slovenia september2011 finalapps.necanet.org/files/2011neca_studymission.pdfboat to the medieval...

International Study Mission

Slovenia Croatia Montenegro

September 17 – 28, 2011

Sicily Extension September 28 – October 2

Dubrovnik

NECA International Study Mission 2

Dear NECA Members,

This year’s International Study Mission visits Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro. Ljubljana, Zagreb and

Dubrovnik are centuries old cities. Our site visits and meetings promise to be unique and educational.

Ljubljana is Slovenia’s capital. Legend says the foundations were laid by the Argonauts 3,000 years ago.

Ljubljana is a fairy‐tale city replete with a castle. The historic center is filled with striking monuments

and generous squares. The city is comparatively compact so we can tour and explore with ease. Our first

stop in Croatia is Zagreb, once part of the Austro‐Hungarian Empire, it rivaled Venice in terms of sea

power, wealth and influence. Our hotel, the Regent Esplanade is located in the historic city center as is

the Union Executive in Ljubljana.

En route to southern Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast, we

stop for lunch in Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO

World Heritage Site, where 16 lakes are connected by a series

of waterfalls. We’ll now spend 3 nights on the Coast just

north of Dubrovnik exploring Split and the island of Havar.

Enroute to Dubrovnik from Split we’ll visit Mostar in Bosnia &

Herzegovina. Our last day of touring will be in Montenegro.

This trip balances historically important cities with the spectacular scenery and resort areas of the

Dalmatian Coast. This area of the world recently re‐drew its borders. Our visits to Mostar and

Montenegro will help put this in perspective. Many have expressed interest in visiting Sicily. It actually

works quite well as an extension (see below).

Everyone is responsible for making their own air arrangements. If extending to Sicily, you should explore

flying into Ljubljana and home from Rome, getting a separate ticket Dubrovnik/Catana/Rome (see

below). If you need assistance, Gail Shoop (888) 626‐7872 has been investigating the flight options.

Please Join Us!

Dalmatian Coast


Itinerary

Saturday, September 17 | Departures from Home

Individual departures.

Note: The trip spends 2 nights in Ljubljana. Arriving earlier (or stopping en route) is encouraged

to help recover from traveling.

Sunday, September 18 | Ljubljana

R On arrival we are met and transferred to the Grand Union Executive Hotel. The Grand Union is the classic old‐world hotel with a prime location in the Old City.

For the early arrivals, we’ll organize a walking orientation tour. Key to understanding Ljubljana is the Ljubljanica River that flows through its center, past its Baroque buildings and under the ramparts of the ancient castle. The new city and modern‐day commercial core lie to the west; the old city and the castle are located to the east.

Welcome reception at The Grand Union.

Monday, September 19 | Ljubljana

B, L Our guided walking tour along the cobbled lanes of the Old City includes stops at the 18th‐century cathedral, Baroque town mansions, the Magistrat (Town Hall) with its arcaded Gothic inner courtyard, Shoemaker Bridge and the Jewish quarter. Ljubljana’s architectural legacies include Roman, Baroque and Art Nouveau.

The afternoon is devoted to meeting with local contractors and visiting active construction sites. We’ll discuss government regulations, bidding, training, materials and wage rates.

Non‐meeting participants depart by coach for the countryside; lunch in Radovljica is the first stop. Arriving in the resort village of Bled, we visit the Castle from where a wonderful view of the Lake and surrounding mountains unfolds. Hand‐ propelled pletnas (boats) take us across the Lake to St. Mary’s Church located on a lovely island.

Late afternoon return to Ljubljana where the evening is open.


Tuesday, September 20 | Ljubljana to Zagreb

B, D By coach we cross into Croatia stopping in Samobor, known for trickling brooks and red‐roof houses. Following a walking tour and upon consuming a slice of Samobor cake, we continue to Zagreb, Croatia’s Capital and home to one million inhabitants. Zagreb is an Austro‐Hungarian city sharing design elements with Vienna and Budapest.

Our hotel is the Regent Esplanade, again located in the city center and within easy walking distance of the main attractions and restaurants.

After time for check‐in and lunch, our guided walking tour includes medieval Gornji Grad (Upper Town) to see the Church of St. Mark. The Church is flanked by the Governor’s Palace and the Parliament Building. A most interesting stop will be Mirogoj Cemetery, a Herman Bollé creation and a fascinating mix of architecture that includes soaring domes, a neo‐Renaissance arcade, trees, flowers and gravestones of all shapes, sizes, and colors imaginable.

Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Wednesday, September 21 | Zagreb

B Today contractors visit active construction sites. We’ll discuss government regulations, bidding, training, materials and wage rates. Of particular interest, will be seeing if renovations and new construction comply with EU specs.

For those not involved in the meetings, a local guide will take you to Doiac open‐air market where farmers from surrounding villages bring their produce and where you can purchase souvenirs like licitarska and lavender. From there it’s shopping or other places of interest. Tkalclceva ulica (Tkalca) street is lined with cafes for about a mile; great place for lunch and people watching.

The afternoon and evening are open.

Ljubljana


Thursday, September 22 | Zagreb to Split to Podstrana

B, L, R Full‐day trip from Zagreb to Split. En route we’ll stop for lunch at Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where 16 lakes are connected by a series of waterfalls set in deep woodland.

Late afternoon arrival in Podstrana, which is close to Split. Our hotel, the Le Meridien Lav, is the Adriatic’s premier beach resort where we’ll reside for 3 nights.

Welcome reception at Le Meridien.

Friday, September 23 | Podstrana

B, D The morning is open to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities.

This afternoon, our first stop is Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Jewel of the Adriatic.” The street plan of this island settlement dates to the Hellenistic period. Its beautiful Romanesque churches are complemented by outstanding Renaissance and Baroque buildings from the Venetian period.

Our next stop is nearby Split, a maze of medieval streets that cluster around the former palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Diocletian’s mausoleum now serves as the town’s cathedral. Split is the largest city on the Adriatic Coast with quite a history having been under Roman, Venetian, Austrian, French, and Italian and Yugoslav control. No wonder there’s an abundance of good restaurants and wine cellars. We’ll leave time to shop & explore before dinner.

Saturday, September 24 | Podstrana

B, L This morning we cross the Adriatic by speed boat to the medieval port on the island of Hvar, a well‐known playground for international celebrities and royalty. Because the Dalmation Coast produces some exceptional wines, a tasting is included with lunch. Our touring explores Havar Fortress, the Cathedral of St. Stephen and the Franciscan Monastery that dates from 1461. In Havar Town we’ll see intricately carved Venetian architecture. Late afternoon return to Split.

The evening is open. Hvar


Sunday, September 25 | Podstrana to Mostar to Dubrovnik

B, L, R Another interesting day unfolds as we visit picturesque Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Mostar was named after the “bridge keepers” who guarded the Stari Most (Old Bridge) crossing the Neretva River. Mostar is the biggest and most important city in the Herzegovina region and the center of the Herzegovina‐Neretva Canton Federation. Our tour includes the Old Bazaar and the 16th‐century Karadjox Bey’s Mosque.

Late afternoon arrival in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is surrounded by 800‐year‐old walls and its signatures are terra‐cotta roofs, narrow cobblestone streets and lively medieval atmosphere.

Our hotel is the Excelsior, where we’ll enjoy sea‐view rooms. Renovated in ’08 the 5‐Star Excelsior Hotel & Spa is situated quite near Old Town and overlooks the Adriatic Sea.

Welcome reception after check‐in.

Monday, September 26 | Dubrovnik

B Our guided walking tour through the city’s historic center begins at the Main Square. From here we visit the Rector’s Palace, Gothic‐Renaissance Sponza Palace and the Dominican Monastery & Synagogue (holidays permitting). Dubrovnik Cathedral’s treasury of gold and silver religious artifacts is world famous.

This afternoon contractors visit an active construction site and meet with local contractors.

Otherwise the afternoon is free to further explore.

Mostar


Tuesday, September 27 | Dubrovnik to Kotor, Montenegro and Return

B, L, D Driving to Montenegro our first stop is Kotor an old Venetian town known for its fortified walls, 12th‐century cathedral and Maritime Museum. Our next stop is the fjord of Kotor, Europe’s southernmost. The bay and city of Kotor are UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their natural and cultural uniqueness. Following lunch our adventure continues on a boat ride to the tiny Church of Our Lady of the Rocks.

Back in Dubrovnik tonight for dinner preceded by a musical performance.

Wednesday, September 28 | Dubrovnik to Home or Optional Extension to Sicily

B Our coach will be available for airport transfers.

