Adriatic Odysseyon the Sea Cloud II

10 – 23 August 2012 (14 days / 13 nights)Tour Leader: Liz Gibson

TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS IN 2012

Tour leaderLiz Gibson B Art Ed, MA (Art Admin)

Former Senior Coordinator of Public Programs at AGNSW, Liz continues to lecture on broad ranging aspects of art history and art appreciation. Since leading her first tour to Russia, she has immersed herself in Eastern Europe and its interconnecting layers of art and culture. As a result, Liz has developed and led a series of successful Art Gallery Society tours through Russia, Czech Republic, Baltic States, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and to major cities with strong links to Eastern Europe - Venice, Vienna, Berlin and Istanbul. This will be her fourth tour travelling from Venice to Dubrovnik.

Adriatic Odyssey on the Sea Cloud IIImagine cruising the Adriatic under billowing white sails, hoisted aloft by hand, as you relax on your deckchair and contemplate the Dalmatian coastline with its beautiful islands. Designed for those who love smaller ships, this voyage on the elegant Sea Cloud II from Venice to Dubrovnik will satisfy the most discriminating traveller. The world’s largest three-masted barque and the first newly constructed square rigger in decades, Sea Cloud II accommodates a maximum of 94 passengers and 60 crew members in absolute comfort, luxury and style, accompanied by gourmet cuisine, fine wines and exclusive shore excursions.

Begin with three days in Venice, once the heart of a mighty Maritime Republic, from where you embark on a seven day odyssey aboard the Sea Cloud II. First chart a course along the Italian coast to Ravenna, home to a unique collection of Byzantine mosaics. Then set sail across the azure waters of the Adriatic to the Croatian city of Pula, an ancient Roman port town. Cruise through the rocky Kornati Islands to the Old Town of Split, built around the Roman Palace of Diocletian. Travel further to picturesque Korčula Island, with its Venetian style old town, and to Mijet, Croatia’s greenest island. The sea journey culminates in the spectacular medieval walled city of Dubrovnik, where you disembark to enjoy your final three nights, including day trips to Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina, and to Kotor in Montenegro.

This tour has been designed as a grand 14-day odyssey on land and by sea. However, you may also choose to join the 7-night cruise only (13 – 20 August).

Venice Fish Markets

ITINERARY

Thu 9 August 2012 Depart Australia Suggested departure from Australia on Emirates via Dubai. Overnight in flight.

Fri 10 August Arrive VeniceAfternoon arrival in Venice. Transfer to your hotel located on the Grand Canal and just minutes from Piazza San Marco. This evening join Liz Gibson and your fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner. (D)

Sat 11 August Venice This morning begin your discovery of Venice on a walking tour, crisscrossing the labyrinthine cobbled streets to see many of the city’s churches, palaces and bridges such as the iconic Rialto Bridge and the nearby local markets. Visit the Doges Palace, a potent symbol of Venice, and the once indomitable Venetian Maritime Republic. The Doges Palace presents a fascinating study of the city’s remarkable cultural, political and economic history, much of which is captured in a series of resplendent ceiling paintings. Afternoon at leisure.

In the evening visit the magnificent St Mark’s Basilica, its striking façade and shimmering interior and unravel its complex architectural history. This is a special opportunity to discover the treasures of the Basilica outside normal opening hours and without the crowds (subject to confirmation). (BL)

Sun 12 August Venice Today visit the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, famous for an astonishing series of more than fifty canvases painted by Tintoretto in the 1500s. Also visit the Frari, a monumental Gothic Franciscan Church featuring Titian’s breathtaking painting, The Assumption of Mary, among many other major works of art.

Lunch at a local restaurant in Campo Santa Margherita, one of the most vibrant areas in the city.

Remainder of the day at leisure. We suggest a visit the Galleria dell’Accademia housing an excellent collection of Venetian painting from the 14th to 18th centuries, including works by Carpaccio, Giorgione, Veronese, Bellini and Titian. Or visit the splendid 18th century Ca Rezzonico, with its recently restored luminous frescos by Tiepolo. (BL)

Mon 13 August Venice – Embark Sea Cloud IIMorning visit to Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavone and the Brotherhood of St. George of the Slavs (the Dalmatian confraternity with very fine paintings by Carpaccio). The brotherhood comprised Dalmatians from the coastal areas of the Adriatic across from Italy, which came under Venetian rule in the early 15th Century. The Scuola is famous for its finely detailed cycle of early 16th century paintings by Vittore Carpaccio.

Afternoon free to enjoy more of Venice. Perhaps catch the vaporetto to S Giorgio Maggiore, or to the revamped Customs House, or visit the entrance to the Arsenale to see where the Venetian fleet was constructed during the height of Maritime Republic.

