Compare Croatia Sailing Adventure: Dubrovnik to Split by Intrepid Travel vs Croatia & Adriatic Cruise by Celtic Tours

Day 1 Dubrovnik

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins with a group meeting with your skipper at 3 pm on Day 1 at 'Pizzeria' next to the ACI Marina reception, Dubrovnik. The first port of call is then the local supermarket to buy supplies for your trip as a group. If you have any special dietary requirements, please make sure you notify us at the time of booking so we can accommodate your requests. As we will be setting sail this afternoon, we highly recommend you arrive a couple of days early into Dubrovnik to have time to explore. The undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik is a beautiful white stone town surrounded entirely by city walls. Although it experienced devastation during the war in the early 1990s, the old town – with its tiled roofs and stone buildings – remains as charming as ever. Extensive restoration has taken place to return it to its original splendour, and even today repairs are still being undertaken. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is picturesque, full of character and can easily be covered on foot. After boarding the boat, leave the mainland shores and sail the open waters of the Adriatic to the hidden paradise of the Elafiti Islands. Elafiti Islands Elafiti is made up of three main islands: Kolocep – Known as the green island because of its 100 year old pine groves, carol-trees, olive groves and citrus trees. There are also two villages to explore – Donje Celo and Gornje Celo. Lopud – This island has spectacular parks and beaches and is one of the best developed touristic islands in the Dubrovnik area. The island is also home to several monasteries and ruins to explore. Sipan – This is the largest of the island group with a long history full of stories and legends and considered one of the jewels of the area.

Day 2-7 Sailing the Dalmatian Coast

Mljet (Elafiti Islands to Mljet: 4–5 hours*) Set sail for the picturesque island of Mljet. Legendary in ancient history as the idyllic 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, filling up on fresh water from the springs, 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. In 1410, Mljet was formally annexed to Dubrovnik. Why not explore karst valleys and catch your reflection in inky blue lakes on a guided tour through the national park. Wander beneath cool pine forests, through chasms and gorges, and discover ruins such as the remains of an Illyrian fortification, a Roman palace and a 5th-century church. In the evening perhaps 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. Korcula (Mljet to Korcula: 3–4 hours*) Sail north through the jewel-like waters towards Korcula. Sweep in past the round, defensive towers of Korcula Town via the Peljeski Channel. Natives of Korcula believe Marco Polo was born on the island. Whether or not this can be proved (the Venetians have a similar claim), Korcula is steeped in a long history and the islanders are proud owners of this little gem, smaller than Dubrovnik but no less precious to its inhabitants. Greeks settled in the 6th century BC (they called the island Black Korcula), but the town was also occupied by the Romans, the Slavs, and then the longest period of rule passed to the Venetians between 1420 and 1797. Even Napoleon was ruler for a while. As a result of all these influences, Korcula has a stunning Old Town – romantic and evocative. And what's more, there are plenty of warm beaches to relax on if that's more your speed. Vis (Korcula to Vis: 4–5 hours*) Cruise to Vis, which is the furthest island from the mainland. Vis has retained it charm and laid back lifestyle, and you can take an optional tour to learn about the island’s history – with it 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 the tide is low, visit the stunning blue grotto of Cave Bisevo. Hvar (Vis to Hvar: 3–4 hours*) Voyage along the Neretvanski Channel away from mainland Central Dalmatia to the 'Queen of the Dalmatian Islands', Hvar. Settle in for an afternoon of beach-hopping, enjoying seafood fresh from the day's catch and kicking back with cocktails on the waterfront. Hvar has an air of Venice about it – wander around towns with wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades, hike past dramatic jagged limestone cliffs and slow your pace to enjoy the undulating farms, ancient olive groves and fields of rosemary and lavender. There’s an option to cross the island by car to Hvar Town, often known as the ‘San Trope of Croatia’. Brac (Hvar to Brac: 3–4 hours*) Sunny Brac is the largest island in central Dalmatia, set among steep cliffs and a distinctly Mediterranean landscape. Villagers have farmed wine, olive oil, figs and almonds in the difficult interior of this rock-strewn island for centuries, but it's the small, beach-side towns that draw the crowds. Brac's most famous export is the gleaming white stone mined from the island's quarries, cladding buildings as deep in antiquity as Diocletian's Palace in Split, and as far afield as the White House in Washington DC. Take a leisurely cruise along the coast, soaking up the sunshine and the scenery. Weigh anchor and go for a paddle in the aquamarine sea, or snorkel and spot sea anemones, crabs, sea urchins and small fish in the pristine waters. Split (Brac to Split: 3–4 hours*) Sail from island idyll to city wonderland, and approach the palm-lined harbour of Split from its best side – framed by towering coastal mountains and the blue of the Adriatic. If Dubrovnik is considered the heart of Dalmatia, Split is certainly its soul. Situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, it's the second largest city in Croatia. Explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace, Split's most imposing structure and indeed some of the most interesting ruins on the Adriatic coast. Diocletian (245-313 AD) was a Roman Emperor infamous for his cruel treatment of Christians in the 3rd century. He chose the peninsula at Split to build this huge palace for his retirement, near to the Roman settlement of Salona (Solin), the ruins of which can still be seen today. You will arrive into Split at approximately 3pm so the final night of your sailing adventure is spent in this vibrant Croatian city. Perhaps enjoy a final group dinner in the evening to celebrate your journey.

