Explore the diversity that Croatia has to offer. Starting in Dubrovnik, follow the dramatic coastline past historical treasures such as Split, Trogir and Sibenik, each village, practically bursting with UNESCO-classified heritage sites. Continue inland with a visit to Plitvice Lakes, renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, before taking in the Northwestern region of Istria, once part of Italy, now a source of Croatian pride with its medieval hilltop villages and unique cuisine. With such a diversity of beauty over a small area of land, this tour is a fantastic introduction to the area. Croatia Highlights Classic 2009 GPE 8 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Europe Croatia Dubrovnik OPATIJA Croatia Croatia Culture/History 8 2 Standard http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/croatia/croatia_dubrovnik.jpg Arrive in Dubrovnik at any time. Explore Dubrovnik´s Old Town with a walking tour around the City Walls. There's plenty of free time to soak up the atmosphere and ambience of this captivating city. You may choose to relax at one of the water-side cafes, taking a plunge in the crystal waters of the Adriatic or perhaps sample some local cuisine. Explore the tangle of marble streets that make up the Old Town. Make sure to visit the elegant cathedral standing proud in the centre of the impressive ruins of the Roman Emperor Diocletian´s Palace, spectacularly preserved and uniquely integrated into the city of today. Continuing along the coast, we come to the captivating town of Trogir. This UNESCO world heritage site hosts Renaissance and Romanesque architecture contained within its dramatic 15th Century city walls. Also, take some time to visit St. James Cathedral, another spectacular World Heritage site. Venture inland, over the mountains to the spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park. Spend the day exploring the many walkways and colourful lakes by boat and by foot. Keep your eyes open for diverse and rare fauna such as the European brown bear, eagle, owl and wild cat. Discover the bustling hub of Rijeka (Fiume in Italian), a town with a vibrant street life and some fine examples of elegant Austro-Hungarian architecture. Stay nearby in the famous mansion-cum-resort of Opatija. The delightful coastal town of Rovinj is one of the last true Mediterranean fishing ports where tourists mix with age-old local culture along its steep windy cobbled streets. It's a fantastic chance to taste some local delights including products made from the unique Istria chestnut truffle. Arrive in Dubrovnik at any time. Make your way to our beachfront hotel on the Lapad Peninsula, where our local guide will meet with you soon after arrival for a welcome briefing about the tour.

Dubrovnik is aptly known as the crown jewel of the Adriatic. Its charm has enchanted writers, artists and visitors for centuries. Huddled within the grasp of impressive fortified walls, the Stari Grad invites you to wander its marble-paved streets leading you past historical churches, monasteries, palaces and Baroque buildings. The shelling of the city during the last Balkan War by Serbian and Bosnian forces shocked the world and set onlookers reeling at the pictures on the news. The city received a boost of monetary funding from European countries and UNESCO to rebuild its damaged walls and sweep away the rubble, re-structuring with meticulous attention to detail this enchanting city, which against the odds has been given a new breath of life and is defying its past with characteristic vibrancy and cultural flare, to reaffirm its well-deserved status as one of Europe´s most popular tourist destinations.
Explore Dubrovnik´s Old Town with a walking tour around the City Walls. There's plenty of free time to soak up the atmosphere and ambience of this captivating city. You may choose to relax at one of the water-side cafes, taking a plunge in the crystal waters of the Adriatic or perhaps sample some local Dalmatian cuisine, before taking to the marble streets to admire the fine architecture and visit some of the many cultural institutions and religious monuments within its walls.
Explore the tangle of marble streets that make up the Old Town. Make sure to visit the elegant cathedral standing proud in the centre of the impressive ruins of the Roman Emperor Diocletian´s Palace, spectacularly preserved and uniquely integrated into the city of today.

