Croatia
Proven Croatia, Dubrovnik & Zagreb Destination Management
Company: DMC and Planner for Specialist
Incentive, Conference, Event and Convention Travel Organiser Worldwide
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ATLAS TRAVEL AGENCY
(IATA, ICCA, JATA, SITE) |
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General Information
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Country |
Republic of Croatia |
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Capital |
Zagreb
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GMT |
1 hour (when it is 12:00 in Croatia, it is 11:00 in London) |
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Online Weekly Weather |
www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day |
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Yearly Weather Climat |
www.worldtravelguide.net/data/hrv/hrv500.asp
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Airport |
Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, Pula, Brac |
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Average Flying Time from London |
2 hours 20 minutes |
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Passport & Visas |
www.worldtravelguide.net/data/hrv/hrv040.asp |
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Health and Medical information |
www.worldtravelguide.net/data/hrv/hrv080.asp |
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Public Holidays
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www.worldtravelguide.net/data/hrv/hrv070.asp |
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Currency |
Kuna (HRK) |
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Currency Converter |
www.oanda.com/convert/classic |
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Language |
Croatian 96%, other 4% (including Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and German) |
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Electricity |
Electricity 220 V (adapters for British plugs required) |
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Population |
4,390,751 (July 2002 est.) |
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Total Land Area |
56,542 sq km |
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Coastline |
Coastline 5,835 km (mainland 1,777 km, islands 4,058 km) |
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Driving |
On the right |
Company
Atlas is the premier travel company of the Republic of Croatia and part of the Adriatica.net
group. Established in 1923, Atlas has a network of over 30 branch offices, vehicles
and ships, all connected with own sophisticated radio network. Our business mix
is 25% corporate travel and 45% leisure with groups, incentives and congresses making
up the balance of 30%.
The company has a dynamic executive team as well as creative, professional and experienced
employees, ensuring the highest standards of services throughout country. As Atlas
has the largest market share of airline, hotel and tour offerings, it has enjoyed
excellent relationships with all its vendors and partners
Over the years, we have built a track record of understanding the requirements of
corporate and leisure travellers and catering for an increasingly sophisticated
and demanding clientele. In Croatia, we are the leading destination management company,
having handled over 500 incentives and meetings in the last 15 years.
Let us be the planner for your next meeting or event.
Destination
CROATIA - A COUNTRY OF A THOUSAND ISLANDS
Have you ever been to Croatia before? If your answer is yes, then you surely remember
the unforgettable summers or autumns, the untouched natural beauty, the ancient
towns or the vacations when you had a beach to yourself, and then, if the fancy
struck you, you could suddenly find yourself in the bustle of the city centre enjoying
the rhythm of your favourite tunes.
If your answer is no, then you should get acquainted with Croatia - a corner of
the world where you can enjoy an unspoiled destination and vintage hospitality.
A place where the Mediterranean, the Alps and the Pannonian plain come together
- this country has taken something from every one of them and blended those parts
into a unique harmony blessed with rare beauty. Within a hundred kilometres of each
other, you will find the sea, the karst, densely wooded mountains and fertile plains.
The seaside is not lined with concrete hotels and the Capital City of Zagreb has
managed, despite its size, to retain its soul untouched by alienation, endless street
maze and high-rise buildings. In Croatia, the beauties of nature are indeed not
something one reads about in books. Ecologically, it has one of the best-preserved
environments, with as many as seven national parks - three in the mountain regions
(Risnjak - wildlife refuge, Paklenica mountain region and the Plitvice lakes valley)
and four in the coastal area (Kornati archipelago, the island of Mljet, Brijuni
archipelago and Krka river basin).
More than one thousand islands dot the Adriatic Sea along the Croatian coast, most
of them pristine and uninhabited except for the local wildlife of aquatic birds
and shellfish. The beaches are clean, the water crystal clear, the landscapes wild,
the coves and islets inviting. This is also true for a handful of inhabited islands,
where each village tells a unique story, where visitors can sit at cafes and gaze
at the sea, stand on a pier and watch fishermen haul in their day`s catch, explore
the winding, narrow streets of Mediterranean towns, climb Medieval ramparts, hike
along lavender-perfumed trails. Cruising along the Croatian coast on a sailboat
or an old-timer motorsailer is the ideal opportunity to explore the Adriatic islands.
