Day
1
Australia - Belgrade
Depart Sydney, travel via Abu Dhabi to Belgrade. Spend your stopover at the airport
Join this conference in the greatest cities of the Dalmatian Coast. First of all, buzzing, beautiful Split, its sea-side boulevard awash with cafes, restaurants and bars; Diocletian’s Palace, the most impressive Roman Palace with people still living within the walls; galleries, museums and pristine beaches. Then take our private catamaran to Hvar Island to explore the old town and take a refreshing dip. From there, elegant Dubrovnik, the old fortified city dating from the 14th century, with its gorgeous harbour, beaches and endless opportunities to taste local food. And finally, Herceg Novi, a magical city overlooking iconic Kotor Bay.
What an amazing destination for a conference – do join us!
Day
2
Split
Arrive in the gorgeous city of Split, set beautifully between the turquoise waters of the Adriatic and the dramatic coastal mountains.
Time to relax before joining fellow delegates for welcome drinks and dinner.
Day
3
Split
Morning conference session.
Take a guided tour exploring the throbbing ancient heart of the city, Diocletian’s Palace. A UNESCO World Heritage Site where the lustrous marble ruins of the Roman complex are incorporated into a vibrant living city.
Enjoy the buzz of the labyrinthine streets, where residents go about their daily lives, washing flapping against a backdrop of grand arches and intricate carvings. Discover pulsing bars, trendy shops and rowdy restaurants. Wander away from the crowds and peek into hidden passageways and shady courtyards.
This evening, enjoy dinner on your own.
Day
4
Split-Hvar - Dubrovnik
Today travel on our exclusive-use high-speed catamaran along the Croatian coast to Hvar, an island of jagged inlets, sleepy villages and fields of fragrant lavender. Visit Hvar town, whose central square and magnificent Cathedral will remind you of Venice. Explore the warren of winding streets and discover the faded frescoes and baroque loggias of the Renaissance Hvar’s Theatre, supposedly the first theatre in Europe to cater for the plebs and the big nobs. Time for some great shopping.
Cross to the nearby stunning Pakleni Islands for a refreshing dip and lunch overlooking the crystal-clear sea.
Then back onto our catamaran to arrive in Dubrovnik, dubbed by Lord Byron as “the jewel of the Adriatic”. The evening is at leisure.
Day
5
Dubrovnik
Morning conference session.
After lunch at the hotel take a guided tour of the Old City surrounded by its mighty defensive walls. Walk across the drawbridge, pass through a magnificent arch and stroll down the marble Stradun and imagine gentlemen of yesteryear on their evening promenade. Admire spectacular baroque buildings, churches, palaces, columns and fountains – all just gorgeous. Examine a pharmacy that has been functioning since 1391 (I wonder what they sold!).
This afternoon and evening you are free to explore all the nooks and crannies of the city on your own. Seek out one of the great restaurants to try out the local cuisine.
Day
6
Dubrovnik
Morning conference session.
The rest of the day and evening are free for you to explore Dubrovnik on your own. Marvel at the interplay of light on the old stone buildings; trace the peaks and troughs of Dubrovnik’s past in museums replete with art and artefacts; take the cable car up to Mt Srđ; and exhaust yourself climbing up and down narrow lanes – then plunge into the azure sea.
Find the perfect spot for dinner.
Day
7
Dubrovnik - Herceg Novi
Drive to the gorgeous town of Herceg Novi perched on the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. Have lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon conference session.
Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day
8
Herceg Novi
This morning take a ferry from the hotel to visit the beautiful Our Lady of the Rocks Church set in the Bay of Kotor on an artificial island created by a bulwark of rocks, and old or seized ships loaded with rocks and sunk.
Tonight join your fellow delegates for a wonderful Farewell Dinner.
Day
9
Belgrade
Transfer to the airport to begin your homeward journey by flying to Belgrade for the night.
Day
10
Abu Dhabi - Australia
Take the flight from Belgrade via Abu Dhabi reaching Sydney on 27 May.
End of arrangements. Please note this program may be subject to change