Courier August/September Courier | Page 53

Katarina Line celebrates 25 years of sailing
Roundabout takes travelers straight to the heart of Slovenia

Katarina Line celebrates 25 years of sailing

Katarina Line offered its first small-ship cruise of the Croatian coast in the early ’ 90s , and as the company celebrates 25 years , its marketing director Daniel Hauptfeld reflects on its success .
“ We are clearly market leaders in Croatia for small-ship cruises , but it didn ’ t come easy ,” he says . “ Together with our captains , we have set our standards for different ship types , helped develop new categories of ships , and helped build new and modern ships , while still keeping the traditional Croatian originality .”
Today , Katarina Line uses 52 ships for its itineraries , and it offers an ever-expanding catalogue of land and sea packages . Its seven-night Southern Explorer cruise is its most popular itinerary .
“[ It ] covers all the must-sees for someone traveling to Croatia for the first time — Split , Hvar , Korcula and Dubrovnik are the highlights ... but in the seven nights we also visit Makarska , a famous beach riviera ; Trstenik on the Peljesac Peninsula , famous for wine ; and the National Park Mljet .”
Another frequently requested option is the nine-day Croatian Rhapsody land tour . The itinerary starts in Zadar and finishes in Dubrovnik , and it combines the country ’ s natural beauty of the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes with gastronomic experiences , including truffle tasting in Istria and fresh oysters in Ston .
KATARINA LINE
For 2018 , the company is adding a new one-way cruise between Opatija to Dubrovnik as part of its guaranteed departures . The cruise will visit Rab Island , Zadar , Split , Korcula and the estuaries of the Krka and Neretva rivers , and it will be offered on Katarina Line ’ s newest and most luxurious vessels , which make up its Deluxe Superior ship designation .
“ Everyone is welcome in Croatia , and you can feel it on every corner ,” says Hauptfeld . “ Croatia ’ s nature is still untouched , and the whole coastline and our islands seem like a national park . Still , the people make the country .”
For more information about Katarina Line , contact Katica Hauptfeld at info @ katarina-line . hr or go to katarina-line . com .

Roundabout takes travelers straight to the heart of Slovenia

ROUNDABOUT TRAVEL
“ Slovenia is committed to sustainability , which can be seen in every corner : how it manages its natural sights , emphasizes its diversity and preserves its customs and traditions ,” says Mitja Jus , managing partner at Roundabout Travel .
Lake Bled , Slovenia
The Ljubljana-based company joined NTA in 2016 , and its team is focused on introducing travelers to the wide range of offerings in its relatively small home country . “ All tours are designed to capture the most of [ Slovenia ’ s ] geographical , cultural and ethnic diversity ,” says Jus .
Tour options include multi-day itineraries and day trips . The 10-day Ultimate Slovenia tour takes travelers from the capital city to the Kamnik Alps , the emerald Soca River , the coastal Škocjan Caves and the fairytale-esque Predjama Castle , among other stops .
Slovenia ’ s compact size means that many of its top attractions can be seen on day trips from Ljubljana .
“ Roundabout ’ s tours are focused on guaranteeing exceptional service , taking guests not only to the most popular attractions , but making sure guests experience the authenticity of the places , people and culture ,” says Jus . “ Not to mention all the small culinary and wine delights to round out the amazing travel adventures .”
To learn more , contact Jus at mitja . jus @ roundabout . si or go to travel-slovenia . com .
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