"Croatia - the only nonhamburgerised corner of the Mediterranean,
the "in" place for royalties and exclusive international yachting community, with
over thousand islands looking for Arcadia of virgin Mediterranean… where nobody
is in hurry…" - The London Times
DUBROVNIK - JEWEL OF THE ADRIATIC
“Those who seek paradise on earth”, George Bernard Shaw once wrote, “should
come to Dubrovnik ”.
The old city of Dubrovnik has remained basically unchanged since the thirteenth
century. Its medieval ramparts encircle the city which pedestrians can enter through
one of two gates - either way, they cross a stone bridge under the watchful gaze
of the city’s patron Saint, Blaise or Vlaho, to find themselves joining the evening
promenade which you can either join or watch, a drink in hand, from one of the various
cafes and restaurants along the way.
From the Stradun, side streets scamper up the hill toward the ramparts or wind south
toward the port. In either direction, the city is alive with open air markets, artisans’
shops and studios of artists, Baroque churches and Gothic-Renaissance palaces, unexpected
courtyards with fluted columns and splashing fountains, and covered loggias in which
to sit and watch the world saunter by. In the summer, music fills the air as the
internationally renowned Summer Festival reveals the magic of theatre, music and
dance. In the fall and spring, the squeals of schoolchildren travel up and down
the stone alleys and the younger generation discovers the unparalleled freedom of
a city where no cars are allowed and the stone-faced houses and orange-tiled roofs
have remained unchanged for centuries.
Example Programme
Arrival to Dubrovnik airport. Meet and greet at the airport .
Motor coach transfer to the hotel .
Check in, time to freshen up and change
Motor coach transfer to the old town.
Welcome cruise & welcome drink. Open bar onboard
Dinner at East West restaurant.
One of the trendiest places on the Dubrovnik Riviera , situated on the beach front
(MTV had their big party there last year). At East West Beach Club every day is
a new experience for amusement and fun. East West Beach Club Restaurant
is for those who know how to choose the right place for relaxation and enjoyment.
It is not only remarkable for its beautiful ambience and wonderful view of the sea
and Old Town of Dubrovnik it is also unique for its wide range of gastronomic specialties.
East West Beach Club Restaurant offers you a great choice of international
and domestic menus and its cocktail bar is an ideal place to enjoy an after dinner
cocktail.
Return to the hotel for overnight .
DAY 2
Dubrovnik City sightseeing tour (Duration 2 hours)
City sightseeing
Included: expert guide, entrance fees
Dubrovnik is on the UNESCO’s list of World Cultural Heritage. The tour begins on
the west side of the city, across the bridge guarded by a statue of Saint Blaise,
through Pile Gate and down the city’s main artery, known as the Stradun or Placa.
Along the way, we pass the Onofrio’s fountain where children perch between its bas
reliefs by the fifteenth century Italian master, fourteenth century Franciscan Monastery
whose cloister ranks among the most inspiring sites of the city, Sponza Palace,
notable for its columned courtyard with elaborate stone carvings and we visit, among
other places, the Dominican church and monastery with its rich treasury and church
of Saint Blaise.
NOTE: Walk on the city walls is not included as it takes 1.5 hours,
so the total duration of the walking tour would be minimum 3 hours – this is too
strenuous, so we prefer to do the walking tour of the old town only, and those who
are fit and want to do the walls can always do it in their free time. However, if
you think this should also be a part of the sightseeing, please advise and we will
let you know the rate.
Lunch at Proto Restaurant .
The Proto restaurant is located in the centre of the old town. Founded in 1886,
it has been traditionally renowned for fish specialities prepared according to old
recipes of Dubrovnik fishermen and high quality service. Among its guests, the restaurant
also boasts Edward VIII of England and Mrs Simpson.
Menus: from 30 – 70 Euros, drinks are not included.
In the afternoon …..
Sea kayaking (half day, max 50 pax)
Kayaking around the city walls to Lokrum, visiting caves by kayaks, Kayaking to
a pebble beach (Betina spilja). 40 minute break for refreshments, swimming, snorkelling.
Kayaking back to the starting point or East West Club for lunch.
