EXPLORER DUBROVNIK & SPLIT CRUISE

Split, a town on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, is known for its beaches and the fortress like complex at its centre, Diocletian's Palace, erected by the Roman emperor in the 4th century.

Once home to thousands, its sprawling remains include more than 200 buildings. Within its white stone walls and under its courtyards and galleries are shops, bars, cafes, cathedrals, hotels and several houses.

Check-in is from 10.30am to 12.00pm. Please note your cabin may not be ready until 12:30pm. Your Split to Dubrovnik cruise will depart the harbour at 1pm sharp and sail toward your first destination!

Your Split to Dubrovnik departure takes place from Split harbour at 1pm. We'll have lunch upon departure and sail down towards the Makarska Riviera, taking in the stunning views along the way. We will stop for a swim at one of the hidden bays along the coast before arriving into Makarska.

En route, you have the option of river rafting down the Cetina River, which splits the Riviera into a spectacular gorge and was an area where pirates thrived during the 12th and 13th Century. Rafters will be dropped back to Makarska later in the afternoon to join the ships for the evening.

Makarska nestles under the massive peaks of the Biokovo mountain range, with Mt Jure being the highest seaside peak on the Mediterranean. Strolling along the streets of Makarska, you will come across numerous churches and other architectural sights.

For nightlife options, there is the cocktail bar Marineta and for late night takers, there is "Club Deep" set in a natural cave next to the sea.

Early in the morning, we head toward 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 the 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 one of the oldest town in Croatia, dating back to the 1300's. Stari Grad boasts an attractive network of old narrow streets, vineyards and olive groves that surround the town, as well as the Stari Grad Plain; a UNESCO protected World Heritage site.

Both ports have plenty of restaurants and bars to explore, with some overlooking the harbour itself and others tucked away in the side streets.

Please Note: Due to Port Authority restrictions your ship may be docked in the ferry port. A transfer into Stari Grad Town can be arranged for €2 per person (payable locally).

After lunch onboard, we stop for a swim at one of the bays heading towards Hvar Town for our second night on Hvar island.

Climb the hill and visit the 16th Century Fortress overlooking the harbour, explore a Renaissance Cathedral with its original tower or discover the oldest community theatre in Europe!

We overnight along the town waterfront, where we have prime position to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of restaurants, cafes and bars that are open well into the night.

Please Note: The docking time in Hvar can be early evening in peak season due to Port Authority restrictions. If guests would like to arrive in Hvar town earlier, water taxi transfer will be arranged for one time slot for the boat, which will be included for all guests.

Early in the morning and subject to weather conditions, 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 Germany.

Today it is an idyllic island, famous for its stunning 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. Please see FAQ Will I get to visit the Blue Cave?

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

Today we continue to sail south, stopping in one of the bays near Loviste, on the Peljesac peninsula, where we will spend the day relaxing and swimming off the ship.

Later this afternoon we'll continue onto the island of Korcula, the rumoured birthplace of Marco Polo. Korcula has a wealth of restaurants to explore in the evening, and there are numerous bars and clubs within the city walls.

This morning we'll head south to the island of Mljet and its amazing National Park. Once docked in the afternoon, you are free to explore the salt lakes within the National Park.

Inside the National Park you are able to visit the isle of St Mary, which is home to an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and a church dating back to the 12th century that are just waiting to be explored.

The National Park is best discovered using a bicycle or kayak that can be hired within the park grounds.

We will overnight in the port of Polace or Pomena this evening and catch one of Mljet famous sunsets from the back of the ship.

Please Note: Guests looking to explore Mljet National Park, please be aware there is an entrance fee payable locally.

After breakfast we depart for Dubrovnik, dubbed "heaven on earth" by the famous writer, George Bernard Shaw. We arrive in Dubrovnik in the early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore the 13th century Old Town.

Walk the impressive 1,940m long city walls and discover hidden gems such as cafes and bars perched along the walls, where you can sit back with a cold drink and watch the sunset.

Later in the evening there are plenty of nightspots available to keep you awake into the early hours.

We'll overnight in the Port of Gruz, just outside this magical city.

Please Note: Your ship will dock in Port Gruz, which is located just outside of Dubrovnik Old Town. A bus transfer to Dubrovnik Old Town is available for €2 per person (payable locally).

