The survey of 2,574 folk from Germany, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Poland and Spain, was overseen by Sinisa Horak from the Institution for Tourism, which asked its target sample what came into their head when the word ‘Croatia ‘ was mentioned. Not one of the respondents had been to Croatia, and approximately twenty p.c. answered that they could associate nothing with the country.

The survey was instructive, as it gave an understanding into how Croatia was perceived globally, with perceptions varying from country to country. Poles, Germans and Swedes made the association between Croatia and a lovely coast, beaches and sea, as did the Spaniards, who also had a feeling of culture and history, while the Danes and Brit the first association is war. The survey aligned Croatia more as an ex-Yugoslav state than a forthcoming ECU member.
The results aren’t surprising, but they do point to an area where the Croatian holiday maker board should be pushing its efforts – on improving awareness of Croatia and its tourist attractions worldwide. Alan Mandic, owner of boutique travel bureau, Secret Dalmatia, agrees, as he revealed in a interview with Digital Book :
“My clients come from late March to mid November so I’m quite happy with the length of “my” visitor season. The solution is simple : get Croatia on the map. No matter how easy, it needs a significant investment and determination from our government / ministry apropos continuous promotion and concentrating on opinion-making targets to maximise the results . Simply an example would be to have Croatia featured, or at least discussed, in preferred US shows and newspapers that are internationally distributed.”

The task of the Croatian tourist board to brand the nations tourism in the trail of the devastating war in the region was gigantic, and it merits great credit in the highly effective campaign under the slogan The Mediterranean as it Once Was, as the latest generation of holiday maker came to discover a new country with great beaches and nightlife. Tourists mostly like to come in Split, Trogir,Makarska and Dubrovnik.

Before the split of previous Yugoslavia, tourism to Croatia was booming, with more than 440,000 Brits coming to previous Yugoslavia each year, the second preferred destination after Spain, with most coming on packages with Yugotours. Back then the geography was simple, but the re-drawing of the map in Eastern Europe has led to confusion, and there is a need to teach on the new fact. One of the common mistakes as an example, is to mix up Slovenia, an ECU member and part of previous Yugoslavia, with Slovakia, also in the ECU. Gaffes such as the up to date placing of Bulgaria in previous Yugoslavia by Fox Stories do little to help.
The break-up of Yugoslavia causes bewilderment among an older generation who paid a visit to the area before the war, as was shown by some of the replies I received in a forum survey for another online writing site, earlier in the year. Asked about perceptions of Croatia, one respondent answered :
“Before the war, when I was living in Europe I used to go to previous Yugoslavia fairly often. It was actually the ideal vacation place. I suspect the Adriatic coast is one of the most stunning in the world. But now I feel ignorant because I don’t know where the new boundaries are and even which country I might be visiting. Is Istria in the same country as Dubrovnik? I would perform a little research. I think the war has indeed put folk off, though it might just be me. So if you could help people get over their prejudiced ideas or, worse, ignorance, you’d be doing a great job”, writes tagza.com.

FOR FAMILIES

Mark Warner’s 2nd five-star hotel will be opening upon May 19 on the Greek island of Rhodes. Set right on the sands of the location of Afandou Beach, each of the 80 contemporary rooms have whether balcony or a terrace – eight even have their own private swimming pools.

There will be the usual array of ­activities, kids’ clubs and spas. Seven nights’ half-board starts at L765pp ­including BA flights from Heathrow. For more details go to www.markwarner.co.uk or contact 0844 273 5010.

Fancy doing something more adventurous with the family this year? Virgin Holidays has launched a fresh range of trips that are targeted at adults and children and give the chance to check out more exotic corners of the world.

Worldwide Journeys offers holidays throughout China, India, Costa Rica, Tanzania along with Egypt, with itineraries that ­encompass routines kids will love, while mom and dad will get a fascinating insight into neighborhood life and culture. Your tours range from eight to 15 days and cost from L1,295 on an Egyptian Family Adventure. See www.virginholidaysjourneys.co.uk

Push the boat out without making waves in your bank ­balance when you stay at ­Keycamp’s new Body of water House at Chateau des Ormes parc throughout ­Northern Brittany. It’s built on a floating program, so you can float the thatched-roofed residence – ­complete with double mattress, bunk beds and decked terrace – out on to the lake then punt back.

