Compare Italian Lakes and an Adriatic Voyage by Titan Travel vs Venice & the Croatian Coast - A Women Only Tour - 2022 by Insight Vacations
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 13 days | 14 days |
Price From | $ 3,887 | $ 4,750 |
Price Per Day | $ 299 | $ 339 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Large ship cruise | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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Countries Visited | ||
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
Activities | N/A | N/A |
Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description | Begin with a three-night stay on Italy’s stunning Lake Garda, before continuing to Venice to board Azamara Journey®, for a cruise to some of the most popular destinations in the Adriatic and Greece. From Koper, visit Slovenia’s beautiful capital city of Ljubljana, and on the island of Korcula see Croatia’s folk traditions and winemaking traditions. Dubrovnik’s massive ramparts and marble streets are lined with historic monuments and a late stay here lets you return to town after sunset for dinner and music. Sailing south, we call at Igoumenitsa - the gateway to the Monasteries of Meteora; Katakolon - the home of the ancient Olympiad; and Nafplio - arguably one of the prettiest towns in Greece. We conclude in Athens with a visit to the Acropolis - a fitting end to this wonderful holiday. | Explore the beauty of Venice at your leisure before discovering the glorious Dalmatian Coast on this guided tour. Designed for women with a focus on sustainable travel, fully immerse yourself with the guidance of Local Experts as you wander the cobbled streets of Istria and walk the Old Town of Dubrovnik before enjoying a sunset cruise around the bay. In Hvar, learn about and taste delectable local wines at a family-run vineyard, enjoy a farm -to-table lunch in Barban, and devour a fresh seafood meal while marveling at the stunning seafront in Piran. Learn the art of silk and embroidery traditions in Konavle, discover the fish conservation work at a family fish farm in Slovenia and sip beer at Croatia’s first women co-op brewery. While in Korcula, stretch your legs and hike through the healing wilderness outside of Korcula Town and partake in a yoga class with the perfect sea view. |
Day 1 London - Verona - Lake Garda
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Gatwick Airport and a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to Verona. On arrival we transfer to Lake Garda and the Hotel Savoy Palace (4T), for three nights, staying in lake-view rooms. A light supper is included on arrival.
Day 2 Sirmione
During the Stone Age a small village emerged on the banks of Lake Garda. Rich Romans also appreciated the beauty, the natural springs and defensive qualities of this spot, and created the town which can still, in part, be seen in Sirmione today. Spend time exploring the Grotto of Catullus, a huge three-storey Roman villa still impressive in ruins; and the magnificent Scaligera Fortress, one of the best preserved fortifications in Italy. Return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure, and maybe a stroll along the picturesque shore.
Day 3 Lake Garda
Enjoy a free day on the banks of Lake Garda.
Day 4 Lake Garda - Venice
We make our way to Venice, where we embark Azamara Journey® (5T). The ship remains docked overnight, giving you plenty of time to explore.
Day 5 Venice
Experience Venice, one of the most captivating - and romantic - cities in the world. Tour the city’s cobblestone streets and overarching bridges, or take to the water and explore the canals on a water taxi or gondola. As you make your way through the city, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to shop, sample delicious Veneto wines, or people watch in Piazza San Marco. Our ship sails early evening, so get your camera ready for the views as we leave this beautiful city.
Day 6 Koper, Slovenia
Even with such sights as the historic Old Town, Preaetorian Palace, and the beautiful square of Titov Trg, Koper is also the gateway to an array of intercontinental adventures. Trek through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Skocjan Caves; tour the capital city of Ljubljana, truly one of Europe’s secret gems; or cross the border into the Italian coffee capital of Trieste for a cappuccino.
Day 7 Korcula, Croatia
The isle of Korcula is said to have been founded by a Trojan hero in 12th century BC, but reputed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. So perhaps visit the Marco Polo Museum and climb the steps of the Marco Polo Tower. Refresh yourself with a glass of grk white wine and local cheeses, then explore the marble streets of medieval Korcula town.
Day 8 Dubrovnik
From the moment you step beyond the stone walls that protect Dubrovnik, you’ll understand what makes it so special. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is adorned with charming squares and centuries-old red-roofed buildings. Walk the walls for a spectacular view of the city, and if anything looks familiar, it’s probably because Dubrovnik is the home of King’s Landing in the TV series ‘Game of Thrones’.