(B = breakfast, L = lunch, R = reception, D = dinner, included in tour)

Budva, Montenegro


Tour Package Inclusions

Deluxe hotel accommodations:

o two‐nights Grand Union Executive, Ljubljana

o two‐nights Regent Esplanade, Zagreb

o three‐nights LeMeridien, Podstrana

o three‐nights Excelsior, Dubrovnik

Hotel taxes and porterage

Full buffet breakfast daily

Visits to active construction sites and meetings with electrical contractors in Slovenia and

Croatia

Five lunches per above

Receptions with heavy h'ordeuvres at Grand Union and Le Meridien and Excelsior

Dinner September 20 in Zagreb, the 23rd in Split, the 27th in Dubrovnik

Arrival airport transfer in Ljubljana and departure from Dubrovnik

City tours by deluxe air‐conditioned motor coach, with local English‐speaking guides

Services of an ATA tour director throughout

Tips to local guides and coach drivers

Fodor’s (or similar) guidebook

Final Advice Memo with trip details

Tour Price

$4,285 per person based on double occupancy

$5,699 single occupancy

Features not included in either package: items of a personal nature, such as laundry, telephone calls,

meals not specified and international departure taxes.

Dubrovnik


Sicily Extension The plan here is to stay in a very nice hotel, take daily excursions, and enjoy the food and wine. This area

of Sicily’s east coast is the most interesting. Past travelers have said going across to Palermo was not the

best use of a brief stay. The San Domenico Palace Hotel is probably Sicily’s best. The former 14th‐century

convent sits in a walled courtyard with a bell tower and beautiful sea view gardens. Of course, it’s

expensive. That being said, it is always fully booked; we’re lucky to have rooms during this prime period.

Wednesday, September 28 | Dubrovnik to Catana, Sicily

B, D Transfer to the airport for the flights Dubrovnik (DVB) to Catana (CTA). Air Note: The connection is via Rome. At press time, the best flights are Croaia Air#384 connecting with Alitalia#1755 (4pm‐8:20pm). If an earlier flight gets scheduled, we’ll let everyone know. Your flight home will route through Rome’s Fiumicino (FCO). There are several morning connecting flights from Catana. Gail Shoop can help (888) 626‐7872.

On arrival at Catania, transfer to the San Domenico Palace Hotel in Taromina. The room cost is based on superior double rooms with garden or sea views. The supplement for a deluxe sea view room with balcony is $560 for the room for 4 nights.

Welcome dinner at the Sam Domenico, where we’ll taste locally produced almond wine.

Thursday, September 29 | Taromina

B, L, D Morning tour of Castelmo, a medieval village from where we enjoy a spectacular view of Taromina, the coastline and Mount Etna. Taromina is a terraced town clinging to high cliffs on Sicily’s east coast. Mt. Etna towers in the distance. We’ll stroll the Corso Umberto, which is Taromina’s main pedestrian street lined with cafes and patisseries.

Following lunch, the afternoon is open to relax at the San Domenico.

Dinner tonight in a local restaurant.

Taromina


Friday, September 30 | Taromina

B, L Full day of touring as we travel to Siracusa, an ancient Greek stronghold. Our first stop is the Greek Theater, an important example of theater architecture in a location of religious significance. Nearby is the Roman Theater that was the entertainment venue. Our last visit is the Island of Ortigia, where we’ll have lunch and time for shopping.

5‐5:30pm Estimated return to the Sam Domenico whereupon the evening is open.

Saturday, October 1 | Taromina

B, L, D This morning we’re going fishing. We’ll be divided amongst typical Sicilian fisherman boats that hold 4‐5. After 2‐hours of fishing along the Taromina Coast, we’ll adjourn to a beach‐restaurant, whereupon the chief will serve our fresh catch.

We’ll get back into the wine tasting tonight at dinner.

Note: If you need to get home earlier, departing this morning is fine; we’ll adjust accordingly.

Sunday, October 2 | Taromina to Home

B Early morning transfer to Catana for connecting flights to Rome’s Fiumicino (FCO) International Airport. The flight options to FCO are good, and we should be able to organize connecting flights. Otherwise overnight at the airport Hilton.

Extension Cost: $2,493 per person double occupancy $3,749 single occupancy

Features not include: items of a personal nature, such as laundry, telephone calls, meals not specified

and international departure taxes.

