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The Dalmatian Coast is often described as one of the most beautiful places on earth. Clear blue waters, long sunny days, sparkling beaches, tranquil harbours surrounded by historic and quaint villages and a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The 4th century Roman Emperor Diocletian loved this region so much he built his retirement palace in what is today Split.

Dubrovnik is the true gem on this coast with its marble and granite streets and walls. Marvel at its historic presence and total lack of vehicles. With rugged hills behind and an archipelago surrounded by beautiful blue waters in front, we journey north along the coast discovering beauty upon beauty. Arriving in Italy, we discover the lagoon city of Venice with all its magnificent charms. Next we cross the Alps to Innsbruck and finally enter the small Bavarian town of Oberammergau.

For almost 400 years, the people of Oberammergau have fulfilled a vow to honour God through the Passion Play, a larger than life portrayal of the life and passion of Jesus. Every ten years the village devotes itself to this wonderful event, involving a cast of thousands, entirely made up of local residents. For over two years, characters take on their roles, reliving the important tales of the Bible.

Do read on but don’t delay, this tour will be limited to 38 members. Call today to reserve your places.

Return economy group airfare from Canada to Europe

12 nights at comfortable first class hotels as indicated or similar

Travel by modern climate controlled motorcoach

25 meals included (B - 12 buffet breakfasts, L - 2 lunches, D - 11 dinners)

Services of our Canadian group escort plus European national guide and local guides in Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Padova, Venice, Innsbruck and Munich

Baggage handling of one suitcase per person

All gratuities, surcharges, taxes and fees for included services

Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value with purchase of group airfare

Welcome Dinner in Dubrovnik

Excursion to Cavtat and cruise back to Dubrovnik

Magnificent beaches, islands and landscapes of the Adriatic

Full day exploration of Venice, by boat and on foot

Cross over the alps into Austria and Germany

Premium theatre ticket to the Oberammergau Passion Play

Tour and Farewell Dinner in Munich

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After retiring from the Diocese of Toronto, Barbara has served in Interim Ministry in the Diocese of Niagara. Prior to ordination Barbara was a teacher. She earned Master’s degrees in Theology and Divinity and a Doctorate in Ministry. With her Husband Ralph, Barbara has travelled extensively leading numerous tours and cruises on our behalf to many parts of the world including the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Arctic and Antarctic and South America. Barbara and Ralph are looking forward to sharing this journey with you.

May 27, Wednesday Depart Canada Tour members from across Canada gather in Toronto for overnight flights to Dubrovnik.

May 28, Thursday Dubrovnik, Croatia Arriving in the medieval city of Dubrovnik in the late afternoon, we will meet our tour manager and transfer to our hotel. The old town of Dubrovnik is considered so important that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. During the civil war of the 1990s, Dubrovnik was the focus of a seven month siege during which the city was shelled and desecrated by both sides of the battle. After the war, the damaged areas were meticulously rebuilt to UNESCO standards. Today the damage is almost impossible to see. We gather this evening for our welcome briefing and dinner. Hotel Dubrovnik Palace (3 nights) D

May 29, Friday Dubrovnik Enjoy a morning walking tour of the walled city. Our guided tour includes entrances to four of its most famous attractions: the 14th century Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries, Rector's Palace, and Sponza Palace. The Franciscan Monastery houses Europe's oldest pharmacy, dating from 1317. Sponza Palace, dating from the 15th century, contains a beautiful 30 metre bell tower. Today it functions as a history museum, containing a memorial to Croatians who perished during the civil war. Enjoy a break for lunch on your own in the old town. This evening, dinner will be in a local restaurant. BD

May 30, Saturday Cavtat / Dubrovnik This morning we will drive along the coast south to the resort village of Cavtat. Set on a protected bay, it is best known for its cultural festival in the summer. With some free time we can enjoy a delightful walk to the sea and explore some of the pretty art galleries. We will then cruise leisurely up the coast, disembarking in Dubrovnik’s picturesque harbour. The balance of the afternoon will be free to enjoy in Dubrovnik, a delightful city for walking. A walk along the city walls is a unique experience (entrance fee and steep stairs). BD

May 31, Sunday Hvar / Split Departing Dubrovnik, we head north along the beautiful Dalmatian Coast to the village of Drvenik where we catch a ferry to Hvar Island, one of the most beautiful islands of the whole Dalmatian Archipelago. Drive around the island following close to the coast to enjoy the magnificent scenery of mountains, quaint villages and wonderful seascapes. We will stop for a stroll and time for lunch in the village of Hvar, noted for its fine harbour and extensive marble clad central square which is dominated by the

cathedral. Late this afternoon we catch another ferry back to the mainland and continue to Split. Hotel Atrium (2 nights) BD

June 1, Monday Split Vestiges of Split's ancient history will be explored during our morning tour. Chief among the Roman sites is the Palace of Diocletian, built as the Emperor's retirement home. Diocletian had a special hatred for Christians and tried to stamp out the religion throughout the Roman Empire. It is interesting to speculate whether he would have abdicated in 305 CE if he had known that his successor, Constantine, would embrace Christianity. Split's cathedral, consecrated in the 7th century, was originally Diocletian's mausoleum. The church is richly decorated, and among its many treasures are the relics of martyrs killed on the orders of Diocletian. This evening enjoy a pleasant stroll along the city’s beautiful streets, which fortunately were spared the ravages of the civil war. BD

