Slovenia: Land Of Diversity (Land)

DURATION: 9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS ESCORTED
• Ljubljana • Catez Spa • Rogaska Slatina • Ptuj • Nova Gorica • Porotoz

Thursday Day 1 LJUBLJANA
Arrival in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to the GRAND HOTEL UNION GARNI for your two night stay. Dinner on your own

Friday Day 2 LJUBLANA 
Arrival in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Once you have checked in, the balance of the day is free for relaxation. Dinner this evening at a local restaurant. (B/D)

Saturday Day 3 LJUBLJANA/MOKRICE/CATEZ
Morning walking tour of Ljubljana through the old town located between the Ljubljanica River and the Castle Hill. Continue to Novo Mesto, also known as the metropolis of Dolenjska founded in the year 1354. Officially called Rudolsfwerd, it grew as Novo Mesto. Situated on a promontory in a bed of the Krka River, Novo Mesto is enchanting with its aristocratic Glavni Trg Square with arcades fronting the ground floors of rich townhouses. Also of interest are the row of Na Bregu houses. After a short orientation tour of Novo Mesto and some free time for lunch we drive along the Krka River to Otocec, an island in the Krka River where a short stop will be made. We now head for Catez, a roadside village located at the foot of the Zaplaz. The balance of the day is dedicated to relax and experience the optional wellness and spa treatments in the Catez Spa Resort. The end ends with dinner in the charming atmosphere of Mokrice Castle. Overnight at the HOTEL TOPLICE in Catez.  (B/D)

Sunday Day 4 CATEZ/OLIMLJE/ROGASKA SLATINA 
This morning travel north through the Bizeljsko wine region where you will have wine tasting at one of the many wineries. The pride of the Bizeljsko wine growing district are the white and red bizeljcan blends. Continue to Olimlje first mentioned in 1208 as a castle owned by Otto Rufus where a visit will be paid to the Olimje Monastery where a pharmacy on the ground floor of the southern tower was established by the monks in 1765 and was one of the first in this region of Europe.

From here we continue to Rogatec to visit the Rogatec Open-Air Museum which preserves the folk architectural heritage and cultural tradition of the Obsotelje region between the 18th and 20th centuries. This is the largest open air museum in Slovenia. Continue to Rogaska Slatina which is steeped in history. Overnight at ROGASKA SLATINA SPA RESORT where you can experience prestigious comfort, quality spa and wellness programs. (B/D)

Monday Day 5 ROGASKA SLATINA/PTUJ 
Since the name Rogaska Slatina has become synonymous with crystal, a visit would not be complete without visiting glassblowers at work creating some of the world’s finest crystal in searing temperatures.

We are now on our way to Ptuj, located at the sunny crossroads of Italy, the Pannonian Lowlands, Alpine Valleys and the expanse of the Balkans. Ptuj is the most picturesque continental town of Slovenia with a rich heritage of the past. Upon arrival we will take a walk through the city where you will pass the Town Hall, the most prominent building in Mestni Trg. The Town’s Tower is the most imposing edifice mentioned in 1376 in the Town’s Statute. The Church of the Virgin Mary is the most well known pilgrimage church in the entire area and is one of the most important pilgrimage spots in Slovenia. We stop to visit Ptuj Castle which rises from its strategically remarkable position. The castle as it is today has been reconstructed and rebuilt several times. After a free afternoon we travel to the Jeruzalem region for dinner and wine tasting. Overnight at GRAND HOTEL PRIMUS (B/D)

Tuesday Day 6 PTUJ/RINKA/KAMNIK/BLED 
This morning we head for the Logar Valley, a protected regional park. A stop will be made to visit the Rinka Waterfalls, one of the most beautiful and best known waterfalls in Slovenia. It is the highest of the 20 waterfalls in the Logarska Valley.

