Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in the beautiful historic city of Split and check into your hotel. Depending on your arrival time you may want to enjoy a stroll around the city and start to absorb the atmosphere of this amazing country.

Day 2 - After a leisurely breakfast your guide will join you at your hotel for a brief orientation meeting followed by a guided walking tour of Split. We get acquainted with the incredible history of the city including the Palace and Mausoleum of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and the Temple of Jupiter. We also get a feeling for the vibe of the city, strolling through its colorful street markets, relaxing cafes and bayside promenade. In the early afternoon we head to the yacht for lunch and to settle in to our cabins where we will spend the next 7 nights of our Croatian Cruise.

Itinerary Note: The exact itinerary is subject to weather conditions and may vary. Wind conditions are quite variable, but the seas are usually calm. In order to maximize the time available for explorations we normally travel under motor power. While the sails may go up once or twice, this should not be considered a sailing trip but rather a cruise on a motor-sail yacht.

Day 3 - Today our yacht cruises from Split to Starigrad making a stop along the way to allow for a cooling swim near the island of Brac (this island is where the limestone used to build the Whitehouse was quarried). A highlight of our trip is the active 2 mile hike to a hidden monastery in the hills. Late in the afternoon we arrive at the Island of Hvar and visit Starigrad home of Croatia's much loved poet, Petar Hektorovic. Enjoy a stroll around this lovely town and take in the ancient stone walls dating back to the Illyrian period.

Day 4 - After a delicious breakfast on the boat we hike for several miles through fields and vineyards to the charming town of Vrboska. Nestled between ancient pine forests and vineyards Vrboska's narrow streets and ancient buildings offer a surprise find for the visitor, a fortified church housing a magnificent collection of paintings, including some by Titian. Later we return to the boat for a well deserved lunch and take a relaxing cruise to the medieval port town of Hvar. Referred to as one of the "Isles of the Blessed" this is a perfect place to spend an evening on shore and have dinner while enjoying the beauty of the town and the ever present fragrance of citrus groves and flower gardens

Day 5 - Today we have another chance to visit the the market in Hvar and venture into the quiet back streets of this captivating town. Those looking for a more active morning may want to hike to the 16th Century Venetian Citadel for spectacular views over the sea and town. If the weather is kind we will sail to Vis in the afternoon or relax, perhaps visiting the beautiful lavender fields.

Day 6 - If we have not already made it to Vis we will try again today stopping to enjoy a refreshing swim en route. Depending on weather we will either stop at the town of Vis or sail directly to the beautiful blue grotto on the island of Bisevo. Tito's HQ during WWII and only open to tourists since 1989, Vis is truly off the beaten path. During our visit we will get to know both its fascinating history and sample some of the best wine Croatia has to offer. For more insight into this beautiful island click on the link to the article, "Welcome to Miso's Island" by Alison Gardner, travel journalist for Travel with a Challenge Magazine

Day 7 - After breakfast we have another chance to explore this incredible island and with fair winds our yacht will begin the journey South to the Island of Korcula, birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. One of the most dramatic medieval walled towns in the whole of Europe Korcula boasts a magnificent array of architectural styles ranging from the 14th to the16th century and houses an impressive collection of religious art. We will meet up with our local guide who loves to share his unique knowledge of the towns rich and colorful history. Hopefully we will have the chance to hear local "Clappa" singers during our time here.

Day 8 - After breakfast we leave Korcula to walk the hills along the Peljesac Peninsula starting at the small village of Viganj and ending at Orebic. This hike covers about five miles and takes around three hours, walking through pines, pomegranates and enjoying sweeping views across the water to the island of Korcula. We visit a small maritime museum before returning to the yacht. We cruise north to our final anchorage for the night.

Day 9 - After breakfast we say an early farewell to the captain and crew and begin a fun day of exploration of the Peljesac Peninsula. We drive to Ston, a site of historic salt production and acres of oyster and mussel farms. We'll taste superbly fresh oysters and continue to Dubrovnik, arriving mid-afternoon. After lunch we head into the old city, a UNESCO world heritage site. This beautiful and historic city has long been admired by all those who have seen it and George Bernard Shaw called it "Paradise on Earth". Housed inside magnificent city walls Dubrovnik is a no car zone making strolling around the polished stone streets a delight. The splendor of marble fountains, numerous galleries and churches is complemented perfectly by the vivacious and animated people who live here. We will drop you at your chosen hotel and you say farewell to your guide and you are free to explore this wonderful city. B

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