Early evening board your luxury sailing ship Sea Cloud II for 7pm departure and our idyllic Adriatic cruise. (BD)

Tue 14 August RavennaMorning arrival in Ravenna connected to the Adriatic Sea by a canal. (BLD)

OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSION: half day tour of Ravenna (3.5hrs) – Once the capital city of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna was later the capital of the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths and the centre of Byzantine power in Italy until the mid 8th century. Until the invasion of Franks, it was the seat of the king of the Lombards. Visit the 5th century Roman Mausoleum of Galla Placidia with its beautiful mosaics and the 6th century Basilica of Sant Apollinare Nuovo and the Basilica of San Vitale, both containing stunning Byzantine mosaics.

Wed 15 August Pula Afternoon arrival in Pula, the largest city of the Istrian Peninsula of Croatia and former Roman port town. (BLD)

OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSION: Walking tour of Pula (2hrs) – For centuries it was a Venetian possession, then under the jurisdiction of France, Austria, Italy, Yugoslavia and finally, Croatia. Tour the lovely old city visiting the outstanding first century Triumphal Arch of Sergius, the Temple of Augustus and the impressive Roman amphitheatre, one of the six largest still in existence.

Gondolas in Venice Piazza San Marco Doges Palace Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Thu 16 August Kornati IslandsEnjoy a full day leisurely cruising the rocky Kornati Islands, a group of about 130 islands, islets and reefs dotting the deep blue Adriatic Sea, just across from the Croatian cities of Zadar and Sibenik on the striking Dalmatian coast. (BLD)

Fri 17 August Split Morning arrival in Split. (BLD)

OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSION: Split city walk (2hrs –Visit the remains of the vast palace of the prominent Roman Emperor Diocletian, born in nearby Salona. Diocletian’s Palace is the heart of the old town of Split and one of the most fascinating Roman ruins in the world. Most of the city’s important buildings, dating from various stages in the city’s complex history, can be found embedded within the walls of Diocletian’s original Palace. Today the Palace’s most visible structure is the Cathedral of St. Dominus, originally Diocletian’s mausoleum, ironically the resting place of one of the greatest persecutors of Christians. Free time to explore Split.

Sat 18 August KorčulaCruise to the picturesque island of Korčula, one of the most prized islands of the Adriatic, said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. (BLD)

OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSION: Korčula city walk (2hrs) – Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic heart of the old town, with its most impressive buildings, St Mark’s Cathedral. Visit the Bishop’s Treasury with a surprising number of treasures crammed into its seven small rooms. Also visit Marco Polo house, where the famous explorer is said to have been born in 1254.

Sun 19 August Mijet Morning arrival in Mijet, the most southerly and easterly of the larger Adriatic islands on the Dalmatian coast. (BLD)

OPTIONAL SHORE EXCURSION: Enjoy a peaceful walk through the large, wooded National Park, located on the western part of the island. A short boat trip will take you to a tranquil islet set in the Big Lake in the centre of the park with the 12th century Benedictine Monastery of S. Maria.

Mon 20 August DubrovnikMorning arrival and disembarkation in Dubrovnik, Croatia’s southernmost city. Depart for a day trip through the picturesque Neretva Valley to Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Visit the Old Town with its eclectic mix of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architectural styles. See the iconic Mostar Bridge, originally built in the 16th century by a student of the famous Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan, and reconstructed after its tragic destruction during the 1990s Bosnian War. Late afternoon check-in to your hotel. (B L)

Tue 21 August Dubrovnik Early morning guided tour through the old town’s maze of limestone clad streets exploring the town’s many highlights. Enter through the Old Pile Gate, visit the Franciscan Monastery, with its 14th century pharmacy, stroll along the Stradum, the old town’s main street to the town square, visit St Blaise’s Church, a lovely Italian baroque building, the Gothic Rector’s Palace, and the Renaissance style Sponza Palace.

Lunch. Afternoon free to amble around the old town on your own.

Early evening guided tour along Dubrovnik’s two kilometre long medieval fortification walls, built between the 13th and 16th centuries. The views from its 16 towers, across the red terracotta roofs of the old town out to the Adriatic Sea, are spectacular. (BL)

Wed 22 August Dubrovnik– Kotor - DubrovnikMorning departure for a full day excursion to the old port town of Kotor, set against the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Gulf of Kotor in Montenegro. Explore the medieval town, its many Venetian style buildings and impressive fortification wall. Return to Dubrovnik and join Liz Gibson and your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (BD)

Thu 23 August Depart Dubrovnik Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. If travelling on the suggested flights, transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight on Lufthansa to Munich (not included in tour cost), connecting with overnight flights to Australia via Dubai on Emirates. (B)

Fri 24 August In flight

Sat 25 August Arrive AustraliaEarly morning arrival in Australia.