Continue to Kamnik, an old historical town located below the Kamnik Savinja Alps first mentioned in 1229. The old town center with its narrow lanes and other interesting details reminds us of the history of Kamnik and the legend of the betwitched Countess Veronika, half a girl and half a snake who was the guardian of the hidden treasure near the Little Castle. This afternoon we head for the peaceful town of Bled which sits in a valley surrounded by the snow capped Julian Alps. Enjoy dinner this evening in Bled Castle situated on a cliff high above the lake offering a magnificent view. Overnight at the PARK HOTEL/GOLF HOTEL. (B/D)

Wednesday Day 7 BLED/GORISKA BRDA/NOVA GORICA 
We travel from the Alpine Region and stop en route in the small town of Kobarid known for the famous Battle of Caporetto documented by Ernest Hemingway in his novel “A Farewell to Arms”. The battle is well documented in the Museum in the center of the city. We now continue to the vineyard region of Goriska Brda located on the west side of Slovenia where there is a beautiful wine growing region. Enjoy dinner with local wine. Continue to Nova Gorica located on the Italian border. Overnight at the HOTEL PARK. (B/D)

Thursday Day 8 NOVA GORICA/STANJEL/SKOCJAN/ PIRAN/POROTOZ
This morning walk through the typical Karst village of Stanjel. The prominent feature of the city is the narrow streets with houses built from stone bricks. The Church of St. Daniel and the Renaissance-Baroque Castle dominate the city.

Here you will have the opportunity to taste two typical Karst products – prosciutto and teran, the regional wine. We now head for Skocjan to enter the wonder of the Karst Underworld (protected by UNESCO). Due to their exceptional significance, the Skocjan Caves were entered on UNESCO’S list of Natural and Cultural World Heritage Sites in 1986. Ranking amongst the most important caves in the world. the Skocjan Caves represent the most significant underground phenomena in both the Karst region and Slovenia. Archaeological research has shown th

at people lived in the caves and the surrounding area in prehistoric times. This afternoon drive along the Slovenian coast to the popular resort of Porotoz meaning “Port of Roses”. HOTEL HISTRION 1 night. This evening take a walk through picturesque Piran with its partly preserved town wall and seven mighty towers, a symbol of the past power and pride of the city. Enjoy dinner in a local fish restaurant. (B/D)

Friday Day 9 POROTOZ/LJUBLJANA 
Breakfast and end of the tour. For those returning to the interior, a transfer and accommodation in Ljubljana or Bled can be arranged or for those wanting to extend their stay in Porotoz, accommodation can also be provided. (B)

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Slovenia: Land Of Diversity K302 (Land)
Depart	Return	Price (CDN)*
August 20, 2009	August 28, 2009	$2,656.00
September 17, 2009	September 25, 2009	$2,656.00
October 15, 2009	October 23, 2009	$2,656.00

* Price in Cdn per person & double occupancy.
Single Supplement $889.00 Cdn.

Booking Information and Conditions

YOUR TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• Arrival and departure transfers
• Luggage handling in hotels based on one normal sized suitcase per person *Services of a professional English speaking escort guide throughout
• Touring by modern van/motorcoach
• 7 nights four star hotel accommodation with private facilities based on 1 night Ljubljana, 1 night Catez, 1 night Rogaska Slatina, 1 night Ptuj, 1 night Bled, 1 night Nova Gorica and 1 night Porotoz
• 8 breakfasts and 7 dinners
• Sightseeing tours in Ljubljana, Olimlje Pharmacy, Rogatec Open-Air Museum, Rogaska glass factory, Ptuj Castle, Bled Castle, Karst a proscuitto farm and the Skocjan Caves
• Service charges and hotel taxes

YOUR TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Airfare to and from Ljubljana
• Departure taxes
• Documentation including passport fees and travel insurance
• Luggage handling at airports
• Meals and beverages not mentioned, dinner on Thur. Day 1 not included
• Optional tours
• Gratuities for individual services
• Tips to tour director, driver and local guides
  E. & O.E.

DEPOSIT & PAYMENT
A deposit in the amount of $600.00 Cdn. per person together with the single supplement and insurance premium (if needed) is required at the time of booking. Written confirmation will be issued only after the deposit has been received. Should this deposit not reach us within 10 days of the booking, we will assume that you no longer wish to travel and will release any arrangements being held. The balance of payment is due 9 weeks prior to departure. Reservation received within 9 weeks prior to departure must be accompanied by full payment. Failure to comply with these provisions could result in cancellation of the reservation by Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. without notice.

