Dalmatia Explorer From Dubrovnik
Intensity: Intermediate
Dubrovnik - Slano(Ston) - Mljet - Korcula - Vis - Hvar - Split
Inclusions: Professional tour manager
Guided walking tours
Welcome reception & cocktail
Wine & Gourmet Experiences and excursions
Mljet National Park entrance fee
Captains Dinner with live entertainment
Lunch cruise along the old town city walls in Dubrovnik
Plenty of time to relax with Swim Stops
Opportunity to visit the Blue Cave (local fee)
Olive oil and wine tasting on-board
Buffet breakfast daily
Three course lunches with cheese and salad bar
Complementary water
Coffee and tea with lunch
Daily fresh fruit and snacks
Daily cabin service and towel change
Day 1 – Dubrovnik - Embarkation (D)
Transfer from Dubrovnik area/airport to your vessel for embarkation, cabins are available from 14.00hrs onwards. For early arrivals, luggage storage is available whist you enjoy the first views of Dubrovnik. The rest of the afternoon is spent relaxing on-board, settling into the cabin and enjoying a couple of drinks on the deck. Passengers will be arriving through-out the day and into late evening. A little later enjoy a welcome dinner and introduction to your tour manager. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Day 2 – Dubrovnik - Slano (Ston) - (B, L, T, CD)
After an early breakfast this morning, you are invited to join our guided tour of Dubrovnik. Transfer to the old town where a local guide will lead you through the narrow limestone streets, worn smooth under the centuries of pedestrians that have walked them before you, taking in the splendour of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture. Continue exploring on your own for a couple of hours to maybe take the cable car from the Old Town to Srd Mountain to enjoy unforgettable views of the mighty ramparts and to view the scenic Elaphiti islands (local fee payable), or for those who are feeling brave, walk the city walls, before returning to the vessel. Enjoy lunch on-board as we set sail along Dubrovnik's city walls towards the small village of Slano on the mainland. A peaceful fisherman's village and the starting point for Ston, another, once fortified village famous for its oysters. Later this afternoon we visit Mali Ston to learn about oysters and a special tasting of this delicacy. Tonight enjoy a fantastic dinner on-board hosted by your captain, a casual affair but lots of fun. Overnight in Slano.
Day 3 – Slano - Mljet (B, L)
This morning we head further north to the Island of Mljet. The legend says Greek hero Odysseus spent years on this island when he was captured by the nymph Calypso. Mljet; is a national park of outstanding beauty, boasting five types of forest, many species of birds and two deep lakes. You are invited to join the cruise manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes, where you can enjoy a boat ride to the St Mary Isle; discover an ancient Benedictine monastery and an abbey dating to the 12th century. For a more relaxed feel, opt to spend your time swimming, or for the more adventurous, you can 'go it alone' by hiring a scooter, bike or even kayak to explore the flora and fauna. After an active morning exploring, enjoy an relaxed evening and overnight in the port of Polaca or Pomena.
Day 4 – Mljet - Korčula (B, L)
An early morning departure, as we head towards the Korčula island, best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. Enjoy a refreshing swim stop followed by lunch in one of the secluded bays en route. This afternoon we arrive in Korčula where you are invited to join our guided walking tour of this enchanting town (included). Korcula is surrounded by walls and is one of the best preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. A noticeable fish bone street pattern was used in Korcula's Old Town, which was designed to reduce effects of the wind and sun, which was believed to provide citizens with shelter and comfortable accommodation. Korčula has an abundant choice of restaurants to enjoy a gourmet experience and numerous bars and clubs for those looking for evening entertainment. There is an optional excursion to small village near Korčula for typical Dalmatian dinner and to learn about the history and traditional way of living (payable locally). Overnight in Korčula.
Day 5 - Korčula - Vis (B, L,T)
Leaving Korcula this morning, and setting sail towards the island of Vis. Once a strategic Yugoslav naval base, Vis was closed to the public. Due to its isolation and lack of modern development; Vis has retained a special charm. Today known as “the Mediterranean as it once was”, its towns and villages are a series of courtyards and passageways in limestone, overhung with flower laden balconies. If some of the island looks familiar, Mamma Mia two was filmed here, simply because of the islands untouched beauty. Vis has a very Italian feel, especially the food which majors on seafood, however accompanied by the exquisite wine served in one of the Vis traditional wineries. The evening is spent at your own leisure, so relax over a fantastic meal, and a glass of wine or two, before meandering along back to the cruise with views of the Villae Rusticae situated along the waterfront. Overnight in the port of Vis.
Day 6 - Vis - Bisevo, Blue Cave - Hvar (B,L)
Early departure this morning towards Hvar, stopping near the small island of Bisevo, with an opportunity to visit a natural phenomenon. The Blue Cave; is a truly a spectacular sight, the water inside glows intensely in the darkness. (For those who want to visit this sight, there is an entrance fee to be paid locally E18. You are required to transfer to a small boat designed to pass through the low entrance into the cave, ducking as you go through). This stop is entirely dependant on weather conditions which can be unpredictable. The possibility of the cave visit will be advised that morning, or even at the last minute. We continue our sail to the jet-set island of Hvar, with lunch and refreshing swim stop en-route. Hvar is the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic which is known for lavish lavender fields and breath-taking beauty. You are invited to join our walking tour (included), visiting the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower, and the oldest community theatre in Europe. Opt to hike up the zig-zac path to the town fort overlooking the harbour and take in the scenery of your own vessel in the harbour. The rest of of the day is at your own leisure. In the evening Hvar offers an abundance of entertainment, numerous restaurants, bars and cafes are open long into the night; here you can often spot the rich and famous mingling in the crowd. Overnight in the port.
Day 7 - Hvar - (Bol) Split (B,L)
A morning departure to Brac Island, where swimming is planned at the most famous beach in Dalmatia; Zlatni Rat near Bol – whose gravel promontory shifts from side to side as the wind and waves constantly change in shape. Bol is a typical fishermen’s village converted into a popular tourist destination. After a relaxing lunch we sail along the stunning Split Riviera, mooring up later in the afternoon. You are invited to join your local guide, for a walking tour of Split (included), exploring within the historic inner city. We visit the famous Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness the remnants of Split's Roman history and architecture including its Renaissance and Gothic structures. The rest of the evening is at your own leisure, to enjoy the restaurants and bars of this stunning city. Overnight in Split.
Day 8 - Split - Disembarkation (B)
An early breakfast, and time to say goodbye to the crew and fellow passengers. Check out by 9.00 am and transfer to Split airport or your ongoing arrangements.
* Legend: B - breakfast; L - lunch; D - dinner; T - tasting; CD - Captain`s dinner
The above itinerary is a typical example. Itineraries vary depending on vessel. The exact day to day itinerary will be provided to you with your pre-departure paperwork.
Optional excursions/activities/village dinners/tastings will/maybe offered to you whilst on-board. UK2 Travel have no liability with regards to pricing nor content.