Day 9 Kotor, Montenegro
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor is filled with churches, shops, bars, restaurants, and hidden piazzas. The entire city is surrounded by stone, both in the form of imposing Mount Saint John and by towering ancient walls, creating a cosy feeling of protection when you walk the cobblestone streets.
Day 10 Igoumenitsa, Greece
Surrounded by pine-topped hills, beautiful beaches, and crystal blue waters, Igoumenitsa is also a lively city with many shops, cafes, and restaurants. Stroll along the sandy stretches of Drepanos and Makrygiali, or explore the sycamore-lined seaside road and park. Get in touch with the ancient past at the castle of Doliani, located near the settlement of Geroplatanos, which dates back to the Classical period.
Day 11 Katakolon (Olympia)
The quaint seaside town of Katakolon has many charms, but it is also the gateway to Olympia. Located just a 40-minute drive away, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the site of the original Olympic Games, dating back to 776 BC. There are excellent museums like the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games.
Day 12 Nafplio (Mycenae/Corinth)
Prepare to fall in love with Nafplio - known as one of Greece’s most romantic towns, it is home to beautiful Venetian homes and neoclassical mansions, as well as inspiring views of the Argolic Gulf. Explore the 18th century Palamidi fortress with someone special, and spend your evening strolling through the idyllic narrow city streets, hand in hand and making memories to last a lifetime.
Day 13 Piraeus - Athens - London
We disembark and board a coach to visit one of the wonders of Classical Greece, the Acropolis Museum and the Acropolis itself. The citadel overlooks the modern-day city of Athens and is home to the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike amongst other great structures. There will be time to purchase lunch in the Plaka area, just below the Acropolis, before transferring to the airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to London Heathrow Airport. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.
Day 1: Welcome to Venice
Welcome to the Queen of the Adriatic, where grand waterfront palazzi and long-standing traditions echo the city’s medieval grace and glory. Transfers depart from Venice Airport at 11:00 and 13:00 to your hotel. As you start off your women’s-only tour, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers at 17:30 to enjoy a delightful Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Hotel Continental Venice.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: The Magic of La Serenissima Relaxed Start
This morning join your Travel Director to see the sights of Venice, including the Byzantine basilica in St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace and the iconic Bridge of Sighs. Continue to the island of Murano and join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to witness the ancient skill of glassblowing. Listen to Venetian songs as you glide through the myriad of beautiful canals on a gondola. Spend the rest of your day further exploring the back lanes and campi of Venice or perhaps join an optional excursion to the colorful island of Burano?
Hotel Continental Venice.
Breakfast
Day 3: Through Slovenia onto Croatia
Travel to Slovenia and meet Irena Fonda, a passionate and awarded biologist who is carrying out important conservation work in the Gulf of Piran. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you accompany her on a short boat ride to see her family’s fish farm. Make your way to a seafront restaurant in the atmospheric Old Town of Piran and indulge in a fresh Sea-to-Table lunch, tasting the unique and refined flavors of the fresh Fonda sea bass. Cross the border to Croatia and arrive to the Opatija Riviera, a favorite destination of the Austro-Hungarian elite in the 19th century and still synonymous with style and elegance. Take time to stroll along Lungomare, the seafront promenade lined with luxurious villas.
Hotel Astoria, Opatija.
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Day 4: Discover the Jewels of Istria
The Istria Peninsula is dotted with coastal towns, rocky bays and hilltop rustic villages. Join a Local Expert to learn about the various influences that shaped its present image. Enjoy a mouth-watering Farm-to-Table lunch in Barban hosted by three generations of women of the Zufič Family. Learn about Prstenac, a popular medieval jousting game they reintroduced to the community in 1976 and that became a highlight cultural event attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Hotel Astoria, Opatija.
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Day 5: Pristine Plitvice National Park
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Plitvice Lakes National Park as you walk along the forest paths among 16 interconnecting lakes with a Local Expert. Be amazed by this unique landscape and learn how the site actively carries out research to monitor the natural habitat of its species. Spend the night surrounded by nature at your hotel, a modern resort committed to sustainability, the regeneration of the war-torn local area and bringing together different ethnic communities. Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared from locally available ingredients and when the night falls take your chances at stargazing undisturbed by light pollution.