Or
The Silk Tale (half day)
Silk is one of the oldest textile fibres known to the mankind. During the Roman
Empire, it was sold for its weight in gold. Here in Konavle Valley, near Dubrovnik,
women keep tradition of small, non profitable ancient handcraft of silk production.
Silk thread is mostly used for embroidery of beautiful national costumes of Konavle
Region. This is an opportunity to share the experience of producing a silk thread
in most traditional manner. Clients will be explained the whole process: cocoon
boiling, thread reeling, dyeing, plying, reeling, weaving, embroidering. This excursion
gives them the possibility to enjoy hospitality of the village family and rediscover
some of the lost values.
Included: private motor coach, refreshment, guide throughout
Dinner at restaurant Arsenal – Town caffee.
The Town Caffe is located in the building of the former arsenal, in the old port.
It consisted of four separate vaulted areas where the galleys for the defence of
the city were docked. Warships for immediate defence of the city were built and
maintained there. The Republic owned no other warships, but their merchant ships
were armed adequately. The Arsenal was often modified over the centuries, it was
reconstructed or new parts were added. If new construction or a long repair was
started, the arched openings were walled in. The walls were knocked down and opened
again when the vessel was complete in order to launch it.
NOTE: Town Café seating is possible only indoors.
Or
Motor coach transfer to restaurant “Konavoski dvori”,
Visit an old mill and presentation of flour production, welcome drink, Euros 5 net
per person.
Konavoski Dvori is, actually, an old watermill, located in the verdant valley of
Konavle, next to a cascading stream, just south of Dubrovnik airport. Delicious
traditional cuisine consists of roast lamb and veal cooked under the iron bells
covered with hot coals; freshly caught trout grilled to perfection and home made
bread. The meals, replete with boutique wines from the islands and Pelješac peninsula,
are served by authentically costumed waitresses.
To add to the rustical ambiance, we suggest entertainment by a group of local singers
performing traditional songs of the region, price 1.300,00 Euros net .
NOTE: Transfer time to the restaurant takes about 40 minutes one
way.
DAY 3
Full day excursion to Peljesac.
Peljesac wine & oyster tasting (half day, min 30 pax / max 49 pax per
bus)
A quality wine is, by its drinkability, color and bouquet, a real treat for the
eyes and soul. It is particularly enjoyable to drink it with homemade specialties.
We will have an opportunity to stop and taste wine at one of the best vineries in
the area – the Milos vinery. And after that the group will travel to Ston, a small
town on the narrow isthmus that connects the peninsula of Peljesac to the mainland.
Looking at these unassailable fortifications, it comes as no surprise to learn that
construction lasted from 1333 until 1506. The result is a pleasing stone complex
consisting of two fortified settlements connected by a five-kilometer long wall
with a total of forty one towers and seven bastions. The settlements are known as
Mali (Little) Ston and Veliki (Big) Ston, and in both the passengers will discover
predominantly Gothic buildings and churches laid out according to a well thought
out plan.
A stroll south of the walls reveals the reason for these fortifications: salt pans.
These were a vital source of income for the Republic of Dubrovnik and they are still
used today just as they were five centuries ago.
After short sightseeing of Ston we proceed to Mali Ston for boat ride to the oyster
beds where oyster growing procedure will be explained and oyster tasting organized
on board followed lunch consisting of fresh sea food in one of the best restaurants
of the region.
Full day motor coach tour to Pelješac.
Included: full day motor coach, entrance fees, wine tasting, boat ride to oyster
beds, lunch (seafood risotto, fish plate, dessert; drinks are not included in the
given rate and are to be charged on consumption), guide throughout .
Boat ride to oyster beds availability is subject to weather conditions.
Dinner at restaurant Nautika .
Being officially proclaimed the best restaurant in Croatia in 2000, Nautika Club
is “a must” for all celebrities and politicians visiting Dubrovnik. It used to be
the Dubrovnik Nautical School since 1881. The newly renovated building retains a
rich history and authentic décor reminiscent of the thriving seafaring “Ragusan”
republic. An ornate atrium ceiling, handsome cherry wood and marble furnishings
and mirrors grace the interior. While enjoying the breathtaking view, our clients
can sample the exquisite traditional “Ragusan” gourmet in the first floor restaurant.
The unique charm and variety of the “Nautika Club” will provide an intimate and
relaxing atmosphere for the clients.