Split, the largest and most important city in Dalmatia, on Croatia´s Adriatic coast, achieved its fame when the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his retirement palace here in 295-305 AD. The majestic marble structure, which makes up the centre of the Old City, is said to be one of the best preserved Roman ruins outside of Rome. Take time to wander within its walls, admiring ancient capitols, the city´s cathedral – the oldest building housing a catholic cathedral in the world – not forgetting of course to kiss the toe of Mestrovic´s famous bronze monument to Bishop Grgor of Nin for good luck. Weary from a day of culture, take a stroll along the recently refurbished waterfront promenade, pausing for coffee or some traditional Dalmatian cuisine in one of the bustling cafes. Nearby, at the foot of the mountains, nestled amongst vineyards, the extensive Roman ruins of Solin (Salona) make for an interesting day trip outside the city. Solin was also the seat of the first Croatian kings.

In the mid-20th Century Split became one of the most important and largest cities in the newly formed Yugoslavia, a bustling port and commercial centre, it expanded to cover the whole of the Kastela Peninsula, with a growing population. The Balkan war of the 1990s damaged most of the city´s business prospects through criminal activity and corruption with the breaking up and selling off of industries for personal gain. The future looks bright, however, for Split as new transport links and re-emerging industries in the areas of trade and tourism, along with production of oil, wine, paper, concrete and chemicals.

Today we take a morning bus north along the coast to visit the charming town of Trogir, whose UNESCO world-heritage status is clearly justified in its profusion of Renaissance and Romanesque architecture contained within dramatic 15th Century city walls. Experience its uniqueness as an example of over 2300 years of continuous urban tradition from the Hellenistic Greeks through to the Romans and subsequently the Venetians.

We continue by bus a little further along the coast to Sibenik, the oldest native Croatian town on the Adriatic, which, unlike its neighbours founded by Illyrians, Greeks and Romans, was first mentioned by its present name in 1066 by the Croatian King Petar Kresimir IV. Here we take time to visit the famous St James Cathedral, also on the UNESCO World Heritage list, noted for its style, which is both Gothic and Renaissance, having been constructed by various architects in the 15th and 16th Centuries.

We spend the night in our harbour-front hotel in Sibenik.
Today we travel inland, over the mountains, to the spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park. We spend the day exploring the many walkways and 16 lakes of the park both by boat and by foot. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colours, heavily forested flora and diverse and rare fauna such as the European brown bear, eagle, owl and wild cat. The park is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We spend the night at our hotel near the National Park.
Today we travel northwest to the bustling hub of Rijeka (Fiume in Italian), a town with a vibrant street life and some fine examples of elegant Austro-Hungarian architecture. Nearby is the famous resort of Opatija with some of the finest coastal views in the country and a longstanding tradition as a destination of the fashionable elites dating back to the Austrian-Hungarian Empire right up until WW1.

We will overnight here in one of the old mansions converted now into sleek hotels that maintain still an element of traditional style and grace with spacious halls and chandeliers still a feature in many. In order to appreciate both the natural beauty and history of the neighbouring region of Istria, sometimes known as “the Tuscany of Croatia”, we will take a full day´s excursion there. Our visit will include picturesque hilltop villages steeped in age-old tradition and now being rediscovered by artists and artisans, the delightful coastal town of Rovinj, one of the last true Mediterranean fishing ports where tourists mix with age-old local culture along its steep windy cobbled streets, and a chance to taste some local delights including products made from the unique Istria chestnut truffle.

