Taste of Croatia Cruise

SUMMARY

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.

Drop your bags onboard at 10:00am before joining the included Walk & Taste Tour at 10.30am. After the tour, check in onboard at 12:00pm (please note your cabin may not be ready until 12:30pm). The cruise departs the harbour at 1:00pm, sailing toward your first destination.

Please Note: Our Captains work hard to provide the best possible experience based on weather and port conditions. Our aim is to make sure you have an amazing week on your Sail Croatia cruise! In light of this, the itinerary and port locations may need to change during the week.

USEFUL INFORMATION

• How do I get to Croatia?
• How do I get from the airport to the ship?

SUMMARY

Experience Split’s vibrant foodie scene as your local guide leads you through the city’s fresh food market, sampling local specialties and discovering how food has shaped Dalmatian culture and history. After your Walk & Taste tour, check in onboard at 12:00pm before departing Split Harbour at 1:00pm.

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 in 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 centuries. 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 in 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.

TASTE OF CROATIA INCLUSION

• Walk & Taste Tour

OPTIONAL EXCURSION

• River Rafting on the Cetina

SUMMARY

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 towns in Croatia, dating back to the 4th century BC. 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.

We’ll travel inland to the stunning Stari Grad Plains to visit the Hora vineyard and farm. Enjoy a traditional peka dinner paired with four Croatian wines - Bogdanuša (a grape variety native to Hvar), Prč, Rose, and Plavac Mali - served alongside a mezze of homemade cheeses, pršut, sausages, anchovies, and olive oil.

Please Note: Due to Port Authority restrictions your ship may be docked in the ferry port.

TASTE OF CROATIA INCLUSION

• Traditional Dinner & Wine Tasting

SUMMARY

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

Upon arrival in Hvar, we’ll visit a local olive oil producer, where you can sample premium olive oils crafted using traditional methods, and learn more about this timeless tradition.

This afternoon, 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, a water taxi transfer will be arranged (one time slot per ship), which will be included for all guests.

TASTE OF CROATIA INCLUSION

• Local Olive Oil Tasting

SUMMARY

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 aren'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.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

• Vis Tour
• Visit to the Blue Cave

Summary

Today we continue to sail south, stopping in one of the bays near Korčula, 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 afternoon, we’ll visit a charming wine bar tucked down a quaint alley, where you can sample Korčula’s local wines paired with freshly shucked oysters from the nearby Pelješac Peninsula.

TASTE OF CROATIA INCLUSION

• Wine & Oyster Pairing

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

• Buggy Safari - Korcula
• Korcula Kayaking

SUMMARY

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.

This evening, enjoy the Taste of the Adriatic dinner, where the onboard chef will showcase the best of Dalmatian cuisine. The Captain will join the meal, offering a wonderful opportunity to meet and get to know them personally.

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

TASTE OF CROATIA INCLUSION

• Taste of the Adriatic Evening Meal

OPTIONAL EXCURSION

• Mljet Bike Rental

SUMMARY

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 Gruž, which is located just outside of Dubrovnik Old Town. Port Gruž runs from South Gruž, to North Gruž Port which is under Dubrovnik Bridge. Public buses to Dubrovnik Old Town are available for €2.50 per person, one way (payable locally).

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

• Dubrovnik City Historical Walking Tour
• Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour
• Sky Bike Dubrovnik

SUMMARY

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 the morning of departure to catch flights, as all ships will be in port the previous night.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION

• Montenegro Day Trip