This morning it's time for an early onboard breakfast, before saying goodbye to the crew and all of your new friends.

Please Note: It is possible for you to leave the ship as early as needed on Saturday morning to catch flights, as all ships will be in port by Friday night.

Check-in at Dubrovnik's Gruz Harbour from 11am, with lunch served onboard at 1pm, giving you the perfect opportunity to get to know your new shipmates! We’ll begin our cruise from Dubrovnik and head toward our first destination, Mljet.

We depart from the Port of Gruz at 1pm. We'll have lunch onboard, allowing you to get to know your fellow shipmates as we sail north through the beautiful Elaphite islands. A refreshing swim stop will be had before we continue to Mljet island and its National Park.

Once docked in the afternoon, you are free to explore the salt lakes within the National Park. Inside the Park you are able to visit the isle of St Mary, which is home to an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and a church dating back to the 12th century that are just waiting to be explored.

The National Park is best discovered using a bicycle or kayak that can be hired within the park grounds. We will overnight in the port of Polace or Pomena this evening and catch one of Mljet famous sunsets from the back of the ship.

Please Note: Guests looking to explore Mljet National Park, please be aware there is an entrance fee payable locally.

From Mljet we'll set sail for the island of Korcula, the rumoured birthplace of Marco Polo. Lunch will be served onboard near Lumbarda bay, on the eastern side of Korcula island. We will overnight in the port of Korcula Town.

Explore this fortified town, with its narrow streets and lookout towers and spend your afternoon exploring and understanding the islands legends, myths and tales.

The town's stone walls were built over two centuries ago, and the Old Town is built in a fishbone structure that you have to see to believe.

We set sail from Korčula town and head to the western side of the island, where we will stop at the port of Vela Luka. The name Vela Luka translates as ‘big harbour’ and the town lies in a deep sheltered bay, lined with small coves.

The town dates back to prehistoric times and archaeological finds are on display at the cultural centre. Vela Luka has a strong agricultural background, particularly in olive growing, from which its olive oil is locally recommended.

There are a handful of restaurants and shops dotted along the harbour and the town is becoming increasingly popular in the summer months.

Early this 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 Germany.

Today it is an idyllic island, famous for its stunning 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. Please see FAQ Will I get to visit the Blue Cave?

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

Today we'll head toward the island of Hvar, the longest and one of the most popular islands in the Adriatic. We will dock in Hvar Town for our first night on Hvar island.

The 16th century walls with fortifications towering above the township, fascinating outer-lying Islands, waterfront restaurants and famous bars make it a popular stop on the itinerary.

We dock in prime position along the waterfront, providing the perfect base to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of restaurants, cafes and bars. Stunning sunsets, incredible nightlife, well-preserved architecture and inviting waterfront cafes mean Hvar has something for everyone.

Please Note: The docking time in Hvar can be early evening in peak season due to Port Authority restrictions. If guests would like to arrive to Hvar town earlier, water taxi transfer will be arranged for one time slot for the boat, which will be included for all guests.

We depart Hvar Town and sail towards the quaint town of Stari Grad or the 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 one of the oldest towns in Croatia, dating back to the 1300's. Stari Grad boasts an attractive network of old narrow streets, vineyards and olive groves that surround the town, as well as the Stari Grad Plain; a UNESCO protected World Heritage site.

Both ports have plenty of restaurants and bars to explore, with some overlooking the harbour itself and others tucked away in the side streets.

Please Note: Due to Port Authority restrictions your ship may be docked in the ferry port. A transfer into Stari Grad Town can be arranged for €2 per person (payable locally).

We leave the island of Hvar behind this morning and start to make our way back to Split. We'll stop for a swim and lunch along the way at one of the hidden coastal bays, perfect for diving right off the ship.

Our arrival into Split will be in the early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore the abundance of Roman architecture found here, particularly the 4th century, UNESCO protected - Diocletian's Palace.

Enjoy an early onboard breakfast, after which it is time to say goodbye to the crew, your new friends and leave your Dubrovnik to Split cruise behind.

Please Note: It is possible for you to leave the ship as early as needed on Saturday morning to catch flights, as all ships will be in port by Friday night.