Day 1. Join tour Trogir
Arrive Trogir and join our traditional wooden boat, docked on the old town waterfront. Old Trogir is a pretty, walled town of ancient palaces and jutting belfries. Tonight we shall meet the crew, settle into our cabins and have a light supper on board. 7 nights accommodation in a shared cabin with washbasin, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 1 dinner included (included meals: D).
Day 2. Cruise to Hvar (Hvar Island)
After exploring Trogir a little, we depart for our first day of cruising. We may stop at a pretty secluded spot for a swim, heading eastwards to the tiny island of Scedro, south of Hvar. We stop at this secluded bay to enjoy lunch on board and to take a swim, or maybe visit a small harbour. We then make for Hvar, where 7000 years of history are encapsulated in this small island town. Sparkling amid green hills,rocky terrain and a see of cobalt blue, Hvar is a producer of olive oil, lavender oil and local wine. The town is filled with sophisticated shops, cafes and restaurants. There is a main square around which most of the activity revolves. Walk through the narrow streets to visit the 15th Century Franciscan Monastery; the renaissance cloister, the old rectory that today houses a collection of lace, manuscripts and books; and the church with it’s remarkable collection of paintings. Wander to the main square to see St. Stephen’s cathedral with its treasury and bell tower, all of which bear the mark of Venetian rule. You can climb up the fortress and enjoy the sunset tonight, followed by dinner in one of the numerous restaurants
Day 3. Cruise to Korcula Town (Korcula Island)
Continuing east, following Korcula’s coastline, after a stop or two for a swim and a snorkel, our destination is Korcula Town itself. Korcula is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the trip. Take a self-guided walking tour of this wonderfully compact walled town whose history, like most of Croatia, spans the centuries. Start your walk at the Rector’s Place, with it’s admirable 15th Century turrets, and continue to the City Museum housed in a 16th Century mansion. Here you can witness an impressive array of artefacts and Byzantine icons that bring Korcula’s history to life. Korcula is a photographers dream, with it’s red terracotta roofs, stone cathedrals and winding roads. You may choose to take dinner at a typical Mediterranean restaurant with fresh seafood prepared and served as a local speciality. (Included meals: B, L).
Day 4. Cruise to Pomena (Mljet Island)
After breakfast, we leave the jewel that is Korcula and sail on towards another highlight, the forested island of Mljet, whose National Park covers more than 100 square km and includes two beautiful salt water lakes. On an island in the larger lake is the Monastery of St. Mary, built in the 12th century. The lakes are surrounded by lush evergreen forests with several rare varieties of plant life. The park has a maze of paths which allow you to explore even the most secluded and out of the way areas during our time here. In addition, bikes, kayaks and rowing boats can be used. Entrance to the park includes a boat trip across the lake to the Monastery. Tonight we shall moor up in the small harbour of Pomena where there are several seafront restaurants to choose from. Alternatively, it is possible for the crew to prepare supper on board the boat (optional). (Included meals: B, L).
Day 5. Cruise to Vela Luka (Korcula Island)
Korcula is the most obviously historical of all of the Dalmation Islands and is believed to be the birth place of Marco Polo, as well as being well known for its high quality white wine production. On leaving Pomena , we will stop for a swim and a snorkel, then heading towards the most westerly part of the island - Vela Luka - our moring for tonight. From here, we can offer the option of climbing into the olive groves for an evening of traditional Croatian hospitality and entertainment (optional) with spectacular views over the bay. Alternatively, you can eat in Vela Luka, which again has many restaurants to offer. (Included meals: B, L).
Day 6. Cruise to Vis (Vis Island)
South and west of Vis is the small islet of Bisevo. If the weather is fair we will head here and de-camp into smaller boats to investigate the ‘Blue Cave’ - a grotto that, only if there is direct sunshine overhead, displays the most wonderous turquoise waters. This afternoon we will arrive at Vis Town on the island of the same name. With both Greek and Roman ruins, a very pretty church built out on a spit, a small fort and museum. Tonight we may opt to moor in the harbour where you can dine in a waterfront restaurant. We may alternatively move round the headland to a quiet bay where a deep tunnel into the cliffs was constructed by the Yugoslavs to hide their ships from the German air raids during the second World War. A section of the tunnel has been converted into a family run wine cellar where we can stop and sample local wine produce (optional). In splendid isolation, away from the harbour lights, we can dine on board (optional) and spend time gazing up at the stars. (Included meals: B, L)
Day 7. Cruise to Split
Having explored the town of Hvar, we shall head north to the Island of Brac to enjoy the quiet port and village of Milna. Following this we head on to Split on the mainland. Croatia’s second city has wealth of bars and restaurants, and as tonight is our last night, we shall no doubt choose to celebrate in style. (Included meals: B, L).
Day 8. Cruise to Trogir where tour ends
With just an hour or two’s sailing time along the coast to Trogir, our final destination, there is plenty of time on arrival to explore the narrow streets and old buildings of this pretty walled town. (Included meals: B).