Split

SEA CLOUD IIThe Sea Cloud II was built in 2001 and is modelled on her legendary sister, the Sea Cloud. Both ships are true windjammers with five-star luxury on board. The Sea Cloud II holds a maximum of 94 passengers and there are approximately 65 crew. It is 117 metres long, 16 metres wide and has 23 sails.

She combines the timeless elegance of windjammers of the past with the highest safety standards and the luxurious comfort of modern cruise ships. Sailing romantics will be fascinated while on board, where the 32,150 sq. feet of sails is set by hand.

On board facilities include a restaurant where dinner is served in a casual atmosphere. Welcome and Farewell dinners are a more formal affair. Selected wines accompany the carefully prepared meals using fresh local produce.

The Lounge located on the Lido Deck is open all day serving breakfast, afternoon tea, midnight snacks and cocktails.

There is a library, boutique, fitness centre, swim platform and sauna as well as a hospital. The Lido Deck is equipped with deck chairs inviting you to sun bathe, read and relax. Or watch as the sailors manoeuvre the sails high overhead.

There are 47 cabins in six categories. Deluxe Outer Cabins (category E) are located on the Cabin Deck with an average size of 16 sqm. Furnishings include a queen size bed with two separate mattresses, two portholes, sofa, table, TV with DVD player, minibar, dressing table, closet and safe. The marble bathrooms are nostalgically trimmed with golden fixtures and inlays.

Sea Cloud II Deck Plan

Sea Cloud II Restaurant

Junior Suite Cabin (Category B)

Deluxe Outer Cabin (Category E)

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT

Early Booking Discount of AUD 275 per person if booked and deposited before 30 November 2011

TOUR PRICES ...Per person, twin-share (E-category cabin) AUD 9,990

Single supplement in hotels and on cruise* AUD 3,750

Single supplement in hotels only (twin share on cruise) AUD 1,250

Surcharge for D-category cabin, p.p. share twin AUD 300

Surcharge for B-category cabin, p.p. share twin AUD 1,940

Deposit (per person) AUD 1,500

Final Payment Due 10 June 2012*Single travellers may request to share. Please advise at time of booking.

TOUR CODE AGS Adriatic Odyssey

SUGGESTED AIRLINE EMIRATES

Emirates flies from Australia to Venice and Munich (and many other European destinations). Flight from Dubrovnik to Munich on Lufthansa.

TOUR PRICES INCLUDE• Accommodation in centrally located

superior 4-star hotels with private facilities and daily breakfast (B)

• 7 night Sea Cloud II cruise in E category cabins incl. all cruise price inclusions (see right)

• Meals as per itinerary in Venice and Dubrovnik (L=Lunch, D=Dinner) including special Welcome and Farewell dinners. Wine with dinners.

• Transfers on arrival and departure if travelling on group flights

• Comprehensive sightseeing, visits to galleries and attractions in Venice and Dubrovnik with Liz Gibson and local guides including entrance fees as per itinerary

• Lectures and talks with your tour leader throughout

• Gratuities for local guides and drivers• Hotel porterage (1 piece per person).

DO NOT INCLUDE• International airfares• Transfers on arrival / departure if not

travelling on group flights• Drinks with lunches in Venice and

Dubrovnik• Items of a personal nature, including

telephone, laundry, taxis etc.• Shore excursions (approx. €200 per

person)• Cruise tips• Airport porterage• Travel insurance

CRUISE ONLY OPTION ...Cabin P.P. Share Single Category Twin Supp. (AUD)

F–upper / lower bed 4,280 50%E–deluxe double bed (16sqm) 5,410 50%D–deluxe double bed (19sqm) 5,710 50%C–deluxe double bed (20sqm) 6,070 50%B–junior suite (23sqm) 7,350 100%A–luxury owner suite (27sqm) 7,990 100%

All cabins and suites are outside facing and equipped with shower/WC (suites with bathtubs), bathrobes, hairdryer, telephone, safe, TV/video, mini-bar and air-conditioning.

An 8-day cruise includes beverages to the value of approx. EUR300 per person.

