Croatia Sailing Adventure: Dubrovnik to Split

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in Dubrovnik with a group meeting at 3 pm. If you arrive early, why not take a self-paced walking tour of Dubrovnik – the undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, this picturesque, medieval city is full of character and perfect for wandering around on two feet (especially if you’re a Game of Thrones fan). After your meeting, you’ll head to the local supermarket to buy supplies for your trip, then board the yacht and sail the open waters of the Adriatic to the Elafiti Islands. Elafiti is made up of three main islands – Kolocep (known as the green island due to its 100 year old pine groves, carol-trees, olive groves and citrus trees), Lopud (this island has spectacular parks and beaches and is one of the best developed touristic islands in the Dubrovnik area) and Sipan (the largest of the island group with a long history full of stories and legends, considered one of the jewels of the area).

After breakfast onboard, set sail for the island of Mljet, stopping for a swim along the way. Legendary in ancient history as the island where the shipwrecked Odysseus lived for seven years, today the island is a haven of lush national park, forests and small villages. Since Greek sailors sought haven here from storms, the island has been inhabited by Illyrians, Romans, Slavs and Avars. In the 13th century the island was given to the Benedictine order who built a monastery in the middle of one of the island's western lakes – Veliko Jezero. When you arrive, perhaps rent a bike and cycle through the national park. Tonight, you could try the local wine – the fields and vineyards that dot the island are the foundation of the local economy, with Mljet's villagers producing wine and olive oil as they have been for hundreds of years.

Sail north through the jewel-like waters to Korcula this morning via the Peljeski Channel. Stop along the way for a refreshing morning swim, then sail on. Greeks settled in Korcula in the 6th century BC, but the town was also occupied by the Romans, Slavs and then the Venetians between 1420 and 1797. Even Napoleon was ruler for a while! As a result of all these influences, Korcula has a cosmopolitan Old Town. Alongside the idyllic beaches, you’ll have plenty of options for your free time. Ask your leader for the best dinner recommendations for a good feed.

Make breakfast onboard the yacht this morning and then set sail for the day. Make a stop around Lovista or Scedro for a morning swim and then settle in for an afternoon of beach hopping. Enjoy seafood fresh from the day's catch and kick back with cocktails on the waterfront as you sail around the scenic islands. You’ll make your way slowly to Hvar, where you can wander around the towns, home to some wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades. If you like, hike past dramatic jagged limestone cliffs and undulating farms, ancient olive groves and fields of rosemary and lavender. There’s also an option to cross the island by car to Hvar Town – often known as the ‘San Tropez of Croatia’.

Today, you’ll cruise on to Vis – the furthest island from the mainland. Stop at the Pakleni Islands or Stoncica along the way for a swim. When you arrive, you can take an optional tour to learn about the island’s history – passing between Greek, Roman, Venetian, Napoleonic, Austrian and Italian hands. Visit nuclear fallout shelters, churches and vantage points with great views across the ocean. If you like, you can also take an optional winery tour and indulge in a few glasses of the local vino.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Vis and set sail to Solta – known for its scenic countryside and excellent olive oil. On the way, you might stop in for a swim in a nearby sheltered bay. When you arrive, maybe visit a family-run agrotourism estate in Maslinica. Sit down and enjoy a wine tasting paired with local food, while you learn about this village’s local agriculture.

This morning, you’ll sail to the island of Trogir, stopping at the Blue Lagoon for a swim along the way. Known for its scenery and turquoise-blue waters, it’s the perfect place for snorkelling. Then, continue to Trogir – a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its urban history shaped by Greek, Roman and Venetian influences. When you arrive, maybe explore the historic town centre or head out to dinner with your group and celebrate the last night of your sailing adventure.