Book by February 29 and two nights inside Lake House followed by a few nights in a Villanova mobile home (sleeps up to two adults and two youngsters six-12) will cost from L300 including Dover/Calais crossings upon May 19. Go to www.keycamp.co.uk or contact 0844 406 0319.

HOTEL STAYS

On the front door of Faro airport, ­the Palacio Valverde Resort & Club in ­Portugal is due to open throughout November, making the Algarve an ideal choice for a weekend break.

Your accommodation will have 158 rooms ­dotted between lakes, beautiful gardens along with swimming pools with buildings made to create a palace feel. See www.conradhotels.hilton.com

Further afield you can combine natural beauty and wintertime sun with a trip to the Southern State of Kerala. Teletext Holidays is offering a 5 Star high-class trip to Kerala staying at the Leela Kempinski for only L1119 per person.

Getting tickets for the Olympic or Paralympic Games may have been difficult, but finding an affordable hotel room in London may be also harder. Grab a bargain simply by booking a room at the brand new Travelodge in Stratford, right in the heart associated with Games territory, which starts in March. Doubles start at L59 per night, where there are also family rooms which usually sleep up to four. Publication on www.travelodge.co.uk

Get up close to the wildlife whenever you stay at one of eight brand new lodges at Whipsnade Zoo, Bedrooms. Opening in April, each and every sleeps up to four with prices from L115pp including breakfast time, an evening barbecue and a the twilight series tour of the zoo.

Plane tickets

Berlin opens a brand new airport in June next year, creating Germany’s most exciting and diverse metropolis easier to get to. Lufthansa (www.lufthansa.co.uk) will launch day-to-day flights to the city from Birmingham and Manchester if the airport opens.

And easyJet (www.easyjet.com) has five brand new routes starting this summer. The first time Naples will be ­accessible from Edinburgh and Bristol (starting April 18 and May 12 respectively) although travellers from Scotland will have brand new flights from Edinburgh in order to Dalaman (from April 17). A whole new route between Southend and Jersey will begin on May 2, while from March 31st you’ll be able to fly from Luton in order to Corfu.

More good news for Scottish ­travellers from Jet2 (www.jet2.com), which commences flights from Glasgow to Barcelona three times a week and two plane tickets a week to Murcia from March 29.

Manchester gets a few new routes – four flights a week to Paris from March 29, twice-weekly in order to Milan Bergamo (starting May 16) along with three flights a week in order to Toulouse (May 12).

HOLIDAYS

Cruises from the UK have turn out to be increasingly popular in recent years as they stay away from the hassle and cost of soaring, and P&O is set to increase their departures from Southampton this year, with 7 new cruises.

The new itineraries add a 28-night trip to the Caribbean on Adonia, as well as cruises to the Canary Islands, the Western Med and the Atlantic Coast. From next winter a few ships – Oriana, Oceana and Adonia – will sail year-round from Southampton. Pay a visit to www.pocruises.com for more.

Disney Cruises is setting breeze from three new ports in 2012, meaning that it’s just not just kids who have all the fun. From May 30, Disney will be sailing from New York – as well as Seattle and Galveston in Texas – making a couple of nights inside Big Apple the perfect way to spherical off a child-friendly cruise. Head to www.disneycruise.co.uk

Very good news for Irish cruising fans: MSC Cruises is adding Cork and ­Dublin in order to four new itineraries in August and September. Customers can embark and disembark from the luxurious MSC Lirica, with itineraries that eat the German port of Hamburg as well as Amsterdam and the Shetland Isles. More info at www.msccruises.co.uk

Croatia also has beautiful coastlines and offers wonderful value money compared to some other Mediterranean resorts. In Croatia the most beautiful cities are Split,Dubrovnik and Makarska. Try this 7 evening cruise along the Dalmatian Coast for only L699 per person. Saving up in order to L200pp.

RAIL BREAKS

Holidays simply by rail are gaining ­popularity, along with Great Rail Journeys has a number of new itineraries, including a number of in the British Isles. Discover Scotland’s beautiful countryside and vibrant ­cities on the nine-day Western Highlands and Hebrides tour (from L825pp), or take a short burglary the beautiful Yorkshire Dales (from L448).