Day 8 Split

After breakfast aboard the yacht, the trip ends around 10am in the exuberant city of Split. There are no activities planned for today and you’re free to depart at any time. * Please note that the sailing times listed above are a guide only and subject to change. They are dependent on weather and sailing conditions.

Day 1: Arrive Zagreb.

Arrive Zagreb,where we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. Enjoy dinner this evening and overnight in Zagreb.

Day 2: A day in Zagreb.

A morning sightseeing tour will take us through the historic Upper Town. See St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, Parliament, and the Government Palace. The rest of the day is ours to explore the winding streets of the old town at our own pace. Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 3: Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes - Zadar.

We head south for a visit to magnificent Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder with its 16 terraced lakes surrounded by forested mountains and lush vegetation. A walking tour takes us around several of the lower lakes. On to Zadar and the port to embark. Later, gather with our fellow “sailors” for a Welcome Reception on board followed by dinner.

Day 4: Zadare - Sali.

Zadar’s historical center is a pedestrian zone, perfect to explore on foot. Set out on a walking tour and admire the 16th-century walls built in by Venetians as a defense from the Turks. On to see the 16th century Port Gate where the Venetian lion still stands guard over the entrance, the Square of the Five Wells, Church of St. Donat, the Roman Forum and the largest cathedral in Dalmatia, St. Anastasia. Returning to the boat, enjoy lunch as we sail to Sali. Explore the town tonight, and have dinner on your own in one of the restaurants.

Day 5: Sali - Sibenik.

Take in the scenic natural beauty of two National Parks today. Start in Kornati, home to more than 140 islands with numerous coves and crystal clear waters. Stop for a swim during our lunchtime cruise. Next is Krka, with its breathtaking waterfalls. After your visit here, coach to Sibenik where our boat is anchored. Our evening is at leisure in town.

Day 6: Sibenik - Trogir - Split.

Take a break for a swim during our morning cruise. Sail through lunch, arriving in the UNESCO-listed city of Trogir this afternoon. Free time before heading to Split. Here, a walking tour of the historic inner city shows off the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. See the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral.

Day 7: Split - Bol - Hvar.

Stop in Bol, home to one of the best beaches in Croatia, the Golden Horn. Go for a swim in the clear blue waters before sailing to Hvar. Here, a sightseeing tour includes views of the first public theatre in Europe, the Franciscan Monastery, and many more historic sights. The evening is free to explore Hvar and to dine on our own at one of the excellent restaurants. (Note: Due to the limited capacity of the Hvar harbor (during peak season in July and August) port of call can be substituted for Stari Grad/Jelsa. In that case, transfer by bus will be organized to and from Hvar.)

Day 8: Hvar - Korcula - Mljet.

Relax on deck as we sail to Korcula, with an early afternoon arrival. Korcula is the supposed birthplace of the famed explorer Marco Polo. Take a walking tour through its narrow, cobbled streets and visit the grand Gothic-Baroque Cathedral of St. Mark. Continue sailing to the island of Mljet, where our evening is free.

Day 9: Split - Bol - Hvar.

Start the day with a tour of Mljet National Park, encompassing five types of forest and many species of birds, including eagles. A walking tour shows you the two deep lakes, Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake). Lunch is served on board while we cruise to Dubrovnik. We dock and head to Grgich Winery for a tour and wine tasting. Later, in Dubrovnik, take a walking tour of the old town and visit the Rector’s Palace and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy. Our evening is free here in the “Pearl of Adriatic,” a UNESCO World Heritage site

Day 10: Depart Dubrovnik.

After breakfast it's time to disembark. Transfer tothe airport for our return home.