We return to Opatija for our final night farewells.
Depart Opatija any time.
1119 1059 639 519 1399 999 839 1299 269.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1119 1059 639 519 1399 999 839 1299 269.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1119 1059 639 519 1399 999 839 1299 269.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1119 1059 639 519 1399 999 839 1299 269.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1119 1059 639 519 1399 999 839 1299 269.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1119 1059 639 519 1399 999 839 1299 269.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1119 1059 639 519 1399 999 839 1299 269.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1119 1059 639 519 1399 999 839 1299 269.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1119 1059 639 519 1399 999 839 1299 269.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1119 1059 639 519 1399 999 839 1299 269.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1119 1059 639 519 1399 999 839 1299 269.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1119 1059 639 519 1399 999 839 1299 269.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 200 EUR 1119 1059 639 519 1399 999 839 1299 269.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 200 EUR Accommodation Hotels (7 nts). Departure Departs every two weeks (Apr-Oct) DepEnd Sun-Tues Group Leader Tour leader throughout, local guides. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Dubrovnik, Dalmatian Coast, Split, Trogir, Sibenik, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Rijeka, Opatija, Istria, Rovinj. Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow EUR250 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included 7 Breakfasts. Min Pax 8 Recommendation Want to see a little more of Croatia? Check out our Balkan Discovery trip ECBD . StartFinish Dubrovnik to Opatija Transport Local buses, Private van, Boat. What's Included Dubrovnik and Split walking tour, St. James Cathedral, Plitvice Lakes boat and walking tour, Istria full day excursion. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
About our Transportation Intercity transport on this trip will be by local bus and private mini-van. The bus system in Croatia is generally good, but can get very busy in high season with seat reservations become very limited as the fledgling infrastructure gets stretched to its limits. We believe those hours on the bus are more than worth it for the reward of seeing so much of this breathtaking region in a short space of time, so unfold your map, pack in your mp3 player, a good book and a phrase-book, and get ready to enjoy some beautiful landscapes with your Croatian neighbour.

Between transport and hotels you may be required to carry your luggage short distances (up to 15mins walk).
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro Explore the diversity that Croatia has to offer. Starting in Dubrovnik, follow the dramatic coastline past historical treasures such as Split, Trogir and Sibenik, each practically bursting with UNESCO-classified heritage sites. Continue inland with a visit to Plitvice Lakes, renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, before taking in the Northwestern region of Istria, once part of Italy, now a source of Croatian pride with its medieval hilltop villages and unique cuisine. With such a diversity of beauty over a small area of land, this tour is a fantastic introduction to the area. Checklist - Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- Euros and travellers cheques
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera and film
- Reading/writing material
- Cover or plastic bags for backpacks
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- 1 long-sleeved sweater top/fleece
- 4 shirts/t-shirts
- Small towel and swim wear
- 1 pair of long trousers
- 2 pair of shorts
- Sun hat
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle
- First-aid kit(should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Bug repellent with DEET, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Departure Tax Usually included in international air ticket Detailed Trip Notes The currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK).
Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro Explore the diversity that Croatia has to offer. Starting in Dubrovnik, follow the dramatic coastline past historical treasures such as Split, Trogir and Sibenik, each village, practically bursting with UNESCO-classified heritage sites. Continue inland with a visit to Plitvice Lakes, renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, before taking in the Northwestern region of Istria, once part of Italy, now a source of Croatian pride with its medieval hilltop villages and unique cuisine. With such a diversity of beauty over a small area of land, this tour is a fantastic introduction to the area. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local G.A.P Adventures operator - RI-AK Tours. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures Operator - RI-AK Tours, Rijeka, Croatia
Tel. +385 51 312 312
Fax. +385 51 211 580
Office hours: Monday–Friday 08.00–16.00 (CET); Sat 09:00-13:00; Sunday closed

RI-AK Tours Emergency Cell Phone(after office hours): +385 99 3322 030

G.A.P Adventures Local Office.
Emergency Cell Phone: +34 637 181 791 / +34 627 357 664

If you are unable for any reason to contact RI-AK Tours or our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Finishing Point Hotel HOTEL BRISTOL
M.TITA 108
51410 OPATIJA
CROATIA
Tel. 00385 51 706 300 Finishing Point Instructions Rijeka is the closest transport hub to Opatija and has good connections to other Croatian cities and airports, as well as to Trieste in Italy.

There are regular local buses Opatija-Rijeka (20KN/€2.75) or by taxi (50KN/€7), taking around 30-40mins by bus or 20mins by taxi.