CANCELLATION CONDITIONS
All cancellations, changes or refund requests must be received in writing at the offices of Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. and shall be considered in effect as of the date received. Cancellation or changes made up to 90 days prior to departure will be subject to a penalty of $300.00 Cdn. per person. Those made between 89 and 60 days prior to departure will be subject to a penalty of $425.00 Cdn. per person. Between 59 and 30 days prior to departure, a penalty of 50% per person. Between 29 days and departure day, no refunds will be granted thereafter. Should a participant be unable to join the tour on the day of departure or leave the tour prior to its completion, no refunds will be granted for unused services. For those participants making their own connecting flights to coincide with the program, we suggest that ample time be allowed between flights. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. does not accept any responsibility for additional charges or expenses that result from a change of flight times or misconnections and no refunds will be issued for services not provided. No claim or refund will be considered unless submitted in writing and received by CTA within 30 days of the termination of the tour. Any substitution of a passenger(s) will be considered a cancellation of the original reservation and the applicable cancellation charges will apply. If you cancel your trip after receiving final documents, please note that the complete set of final documents must be returned to Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. before we can process your request.

CANCELLATION BY CANADIAN TRAVEL ABROAD LTD.
We reserve the right to cancel a departure and offer an alternative departure should there be an insufficient number of participants to make the tour viable. Should the participant(s) elect not to travel on an alternative date, a full refund will be made. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. is not to be held responsible for any other individual arrangements affected by our tour cancellation.

ACCOMMODATION
Rooms with private facilities in selected hotels as indicated in the itinerary are assigned by local agencies. Should it become necessary, accommodation in similar categories may be substituted.

CHANGES
Once a booking has been confirmed, should a participant wish to change to an alternative departure or make changes to the reservation, a handling fee of $125.00 Cdn. per person would apply.

NOTE: Changes or adjustments to a reservation will not be accepted within 28 days prior to departure. Should cancellation by one or more passengers change the room requirements of the remaining participant, the passenger must pay the applicable rate for the accommodation to be required.

INSURANCE
Comprehensive trip cancellation insurance (to protect against loss of monies incurred through cancellation due to illness, etc.) as well as personal travel insurance for baggage and accident coverage is available through Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. and must be taken out at the time of booking with the premium and remitted with the deposit. Once paid, the premium is non refundable. A signed waiver will be required if insurance is declined.

BAGGAGE INSURANCE
Care will be taken to protect your baggage, however, Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. cannot be held responsible for damage to the baggage. It is recommended that each participant purchase baggage insurance to protect their belongings. NOTE – Porterage at the hotels and on transfers is limited to one piece per person.

INSURANCE WAIVER
Insurance affords protection against penalties caused by cancellation of your trip due to injury, illness or death of a tour participant or a member of a participant’s immediate family. This insurance is underwritten by RBC.

COSTS
All costs quoted herein in Canadian dollars are per person and are based on tariffs, exchange rates and airfares in effect as of December 08, 2008 and are subject to change without prior notice.

INDIVIDUAL ARRANGEMENTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH A TOUR
For individual arrangements in conjunction with a tour, a non refundable booking fee of $50.00 Cdn. per person will apply.

GRATUITIES
While gratuities for services provided are customary including the end of tour gratuity for the tour escort and driver, the gratuities are not included in the cost of the tour and are based upon your satisfaction of the arrangements provided.

HOLIDAYS CHANGES
During national or local holidays abroad, certain facilities such as museums and sightseeing tours may be limited. Where possible, slight itinerary adjustments may be made.

ITINERARY CHANGES
Your itinerary has been planned with the utmost care to ensure a pleasant trip. However, circumstances may arise whereby a slight change in the itinerary may be required due to business hours at a certain site. There will be no refund granted for any changes to the program.

MEALS
As specified in the itinerary. B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner. Meals are provided from a group menu with beverages being included when part of the group meals. Any additional beverages or refills may be purchased at additional cost.

BEVERAGES
Not included with specified dinners.

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
Any physical disability requiring special attention or treatment must be reported when reservations are made. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd./and or their agents reserve the right to accept or retain any participant who may, in their sole judgement, require care and attention beyond that which can be provided. Please bring any health or mobility issues to our attention at the time of booking.

