Body Mind Spirit Journeys & Nancy Auspelmyer

Present

Rose of Sophia’s

CROATIA
September 16 to 22, 2024

Reservations Closed

From medieval walled cities and forested national parks to sleepy islands and secluded coves, Croatia offers a wide range of places to visit, each influenced by its past Roman, Venetian, Napoleonic and Viennese rulers.

Whether you explore Diocletian’s Palace in Split, walk between the Plitvice Lakes, explore the medieval town of Korcula, or tour the age-smoothed limestone streets of Dubrovnik, admiring its Baroque churches and shuttered townhouses, or stroll through laid-back Rovinj with its Venice-like bell tower and café-strewn squares, you’ll see the scenic highlights — and much more.

ITINERARY

DAY 1, September 16 – Depart SARAJEVO TO MOSTAR, MEDJUGORJE & TO DUBROVNIK (L/D)
Mostar bridgeEarly morning, meet your coach driver and start this day trip highlighting the immaculate beauty of the Ottoman architecture with a first stop in Mostar. On the crossroads of history, cultures and climates, the town of Mostar is best known for its 16th-century Old Bridge spanning the divide and included in the UNESCO`s World Heritage List in 2005. An arch over the cool waters of Neretva River, the bridge connects the Muslim and the Catholic sides of the town. You’ll get a chance walk by the colorful Bazaar and pass by the city’s historical mosque. We continue to Blagaj Tekke, built for Mostar mosquethe Dervish cults in around 1520, with elements of Ottoman architecture and Mediterranean style and is considered a national monument and one of Bosnia & Herzegovina’s most holy, mystical and ancient sites, originally meant to host gatherings of the Sufi Brotherhood. We stop for lunch en route and continue to Medjugorje. We visit the Apparition hill, here the first apparition occurred in 1981, drawing countless devotees seeking solace, healing, and spiritual renewal. Then onto our destination, Dubrovnik, check in, refresh and meet for dinner at the hotel.

DAY 2, September 17 – IN DUBROVNIK (B/L/D)
Dubrovnik cityThe morning starts exploring the stunning UNESCO heritage old town, where you will see Baroque palaces, monasteries, and churches; Renaissance façades Dubrovnik cathedraland foundations; marble-paved squares; and cobbled streets. Our walking tour takes us to Stradum, the elegant main street with Onofrio`s Fountain, Orlando’s Column, Church of St Blaise – the town’s patron saint, Cathedral and other sights; the rector’s palace, bell tower clock, and the Sponza Palace. We end the tour with a ride on the cable car to Mt Srd and enjoy the most astonishing views from above. Then meet our coach as we transfer to the hotel. Tonight, a traditional dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 3 September 18 – DUBROVNIK TO KORCULA (B)
Mali StonAfter breakfast we journey to the impressive medieval walls that extend to Mali Ston (Small Ston). Ston is really two towns in one, linked by 3km of hillside-hugging fortifications. Ston, called Veliki (Great) Ston; The two are connected by one of the largest surviving fortification systems in Europe, with 3km of walls stretching across the hillside between them. Crossing through Peljesac peninsula vineyards. We stop at Nakovana, deep in the hillside of Peljesac Korčulapeninsula, a ghost village, a remarkable archaeological landscape: an Iron Age hillfort, a sacred cave, an Illyrian ritual site. We cross by ferry from Orebic to Korcula Island, check in and then a walking tour of the old medieval town of Korčula. It is like a miniature museum, surrounded by walls and towers and magnificent architecture. Return to the hotel and the rest of the day and evening is free for independent exploration and a chance to experience some local dining at one of the town’s restaurants.

DAY 4 September 19 – KORCULA TO SPLIT (B/D)
Split cityToday journey we ride North the Dalmatian coast to Split. Crossing through Peljesac peninsula vineyards. We stop at Nakovana, deep in the hillside of Peljesac peninsula, a ghost village a remarkable archaeological landscape: an Iron Age hillfort, a sacred cave, an Illyrian ritual site. Diocletian's Palace, Split, CroatiaUpon arrival in Split meet your private guide for a 2-hr walking tour of Split’s world-famous Roman core of the old city makes this town one of the most interesting places to see. The cultural and monumental heritage of the 1700-year-old city was a reason enough for UNESCO to list Split as a world heritage site. The tour will mainly focus on the 17th century old Diocletian’s Palace (includes entrance). Return to the hotel and the rest of the day is free until time for dinner at a local restaurant.
 

