Croatia Sailing Adventure: Split to Dubrovnik

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in Split with a group meeting at 3 pm. If you arrive early, take the chance to see what makes Split the soul of Dalmatia. There are the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace, Split's most imposing structure, to explore or markets just outside the palace walls. After your meeting, you’ll head to the local supermarket to buy supplies for your trip, then board the yacht and sail to sunny Brac – the largest island in central Dalmatia. Take a leisurely cruise along the distinctly Mediterranean coast, soaking up the sunshine and the scenery. Then, weigh anchor and go for a dip in the sea or snorkel and spot sea anemones, crabs, sea urchins and small fish.

After a breakfast onboard, bid farewell to Brac and set sail to Vis – the furthest island from the mainland. On the way, you might stop in for a swim near Milna or the island of Solta. 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.

Have breakfast onboard, then make your way slowly to Hvar. Along the way, you might stop at the Pakleni Islands or Stoncica for a swim. After arriving in Hvar 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’.

Make breakfast onboard the boat this morning and then set sail for the day. Make a stop around Lovista or Scedro for a morning swim, and then cruise along to Lastovo. On the way, explore some of the 46 islets and reefs around the island’s edges. Over 70% of Lastovo is forested, making it the perfect place to stretch your legs after a day spent at sea. There's also Venetian architecture from the 15th and 16th centuries and high number of churches to find in your free time.

Sail through the jewel-like waters to Korcula this morning, stopping at Badija or Polace for a refreshing morning swim. 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.

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.

Depart the picturesque Mljet and head to the hidden paradise of Elafiti Islands. Made up of three main islands – Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan – the olive groves, citrus trees and ancient ruins will provide a scenic backdrop for lunch. Then, sail on towards Dubrovnik, you will arrive at marina near Komolac. You can then head into Dubrovnik for your final night with the group – there’s a regular bus service – or stay close and enjoying dinner and drinks at the lovely marina. The choice is all yours!

After breakfast aboard the yacht, your trip will end around 10 am. There are no activities planned for today and you’re free to depart at any time. If you’re flying out of Croatia today, please don’t book a flight earlier than 3 pm in case your arrival is delayed due to weather conditions. Please note that the sailing times listed above are a guide only and subject to change. They are dependent on weather and sailing conditions.