Notes on Split:
 You may want to arrive for the trip early or stay an extra day just to explore the city of Split. The old town, behind the renovated waterfront Riva captivates the travelers imagination with the remains of and additions to the ancient Roman Palace of Diocletian. Diocletian was born the son of slaves from Dalmatia and after proving himself quickly in the Roman military, became emperor in 284. He ruled for 21 years and then, believing the job to be too large for one man instituted the quadruple rule of Tetrarchy that some historians believe led directly to disintegration and civil war. Other than his innovative views on retirement, Diocletian is also remembered as a persecution of Christians and many leading religious figures and saints were martyred during his reign. The reconstructed Diocletian's Palace grounds include a black granite Egyptian sphinx (from 15 BC) and Diocletian's mausoleum that was later converted to the Cathedral of St Domnius. Split's famous cathedral is home to many works of art and worth the day spent to tour it. Added onto in medieval times as well as others the rest of the palace grounds include remnants of the once proud buildings such as columns and structural stonework were used to complete those alterations.
 
Notes on Croatia, Local Customs and Etiquette:
 
With an approximate population of five million, Croatia has been an autonomous nation since 1990. Warfare besieged Croatia from 1991-95. Today, the Dalmatian Coast appears to be largely unaffected after a decade of peace.
 
It is normal to shake hands upon greeting and departing.
Smoking is generally acceptable with restrictions in public buildings and on public transport.
Topless sunbathing is generally acceptable while nude bathing is restricted to designated beaches or beaches in the wild.

Beach clothing is not normally accepted outside of the beach areas and not in churches.
 
Do expect Croatians to be sensitive about the subject of the war. Nearly everyone in the country has been affected directly. It is recent history for them. Don't refer to it as a civil war. In Croatia the war is officially an aggression by the Yugoslav army.
 
Do be pleasantly surprised by the high quality and great taste of Croatian wine. Do your tasting “in country” though, because they don’t yet have the capability to produce enough to export.
 
Do listen to local folk music if you get a chance. Although you may not understand the words, the melodies convey the feelings quite well.
 
Do sample as much of the Croatian quisine as you can. The food is high on all visitors lists of highlights.
 
Meals and coffee are typically long affairs. Locals meet for business and pleasure at their eating establishments. There is an air of relaxation and comfort in the country’s cafes and pizzerias that is contagious. Whether we’re enjoying a cup of coffee or Prsut (Dalmatia’s home-cured ham) and Paski Sir (a hard piquant cheese that tastes like a blend of parmesan and mature chedder), our visits to local fishing villages for lunch will be memorable!
 
CURRENCY:
Croatia’s unit of money is the Kuna. One Kuna is divided into 100 Lipa and there are 1, 4, 10, 20, and 50 Lipa coins. There are also coins for 1, 2 and 5 Kuna with paper note denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Kuna. The current exchange rate lists one U.S. dollar to be worth just over 6 Kn (Kuna).
 
Cost
 The cost is $4200 with 6 to 8 or $3900 with 8 to 10 guests from Split on the Dalmatian Coast. Single Supplement: $300
 
 Airfare: Approximately $800 -$1200 (Minneapolis - Detroit - Amsterdam - Rome - Split)

Pre-trip Information
 We’re pleased that you’ve chosen to accompany us on one of the best kayak adventures in the world. Please read it carefully; call us if you have further questions.
 
Travel and Accommodations
 We urge you to make your travel arrangements as early as possible in order to get the best fares. Please send us a copy of your airline itinerary when it is set, so we can help with arrangements for picking you up at the airport. You will be met at the airport by our staff, escorted through customs, and transferred to your hotel.
 
Travel Insurance
 Travel insurance is strongly suggested for all of our international kayaking trips. We have included a brochure for travel insurance through a company that we have found to be excellent. When traveling in remote places such as Croatia, this insurance is a sound investment.
 
Travel Documents
 A passport which is signed and valid for more than six months after our return from Croatia for our stay is required. Please make sure that your passport is returned to you with plenty of time to spare before our trip’s departure. Plan for the process to take 3-4 weeks unless expedited at an extra cost.
 
Health and Fitness
 Our trip is one that any reasonably fit person can enjoy. If you have never paddled a kayak before, you should try it at a local outfitter or retailer. We will provide instruction appropriate to the skill levels represented in our group once we gather in Croatia. Each participant should be capable of paddling for approximately 6-8 hours each day with land breaks every hour or two. Please complete the enclosed personal medical form. No specific vaccinations are legally required to enter Croatia. Please check with your local clinic and doctor for current inoculation requirements and other health recommendations. If you require inoculations that need updating, we recommend starting early for maximum comfort.
 
Weather
 Temperatures will normally range from 70-85 degrees F. The weather is calm and reminiscent of the peak of summer in Minnesota.

Croatian Language:
When visiting a new country it is always fun to try and speak the language. The following words and phrases will help get you started. The Croatian language is Slavic, written with the Latin alphabet. It is usually found to be difficult to pronounce for native English and Romance language speakers. German, Italian and English are the most common foreign languages spoken by Croatians, so they may speak better English than you or I. It is fun to try though, and the locals will enjoy your efforts.

Hello dobar dan
Excuse Me izvinite
Please molim
How Many Kuna koliko kuna?
Thank you (very much) hvala (lijepo)
I am from (the US) Ja sam iz (Amerike)
Goodbye do videnja
I’m lost (f) Igubila sam se
I’m lost (m) Izgubio sam se
Yes da No ne
Do you speak English? govorite li engleski?
Sorry oprostite or sorry