Explorer One Way Itinerary: Split to Dubrovnik

Our Explorer cruises are designed for travellers looking for a blend of sightseeing, relaxation and socialising. Aimed at young professionals and young at heart travellers, the 7 day Explorer routes are perfect for unwinding and taking in the beautiful Croatian coastline, whilst still giving you socialising options with your shipmates.

Swim in secluded bays and once in port explore historic towns and villages. Watch golden sunsets with your friends whilst sipping cool drinks from the decks of your boat and let the mood take you out in the evenings to waterside cafes or vibrant bars and clubs.

SPLIT-MAKARSKA-STARI GRAD/JELSA-HVAR-VIS-KORCULA-MLJET-DUBROVNIK

Departure Day: Saturdays (Jul - Aug)
Departure Time: 1PM
Finish Time: 9AM the following Saturday
Note it is possible to finish on Friday evening as the boats will dock in Dubrovnik around 3pm

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Saturdays: SPLIT - MAKARSKA

Departure from Split harbour is at 13.00. We have lunch upon departure from Split and journey down the coast towards the Makarska Riviera whilst taking in the stunning views. We will stop for an afternoon swim at one of the pretty coastal bays before getting into Makarska.

En route to Makarska, you have the option of enjoying some river rafting action down the Cetina river. The Cetina river splits the Riviera in a spectacular gorge and during the 12th and 13th Century was an area where pirates thrived by raiding the Pope's galleys and passing merchant boats to Venice. Rafters will be dropped back in Makarska later in the afternoon to join the boats for the evening.

Makarska is one of the most attractive coastlines on the Dalmatian coast nestled under the massive peaks of the Biokovo mountain range with Mt Jure the highest seaside peak on the Mediterranean. Stroll along the ancient streets and explore numerous churches and other architectural and cultural sights that take your interest.

If you are looking at nightlife options there is the cocktail bar Marineta and for late night takers there is the infamous club "Deep" a natural cave next to the sea which booms into the wee hours.

Optional Activities

• Cetina River Rafting Trip (27 Euro)*
• Introductory Scuba Dive (40 Euro)*

Sundays: MAKARSKA-STARI GRAD/JELSA

Early in the morning, we head towards the island of Hvar, the longest and one of the most well-known islands in the Adriatic. We moor overnight in the quaint harbour town of Stari Grad or in the pretty port of Jelsa (depending on local harbour traffic). Situated on the northern side of the island, Stari Grad literally means 'Old Town' and it is the oldest town in Croatia. Stari Grad boasts an attractive network of old narrow streets and small squares around the harbour. Vineyards and olive groves surround the town and the Stari Grad Plain is a UNESCO protected World Heritage Site. Jelsa dates back to the 1300's and was a significant trading port for the island's wine and olive oil. It nestles at the foot of thickly wooded hillsides. Both ports have plenty of restaurants and bars to explore, with some overlooking the harbour itself and others tucked away in the side streets.

Mondays: STARI GRAD/JELSA-HVAR

After lunch onboard the boats we stop for a swim at one of the hidden bays heading towards Hvar Town for our second night on Hvar island. The 7th century walls with fortifications towering above the township, fascinating outlying Resin Islands, waterfront restaurants and famous bars make it a popular night's stop.

We overnight along the town waterfront where we have prime position to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of restaurants and cafes. Climb up to the hill fort to enjoy the magnificent views across the town and outer islands before relaxing on deck sipping cocktails and sharing travel stories with your fellow travellers.

Often there are magical sunsets you wish would go on forever and combined with clubs such as Carpe Diem, Veneranda and the Nautica Bar give those wanting a late night plenty of options to choose from. For couples there are inviting waterfront cafes and pathways leading to secluded local restaurants for a more intimate evening.

Tuesdays: HVAR - VIS

Early in the morning and subject to weather conditions (which are normally excellent), we will make our way across to the island of Vis, one of the most outer-lying islands on the Dalmatian coast. Vis has been used over the centuries as a strategic military port and saw action by the Allied military through WWII against Italy and the Germans. It has only recently been open to commercial tourism and still retains a lot of charm as it not frequently visited due to its location.

Today it is an idyllic island which is most famous for the outer-lying Blue Cave, an island cave system accessible only by boat. The blue turquoise water and refracted light into the cave make for exciting and amazing photo opportunities.

If by chance the weather and wind isn't suitable to visit Vis, then an alternative stop will be made on the itinerary. The captain reserves the right to amend this as his number one priority is always safety.

Wednesdays: VIS - KORCULA

Later in the morning we continue our trip south. Our first stop is in one of the bays near Loviste, on the Peljesac peninsula, an islolated town which until recently was only accessible by boat. We will find a quiet bay to spend the day relaxing in the sunshine and swimming. Later in the afternoon we continue onto Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. You’ll have the opportunity to explore Korcula while we overnight in port. On this island you can find more legends, tales and monuments than anywhere else. Listen to the story of the stone walls, which were being built over two centuries ago.

Korcula has a wealth of restaurants and there are numerous bars and clubs for those looking for late night options.

Optional activities

• Buggy & Wine Tasting Safari (55 Euro)*
  

Thursdays: KORCULA - MLJET

The next morning we head further south to the island of Mljet. We arrive late afternoon and you are then free to look at the salt lakes in the National Park and enjoy the sun and sea on this peaceful island. We will overnight in the port Polaca/Pomena. In the middle of the large lake, inside the National park, we can visit the little isle of St Mary, with an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and church dating from the 12th Century, or just use a small boat, kayak, bicycle, scooter or cabriolet to roam around the National Park.

Optional Activities

• Mljet National Park Entrance (12 Euro)
• Scooter Hire (26 Euro)
• Car Hire (from 36 Euro)
• Bikes and Kayaks from (5 Euro)

Fridays: MLJET - DUBROVNIK

After breakfast we depart for Dubrovnik, which will be the highlight and also end point of our cruise. There will be time for a swim amongst the outlying Elephite islands. Enjoy the beautiful sights of nature along the way as we cruise towards "heaven on earth" - according to the famous writer George Bernard Shaw.

We will arrive in Dubrovnik around 2-3 PM. Take a walk through the Stradun - both a street and a square, a promenade inside the city walls. The old town was completed in the 13th century and remains virtually unchanged to the present day. For those of you with the energy we recommend a walk on top of the 1,940m long city walls! You will be amazed with hidden gems such as Cafe Buza which sits on the cliff face along the walls where you can sit back and watch the cliff divers jumping off the walls with the sun falling in the background.

Small alleyways hide traditional restaurants with bucket-loads of atmosphere. Later in the evening there are plenty of late night hang-outs to keep you awake into the early hours.

Optional Activities

• Dubrovnik Walking Tour (Circa EUR10)

Saturdays: DUBROVNIK

Early breakfast after which it is time to say goodbye to the crew and all your new friends or join one of our Balkan Road Trips and explore Montenegro, Albania and Corfu on the Croatia to Greece Pass, or Bosnia on the Bosnia Adventure.

NOTE: It is possible for you to leave as early as needed on Saturday morning if you need to catch flights as the boats will be in port by Friday afternoon.

* Note: Minimum numbers apply for these excursions to take place.

All of the activities offered on this itinerary are informative only and are for your planning benefit. These are booked and paid for locally if you wish to participate. There is no obligation to participate as they are purely optional. They are offered by local companies and do not form part of your booking with Sail Croatia. Prices are also approximates and are subject to change. Minimum numbers also apply.