Deluxe Split to Dubrovnik Small Ship Cruise

The fun begins with your arrival into the ancient city of Split. Private transfer from your local hotel or Split Airport will bring you to the harbour where you’ll board your luxurious vessel. enjoy a welcome drink and then drop off your bags and go exploring unencumbered. You’ll have plenty of time with the welcome meeting and cocktail reception at 7 p.m. You might want to stroll the waterfront promenade with its wine bars and various eateries or get a preview of Diocletian’s Palace, just steps away. This evening you’ll meet the captain, crew and your fellow passengers and enjoy a three-course dinner.

After breakfast this morning you’ll follow our expert local guide through the gates of the well-preserved walls leading to the over 1,700-year-old Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. As you stroll the labyrinth of streets and alleyways, it feels like walking back in time, with the many influences by the Romans, Greeks and Venetians revealed in the architecture. Back onboard the ship, we’ll set sail to our first stop, Trogir. This medieval walled town and UNESCO World Heritage Site has a history that dates back over 2,3000 years, home to one of the finest examples of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the Cathedral of St. Lawrence.

Continuing toward cosmopolitan Hvar Island, we’ll stop near the town of Bol on Brac Island so that you can enjoy a swim from one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, Zlatni Rat with its unique horn shape surrounded on three sides by a clear turquoise sea. If you’d prefer, you can explore Bol nearby. Afterwards we’ll cruise to Hvar Town, passing secluded bays and hidden coves along the way. After our arrival, you’ll take a wine tasting tour in the small town of Jelsa at a family-run winery and enjoy an awe-inspiring view over Hvar, nearby islands and the Adriatic from Spanjola Fortress.

Departing early this morning to experience the magical Blue Cave, you’ll enter the narrow entrance in a small boat to witness the natural phenomenon that occurs when the sun beams its rays into the interior through a crack in the rock, illuminating it in a silvery blue glow. Afterwards, continue to unspoiled Vis, an island known as the “Mediterranean as it once was.” There has been little tourism development here as it was closed to the public for 40 years while used as a Yugoslav military base. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to wander the ancient streets of Vis Town.

Your next destination is Korcula, the alleged birthplace of world explorer Marco Polo. Relax on deck while enjoying the endless blue of the sea before we anchor just outside walled Korcula Town. This “mini-Dubrovnik” is surrounded by ramparts and towers and filled with impressive medieval architecture. Meet your local guide for a walking tour along the streets of this storybook place while hearing the history behind the sights and discovering why the streets are arranged in a unique fish bone pattern. This evening you can relax on the ship or if you can join an optional traditional village party with local entertainment.

Cruising on, we’ll head to lush Mljet Island, one of the greenest and most beautiful in Croatia, a favourite among nature lovers. Take a short walk to visit its famous saltwater lakes on your own, including Great Lake, which hosts a tiny islet home to a 12^th-Benedictine monastery. Afterwards we’ll journey to the mainland, stopping at the traditional fishing village of Slano. Wander around the medieval ramparts and then join us for a short stroll to an oyster farm in Ston for an oyster tasting with fresh mussels too. Back onboard the Captain’s Dinner will be hosted with live music and entertainment.

It’s time to sail to our final destination: Dubrovnik. We’ll cruise around the medieval defensive walls for a closeup view from the water before pulling into port. Meet our local guide who will bring you through the Old Town, with its magnificent Gothic and Renaissance architecture. You’ll have time afterwards to enjoy it on your own. You might want to walk atop the ancient walls for a spectacular panorama of the red-tiled roofs in the historic center on one said, the sea and Elaphiti Islands on the other. Then enjoy a celebratory dinner with a sea and sunset view in a rooftop restaurant.

After seven nights of sailing through Croatia, departure day has arrived. Disembarkation is typically at 9 a.m., although your cruise director will let you know when your private transfer will arrive for your journey to Dubrovnik Airport or your local hotel. You’ll have time for breakfast and goodbyes to the crew and your fellow passengers, some who may have become new friends.