C.C.N.S.W. TOUR CORFU-CROATIA-SLOVENIA 2020 TRAVEL DETAILS  THURSDAY 10.09.20 – ARRIVE CORFU                   SATURDAY 12.09.20 – CORFUGAME 1 - Cricket game during the day 🏏

Panorama of Corfu

SUNDAY 13.09.20 – CORFUGAME 2 - Cricket game during the day 🏏

Cricket in Corfu Old Town (“Platea”)

Sunday games are played on Corfu's historic Main Square (or "PLATEA") exhibition ground, right in the middle of the old part of the town and the only working sports field within a UNESCO World Heritage Site anywhere in the world!  Bordered on one side by the imposing Byzantine fortress, on the north side by the Georgian Palace of St Michael and St George and the western boundary formed by Corfu's infamous Liston colonnade, there is nowhere quite like it. And you will have spectators, and hundreds of them!  For almost two centuries, Corfiots have sat at the Liston cafes under the shady acacia trees and had their ouzos and nibbled their mezze and supped their iced coffees whilst watching a Sunday game of cricket. You will be made to feel most welcome.

TUESDAY 15.09.20 – CORFUGAME 3 - Cricket game during the day 🏏               

The Esplanade is the central square of Corfu and a meeting place for residents and visitors, surrounded by the streets of Iroon Politecniou at the east and north, Eleftherias and Kapodistriou to the West and Akadimias Street in the South, and crossed in the middle by Dousmanis street.

Built in the style of the Royal Gardens of Europe it is the largest square in the Balkans and one of the largest in Europe. In the square`s bandstand there are often concerts and other events, especially during the summer.

Cricket matches are frequently played there. Cricket has been enthusiastically adopted by the Corfiots since the period of English domination of the island. There are 12 cricket clubs and two other pitches on the island.

To one side of the square is the popular pedestrian area of The Liston with its French architectural buildings (modeled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris) and numerous cafes.

The construction of The Liston began in 1807 by Napoleon, the sole purpose of the buildings construction was to house the French army. It was completed in 1814.The buildings were designed by French architect Lesseps and implemented with the assistance of the Greek engineer Ioannis Parmezan.

Corfu Liston is a complex of buildings facing the Esplanade, with arched ground-floor galleries which the locals call “Volta”

The name was given by the word “list” which arrives from the Greek word “lista” that was used for the lista of the Nobles (Libro d `Oro) as in the old days only the nobility were able to walk in this part in the city.

Today, the arcades of Liston are the busiest part of Corfu, it is filled with cafes, restaurants and craft shops in general, and one that is busy all year round .

The walk in front of the Liston`s arches is something that every Corfiot does and taking coffee in one of The Liston`s cafes is a daily habit for many Corfiots

THURSDAY 17.09.20 – CORFU - ATHENS – DUBROVNIK (CROATIA)

Leave Corfu. Welcome to Dubrovnik – The Pearl of the Adriatic. We will wait for you at Dubrovnik airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.                    Accommodation - Overnight in Dubrovnik, 3* hotel (Hotel Petka www.hotelpetka.hr/en/Home.html)                    FRIDAY 18.09.20 – DUBROVNIK CITY TOUR – PELJESAC PENINSULA & STON – SPLIT                Great George Bernard Shaw, impressed by its magic, once said – "Those who seek paradise on Earth, should come to Dubrovnik and find it". And he was absolutely right. Dubrovnik's nickname is a "Pearl of the Adriatic" and is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1979. Today Dubrovnik is the proudest feather in Croatia's tourist cap, an elite destination and one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean. Dubrovnik used to be an independent republic, surviving mostly on trade. It managed to survive many centuries, with constant threats to its territory, particularly from the mighty Ottoman Empire and Venice. History is present in the entire city, which is both a museum and a picturesque stage where cultural heritage and contemporary life meet. All houses and monuments have a unique value. The Old City is encompassed by medieval walls, which have been preserved in their original form and opened for visitors as Dubrovnik’s major attraction.                    We will enter the old town through the Pile Gate and we will find our selves on Stradun – biggest street in Dubrovnik. Here we will find the Onofrio Fountain, built in 1438, the Franciscan Monastery, with one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe, in operation since 1391. At the other end of the Stradun, we will discover the locals' favourite meeting place, the Orlando Column, with the nearby Sponza Palace and the baroque church of St. Blaise. Here is also the Rector's Palace, which is now a city museum packed with valuable and historic exhibits. Opposite the palace through a narrow street is a square, Gunduliceva Poljana, which is the site of the busy morning market. In the same square is the Jesuit Monastery from the early 18th century. From here you can see the little old town port and visit the city walls which encircle the city and which have been remarkably preserved. Whole city is alive monument and rich treasury of history. You will surely find it magical. Take your free afternoon and evening for more exploring Croatian pearl.                        After, we are heading to the north, to beautiful Peljesac peninsula. On our way to the north we will drive across Peljesac peninsula, where you will enjoy its green scenery and beautiful surroundings. This region is famous by the best Croatian wines and wine producing in general. We will stop in a Ston bay, little fisherman village named Ston, well-known by its five- kilometres (3,5 miles) long walls, the longest in Europe, made as a fortification complex in 14th Century. The gulf of Mali Ston has a clean and natural environment. It has been well-known for its mussel and oysters-growing farm since Roman times, and the oysters from Ston (ostrea edulis),as an acknowledged natural aphrodisiac has made this region world-famous. You will have a chance to taste this sea-delicacies. We will visit one of the best Croatian wineries and in the evening we are coming to Split. 