Sicily

A Sicilian street


Hotel Room Upgrades Grand Union Executive Ljubljana – We are booked in deluxe rooms. If you wish to upgrade to a Jr. Suite,

the supplemental cost for the suite for the 2 nights is $320. www.gh‐union.si

Regent Esplanade Zagreb ‐ We are booked in deluxe rooms. Upgrading to a Deluxe Suite for the 2

nights is $260. www.venevent.com

LeMeridien Podstrana – We are booked in water view deluxe rooms. If you wish to upgrade to a

Diplomatic Suite (only 2), the supplemental cost for the room for the 3 nights is $1,375.

www.lemeridien.com

Excelsior Dubrovnik – We are booked in deluxe sea‐view rooms. Upgrading to an Executive Suite is $930

for the 3 nights. http://www.alh.hr

San Domenico, Sicily – Upgrade to deluxe sea view room with balcony is $560 for the room for 4 nights.

www.amthotels.it/sandomenico

Conditions Reservations and Payment: Reservations are confirmed by American Travel Association (ATA), upon

receipt of the Reservation Form and deposit. Reservations require a $350 per person deposit to

accompany the Coupon. Receipt of final payment is due in the office of ATA no later than July 16th, 2011.

For reservations received after July 16th, full payment is due with the Reservation Form. All payments

must be made by check payable to American Travel Association or by Visa, MasterCard or American

Express or by wire transfer.

Cancellation: Land Package: A $250 per person cancellation fee will be charged regardless of the

reason. Penalty on cancellations received 60‐30 days 50% of the tour price; 29 days or less up to 100% of

the tour price depending upon the amount recoverable from the suppliers to whom payment had been

sent. Cancellation penalties are required to offset non‐refundable hotel and supplier payments made by

ATA in advance of the tour. There will be no refunds once the tour has begun.

Cancellations must be made in writing to ATA. To avoid discrepancies, ATA will not act on information

given over the phone until written notice has been received.

For Information Contact:

Geoff Robertson American Travel Association 2126 Piedmont Lake Road, Pine Mountain, GA 31822 Phone: 706‐663‐2171 Cell: 706‐681‐3329 Fax: 706‐663‐2445 e‐mail: [email protected]


Health: The Participant/s represents that neither he nor she nor anyone traveling with him or her has

any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to himself or herself or other

members of the tour. This program involves walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs at

locations that are not handicap accessible. A letter of explanation of any physical or mental condition

which may require medical attention or special equipment (wheelchair, for example) must be enclosed

with the Reservation Form.

Airline Contract: The usual passage contract when the ticket is issued shall constitute the sole contract

between the airline and the tour participant. ATA and NECA shall not be liable for airline cancellation

penalties incurred by purchasing non‐refundable tickets.

Insurance: Trip cancellation, baggage and medical insurance coverage is available for purchase through

a form sent to you by ATA, your local insurance representative or your credit card company. We strongly

encourage everyone to consider insurance. Last minute emergencies and illnesses do occur, and the

insurance helps offset non‐refundable air, hotel, and operator charges. Be sure to read and comply with

the pre‐existing conditions clause. You should also check with your local insurance agent to see what is

covered under your homeowner’s policy

Prices: The tour price is subject to change due to land cost increases and foreign exchange fluctuation.

ATA reserves the right to change the price for such reasons or changes in the number of participants

(26) upon which the tour costs are based. All prices are based on rates and tariffs in effect on 2/11/11.

Weather: These countries are essentially on the same latitude as New York. The average high

temperature in Zagreb for late September is 72, the average low 55 and 13 days of the month average

some rain. Dubrovnik and Taromina will be a bit warmer.

Proof of Citizenship and Visa Requirements: A valid passport is required for travel. You can apply for a

passport at your local post office or the U.S. Passport Agency nearest you. Visas are not necessary for

American citizens traveling to Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia‐ Herzegovina, Montenegro and Italy. Be sure

your passport is good for 6 months beyond your dates of travel and you have enough pages for stamps.

Tax Deductibility: Current U.S. tax regulations allow deductibility for travel and subsistence expenses

incurred in travel related to trade or business. It is the responsibility of the traveler to become familiar

with and adhere to the specific reporting requirements imposed.

