Social Programme
The Conference Networking Dinner will take place on the evening of Wednesday, 16 June 2010 at the fabulous Revelin Fortress which was built in 1462 to provide protection to the Eastern City Gate Place. Overlooking the Old City Harbour, the Revelin's terrace offers what are probably the best views of the Old City. The evening will start with drinks on the terrace and will then be followed by a three course, sit-down dinner. The dinner is an excellent opportunity for all attendees to network with their industry colleagues in an informal setting. The conference registration fee will include a place at the dinner and additional places can be purchased for partners and guests. To download a booking form click here - early bird 20% discount is available until 16 April 2010.
- DUBROVNIK HERITAGE - DISCOVER THIS UNESCO WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE
This charming walled city, known as the "Jewel of the Adriatic", was built in the 7th century as a fortress town. The southern-most city in Croatia, Dubrovnik was one of the centres of the development of language and literature and was home to many famous poets, playwrights, painters, mathematicians and other scholars. The gorgeous old town became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Be sure to visit Stradun, the city walls, Sponza Palace, Rector's Palace, the Baroque church of St. Blaise, the Duke's Palace, Cathedral of Assumption, Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius, Franciscan Monastery and the Old Pharmacy to mention just some. http://www.tzdubrovnik.hr/english/index.php
- THE RECTOR`S PALACE
Once the administrative centre of the Dubrovnik Republic, in the 15th century the Palace was destroyed twice in gunpowder explosions. Restored by Onofrio della Cava in the late Gothic style and, after the first explosion in 1435, the Palace got its present-day size with the central atrium and front portico. Today the Rector’s Palace houses the Cultural-historic Department of the Dubrovnik Museum with exhibition halls. The Museum also guards a collection of old coins used in the Dubrovnik Republic, a collection of arms and utensils of Domus Christi Pharmacy from the 15th century. Apart from being exceptionally beautiful, the Rector’s Palace Atrium has excellent acoustics, and is often used as a concert venue.
- STRADUN
The Old Town main street is called STRADUN or PLACA. It is approximately 300-metres long, a pedestrianised zone, it runs from the Pile to Ploče gates. The street came into being in the 12th century, was paved in 1468 and reconstructed after the earthquake of 1667. The houses on each side, though preserving an ancient ground plan, also date from the 17th century. With numerous cultural attractions, cafés and restaurants the street is a great place to relax and enjoy.
- CITY WALLS AND THE FIVE FORTRESSES
Dubrovnik city walls were built between the 13th and 16th Century. With over 2 km in length, 25 m in height and with 16 towers, they are one of the most beautiful and strongest fort systems in the Europe and the main attraction to the city's visitors. A wonderful way to experience the city history is to walk around the wall. Five fortresses, including St Lawrence and Revelin, are incorporated within the walls and Minceta Tower, Fort Bokar and St John's Fortress in particular provide visitors with unforgettable views.
- EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
Dubrovnik is a town of rich history and culture is host to many famous festivals and events each season. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is one of the most significant cultural events in Dubrovnik, which, since 1950 runs from July 10th to August 25th every year. Film lovers can enjoy the Libertas Film Festival, which takes place every year in June and July. The Festival of chamber music 'Julian Rachlin & Friends' hosts the most famous world musicians each year at the beginning of September.
- BEACHES
Slews of public beaches offer Dubrovnik travellers plenty of options for swimming, tanning and boating. Banje Beach is the most convenient beach because of its proximity to Old Town. It also offers the best view of Dubrovnik’s walls. Copacabana Beach is a perfectly pleasant and family-friendly beach on the Babin Kuk peninsula. On the Lapad peninsula, beach-goers might enjoy the pebble beaches located in front of the large hotels, unlike other areas where hotels have private ownership, these beaches are open to the public. St. Jakov Beach is known to few tourists and loved by the locals.
- CROATIA: THE LAND OF A THOUSAND ISLANDS
Croatia is truly a land of islands because it has more than a thousand of them and each one is different. While staying in Dubrovnik, take the opportunity to visit many attractive islands of Dubrovnik Riviera. Visit charming Elafite Islands a stunning collection of islands that offer peace and tranquillity, rich in culture and natural attractions. The National park Mljet is the perfect Island for lovers of nature. You can also explore the Island of Korčula, birthplace of famous seafarer Marco Polo. The Island of Love – Lokrum - is located close to the Old town.
- CAVTAT
Cavtat is the ancient Epidaurum, the predecessor of Dubrovnik, a mediaeval town built according to zoning plans on the slopes of a pen-insole with two easily accessible bays. Within the vicinity of Dubrovnik, Cavtat developed into the cultural, social and tourist centre of Konavle. Interesting sights to see are: the Račić Ivan Meštrović mausoleum, Franciscan monastery, Bukovac Gallery, Pinakoteka, Rector's Palace Museum and the St. Nicholas Parish Church.
- PELJESAC WINE AND WINEYARDS
The Pelješac Peninsula spreads on a surface of 355 km2 and is 65km long. It is connected to land by a narrow isthmus of Ston. Natural beauty on Peljesac still stands against commercial and urban values. At Pelješac they make Croatia's most renowned wines: "Dingač", "Postup", "Plavac" i "Pelješac". It is particularly enjoyable to drink it with homemade specialties in the local restaurants.
