Croatian Capital, Zagreb
Overnight: Zagreb
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Friday or Monday - Zagreb, Arrive Bled
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Zagreb, Croatia's charming capital. Here, view Roosevelt and Ban Josip Jelacic Squares as well as the Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, and Pope's Tower. Enjoy time to explore the city independently before departing for Bled, located in the heart of the Julian Alps
Optional: Dinner at a Country Inn (PM)
Overnight: Bled
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Saturday or Tuesday - Tour Ljubljana, Bled
This morning drive to Ljubljana for a panoramic city tour that includes views of the open-air market, City Hall, Parliament, Robba's Fountain, and the Three Bridges. In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bled including a visit to Bled Castle, the city's most famous landmark. This evening, celebrate your last night abroad at tonight's farewell dinner
Overnight: Bled
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Sunday or Wednesday - Return to the USA
Transfer to the Venice airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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| Full Day Istrian Peninsula |
Day #3 |
01 Oct 2009 - 31 May 2010 $56
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Begin with an orientation tour of Pula, a strategic port since the times of the ancient Romans. Visit a Roman Amphitheater, the sixth largest of its kind to be preserved in the world today. Afterward, enjoy an orientation tour of Porec before continuing to see the Basilica of Euphrasius, a UNESCO Wolrd Heritage Site. Finally, proceed to the beautiful resort town of Rovinj, where you will enjoy free time exploring the old town and its narrow lanes at your leisure before returning to Opatija.
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| Full Day Montenegro |
Day #7 |
01 Oct 2009 - 31 May 2010 $56
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Drive toward the beautiful Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in Southern Europe. Pass the towns of Risan and Kotor before arriving in Cetinje, the one-time seat of Montenegrin rulers. After a sightseeing tour in Cetinje, return to the coast to view Sveti Stefan, enjoying a short stop in Budva before returning to Dubrovnik.
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| Dinner at a Country Inn |
Day #9 |
01 Oct 2009 - 31 May 2010 $48
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This evening, enjoy a traditional Slovene dinner with wine at a popular country-inn in the medieval town of Radovljica.
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Featured Hotels Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, optional tours, and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only package does not include arrival/departure transfers, nor are the transfers included if flight schedule does not meet the schedule below:
Arrival flights into Venice must be before 3pm and departure flights from Venice must be after 6:45am
Dec 24 departure will be accommodated at Hotel M in Ljubljana
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
| | Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| | Climate & Clothing | Slovenia - Spring and Autumn: 40–65ºF; Summer: 55–75ºF; Winter: 20–35ºF. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Slovenia Average Temperatures:http://www.gate1travel.com/central-europe-travel/weather/Slovenia-weather.htm
| Croatia - Spring and Autumn: 40–65ºF; Summer: 65–85ºF; Winter: 30–45ºF. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Croatia Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#croatia-weather
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| E-tickets | Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and ticket numbers, as well as identification (valid passport) to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
| | Alitalia Flights | Please note flight schedules can change or may be cancelled while you are traveling. It is best to re-confirm your flights 48-24 hours prior to travel.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
| Venice Transfers - Most transfers in Venice are provided by water taxi (occasionally transfers may be provided by car). Only those hotels with a canal mooring can be reached directly. For all others, the water taxi will drop off and pick up at the nearest mooring. It will then be necessary to walk to your hotel. In some cases the hotel may be several blocks away. Some mooring areas cannot be reached during high or low tide, heavy rain, or storms. In this event, the nearest available mooring will be used. Since few of the mooring areas have porters to assist with transporting luggage, it is strongly recommended that you travel with one piece of wheeled luggage that you are comfortable handling on your own.
Your arrival transfer is reserved and held for one hour from your scheduled time of arrival in Venice. If you miss your transfer, please proceed to the dock and transfer on your own to your hotel. It is recommended that you retain the receipt of your transfer in case you are able to claim it from your travel insurance.
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| Hotels | | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard. | | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Slovenia - Local specialties include bobbin lace, crystal, glassware, and wine. Business hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. A value-added tax is now added to the purchase price of most goods.
| Croatia - For the best prices, seek out local markets offering a wide assortment of traditional handicrafts such as embroidery, ceramics, and woodcarvings. In stores, lavender sachets, fine Adriatic red coral, and crystal ware are popular items. Shops are generally open all day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with shorter hours on Saturdays.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus.
| Slovenia - The Euro is the currency of Slovenia.
| Croatia - The Croatian Kuna is the currency of Croatia.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally |
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them.
Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below.
This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information.
http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day - *Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day - *Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours) - *River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises) - *Private car tours(small groups of 2-14 passengers):
$12 to $16 per person per day for each day of sightseeing - *Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person - *Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner) - *Chamber maid:
$1 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Slovenia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
| Croatia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Slovenia
| Croatia
| | Languages | Slovenia - Slovene is the local language. Croatian, Serbian, German, English, and Italian are also spoken by some.
| Croatia - Croatian is the local language. Italian and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Slovenia - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| Croatia - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Slovenia - Dress should be casual, but conservative, except at formal dinners and upscale hotels or restaurants. At restaurants, bread will often be brought and charged even if not requested. This is customary and should not be disputed. Slovenes are known for their friendliness and hospitality to foreigners and even new acquaintances may offer a drink.
| Croatia - Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting and saying goodbye. Casual dress is appropriate and normal courtesies should be observed. Smoking is prohibited on public transportation and in theaters and public offices.
| | Holidays - Slovenia |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year |
| Feb 8 |
Preseren Day (Slovenian Cultural Holiday) |
Mar 24 |
Easter Monday |
Apr 27 |
Resistance Day |
May 1 - 2 |
Labor Day Holiday |
May 11 |
Pentecost |
Jun 25 |
National Day |
Aug 15 |
Assumption |
Oct 31 |
Reformation Day |
Nov 1 |
All Saints' Day |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
Dec 26 |
Independence and Unity Day |
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| Holidays - Croatia |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year |
| Jan 6 |
Feast of the Epiphany |
Apr 13 |
Easter Monday |
Apr 27 |
Resistance Day |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
May 22 |
Corpus Christi |
Jun 22 |
Resistance Day |
Aug 5 |
Victory Day and National Thanksgiving Day |
Aug 15 |
Feast of the Assumption |
Oct 8 |
Independence Day |
Nov 1 |
All Saints' Day |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
Dec 26 |
St. Stephen's Day |
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