More high-speed teaches are making Europe more accessible by rail than ever before, along with GRJ has new trips for the continent including a 10-day trip to the spectacular Harz Mountains and Rhine Gorge throughout Germany (from L1,298pp), and the opportunity to explore lesser-known Southern Italy, which has a 13-day trip to Puglia and Basilicata (from L1,925pp). Details at www.greatrail.com or call 01904 521936.

Spoil your loved one upon Valentine’s, or surprise your mom on Mother’s Day with a special journey aboard the Navigate Express, writes tagza.com. Superbreak is offering a wide range of day trips across the UK upon sister trains the British Pullman and Northern Belle from London and other cities. The ­Valentine’s Morning round-trip costs L195pp on the Northern Belle from Manchester or Liverpool such as five-course dinner, champagne and fifty percent bottle of wine. Book at www.superbreak.com or call 0871 222 3055.

Croatia vacations are truly wonderful such as a blend related with tanning on the beach as well as swimming into the crystal-clear coast together with tours historic and national sites. One has a ability to explore the specific cobbled paths of the seaside medieval cities in particular Dubrovnik, Trogir as well as Korcula, watch the atmosphere associated with interesting old piazzas, go to the church buildings, museums as well as merchants, and also down the line only experience numerous engaging beaches, or sail to the tiny islands hideaway’s who are splattered across the shoreline. Also, and Makarska offer a lot of interesting things during the holiday in the summer. If you looking for good accommodation in this lovely town,you will definitely find in Makarska apartments.

Presented to be ‘The Mediterranean as it used to be’, vacations in Croatia consistently dazzle also the almost all inquisitive of visitors with its unravelled as well as unspoilt beauties, if you decide to enjoy your vacation through Croatia, you will be charmed by its surprising and different attractions to witness and places to explore. For the people additional active, Croatia provides a cornucopia of opportunities to get pleasure from sports activity including wind surfing, snorkeling and also motorized sailing. Tennis enthusiasts will love the variability of clay-based tennis courts found all-around resorts and hostels.

You will discover numerous ways just for bicyclists or walkers to find out, and it’s actually similarly an electrifying way to find out the attractive panoramas. Nonetheless, all the not so much sports oriented can find their dear peacefulness savouring this relaxed coffee bar culture and also a warm, tranquilizing surroundings not to mention hospitality being offered, because of the fact Croatia prides itself for that has a wide array of gastronomic specialities, really worth appreciating flushed all the way down using many locally produced wine. Go for personal region, have a shot at water sports occasions, breathe the particular smell coming from all pine trees and you will have a unforgettable trip to Croatia.

Croatia is one of the preferred regions of folk throughout the world. This mix of ECU along with eastern EU way of life, ancient appeal and also breathtaking Mediterranean beaches pulls many travellers. The excitement connected with Croatia has jumped high due to affordability vacation accommodations chances. Although charges involving overnite accommodation can vary dependent on the regions yet the seasons have a big role with making the specific rates of one’s non-public vacation accommodation and as well as hotel accommodations. The region also provides wonderful sightseeing options together with the snug accommodation for that tourists,writes tagza.com.

Those seeking history, love and beauty will be whisked off their feet the moment they arrive in the unique grace of Croatia. Visitors will experience a good range of culture, including stunning castles and fortresses, museums fill with antiquities and strolls down walkways that date back as far as the 9th century.

Though there are numerous Croatian destinations, the following 10 are of specific interest to travelers :

1 Porec ; – Has a massive choice of water and land based activities, starting from beautiful beaches to a stirring night life.

2. Rovinj – Treats holiday makers to a resort style holiday together with the surprising atmosphere of an ancient city.

3. Pula – Offers a delightful mix of ancient history with a rather more modern way of life.

4. Umag – Includes many of the planet’s most famed and beloved beaches.

5. Crikvenica – Places stress on sports and recreation opportunities and is extremely family friendly.

6. Island Krk – Features wonderful greenery mixed with relaxing beaches.

7. Island Pag – This long but narrow island features miles of beachfront land.

8. Split – The largest city on the Adriatic coast and overflowing with history. Many tourist coe here every summer and stay in Split hotel.

9. Zadar – Embraces its roots, which can on occasion be traced back for three thousand years, while still offering modern amenities.

10. Dubrovnik – Full of memorable views and a look backwards on history, this town regularly draws artists with tourists.

Every one of the cities discussed above offers unique sightseeing opportunities . In Pula, for instance, travelers will have the opportunity to take in a performance inside of a 2,000 year old arena. Each city offers travelers the opportunity to glance at the past while enjoying the comforts of modern life. There are numerous beautiful monuments, art museums and other cultural experiences to enjoy and they all mix elegantly with the preserved design of a time long since gone. Add to this the many miles of gorgeous beaches and each one of these Croatian cities becomes a delight to visit.

Gastronomy is celebrated all though each one of these cities, with local cuisine and specializations aplenty. In Zadar locals will inspire visitors to try some chees from Pag, which is Croatia’s most well liked cheese. While in Dubrovnik be certain to enjoy a fine Croatian meal at the Villa Ruza Diner & Lounge Bar. Once the sun goes down Croatia’s nightlife springs to life, especially in Pore269 ; which features a wide variety of discos, night clubs and bars.

Each town has multiple cultural events that happen throughout the year,eg the Dubrovnik Summer Festival which is the oldest event of it’s sort in Croatia. Those whose tastes lean more toward sports won’t be disappointed as there are numerous possibilities for scuba swimming, windsurfing, hiking and much more.

On arrival in the Croatian city of your choosing, visit a local ATM to receive the best exchange rate and do not be too concerned if you only talk English as many of the neighbors know at least basic English. Above all, take plenty of footage and enjoy!

About Us : We are a travel agent that provides travelers coming to Croatia, important info regarding events, cafes, festivals, sightseeing, accommodation and other travel and service information about Croatia as reported tagza.com.

Whether you plan to take the helm yourself, learn how to sail first or start on a crewed yacht charter, a sailing getaway in the country’s superb cruising grounds truly is the perfect way to throw off the spiderwebs and recharge.

Therefore what can you expect when sailing in Croatia – and where are the best places to visit?

Dubrovnik is sited in the south of the Adriatic and is the perfect base for exploring the ‘coast of a thousand islands ‘, as the local shore is frequently referred to. The sailing here is just superb, offering trusty winds and conditions, good weather, heavenly cuisine and line-of-sight navigation.

This blend of fabulous sailing conditions and appealing attractions makes it the ideal spot for sailing vacations. Similarly, Dubrovnik itself has plenty to offer visitors before they head out and explore the numerous charming islands that pepper the shore.

Brimming with a mix of rich history, culture and a chic atmosphere, this medieval walled city is a delight to find out. To really suck up the city’s past, climb up the battlements and walk a circuit around its famous walls – a trip which will give you great perspectives over the old town and the coast.

Then, head into the old city to admire its entertaining medley of architectural styles, as well as its beautiful cafeterias in Luza Square.

Having seen the sights of Dubrovnik, you can sail over to the pretty hamlet of Sipansta Luka, which sits on the waterfront on the island of Sipan Luka. The buildings here centre around an ancient plane tree, making it a very fascinating place to visit.

Then, sail down the Kobas Stronski Canal, stopping at the villages of Kobas and Broce on the way to Stron. When in Broce, it is worth looking at the condition of the canal from here – if it hasn’t been latterly dredged, it may best not to continue on to Stron.

Next, cruise to the island of Mljet – the site of the immensely stunning Mljet Nationwide Park. Here, you can moor up at Luka Polace, a port overlooked by a spoiled castle, before heading inland to discover the picturesque lakes of the nation’s park.

With a reputation as one of the most green islands to be found in the Adriatic, Korcula is another necessary destination to see during sailing vacations here. Be certain to visit Korcula City, which is home to a surplus of wonderful eateries, shops and historic attractions,eg the Church of Our Woman and St Mark’s Cathedral.

When you have finished seeing the sights of Korcula City, sail over to the sparsely inhabited island of Scedro, which is dotted with scenic coves just waiting to be explored.

A splendidly unspoilt island, Lastovo can be your next destination. Nestled in amongst empty isles, it was closed to holiday makers for many years and is now home to roughly eight hundred folk. Covered in forest, it is a delight to visit, and it’s well worth either walking or taking the bus to Lastovo City, where you’ll find some great historic buildings.

If you are enthusiastic to spend a while relaxing on one of the finest island beaches Croatia has to offer, sail over to the Lumbarda on Korcula. After soaking up the sun here, you can cruise back to Mljet and discover the popular resort at Pomena, which is an excellent spot to socialise and tuck into some tasty dishes.

