Kompas Holidays International’s latest series of “Adriatic Cruises” now include the newly-built, 38-passenger M/S PRINCESS ALOHA that sails along the spectacular and pristine Croatian coastline from no less than six UNESCO World Heritage sites — Durbrovnik, Split, Hvar and Korcula islands and Zadar to amazing National Parks — on the Kornati islands, Krka and Mljet and a visit and wine tasting at the Grgich Hills Winery and finally ending in Dubrovnik. These cruise tours are offered as a choice of three eight-day itineraries with two five-day extensions – from the cultural center of Vienna to Plitvice Lakes National Park, and the Postojna Caves to Croatia’s wine country.
The three new and exclusive eight-day programs aboard the 18-cabin cruiser M/S PRINCESS ALOHA are priced from $1,648 per person to $1,759 per person with an $185 supplement for Main Deck Cabins and 80% of the price for single supplements. Scheduled departures take place in April, May, June, August, September, and October 2013.
All breakfasts and lunches are included on board. Each morning, the M/S PRINCESS ALOHA’s nine-member staff buys freshly-caught fish, shops in farmers’ markets, and local bakeries to provide guests with freshly baked breads, and local cheeses, and produce, to prepare their tempting menus.
The cruise itineraries arrive in time to see the highlights of the season such as the 64th edition of Dubrovnik’s International Summer Festival, visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the ancient city of Trogir, the Hvar’s Old Town, the Makarska Riviera, go for swim off the island of Bol or in the Peljesac bay, a region said to be the origin of Zinfandel wine, visit the island of Mljet, part of which was proclaimed a National Park, and visit Marco Polo’s birthplace on the island of Korcula, known as “Little Dubrovnik.”
Pre- and post-cruise explorations include two escorted five-day land extensions ranging from $850 per person for a tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zagreb, Croatia and Vienna, Austria to $1,188 per person for programs visits Plitvice Lakes National Park, the resort town of Opatija, the magnificent Postojna Caves and Venice, Italy.
Among other offerings are Kompas’ city stays – guests can purchase additional nights in Dubrovnik, Opatija, Venice, Vienna, Zadar, or Zagreb.
Kompas travelers stay at top-notch centrally located accommodations such as the four-star Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy; in Vienna the Marriott’s Renaissance is within walking distance of Schönbrunn Palace; the Valamar Lacroma in Dubrovnik; the Bristol Hotel Opatija; the Hotel Kolovare is set just above one of the oldest and most beloved beaches in Zadar.
Sailing aboard the M/S PRINCESS ALOHA means no need to dress up for breakfast or lunch (unless you want to); dining on fresh seasonal ingredients, plenty of incredible seafood; a salon-restaurant-bar on the Upper Deck with sweeping panoramic views; a sundeck for lounging; comfortable air-conditioned cabins; wi-fi throughout the cruiser, and a multilingual, friendly and well-informed crew, ready to offer assistance and suggestions when asked. And best of all, passengers can hop off the cruiser’s platform [or climb down the ladder] to swim in the temperate Adriatic Sea.
Kompas International Holidays sells vacations from 7 to 19 days in duration with escorted tours and city stays throughout Central, Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as additional sailing cruises on the Adriatic Sea. Customized itineraries to all of these destinations are available upon request for Group travel.
Kompas International Holidays, www.kompas.net