Accommodation - In Split, 3* hotel centrally located (Hotel Adriana http://hotel-adriana.com/ )                   

SATURDAY 19.09.20 – SPLIT CITY TOUR – ISLAND OF VIS (WITH CATAMARAN)This whole morning is for exploring the ancient city of Split, the cultural, economic and administrative centre of Central Dalmatia. Because of its Mediterranean charm, vibrant and magical atmosphere, it's often called "The most beautiful city in the world". Among its buildings, streets and walls, we will visit the most important monument of Roman architecture on the eastern coast of the Adriatic – The Diocletian's Palace. The site was first settled when, at the end of the third century AD, the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here. These days the palace is known as Diocletian's Palace and it is under UNESCO's protection. The importance of Diocletian's Palace far transcends local significance because of its level of preservation and the buildings of succeeding historical periods built within its walls, which today form the very heart of old Split. Numerous valuable cultural monuments are also to be found beyond the palace walls. Free afternoon for exploring this magnificent city - the pines of the Marjan forest in the western part of the peninsula, the murmur of the sea and the sound of the Dalmatian song in the stone streets of the city.                    In the afternoon, catamaran to the Island of Vis. The island of Vis is a pearl among Croatian Adriatic islands, left untouched by the development of tourism for so many years - due to its strategic location on the open sea, it served as a military zone for many years. Since the independence of Croatia, the island began opening slowly to the outside world, offering its unique traditions, history, cultural heritage and natural beauties to the outside world, and it is slowly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia.                    Accommodation- In Vis, boutique 4* Hotel San Giorgio www.hotelsangiorgiovis.com

SUNDAY 20.09.20 – ISLAND OF VISGAME 4 - Cricket game during the day 🏏       

            This tiny Croatian island gets star billing in the Mamma Mia sequel. And, with beautiful beaches, 17th-century architecture and great seafood restaurants, it’s easy to see why

Vis Cricket ground

One of the few cricket grounds in the world surrounded by a vineyard in Plisko polje village.

Despite the sport not being very popular in Croatia, the game was first played in Croatia over 200 years ago in 1811, when the British set up a naval base on the island of Vis during the Napoleonic wars. Captain William Hoste decided that playing cricket in their spare time would be good for morale. After the British left, they took their equipment with them and cricket would not be played again till the late 1990’s on the island when the cricket club was established. All of the members of the Vis club, bar one, are locals from the island. Cricket is played in Zagreb, Split and Vis in Croatia today.

A little like the submarine base, just when you least expect it, Vis will constantly surprise. Where else, for example, would you expect to find the oldest cricket club in Europe outside the UK, which recently celebrated its 200th anniversary! Remarkable as it sounds, the tale is indeed true, one more example of British influence over the years. The very active Vis Cricket Club tells the story the best, of course, in between hosting cricket matches and annual tournaments on its cricket pitch next to the air strip which played a crucial part in the island's recent history: Captain William Hoste was a former ship boy of Lord Nelson himself, a distinguished naval commander who was on his way to a knighthood and was rather more used to sinking Napoleon's warships than guarding a small island in the Mediterranean (around 200 ships were captured or resting at the bottom of the sea on his account). His six-year posting on Vis was not entirely to his liking - after all, it was hot, isolated and Englishmen of his time were never terribly comfortable away from home; it was 1809, and air-conditioning, ice-cream, the aqualung and sun-lotion were all discoveries that lay many years into the future. Instead, they turned to that most English of pastimes - cricket! Read more on the Vis Cricket Club website at www.viscricket.com/

Cricket game during the day and in the evening dinner at ROKI’s

Accommodation - In Vis, boutique 4* hotel Hotel San Giorgio www.hotelsangiorgiovis.com                    

MONDAY 21.09.20 – VIS – SPLIT (CATAMARAN) – ZAGREB        Today we are travelling to the north, capital of Croatia – Zagreb. During the way to Zagreb you will enjoy wonderful scenery and the most attractive highway in Europe.                    Accommodation– In Zagreb, design 4* hotel centrally located (Hotel Park 45 http://www.hotelpark45.hr/ ) 