June 2, Tuesday Zadar Enjoy the coastal drive from Split to Zadar, with many beautiful islands appearing to float on the Adriatic Sea. Like many Adriatic ports, Zadar has historically been dominated by strong neighbours including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians, who wanted to hold off the Ottoman Turks. In more recent times, the city was invaded by the German army during World War II. As a result, Zadar presents a rich architectural and cultural history. Enjoy a city tour including the churches of St. Donatus and St. Anastasia. St. Donat is an extraordinary church in the pre-Romanesque style. The nave is high and round, with three semi-circular apses attached. Also visit Zadar's fascinating new "sea-organ," which has won design awards. The lapping waves enter tunnels and produce harmonic tones that must be experienced in person. Sit at the waterfront, enjoy the sea views, and listen to soothing sounds emanating from all around you. Hotel Falkensteiner (1 night) BD

June 3, Wednesday Krk / Opatija Today we visit Krk, the largest island in the Adriatic, but accessible by bridge. By now we have been spoiled by the picturesque Adriatic scenery, offering commanding views from seafront promontories and beautiful fishing villages that seem to transport us back in time to another era. On Krk, we shall explore some of these quaint villages, stop to enjoy some local craft markets and to admire the contrasts of the sea and land. This evening we will spend in Opatija, a delightful seaside resort developed in the late 19th century to compete with resorts on the Italian and French Riviera. The beautiful waterfront promenade has been compared to Cannes and Nice. Hotel Bristol (1 night) BD

Lovely town of Split, Croatia

While this is a relatively leisurely tour, members should be aware that there will be a number of extended walking tours (up to three kilometres), some of which will be over cobblestone surfaces. Good walking shoes are highly recommended and members should have no mobility issues to fully enjoy this itinerary.

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June 4, Thursday Padova / Abano Terme, Italy This morning we cross into Italy, passing the industrial centre of Trieste en route to the Venice area. Late this morning we will spend some time in Padova, a wonderful city noted for its historic centre, arcaded walkways and narrow streets. Highlights of our walking tour include the Basilica of St. Anthony and the Scrovegni Chapel. The chapel houses an amazing group of frescoes by Giotto, the 14th-century master who also decorated the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. We continue to the spa town of Abano Terme. Hotel Terme Internazionale (2 nights) BD June 5, Friday Venice This morning we travel by private boat through the canals and waterways of old Venice to the Piazza San Marco, one of the grandest squares in Europe. Here a local guide will take us on a walking tour featuring a visit to the San Marco Basilica. Enjoy lunch in a local Venetian restaurant followed by free time to wander on our own throughout Venice. Getting lost in the maze of narrow passages is no problem, as you will soon emerge in front of a grand church or perhaps by the majestic Grand Canal. Optionally you can join a cruise excursion (additional cost) across the Venice Lagoon to Murano and Burano, famous for the production of artisan glass and lace, respectively. BL June 6, Saturday Innsbruck, Austria This morning we head north and drive up and over the Brenner Pass into Austria. By early afternoon we will be in the beautiful Tyrolean city of Innsbruck. A local guide will introduce us to the delights of this alpine centre on a walking tour that will feature Innsbruck's old town including the Hofkirche with its royal tombs and still-functional wooden organ, which was installed in 1560. Hotel Grauer Bär (1 night) BD June 7, Sunday

Oberammergau, Germany / The Passion Play A short drive brings us to Oberammergau and the play that we have long anticipated. We will have the late morning free to enjoy the colourful paintings in the village and to do a little shopping. Following lunch, the highlight of the trip, the Passion Play in Oberammergau begins! The Play was instituted in fulfilment of a vow made in 1633, when the town was stricken by the plague. It was performed for the first time in 1634 and since then has been played every ten years. It’s just a short walk from the hotel to the theatre, which was built in 1930 and has seating for 4,800 spectators. While the seats are covered, the stage is open to the elements, using the natural grandeur of the region as a backdrop. Hotel Alte Post (1 night) BLD June 8, Monday Munich This morning enjoy some final alpine vistas as we head north to Munich. On arrival, a local guide will introduce us to the sights of Bavaria's capital including the Nymphenburg Palace (from the outside), Marienplatz, Frauenkirche and the Olympic Stadium. This evening, we celebrate our journey, sharing stories and memories at our Farewell Dinner. Holiday Inn Leuchtenbergring (1 night) BD June 9, Tuesday Munich / Canada All too soon our adventure draws to a close as we transfer to the Munich airport and catch our flight to Toronto with connections to our homes across Canada. B

Land Only* (Join Dubrovnik / Leave Munich) ............ $5,240 Toronto ...................................................................... $6,515 Ottawa / Montreal ...................................................... $6,635 Halifax / St. John’s ..................................................... $6,785 Winnipeg / Thunder Bay ............................................ $6,785 Saskatoon / Regina ................................................... $6,965 Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver .............................. $6,885 Victoria ...................................................................... $6,965 Single Supplement .................................................... $1,195

*Land only price is based on joining at the hotel in Dubrovnik and leaving at the hotel in Munich. Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room with a minimum 20 members travelling. Prices in this brochure are based on exchange rates as of October 2019. Itinerary and pricing are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. Group to be escorted with a minimum of 20 group members. Prices DO NOT INCLUDE the cost of insurance which is available and is highly recommended. Premiums vary with the cost, length of the trip, and the traveller’s age. For passengers up to and including 74 years on departure date, premiums will range from $312 to $415 pp plus applicable taxes. Cost supplements for travellers aged 75-85 will range from $201 to $405 pp plus applicable taxes. Clients 86 years and older and/or clients residing outside Ontario - please contact our staff for procedures. This insurance is effective from the date of purchase and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website for the most current information. Refer to the enrollment form for general information and conditions.

Deposit is $1,300 per person

Final payment will be due February 18, 2020

To reserve your spot on this tour, complete the enclosed enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit to:

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