Sailing adventure in Croatia

Welcome to Croatia. Our adventure begins with a group meeting with the skipper at 3:00 PM on the first day at the "Pizzeria" next to the ACI Marina reception, Dubrovnik. The first port of call is then the local supermarket to buy supplies for our group journey. If you have any special dietary needs, make sure to let us know at the time of booking so we can accommodate your requests. Since we will be setting sail this afternoon, we strongly recommend arriving a couple of days earlier in Dubrovnik, also known as Ragusa, to have time to explore. An undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is a beautiful city of white stone entirely surrounded by city walls. Although it suffered devastation during the war in the early '90s, the historic center, with its terracotta roofs and stone buildings, remains as charming as ever. Extensive restoration has been carried out to return it to its original splendor, and repair works are still ongoing. With the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea in the background, Dubrovnik is picturesque, full of character, and can be easily explored on foot. After boarding the boat, we leave the mainland shores and sail the open waters of the Adriatic towards the hidden paradise of the Elaphiti Islands. The Elaphiti consists of three main islands: Kolocep – Known as the green island because of its ancient pines, Christmas 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 tourist islands in the Dubrovnik area. The island also hosts numerous monasteries and ruins to explore. Sipan – This is the largest of the island group with a long history rich in stories and legends and considered one of the jewels of the area.

Set sail for the picturesque island of Mljet. Legendary in ancient history as the idyllic island where the castaway Odysseus lived for seven years, today the island is a paradise of lush national parks, forests, and small villages. Since the time Greek sailors sought refuge here from storms, filling up on fresh water from its 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 the karst valleys and capture your reflection in ink-blue lakes on a guided tour through the national park. Stroll under cool pine forests, through abysses and gorges, and discover ruins like the remains of an Illyrian fortification, a Roman palace, and a 5th-century church. In the evening, try the local wine: the fields and vineyards dotting the island are the foundation of the local economy, with the villagers of Mljet producing wine and olive oil as they have for hundreds of years.

Navigate north through the jewel-like waters towards Korcula. Pass through the round defensive towers of Korcula town via the Peljeski channel. The natives of Korcula believe that Marco Polo was born on the island. Whether this can be proven or not (the Venetians have a similar claim), Korcula is rich in a long history and the islanders are proud owners of this little gem, smaller than Dubrovnik but no less precious to its inhabitants. The Greeks settled in the 6th century BC (they called the island Black Korcula), but the city was also occupied by the Romans, Slavs, and then the longest period of rule was by the Venetians between 1420 and 1797.

Cruise to Vis, which is the farthest island from the mainland. Vis has preserved its charm and relaxed lifestyle, and you can take an optional tour to learn about the island's history, which has passed through Greek, Roman, Venetian, Napoleonic, Austrian, and Italian hands. Visit nuclear bomb shelters, churches, and scenic viewpoints with stunning ocean views. If the tide is low, visit the beautiful Blue Cave of Cave Bisevo.

Travel along the Neretvanski canal from central continental Dalmatia to the "queen of the Dalmatian islands", Hvar. Settle in for an afternoon of beach-hopping, savoring fresh fish from the day's catch, and relaxing with a cocktail on the waterfront. Hvar has a Venetian vibe: wander through towns with beautifully preserved Renaissance facades, walk along the spectacular jagged limestone cliffs, and slow down to enjoy the rolling farms, ancient olive groves, and fields of rosemary and lavender. There's an option to cross the island by car to the town of Hvar, often referred to as the "Saint Tropez of Croatia".

Brac, the largest island in central Dalmatia, is a gem nestled amidst steep cliffs and a quintessential Mediterranean landscape. For centuries, the villagers have cultivated wine, olive oil, figs, and almonds in the challenging hinterland of this rocky island. However, it's the small beach towns that draw the crowds. Brac's most famous export is the sparkling white stone quarried on the island, adorning ancient buildings like the Diocletian's Palace in Split and as far as the White House in Washington DC. Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the coast, basking in the sun and admiring the scenery. Drop anchor and paddle in the aquamarine sea, or snorkel and spot sea anemones, crabs, sea urchins, and small fish in the pristine waters.

Sail from the idyllic island to the wonderland of the city and approach the port of Split flanked by palm trees on its best side, framed by imposing coastal mountains and the blue of the Adriatic. If Dubrovnik is considered the heart of Dalmatia, Split is definitely its soul. Located on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, it is the second-largest city in Croatia. Explore the imposing ruins of Diocletian's Palace, the most imposing structure in Split and indeed some of the most interesting ruins on the Adriatic coast. Diocletian (245-313 AD) was a Roman emperor known for his cruel treatment of Christians in the 3rd century. He chose the Split peninsula to build this enormous palace for his retirement, near the Roman settlement of Salona (Solin), whose ruins are still visible today. You will arrive in Split around 3:00 PM, so we will spend the last night of our sailing adventure in this vibrant Croatian city. Perhaps enjoy one last group dinner in the evening to celebrate your journey.

After breakfast aboard the yacht, the journey ends around 10:00 AM in the vibrant city of Split. There are no scheduled activities for today and you are free to depart at any time. Please note that the sailing times listed above are indicative only and subject to change. They depend on weather and sailing conditions.