DAY 5 September 20 – SPLIT to PLITVICE LAKES NP to ZAGREB (B/L/D)
Today’s journey will take you to the magnificent Plitvice Lakes National Park (includes entrance), meet your private local guide for 4-hrs. tour, walk around the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of 16 terraced lakes and a UNESCO first natural heritage site.
Continue your journey to an ethno village for lunch and we continue to Croatia’s Capital, Zagreb.
Upon arrival check in, refresh and gather for dinner at the hotel.

 

DAY 6 September 21 – In ZAGREB (B/D)
This morning start a private walking tour of Zagreb, featuring the historic town, St. Mark’s church, St. Catherine’s church, the cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary whose twin spires are visible from afar. See the parliament and the government palace; The 13th century Romanesque Church of St Mark with its roof of spectacularly colorful ceramic tiles depicting the flags of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia is eye-catching. pass through Dolac market to medieval Kaptol. Admire traditional architecture in Ban Jelačić square.  The rest of the day is free until time for a farewell dinner at a local Konoba.

DAY 7 September 22 – DEPARTING ZAGREB (B)
Your journey through Croatia jewels ends today, with one transfer to Zagreb airport.

 

Hotels:

  • September 16-18 Dubrovnik: Hotel Argosy
  • September 18-19 Korcula Island: Hotel Liburna
  • September 19-20 Split: Heritage Fermai
  • September 20-22 Zagreb: Sheraton hotel

Tour Includes:

  • 6-nights first-class hotel accommodations
  • Service charges and taxes at your hotels
  • Breakfast at hotels each day
  • 3 Lunches as per itinerary
  • 5 Dinners
  • Transportation by deluxe motor coaches and or vans
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Sightseeing entrance fees
  • Local Sightseeing throughout

Please read the Terms and Conditions for this program for additional details.

PRICING**

ALL INCLUSIVE PRICES for 7 Day Croatia Tour (LAND Only)

Per Person Double Occupancy
4-5 Travelers: $4,849 by check; or $5,099 by credit card
6-8 Travelers: $3,799 by check; or $3,999 by credit card
9-10 Travelers: $3,599 by check; or $3,789 by credit card

Per Person Single Occupancy
4-5 Travelers: $5,739 by check; 0r $6,039 by credit card
6-8 Travelers: $4,689 by check or$4,929 by credit card
9-10 Travelers: $4,489 by check; $3,719 or credit card

REDUCTION FOR THOSE LEAVING TOUR IN SPLIT ON SEPTEMBER 20:
$385 per person by check ($405 via credit card) double
$529 by check ($557 via credit card) for a single

PAYMENT SCHEDULE
DEPOSIT NON-REFUNDABLE PAYMENT (Due right away to ensure a place on the tour)
Per Person: $500 by check; $525 by credit card

Full Payment due on or before August 15, 2024, to ensure a place on the tour

** Note: Invoices will be made on the 6-8 traveler’s rate and once final numbers have booked, either a credit if more than 8 travelers, or a shortfall supplement if less than 6-8 travelers will be issued.

There is a limited number of rooms and configurations available. If you are willing to share a room, please let us know and we will do our best to match you up with a roommate with advanced introductions.

After you register online you will automatically be re-directed for payment by mail-in check or securely online by credit or debit card via PayPal.

Reservations Closed

Register for this tourIf you have already registered online and require access to the payment page, click here.

Travel Insurance
As travel professionals, Body Mind Spirit Journeys highly recommends travel insurance.
BMSJ highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact BMSJ’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.
.

 

Photo credits:
Mali Ston, Croatia: Sergej Smirnov, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Diocletian’s Palace in Split: Kris Sliver, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons