The Adriatic Sea
Golf Cruise to The Adriatic Sea
Privileged Golf Yachting Aboard the 34-Guest Yacht
Callisto
August 15 - 24, 2009
Embrace the extraordinary and leave the ordinary courses to the ordinary players on an unforgettable golf adventure to the Adriatic Sea, encompassing historic port towns in Italy and Croatia’s glorious Dalmatian Coast and islands. Golfers will match their passion for the game with excellent courses and idyllic vistas, including Venice’s Circolo Golf Venezia, abutting an old fortress; the Adriatic Golf Club Cervia, set between pine trees and the sparkling sea; and Rimini Golf Club, ringed by rolling hills and lakes. At the Barialto Golf Club in Puglia, players will tee up amidst timeless olive groves, surrounded by the water lilies and reeds that comprise the course’s obstacles. Our adventure aboard the 34-guest Callisto also affords three visits along the Dalmatian Coast, including: Croatia’s pristine island of Vis; Korcula Island, caressed by gentle breezes and graced with Venetian spires; and the wondrously preserved medieval city of Dubrovnik. When not perfecting their swing or swimming in the azure waters of the Adriatic, our guests will benefit from the instruction and personal feedback on their golf game provided by the onboard host.
Host:
Our host for this cruise is Bill Bondaruk, a PGA Class A Member. Named 2006 Northern California Teacher of the Year, he has twice been voted top instructor by Sacramento Magazine. Mr. Bondaruk has played more than 100 tournament competitions on mini tours ranging from the Hogan Tour (1990) to the Benson & Hedges Tour (Mexico 1992-93). Playing highlights include: two-time winner of the NGA Tour, 1985, Arizona; two-time winner of the Sun Belt Tour, 1989, Arizona; and winner of the North Atlantic Tour, 1991, Massachusetts. Author of The 7 Myths of Golf, Mr. Bondaruk also writes for PGA.com’s “Improve your Game” column; Cyber Golf, where he gives Web video instruction; and The Press Tribune. Among the golf schools Mr. Bondaruk has taught at are John Jacobs, Jim McLean and Scott Sackett‘s Resort Golf.
Deck Plans and Rates:
ITINERARY:
Saturday, August 15, 2009
USA
Fly from the United States to Venice, Italy.
Sunday, August 16
VENICE, Veneto, Italy | EMBARK
Arrive in Venice and transfer to the port to board Callisto. Venice is unquestionably one of Europe’s most unusual and sublime cities, where water and light work a special magic on the ancient stones and canals. Overnight aboard ship docked in Venice.
Monday, August 17
VENICE
Golfers will play the opening round at Circolo Golf Venezia, entered through the remains of an old fortress and set among exquisite grounds in Alberoni on the Lido, the long and narrow island that separates the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. Touring passengers will explore some of Venice’s main landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica, consecrated in 1094 and adorned with splendid marble and mosaics, and the Doge’s Palace, the seat of Venetian power. There will also be time at leisure for independent activities before the ship sails in the evening.
Tuesday, August 18
RAVENNA, Emilia Romagna
In the morning, Callisto will enter the canal that leads to Ravenna and dock near the center of town. Ravenna is an ancient city that came to prominence in the early 5th century A.D., when it became the capital of the Western Empire. Golfers will play the Adriatic Golf Club Cervia, a superb course set between the sea and an old forest of pines. Co-designed by Marco Croze, who has crafted some of Italy’s best courses, Golf Club Cervia is a blend of Scottish link and American classic styles. Touring passengers will visit Ravenna’s famed Byzantine churches dating from the 5th and 6th centuries, including the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Basilica of San Vitale and the Basilica of San Apollinare in Classe, all decorated with luminous mosaics and other pieces of art.
Wednesday, August 19
PESARO, Marches
Arrive in Pesaro, a handsome city on Italy’s Adriatic Coast. Golfers will drive to the renowned resort town of Rimini to play Rimini Golf Club, designed by Brian M. Silva and set in a beautiful landscape with lakes and hills. Touring passengers will enjoy an excursion to Urbino, one of Italy’s bestpreserved Renaissance towns, built on two hills overlooking the glorious countryside of the Marches. Ruled by the Montefeltro family from the 12th century, Urbino reached its golden age in the 15th century. Visit the celebrated Palazzo Ducale, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture that houses the National Gallery of the Marches, with its splendid collection of paintings. Also, see the house of Raphael, the great Renaissance master, who was a native son.
Thursday, August 20
VIS ISLAND | KOMIZA, Dalmatia, Croatia
In the morning, the ship will anchor at a secluded bay at the island of Vis, where we may enjoy swimming. Closed to outsiders until the fall of Yugoslavia, Vis is one of Croatia’s most beautiful and unspoiled islands. Dock at Komiza, which has retained its medieval character and architecture. Stately homes and other buildings face the harbor, while the terraced hillside provides a lovely background to this idyllic setting. Explore Komiza at leisure before sailing in the evening.
Friday, August 21
MOLFETTA, Puglia, Italy
From Molfetta, a picturesque fishing port on Italy’s Puglia Coast, golfers will drive to the Barialto Golf Club. Created by William W. Amick and Giorgio Ferraris, Barialto is set amidst palm and centuries-old olive trees. Sand obstacles and five lakes with water lilies and reeds are placed strategically. Non-golfers will explore Molfetta as well as other towns characteristic of this part of Italy, including attractive, whitepainted Trani, an ancient town with a superb 11th-century cathedral and other monuments.
Saturday, August 22
KORCULA ISLAND | SIPAN | DUBROVNIK, Dalmatia, Croatia
As the ship approaches Korcula Island, enjoy the regal skyline with its white limestone towers, spires and domes resting against a background of green hills. On a walking tour, note the unique layout of the medieval town, with western streets running straight to funnel the refreshing maestral breezes, while the eastern streets are slightly curved to minimize the bura winds. See the dominating Venetian influence in St. Mark’s Cathedral, which houses works by Tintoretto, and visit the Cathedral Treasury, Bishop’s Palace, Town Museum (located in the 16th-century Gabriellis Palace), Church of All Saints and Icon Museum. There will also be an opportunity to explore the island’s interior by driving to Blato, a beautiful village and the main center of Korcula’s wine-growing district. In the afternoon, Callisto will anchor in the lovely bay of Sipan Island for swimming and dock in Dubrovnik in the evening.
Sunday, August 23
DUBROVNIK
Set on a rocky peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Take a morning tour of the Old Town, beginning with the Franciscan monastery. The cloister of the monastery houses the Old Pharmacy, which has been in existence since the 15th century. Continue to the Dominican monastery and the Baroque cathedral, which contains works by Titian and Andrea del Sarto. Also, view the wonderful interior courtyard of the Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral of Our Lady, known for its rich treasury. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure exploring Dubrovnik on your own. Spend the night aboard ship docked in Dubrovnik.
Monday, August 24
DUBROVNIK | DISEMBARK | USA
Disembark and transfer to the *airport for a return flight to the United States.
Program Inclusions:
• 8-night cruise aboard the 34-guest private yacht Callisto
• Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions
• All meals aboard Callisto, including house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Open bar aboard ship throughout the cruise
• Complete program of tours and excursions as described
• All golf arrangements, including green fees and golf carts
• Accompanying golf host
• Professional tour staff
• Complete pre-departure materials
• Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program departure and arrival dates
• Port and embarkation taxes
• Gratuities to porters, guides and drivers
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare; visa and passport fees; luggage, cancellation and accident insurance; meals and beverages other than those specified above; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes and e-mail service; and gratuities to shipboard personnel
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