TUESDAY 22.09.20 – VIS – SPLIT (CATAMARAN) – ZAGREB        GAME 5 - Cricket game during the day 🏏Accommodation - In Zagreb, design 4* hotel centrally located (Hotel Park 45)                    WEDNESDAY 23.09.20 – ZAGREB CITY TOUR – POSTOJNA CAVE – LJUBLJANA CITY TOUR (SLOVENIA)Visit Zagreb, capital of Croatia and its biggest city. We will take you for a walk through the city centre, so you can discover your first experience with this exceptional old city. Zagreb – two cities in one city; two different faces in one face. Majestic Upper town, which is intimate, cosy and distinctly medieval in ambience and the Lower town, full of huge squares, wide boulevards and Secession architecture. You will see the central square of Josip Jelacic, Zagreb Cathedral, the most beautiful market at the open – Dolac, Stone Gate and many other attractions. Take a ride with the shortest funicular in the world (only 66 meters) to the Upper Town and enjoy amazing view of Zagreb roof tops. We'll take you through the beautiful Lenuzzi horseshoe or so called Green horse shoe, a complex of 7 parks and squares with fountains, in the centre of the town.                    Our first stop will be in a little town Postojna, world-known by its Postojna cave. Postojna Cave is the best-known cave in the world. It is also the greatest tourist attraction in Slovenia and one of the world's largest karst monuments. For 140 years, the Postojna Cave, as the only cave in the world, offers a unique and adventurous ride with a special train, which will take you into the cave, under spectacular underground arches, which are embellished with chandelier look-alike stalactites, through a beautiful subterranean world full of playful limestone sculptures. 21 km of passages, galleries and magnificent halls offer a unique experience of the underground world. The Postojna cave is definitely one of the most diverse cave systems in the world. Apart from human fish which lives here, 99 other animal species live here permanently and 150 occasionally. The World Famous Postojna Cave is simply inspiring..                                After exploring the underground world, we visit the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Ljubljana is a small city and perfect for exploring. We would take you to experience an amazing park Tivoli in the city canter, while you will see the Ljubljanica river flowing through the centre of town, past Baroque buildings and under the ramparts of the ancient castle on the hill. The new city and modern-day commercial core lies to the west of the river, while the old city and the castle are located on the east side of the river. Many bridges cross the river, the most famous of which is Tromostovje (Triple Bridge), designed by famous architect Joze Plecnik. Baroque and art-nouveau have marked this exceptional city, together with new, modern architectural styles. The main attraction of the city is the Old town, built on a hill as a fortress, from which you will see Ljubljana.                    Ljubljana is a perfect destination all the year - in the summer, its centre hosts a number of city sponsored events, from children workshops and public playgrounds on the streets that get closed for traffic for the occasion, to Trnfest's off-beat street performances and musical events of all genres. In autumn it shows its academic face as it fills again by students of the state's largest university to whom the city owes much of its youthful character. Cold December days are warmed by thousand of lights, the New Year's decorations conceived by local artists, and by food and drinks sold from street stands on the banks of Ljubljanica river. Enjoy Ljubljana!

                Accommodation In Ljubljana, 3* hotel centrally located Hotel Emonec www.hotel-emonec.com/  THURSDAY 24.09.20 – LJUBLJANAGAME 6 - Cricket game during the day 🏏           

Accommodation - In Ljubljana, 3* hotel centrally located (Hotel Emonec)                    FRIDAY 25.09.20 – LJUBLJANA – LAKE BLED – LJUBLJANAWe will enjoy a little while in charming Ljubljana and then we will discover different face of nature – beautiful Lake Bled, facing the highest peaks of the Alps. With immense natural beauty, Bled, together with its surroundings, ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts, renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. The beauty of the mountains reflected on the lake, the sun, the serenity and the fresh air arouse pleasant feelings in visitors throughout the year, guaranteeing an ideal base or a relaxing break or an active holiday. Bled attracts businessmen, artists, athletes, explorers, sport enthusiasts, the old and the young, from all over the world, enchanting them to return again and again. We will take a ride with a traditional Slovenian boat called "pletna", afterwards we visit a cliff-top castle, perched high above the water and enjoy a fantastic view to the surroundings.

Accommodation - In Ljubljana, 3* hotel centrally located (Hotel Emonec)                    SATURDAY 26.09.20 – LJUBLJANA                GAME 7 - Cricket game during the day 🏏

Accommodation - In Ljubljana, 3* hotel centrally located (Hotel Emonec)                    SUNDAY 27.09.20 – LJUBLJANA – MEZICA (CRICKET GAME) - SENTANELGAME 8 - Cricket game during the day 🏏                   

Today we are travelling to a small village Mezica where the cricket game will be played. Mezica is by bus from Ljubljana approximately 2 hours. Mezica represents the central part of the Mezica valley. For many years, it has been a lead mining centre. But it's not just that. Lush forests and mountain ridges give the appearance of an alpine tourist centre. The Peca mountain, ski slopes, underground tunnels with mining displays and plenty of delightful restaurants all help visitors have a good time in Mezica.                    Dinner in Mezica organized by locals. After the dinner we will go to an agro-village (farm-stay) in Sentanel, 10 km from Mezica where we stay overnight.                    Accommodation - In Sentanel (Kmetija Ploder www.kmetija-ploder.com/si/)

In the morning we rerturn to Ljubljana where you will have a free day for exploring this charming old city. Overnight in Ljubljana    (Hotel Emonec)

TUESDAY 29.09.20 – LJUBLJANA departure