Responsibility: American Travel Association (ATA), the National Electrical Contractors Association

(NECA) and/or their employees or agents, act only on behalf of the owners and contractors providing

means of transportation or other services such as hotels and restaurants to purchasers of this tour and

their travel companions (Participants), subject to any and all items and conditions under which any

transportation or any other services whatsoever are provided by such owners and contractors. ATA and

NECA, their affiliates and their employees and agents (collectively ATA and NECA) shall not be liable or

responsible to Participants for the acts or omissions of the aforesaid owners, contractors and employees

thereof supplying transportation or other services hereunder, including but not limited to breach of

contract, intentional or negligent delay or bodily or property loss, injury or damages. All services and

accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they’re provided. ATA and NECA shall


not be liable or responsible to Participants for any loss, injury or death, or other damages caused by or

resulting from acts of God, fire, breakdown or defects vehicles, machinery or equipment, acts of

governments and other authorities, wars, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics or quarantines, monetary

crisis, diseases, terrorism or novel conditions. Participants shall have the responsibility to be aware of

and determine the validity of any travel advisories, which may exist. Unless the term "guaranteed" is

specifically stated in writing on any invoice or reservation itinerary, ATA and NECA do not guarantee any

of such suppliers' rates, bookings or reservations. The Participants' retention of air tickets, reservations

or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to the above terms and conditions. In addition,

Participants shall be responsible for conveying the terms and conditions hereunder to travel

companions. If, due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to

spend additional nights before or after the tour, participants will be responsible for your own hotel,

transfers, meals and related costs. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the

owners at all times. ATA and NECA reserve the right to cancel any itinerary or any part thereof and to

make such alterations in the itinerary they deem necessary or desirable.

Travel Advisories/Warnings: None exist at this time; however, it’s the responsibility of the Participant

to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U. S.

State Department’s travel website at www.travel.state.gov or by phone at 1‐888‐407‐ 4747. In the

event of an active State Department Travel Warning against travel to any of the specific destinations

included in the tour, should The Participant still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or

warning, the Participant assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out

of the events like those advised or warned against. ATA will monitor State Department advisories.


Reservation Form Note: If we have passport and address information form before, no need to complete this portion. Please

provide your name as it appears on your passport.

Participant Passport Information First Name: Last Name:

Passport Number:

Date of Issue: Expiration Date:

Nationality:

Date and Place (if U.S., state) of Birth:

Spouse/Guest Passport Information First Name: Last Name:

Passport Number:

Date of Issue: Expiration Date:

Nationality:

Date and Place (if U.S., state) of Birth:

Contact Information Please correspond to the following: Work Home Address

Company (if applicable):

Name(s):

Street: Apt/Ste:

City: State: Postal Code:

Work Phone: Home Phone:

Cell Phone: Email Address:

First or preferred name(s):

Emergency Contact Information First Name: Last Name: Relationship:

Phone: Email Address:

Hotel Rooms (preferences will be requested, but not guaranteed) I/we prefer 1 bed; if no kings available, queen is OK

If no king, need two beds

I/we prefer a two‐bedded room

Room Upgrades

1. Union Executive, Lubjlana Yes upgrade to a Jr. Suite $320 supplement for 2 nights

2. Regent Zagreb Yes, upgrade to a Deluxe Suite $260 supplement for 2 nights

3. LeMeridien, Podstrana Yes, Upgrade to a Diplomatic suite $1,375 for 3 nights

4. Excelsior, Dubrovnik Yes, upgrade to an Executive Suite $930 supplement for 3 nights

Early Arrival

I/we plan to arrive in Ljubljana on September __________


Registration Form (continued)

Sicily Extension

Yes we will join for: 3 nights 4 nights

Upgrade to Deluxe Sea View $570 for 4 nights

Upgrade to Deluxe Sea View $430 for 3 nights

Deposit (select payment method) A deposit of $350 per person is due with the Reservation Form.

Check Enclosed is a check payable to American Travel Association in the amount of $ ___________

Credit Card. Please complete the information below.

Visa MasterCard American Express

Name (as it appears on card):

Credit Card Number:

Security Code: Expiration Date:

Billing Address (if different from above):

City: State/Region:

Postal Code: Country:

Signature:

I have read and understand the conditions set forth in this brochure. Note: reservations will not be

accepted without signature here.

Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: __________________

Submit Your Form

MAIL form to: American Travel Association, 2126 Piedmont Lake Road, Pine Mountain, GA 31822

Or

FAX form to: 706‐663‐2445 (the fax location is secure)

slovenia september2011 finalapps.necanet.org/files/2011neca_studymission.pdfboat to the medieval...

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