DAY 4
Full day motor coach excursion to Montenegro .
Passing through the Dubrovnik Riviera , we arrive to the Bay of Kotor , one of the
southernmost portions of the Adriatic coastline. Driving through the bay, we pass
the town of Risan , famous for its Roman mosaics and through Perast to reach our
first destination - the town of Kotor and stop for sightseeing of its most important
historical and cultural monuments.
After the sightseeing, we continue to Sveti Stefan which used to be a small fishing
village on a rock formation in the sea. Today, it is connected by a causeway to
the mainland and has been transformed into a luxurious hotel town, attracting famous
and jet-set names with its exclusivity. Short panoramic stop will be done near Sveti
Stefan. A Lunch will be organised in a restaurant on the Budva key. The afternoon
includes a relaxing ferry ride across the bay before return to the hotel.
Full day motor coach excursion to Montenegro
Included: full day motor coach, entrance fee, lunch (first course, main dish, dessert;
drinks are not included in the given rate and are to be charged on consumption),
ferry ride and guide throughout .
Or
Half day cruise from Old port.
Sightseeing of island Lokrum and Cavtat.
Included: boat cruise, guide throughout, entrances to island Lokrum and gallery
Bukovac in Cavtat.
Lunch in the restaurant in Cavtat.
Return by motorcaoch to Dubrovnik .
Or
Jeep safari (max 50 pax), start point in Cavtat.
Our excursion takes the clients in a comfortable four wheel drive-jeep to Konavle,
a region of, as yet, unrevealed possibilities for off road adventure, well known
for its natural beauty. The excursion will begin with a climb to Velji do from where
it is possible to see the whole of the Dubrovnik archipelago, and a part of the
Montenegrin and Italian coast in fine weather. The drive continues through the swampy
regions of the Konavle valley and the river Ljuta. Then yet another spectacular
climb to St. Eliah brow at 536 m above sea level, followed by a relaxing stop at
Molunat – a Croatian port in the utmost south – with the possibility to swim in
the crystal-clear blue waters.
The climb to Vodovadja, a water-spring, is sure to get the adrenaline going. Clients
will be able to refresh with the purest spring water. The drive continues to the
Sapro county estate where the excursion ends after a late home-made lunch served
with wine and brandy.
NOTE: This excursion is not recommended to persons with spine or back injuries.
Light sportswear and footwear are recommended.
The itinerary may be subject to change due to weather conditions. Drivers must bring
their driving licence.
Jeep ride – 4 pax per jeep
Included: jeep rental, fuel, organisation, guide throughout, lunch (lunch to include
3 kinds of meat baked under the iron bell, salad, bread with olive oil & wine)
Treasure hunt components, supplement
Included: additional mileage and fuel for the programme, refreshment, organisation
of the treasure hunt; last point 10-15 minutes drive from lunch venue; making of
instructions and maps (one per team).
Return to the hotel, time to freshen up and change.
Dinner at the hotel or in the restaurant.
Entertainment: Karaoke show
Or dancing band
DAY 5
Motor coach transfer to the Old town
Embarkation at the Old Town harbour (the harbour is within city walls which is a
pedestrian zone so the clients have to walk from the transfer drop off point to
the harbour – 5 minutes walk.
Full day cruise the Lopud Island .
The Elaphite Archipelago is located in the very vicinity of Dubrovnik . The most
beautiful island of the archipelago is the island of Lopud , known for its numerous
seafarers. One of them is Miho Pracat – the only plebeian to whom the Dubrovnik
Republic made a monument which is still kept at the Rector`s Palace in Dubrovnik.
The island of Lopud is also known for its beautiful sandy beaches and no traffic
at all. Namely, there are no roads and, consequently, no traffic on the island at
all. Lunch will be organised on Lopud in a local restaurant on the waterfront.
Gala dinner: Revelin fort
In the evening, motor coach transfer to the Revelin fort for the farewell dinner
In the period of immediate Turkish danger and the fall of Bosnia under Turkish rule,
the fortress Revelin was built to the east of the city in 1462, a detached fortress
providing additional protection to the land approach to the eastern Ploce Gate.
The name derives from the word “rivelino”, a term in military architecture which
refers to and edifice built opposite to the city gate in order to afford better
protection from enemy attack. It took eleven years to build it, and during that
time all other construction work in the city has stopped in order to finish this
fortress soonest possible.