Hotel Lyra, Ličko Petrovo Selo.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: The Dalmatian Coast to Split
In the morning join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Center. Learn how they are producing handicrafts, and enabling employment and engagement in the community. Your journey then takes you to Zadar, the ancient capital of the historical region of Dalmatia. Visit Brlog, Croatia’s first female-owned co-op brewery and try a selection of their natural craft beers. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience hear the inspiring story of founders Maja Šepetavec and Ana Teskera and how they built their responsible social enterprise. Continue towards Split and meet mother and daughter Deana and Ivana Perič to taste their homemade cakes steeped in local folklore. In the evening, don't miss the opportunity of dinner in a traditional konoba.
Hotel President Solin, Split.
Breakfast
Day 7: Island Hopping to Hvar
Explore Split with Insight Choice. Choose to discover Diocletian’s Palace and the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town with a Local Expert. Or alternatively join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and go on a walk with the local Domine organisation to uncover the stories of the women who helped shape Split’s history. Cross the azure waters of the Adriatic this afternoon to Hvar, the sunniest island in the country. Dine tonight at a local restaurant.
Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Exploring the island of Hvar Relaxed Start
Hvar is often called the Lavender Island but aromatic herbs, citrus fruits, olive trees and grapes also flourish in the warm Mediterranean climate. The Faria Women’s Co-op is doing a remarkable job in using the indigenous island ingredients to create delicacies and cosmetics. Explore Hvar with Insight Choice. Choose to join Fedra Gamulin, the founder of the co-op on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to taste her sustainable chocolate creations that were inspired by the love of locally available produce and grandma’s recipes. Alternatively, meet Ivana Carić and join her for a wine tasting at her family’s wine cellar. Spend the rest of your day at leisure or perhaps stroll around Stari Grad, Croatia’s oldest town and Hvar’s historical heart.
Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort.
Breakfast
Day 9: Onto Korčula
Your journey takes you back to the mainland. Pass the fertile and colourful fields of the Neretva Delta before you briefly enter Bosnia & Herzegovina. Continue to the island of Korčula and delight in Croatian fare at a local restaurant.
Hotel Liburna, Korcula. , Hotel Marko Polo, Korčula.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10: Captivating Korčula Relaxed Start
Get active this morning and start your day with Insight Choice. Choose to immerse yourself in nature as you join a Local Expert for a gentle hike in the area surrounding Korčula Town. Alternatively, grab a sea-view spot and connect with your inner peace as you take part in a yoga class. Visit an organic farm run by the Marovič family offering seasonal homemade products ranging from olive oil to jams and marmalades. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the narrow streets, beautiful churches and laid-back atmosphere of this charming medieval town.
Hotel Liburna, Korcula. , Hotel Marko Polo, Korčula.
Breakfast
Day 11: Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic
This morning, should weather permit, cruise the tranquil waters of the bay of Mali Ston. Meet Tomislav, a local oyster farmer and taste fresh shellfish direct from the sea, accompanied with a glass of wine. Continue along the coast and arrive to Dubrovnik and its perfectly preserved Old Town. Known as the self- governing Republic of Ragusa for most of its history, the city has always been a metaphor of freedom. Enter through the 15th century gate and join a Local Expert to walk past Onofrio's Fountain, see the Rector’s Palace, the Church of St Blaise and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the workshop of Deša, an organisation founded following the Siege of Dubrovnik to help refugees and women who were victims of violence. Later, settle into your seaside hotel and perhaps join a home hosted dinner.
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.
Breakfast, Morning Tea
Day 12: A Dazzling Finale Relaxed Start
Travel into the heart of the nearby Konavle region and join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet Antonia Rusković Radonić, a dedicated artist working to preserve the local silk and embroidery traditions originating in the 15thcentury. Learn how silkworms became popular here, the importance of the craft in national folklore and the efforts made to keep this heritage alive. Upon returning to Dubrovnik enjoy time at leisure. This evening, weather permitting, embark on a dazzling cruise before savouring authentic flavours of local specialties at your Celebration Dinner. Raise a glass to your travels and the wonderful women of the Adriatic.
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 13: Depart Dubrovnik
Your travels draw to a close after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dubrovnik airport at 05:00, 09:30 and 11:30.
Breakfast