MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24: DEPART USA
We depart the US today and fly overnight to Zagreb, Croatia. Sit back and enjoy. We look forward to two incredible weeks of old world charm, ancient cities, intriguing islands, natural beauty, crystal clear waters, welcoming people, delicious food, warm weather and beautiful beaches as we explore the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, the undiscovered gem of Europe. It is no wonder that tourists and artists are attracted to this destination on the Adriatic Sea. This area is often called the pearl of the Mediterranean.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25: ZAGREB
The capital of Croatia, Zagreb is also the heart of the economic and cultural life of the country. Surrounded by woods and parks, the city lies between the slopes of Mount Medvednica to the north and the River Sava to the south. This beautiful central European city constitutes a meeting point between eastern and western Europe. After being met by our guide we will enjoy an orientation tour exploring the city of Zagreb. Established in 1094, Zagreb is the home to St. Mark’s Church, the Presidential Palace and the Croatian Parliament. Medieval Croatia consisted of two towns on the river Medvescak. both fortified with ramparts, towers, moats and gates. Our lodging will be in the inner City at the lovely Westin Palace Hotel where we will enjoy a welcoming dinner. (D)
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26: PLITVACE LAKES
After breakfast we travel to the Plitvice Lakes National Park which is the oldest national park in southeast Europe and the largest national park in Croatia. The national park is world famous for its lakes arranged in cascades and spectacular waterfalls. It is a Unesco World Heritage site. This will be a time for the painter to loosen up with splashes of water and color and the photographers capture some awesome scenes. This afternoon we will travel to Zadar which is one of the Adriatic’s most historically interesting towns. Our hotel for two nights will be the Adriatic. (D)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27: ZADAR
The narrow peninsula on which Zadar rests was originally laid out by the Romans. We will explore the ancient city and some of its numerous churches. The church of St. Donat is one of the best pre-Romanesque buildings in the world and is the most recognizable symbol of Zadar. It offers many outdoor café’s where we can sit and eat, paint, photograph and watch people.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28: TROGIR AND SPLIT
We check out of our hotel this morning and travel southward to the small island of Trogir. It is just off the mainland and one of the jewels of the Dalmatian coast. Most of the historic center of the town is encircled by a wall with two gates. Ice cream parlors, restaurants and pizzerias line the small town squares. There are numerous painting and photographic opportunities. In the afternoon we will head for the ancient artistic and cultural center of the Dalmatian coast and the town of Split. Our hotel for three nights is the Radisson Blu, a luxurious oasis on the beach. (D)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29: SPLIT
Split grew up under Emperor Diocletian’s vast Roman palaces, one of the largest and best preserved left from the Roman world. The building of this vast complex began in 284 A.D. Our morning will take us for a brief tour of the palace and the remaining of the day we can paint and photograph in this intriguing area or perhaps enjoy a church worship service. Afternoon is free to rest and enjoy the beach.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30: HVAR ISLAND
Today we will go by boat to the island of Hvar. It is considered to be one of the sunniest and prettiest islands in the world. The island’s art treasures which date back to the 4th century B.C. Its mild climate and scented lavender fields make it another treasure of the Adriatic. Several hours will be spent painting the ancient city and quaint harbor. In the late afternoon we will head back to Split. (D)
MONDAY, OCTOBER 1: KORCULA ISLAND AND DUBROVNIK
We will leave Split this morning to travel by bus and boat south to Korcula Island. It is the sixth largest Adriatic Island and offers a rather indented coast and with some high peaks. The island is largely covered with Mediterranean flora and extensive pine forests. Korcula town is perched on a peninsula surrounded by 13th century walls. Marco Polo is said to have been born on this island. Afternoon travel will take us to Dubrovnik. Our hotel for 5 nights is the Grand Villa Argentina which has a magnificent view of the walled town and seaport across the bay. (D)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2: DUBROVNIK
This city is a jewel encased in city walls. It is set in the limped waters of the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik is a top international tourist destination of Dalmatia. George Bernard Shaw baptized Dubrovnik “the pearl of the Adriatic” because of its incomparable architectural heritage. The gleaming marble streets are lined with baroque buildings punctuated by beautifully sculpted Renaissance fountains and facades. Once it was a maritime republic rivaling Venice. After a walking tour of the city we will have ample time to photograph and paint.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3: KOTOR
Today we head for the neighboring country of Montenegro to the city of Kotor. This is considered the best preserved medieval cities in the Adriatic. It is nestled in the foot of the mountains in an Adriatic fjord and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We return to Dubrovnik and dinner is on your own.
THURSDAY,OCTOBER 4: CAVTAT
Today will be a very short bus ride to the small, quaint town of Cavtat. This will be a great day for artists and the town is a thriving hub for working artists of Croatia. Its narrow, cobbled streets lined with brownstone houses climb back from the waterfront. Palm trees line the promenade along the harbor. After shopping, eating, painting and photographing we will go back to Dubrovnik by boat. The city of Dubrovnik photographed from the water is magnificent. (D)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5: MOSTAR, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
This morning we will take our bus to a nearby country to travel to famous Mostar. This city was on the trade route between the Adriatic and mineral rich regions of central Bosnia. The world famous Old Bridge has recently been restored with many of the same stones as the original and is one of the city’s more recognizable landmarks. The cobblestone streets of the Old Town are equally as interesting. It is situated on the Neretya River and was named after the bridge keepers who in medieval times guarded the Stari Most. (Old Bridge). The bus will return to Dubrovnik in the afternoon.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6: DUBROVNIK
Free day to shop, paint and photograph at our leisure in this magnificent city. The evening will be our Farwell party with time to share with each other the highlights of our tour and celebrate our paintings. It will be followed by a lovely dinner. (D)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7:HOME
We transfer to the airport in Dubrovnik this morning and fly home.