From Rijeka-Zagreb there are buses approx. every hour from Rijeka bus station costing around 140KN/€20 (2.5hrs). There are also 4 trains daily going from Rijeka-Zagreb costing around 100KN/€14 (approx. 4hrs).

From Zagreb city centre to Zagreb Airport there is a bus going approx. every 30mins. costing around 30KN/€4.50.

From Rijeka to Trieste there is no train connection only buses. The buses depart 4 times daily from Rijeka bus station to Trieste city centre - 60KN/€8.50 (2-2.5hrs). From Trieste centre local bus No.51 goes to the airport every 30 mins.

Close to Rijeka there is another airport - Pula. Pula can be reached by bus that goes approx. every 3 hours from Rijeka and the ticket costs approx. 80KN/€11 (2hrs 15mins).

From Opatija to Dubrovnik there is a local bus to Rijeka (20 min. by local bus) and from Rijeka to Dubrovnik, there are two buses daily (one around 9 AM and another around 10 PM) and the ticket costs 485 kunas (approx. 68 EUR). FIT A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts our local staff and others at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our local representatives / offices have the right to refuse service to anyone if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes. FIT Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact the emergency local contact details provided in this dossier. If an arrival airport transfer is included in your tour and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs. FIT Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. FIT Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips - it is the passengers responsibility to ensure they have the correct coverage. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Contact your Insurance company / bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number. FIT Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. FIT Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Please note that local representatives/offices have the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While our local representatives/offices will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay together and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions. Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description All G.A.P Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G.A.P Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. For our shipboard expeditions and voyages we have a highly experienced shipboard staff and crew, including level III guides in the Galapagos. On truck trips in Africa you will be accompanied by a G.A.P Adventures leader, and a driver/cook, who offer a wealth of knowledge on the regions you will be visiting. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel HotelKomodore
Masarykov Put 5,
(Lapad Peninsula)
20 000 Dubrovnik

Tel: +385 (0) 20 433 503 Joining Instructions From Dubrovnik Airport (20km from the city) buses operate according to flight schedules on a regular basis to the Pile Gate at the entrance to the Old City (Stari Grad). (4€ one-way)

From here, you can take a taxi (5-8€) to the hotel or you can take local bus number 4 to Lapad and the entrance to Masarykov Put street, which is 1min walk from the hotel.

A taxi from Dubrovnik Airport to the hotel costs approx. 30-40 €.
Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the expedition ship Explorer or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G.A.P Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Croatia. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of euros, travellers cheques and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

Please note that the local currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Approximate exchange rates:
1 USD | 5 HRK
1 EUR | 7 HRK
1 GBP | 9 HRK

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities Dubrovnik
Franciscan Monastery & Museum 20HK
Serbian Orthodox Church & Museum 10HK
Synagogue 10HK
State Archives 15HK
Rector´s Palace 35HK
Cathedral Treasury 10HK
Dominican Monastery & Museum 15HK
War Photo Ltd 25HK

Split
Cathedral Bell Tower 5HK (Croatian Kuna)
Town Museum 10HK
Local Market (morning only)
Ethnographic Museum 15HK
Archaeological Museum 10HK
Mestovic Gallery 20HK
Solin Roman Ruins (info centre 10HK) + bus (10HK)

Sibenik
Castle 5HK

Zagreb
Lotrscak Tower 10HK
Funicular Railway 3HK
Mestrovic Studio 20HK
Museum of the City of Zagreb 20HK
Archaeological Museum 20HK
Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G.A.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2). Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from €5-20 per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader or skipper did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €20-25 per person, per week can be used.
Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2009 - December 31st 2009. Visas All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION. We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find EASIEST TO CARRY). A good size daypack is also essential. Remember that you might be required to walk short distances with your luggage (15-20mins max) between transport and hotels, and bear in mind limited space for luggage on public transport. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.