CRUISE PRICE INCLUDES• 7 night accommodation in the chosen

cabin category• Welcome champagne in your cabin• Six meals per day from early morning

breakfast to a four-course dinner with a choice of three menu options (open seating)

• Two five-course gala dinners • Vintage wines and beers with lunch and

dinner• All soft drinks and tea & coffee

specialities • Fresh fruit basket in your cabin,

replenished daily• E-Mails can be sent free-of-charge from

on-board computer• All port fees

CRUISE PRICE EXCLUDES• Shore excursion package• Cruise tips • Bar consumption• Purchases from boutique

YOUR HOTELS ...

Westin Europa & ReginaVenice

Hotel Argentina Dubrovnik

NB. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.

Dubrovnik

TERMS & CONDITIONS

How to BookComplete, sign and return the Booking Form available from Renaissance Tours with your deposit of $1,500 per person. Upon receipt of your Booking Form and deposit, you will receive confirmation of your place from Renaissance Tours.

Deposit / Final PaymentsDeposit (per person,at time of booking) $1,500

Your deposit is used for cruise and hotel deposits and is non-refundable in the event of your cancellation. Your final payment is due 60 days before departure. Failure to make your final payment by the due date may result in cancellation of your booking and loss of deposit. We reserve the right to charge a late payment fee in the event of late booking and/or payment to cover additional communication and other expenses.

Payment by cash, cheque, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa is accepted. A 3% service charge applies for payment by American Express and Diners Club.

Cancellation & RefundsYou may cancel the booking at any time. Written notification is essential even if verbal notification of an intention to cancel has been given. Cancellation charges will be applied as shown below, calculated from the day written notification is received by Renaissance Tours. In addition to the charges shown below, airlines may impose up to 100% cancellation charges.

60 days or more forfeit of deposit.59 - 45 days 25% of tour cost44 - 31 days 50% of tour cost30 – 15 days 75% of tour costLess than 15 days 100% of tour costThe above cancellation charges include applicable GST.

In addition to the above cancellation charges, the full insurance premium together with any existing administration

fees is also payable in the event of a cancellation by the Client. If the reason for cancellation is covered by the insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Forced Cancellations We reserve the right to cancel a tour for any reason (such as failure to reach minimum tour participant numbers). Except for force majeure or the Client’s failure to pay the final balance, we will not cancel a tour less than 60 days before departure. Unless the Client fails to pay the final balance, we will return all monies paid, excluding payment for travel insurance and administration fees.

No compensation will be paid in the event of cancellation by Renaissance Tours. A full refund of monies paid for tour costs will be the full extent of our liability. Airlines may impose up to 100% cancellation charges.

Passports, Visas and VaccinationsIt is your responsibility to be in possession of a passport valid for 6 months after the date of your return to Australia. You are also responsible for obtaining all necessary visas, inoculations and preventative medicines as may be required for the duration of the tour. Information about these matters or related items is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of Renaissance Tours.

Travel InsuranceIt is a condition of travel that you are covered by comprehensive travel insurance. You can make your own arrangements or your travel insurance can be arranged by Renaissance Tours. In either case all participants must provide the following information no later than 60 days prior to commencement of travel:

• a copy of your travel insurance policy (or details of master policy)

• the emergency telephone number of your insurance company

• next of kin emergency contact

Fitness and ParticipationWhile our tours do not require a special level of fitness, for the overall benefit of the group, all tour members must possess a moderate level of mobility, including the ability to:

• negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance

• use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)

• undertake walking tour of 2-3 hours duration, including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces

• stand for long periods in museums and other sites

• embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods of transportation without assistance

• handle your own luggage

If you (or we) have any doubts about your ability to participate in your chosen tour, you may be required to have a doctor’s appraisal. This would require a doctor to read the itinerary of your chosen tour and provide you with a written confirmation of your ability to participate.

Terms & ConditionsYou can find a copy of the full terms & conditions attached to the Renaissance Tours booking form. They can also be found on our website at: www.renaissancetours.com.au or we would be happy to post you a copy on request.

Basilica of San Vitale Pula Triumphal Arch of Sergius Zadar

TO BOOK ADRIATIC ODYSSEY ON THE SEA CLOUD IICALL RENAISSANCE TOURS ON 1300 727 095EMAIL INFO@RENAISSANCETOURS.COM.AU

ART GALLERY SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALESART GALLERY ROAD, THE DOMAINSYDNEY NSW 2000

w www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/member

TOUR ARRANGEMENTS BY –Renaissance ToursLevel 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001

ABN 14 069 591 448 Lic. 2TA4526

Toll Free 1300 727 095t (02) 9299 5801f (02) 9299 5805e info@renaissancetours.com.auw www.renaissancetours.com.au

Your travel agent is –

Brochure effective August 2011

Front Cover: Sea Cloud IIBack Cover: Trogir