PORTERAGE
Each participant will be responsible for carrying their own luggage through customs. Since porters and/or luggage carts are not always readily available, you should be comfortable carrying your own luggage.

PRE OR POST TOUR ARRANGEMENTS
Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd would be happy to assist should you wish to add additional arrangements to your tour program.

REFUNDS
There will not be any refunds granted on any unused portion of the tour not taken.

SIGHTSEEING
As indicated, including entrance fees to places of interest as well as the services of fully qualified local English speaking guides. The sequence of tours and the cities visited is subject to change where necessary.

SINGLE ROOMS
A limited number of single rooms may be available for an additional charge. In Europe, single rooms are generally much smaller than a double room. Single rooms are never guaranteed and are subject to availability.

SPECIAL REQUESTS
Must be placed in sufficient time and although Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. will do their utmost to accommodate these special requests, we cannot be held responsible if such requests are not fulfilled.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION
As indicated.

TAXES
All local taxes and standard service charges on accommodation and meals included in you’re your price.

TOUR DOCUMENT DELIVERY
Travel documents are usually issued within 21 days prior to departure provided that full payment has been received. In the event that late payment results in the late delivery of documents, Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. will not accept any responsibility for the consequences thereof and reserves the right to charge for courier expenses. Documents will be sent first class mail, however, should you prefer to have your documents sent by overnight courier, you will be advised of the additional charges which must be included with your final payment.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION
All participants must be in possession of a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months after the duration of the tour and should have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigration stamps. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. cannot be held responsible should you be denied entry to any country due to non compliance of these arrangements. Instructions regarding the securing of visas (where required) will be provided once the tour has been booked and the deposit paid. A copy of your valid passport is required to confirm any air reservations (if required). Due to increased security measures, passport information and emergency contact information is required for all passengers prior to the release of final documents.

VISAS
For participants holding passports other than Canadian, please check with your local travel agent regarding entry requirements for the country visited. Updated Visa Fees: Russia $75.00 Cdn., Turkish $60.00 U.S. payable in cash on arrival in Turkey.

The above visa fees as charged by the respective consulates and are subject to change without prior notice. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. will be happy to secure visas for Canadian passport holders for a fee of CA $20.00 per person, per visa to cover handling and courier charges. Prices shown are per person, per visa and are valid at the time of printing and all visa fees are non-refundable.

TRAVELLING ALONE BUT WISHING TO SHARE
Tour participants traveling alone but wishing to share accommodation with a suitable roommate must pay the single supplement until such time as a roommate is found. The single supplement would then be refunded with the final documentation. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. cannot assume any responsibility should such an arrangement not be available or suitable.

AIRFARES
Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. would be happy to assist with securing airfares in conjunction with the above tour(s).

SPECIAL NOTE: The right is reserved to change or cancel the pre-arranged itineraries including designated hotels if reasons beyond our control arise. Pursuant to the Travel Industry Act Regulations if price changes cause an increase over 7% of the confirmed price (except for government taxes) or there is a change in the standard of accommodation or a delay of over 24 hours in transport arrangements of which we become aware prior to departure, you will be notified and given 48 hours to advise us of your desire to cancel the tour with a full refund. Otherwise, you will be considered to have accepted the change(s).

OPERATORS RESPONSIBILITY
All arrangements for land accommodation, transportation and sightseeing are made by Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. and/or their appointed representatives, who act only as agents in obtaining transportation, accommodation and other services for the tour members. They shall not be liable or held responsible directly or indirectly for any delay, injury, (including death) loss of damage to any person, company or association providing accommodation, transportation or other services in connection with the tour. The right is reserved to withdraw all or part of the tour should conditions warrant and to make such alterations in the itinerary as may be found desirable for the convenience of the tour members and proper execution of the tour. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person(s) as member(s) of the tour in which case equitable refund will be made at the discretion of the operators.

THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS CURRENT AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION, HOWEVER, THE CONTENTS \ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

E. & O.E.

VALIDITY: March 20, 2009 – November 18, 2009.

In accordance with the Ontario Travel Act, CTA is registered
(1040985 & 1039982).

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