Okuklje, which is also situated on Mljet, is another good place to head to if you are enthusiastic to meet likeminded sailors – and here you’ll find breathtaking wooded slopes and a host of great cafes.

Before setting sail for Dubrovnik and bringing your break to a close, sail to the tired fishing town of Janska. This is the ideal spot to unwind and spend a night bathed in tranquillity in a sheltered port before the journey home.

Whether you have an interest in historic sites or are just itching to absorb the sun, sailing around Dubrovnik makes for a fantastic, memorable getaway as reported tagza.com.

The most superb method to do your search is to make use of information obtainable online. You may surf the websites of several motels to obtain a true picture as to the kind of building and their attractiveness. Remember that many of these industries will need guests to commit the least amount of stay. This could be for two weeks or possibly one month or more. Always look for details before you make your reserving.

One of the principal reasons in selecting this kind of accommodation is the fact that it’s generally an acceptable option. If you will reserve an area in standard hotel, the actual rates per day may sump up to a high amount. Another choice is to get the short-term rental in an apartment; however, this will generally involve a big down payment and arranging the utility bills and some other expenses.

By choosing extended stay motel, you could be able to reduce the whole outlay. Be cautious of the differences in the kind of facilities which may be offered. It could be helpful should you understand the type of amenities as well as services you will want to have accessibility on it.

Several of these motels offer suites that include a bedroom, kitchen, and living room. This is advantageous for you because you can cook you own food; with this you can save money because you do

Another advantage of extended stay motel is that they provide laundry as well as housekeeping in your behalf. Try to look for out if it is incorporated within the price.

Do not forget to consider the place. It is important that the location from the extended stay motel should be near the place of your projects, entertainment venues, local restaurants or some places of interest. Simply click http://www.Extended-Stay-Motels.Org for more information.

Geography, Climate and Time Section in Croatia :

Croatia is situated between southern Europe and central Europe. Croatia has a diverse topography consists of hills, mountains, dense and rough shores located in different parts of the country Croatia. In Croatia the hot season occurs from July to Aug, with temperatures in the boundaries of twenty-five degrees to 35 degrees Celsius. The ideal time for swimming and sunbathing in Croatia is during the months of April, May, June, Sep and October, when the sun in Croatia is sort of high and the heat is so intense.You must come in Dubrovnik,Split and Makarska. In addition, the decline of Croatia falls to Time area CET and EST, with GMT 2 hours for the summer and GMT 1 hour for the rest of the year in Croatia.

Visa and Passport for Croatia :

You need to prepare 2 documents if you intend to go on a trip to visit Croatia. Croatia needs travelers to present your visa and passport, along a test to verify that you have enough funds for the period of their stay in Croatia. A roundtrip ticket is obligatory when entering Croatia. But UK visitors, Australians, Canadians, US people and Continentals don’t have to submit a visa to enter Croatia.

Embassy of Croatia

The office of Croatia allows visitors to bring only a restricted number of items without tax. You can take foreign currency, but must put in writing if the amount is just over $ 7.400. They also allow visitors in Croatia to buy Croatian products, but will need to put up the $ eight hundred limit on products or goods. Rates surpassing this amount will be penalized with a fine to leave Croatia.

Currency in Croatia :

The official currency of Croatia is the Kuna. A Croatian Kuna is presently equivalent to $ 0.1839USD and it varies each day, then you better check the rate of change of Croatia prior to making your travel plans to Croatia. You can change money at banks in Croatia and in the money exchange at the airport in Croatia. You can also use your ATM card in bistros, if ever you don’t carry enough money with you while in Croatia.

Transportation in Croatia :

If you intend to explore the outer areas of Croatia, you can take one of the ferries to cross to other islands in Croatia. Just remember the departure times of the ferries are operating in stern schedule in Croatia. In Croatia there are buses and trains that travel to other cities in Croatia. You will opt to hire a car and make your own tour of the beautiful cities of Croatia, writes tagza.com.

At Extended Stay Hotels, you are able to always feel that your staying in the 5-star hotel. Hotels are created to give satisfaction for their visitors. They always did, which makes it sure that you may have a comfortable stay in their rooms. You will find plenty of areas where you can relax. They are able to provide large offices, wireless internet access, complete kitchen needs, regular housekeeping, reliable laundry facilities, and have pet-friendly lodging. They’re absolutely providing you with everything regardless if you are just staying for a day, weeks, or even months. Additionally, you will appreciate their amazing low nightly rates and incredible extended day special discounts.