It is an irregular quadrilateral, protected by a deep ditch. Its interior is divided
into three large vaulted rooms and it used to be the administration centre of the
Republic. The sessions of the Councils were held in the fortress, and the treasuries
of the Republic and of the Cathedral were transferred there.
The top of the Revelin is a huge stone terrace, the largest in Dubrovnik, used in
summer as a stage for many events of the international Summer Festival.
Here, the mediaeval atmosphere will be created – knights will be fencing, ladies
and gentlemen in Renaissance costumes will mingle around the guests. Later, they
will have a Renaissance dance performance (about 20 minutes). Fire jugglers, stilt
walkers, jugglers, renaissance flute player will add to the atmosphere. It is also
possible to arrange torch bearers to escort the group to the fort – please advise
if required and we will let you know the rates.
Entertainment can either be provided by a dancing band or a folklore ensemble (which
would be a contrast to the Renaissance part of the evening, but will provide the
complete picture of life in former Dubrovnik Republic – the life of aristocracy
and the life of common people).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note that the standard lighting at the fortress is quite
basic and a vast majority of our clients order decorative lighting (optional, at
the additional rate as per costing).
Entertainment Options:
Folklore ensemble Lindjo (45 min performance)
Dancing band (international play list)
2 sward fighters
Renaissance dancers
4 torch bearers
Stilt walker
Jugglers
Flute player
Or
Gala dinner at Sponza Palace
The monumental Gothic-Renaissance Sponza Palace is one of the most beautiful in
the city, which has preserved its original form. Its name is derived from the word
for the spot where rainwater was collected (“spongia” - “alluvium”). In the time
of the Republic, this palace housed the custom office and bonded warehouse, hence
it was often referred to as Divona (from “dogana” - customs). The palace also housed
the mint, the bank, the treasury and the armoury. The Sponza Palace was the seat
of a number of state offices, important in the life of the Republic, which was based
on commerce.
It is a large rectangular building with an inner courtyard. The main inscription
on the arch of the atrium from which a balance was suspended drew attention to the
fact that the city measures were true: Fallere nostra vetant; et falli pondera:
meque pondero cum merces: pondera ipse devs” - Our weights do not permit cheating
or being cheated. When I measure the commodities, the Lord measures with me.
The Sponza palace was not damaged in the disastrous earthquake of 1667, and this
fact probably saved the Republic. Affairs of state could continue notwithstanding
heavy destruction. Members of the Academia die Concordi, founded at the close of
the 16th century by a group of poets, met in the large hall on the first
floor. That was Dubrovnik ’s first institution of literary life.
Nowadays, the Sponza Palace is the home of the most important cultural institution
of Dubrovnik - the Archives. The wealth of records of all kinds make these archives
one of the most important historical archives in the world. The archives contain
7000 volumes of manuscripts and about 100.000 of individual manuscripts. The earliest
charter in the archives is from 1022.
Entertainment options:
Klapa - group of local singers (unplugged)
Dancing band ( international play list)
Renessaince concert
Return to the hotel for overnight .
DAY 6
Departure transfers.
Motor coach transfer for departure flight
Or
Motor coach transfer for lunch at the Konavoski Dvori and the departure flight .
Konavoski Dvori is, actually, an old watermill, located in the verdant valley of
Konavle, next to a cascading stream, just south of Dubrovnik airport. Delicious
traditional cuisine consists of roast lamb and veal cooked under the iron bells
covered with hot coals; freshly caught trout grilled to perfection and home made
bread.
Transfers
Motor coach transfer airport-hotel EUR 390.00 net per coach, 1 way
Included: meet and greet service at the airport, luggage handling at the airport,
especially assigned operative at the airport, fully air-conditioned, de luxe motor
coach clearly marked by the company logo, assistance during transfer.
Maximum: 49 pax
Motor coach transfer Hotel – Old town EUR 280,00 net per coach, RT
(return rate, max 49 pax, guide is not included)
Escort to the restaurant EUR 65.00 net per escort
(The escort will meet the group at the reception and walk them to the restaurant;
once the group is seated, the escort leaves. In case he/she is to stay with the
group during dinner and escort them back to the hotel, the rate is Eur 95,00 net)