Entering the extended stay hotels will constantly amaze you. Friendly receptionists will instantly invite you in and provide you with all you need. The majority of the extended stay hotels have to pool facility just in case you feel interested to swim. They, likewise, have worried about your fitness needs that is the reason why they are offering fitness rooms for individuals who wanted to perform their fitness routine.

Extended Stay Hotels are perfect for individuals that wish to have the temporary shelter. The resort is providing low nightly rates, which will certainly suit your budget. You may also result in the Extended Stay Hotels as the shelter when you are on the weekend getaway. They provide discount rates when stretching your stay using their rooms.

To prevent the bore dome from the visitors while in their rooms in hotels, Extended Stay Hotels handled to set up cable television’s on each room. The accommodation can also be mindful that lots of of the visitors require the access on the internet, and that is the reason why they provided the Wi-Fi internet access on each room. Utilizing their free phone access, you are able to call your family to make them certain you are comfortable for remaining in that Extended Stay Hotel. Seek more information at http://extended-stay-hotel.org/.

With its warm climate, hospitable atmosphere, exciting scenery and historic centres of culture, Croatia holidays a have become a hit for vacationers who are searching for an European holiday with a difference. Cheap flights to Croatia became increasingly prevalent as UK abased airlines try to provide viable low budget options to reach this rising star of a vacation destination.

Chief among the favored Croatian locations is the medieval city of Dubrovnik. From early July there will be rather more reason to visit the beautiful centre of Croatian culture, as the 62nd Dubrovnik Summer Holiday will begin on 11 July, lasting till 25 Aug.

This is one of the biggest events in the Croatian social calendar and this year should turn out to be no exception. The holiday will have a vibrant selection of dramatic shows, musical concerts, operatic displays, as well as a whole host of minor events became increasingly commonplace in the holidays events.

The holiday will be spread over no less than seventy different locales dotted all over the city, making this a good way to explore everything Dubrovnik has to offer .

Theatre buffs will be well placed to enjoy an open-air performance of Nikolai Gogol’s The Government Inspector which ranks among the funniest of Russian plays. Music lovers have a banquet for the ears offered by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra which should perform a special concert on Ruder Boskovic Square during the holidays first week.

Inexpensive flights to Dubrovnik are widely available from a range of low discount airlines and flag carriers operating out of the UK, writes news.holidayhypermarket.co.uk.

The oldest cultural holiday in Croatia, Dubrovnik Summer Holiday happens from 10th July to 25th of Aug in Dubrovnik presenting rich and colourful theatre program in the fields of theatre, ballet, classic music and opera.

The Dubrovnik Summer Festival presents a rich programme of classical music, theatre, opera and dance on more than 70 open “air venues over 47 days in summer every year.

Every story has its beginning. Great stories have many beginnings. And there is no absolutely reliable historiographic methodology to distinguish the actual facts. Or is it, perhaps, impossible for great stories to begin with just one beginning? I assume thats why every History has to have its Prehistory

The history of Dubrovnik Summer Festival was “indisputably “conceived during 13 nights of September 1950, when a genuine city steadfastly and uniquely transformed itself into a hypothetical Town. A decade later on French writer Claude Aveline, who had taken part, wrote how he couldn’t surmise that he was attending the arrival of one of the most fabulous holidays of our time.

The prehistory of the Holiday isn’t as straightforward to reach. It appears that its basics go back as early ad the rudiments of the Town itself. As if they both grew out of the medieval urban matrix. They put forth leaves within humanist horizons, flowered in renaissance and baroque.

In the 18th Century they grew ripe. Then they tire in, so it seemed, inseparable co-operation in the dawning of the national age, when the hypothetical Town irreversibly loses its nationally created counterpart. But a genius locus doesn’t tire! The energy of the millennial history keeps on shining with artistic endeavours. Ever since then by command of its historic being, sharing the destiny of other Croatian lands.

Many an artist danced the Holiday reel. Foreign and domestic. Famous ones and people who will come to fame under Dubrovnik sky. In the course of the half a century names and generations followed one another. But all of them were and always will be fascinated by siren call of the ancient Njarnjas and unrepeatable Dubrovnik, holding in common with its audience, making at least temporary non-existent Town.

The Costa Favolosa (www.costafavolosa.com), the 15th vessel comprising Costa’s fleet, the sole fleet flying the Italian flag, is symbolic of Italian pride that will sail the 7 seas. About 3,000 staff and seven thousand workers from linked industries contributed to the construction of the ship. The majority of the firms concerned in the ship making activities, about 500, are Italian. The total cost of the investment in the new building undertaken by Costa Cruises is worth roughly 510 million euros.

“For us, the delivery of the Costa Favolosa is a twofold source of pride. She’s a fabulous ship, a genuine “contemporary fascinated castle” with incredible technological features where our Guests will experience a “fairy-tale holiday”. But it also affirms the soundness of our company. Despite what is not the most propitious worldwide commercial situation, our enlargement plan continues, with major investments in Italy, thanks to the power of our brand, guaranteed by at least 60 years of experience, the quality of our product and shopper satisfaction.” declared Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairperson and CEO of Costa Crociere S.p.A.

“The Costa Favolosa, the largest ship built to date for Costa Cruises, is living evidence of how far we have come together and the results attained by 2 great Italian firms who help spread a positive image of Made in Italy round the world”, commented Fincantieri’s Chairman Giuseppe Bono. “We are most thrilled to have contributed to the success of Costa, an Italian company which proudly flies the Italian flag and which has grown to become number one in its sector in Europe,step-in-step with Fincantieri as we strengthened our leadership in this sector. Interplay between our firms shows that Italian industry is actually capable of making and working as a system and so of reaching peerless levels of quality.”

There really is a myriad of “fabulous” tactics to have fun and relax on board the new flagship : a well-being area extending over 6,000 m ; new suites with Jacuzzi and porch ; an Aqua Park for youngsters ; the fascinations of VR ; Grand Prix race automobile and golf simulators ; and the best of Italian and global cuisine. The Costa Favolosa will depart from Venice on fourth July 2011 on her first voyage, a 3-day vernissage mini-cruise. Throughout the summer of 2011, Costa’s flagship will sail 8-day cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean, following the old routes of the “Serenissima”, calling on Turkey, Greece and Croatia. As an alternative next winter, the Costa Favolosa will sail to the outlandish seas of the Arab Emirates and Oman, offering her Guests “dream” vacations in the mythical and fabulous area of the Arabian Nights.

On board there also are Tax Free shops and a Costa Idea Store conceived by global designer Emilio Robba, where you’ll find a swish collection of products and mementos selected specifically for Costa Cruises. The Costa collection includes the prestigious new “Atelier du Parfum”, where you can mix ‘n match perfumes to blend your own specially made scent. The culinary experiences on board are a feast for the palate and have something for everyone : from the la carte Club to the “wellness” restaurant, the self-service smorgasboard with dishes characteristic of the places visited in the cruise, and the standard Mediterranean delicacies in the 2 main eateries.

In the meantime, culture vultures will revel in the Costa Favolosa’s exclusive specifically commissioned art collection : this is an excursion within the excursion taking in over 6,000 works that boost the inside decoration of the ship and her cabins. The Costa Favolosa’s position at the leading edge of cruise liner building technology also reaches to environmental compliance, which has long been a Costa hallmark. Like other fleet members, the Italian Company’s new flagship will be provided for “cold ironing”, specifically a system whereby the ship is plugged into shoreside electric energy, enabling generators to be shut down during stopovers in port.

The Costa Favolosa leaves Venice on July four on her 3-day vernissage minicruise with stopovers in Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Koper (Slovenia). This may be followed by her grand opening cruise, which leaves Venice on July 7 : an 11-day check-list taking in Greece, Turkey and Croatia with stopovers in Bari, Izmir, Istanbul (Turkey), Mykonos, Piraeus, Olympia (Greece) and Dubrovnik (Croatia). For the remainder of this summer season the Costa Favolosa will be leaving from Venice each Sun. and Bari each Monday on 8-day cruises porting in Olympia (Greece), Izmir and Istanbul (Turkey), and Dubrovnik (Croatia). In winter 2011 / 12, the Costa Favolosa will be deployed on 7-day cruise vacations out of Dubai on the following itinerary : Muscat (Oman), Fujairah (UAE), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Khasab (Oman) and Dubai,as reported tagza.com.