Southern Pearls Split to Dubrovnik

Day 1 Saturday: SPLIT – MAKARSKA You’ll depart from Split harbour promptly at 13:00, where your journey begins with a cruise along the stunning Dalmatian coast towards Makarska. Enjoy lunch on board before arriving at the town of Omis, where the emerald-green water of its Cetina River meets the brilliant blue Adriatic Sea. Spend the afternoon exploring the town’s many historic sites, including the 10th century Church of St. Peter or visit Radmanove Mlinice, famous for baking peka bread. Those with a taste for adrenalin will be in their element here, with zip-lining, river-rafting, fishing and pristine diving. You’ll overnight in Makarska, where the beautiful promenade boasts superb restaurants for you to choose from.

Day 2 Sunday:       MAKARSKA – BOL (BRAC) - STARI GRAD Your journey continues as we spend the morning cruising to the island of Brac, where we stop for lunch and a swim at the famous Golden Horn beach, a perfect stretch of white sand that extends from the island into the warm crystal waters. We then continue to Stari Grad on Hvar Island, where the rest of the day is yours to explore what is known to be the sunniest island in the Adriatic. You can rent bicycles and explore the vineyards and fields of the historic Stari Grad plains, which have been cultivated since the 4th century BC, or visit Tvrdalj Castle, a beautifully preserved Renaissance building with rich history.

Day 3 Monday:   STARI GRAD – HVAR We depart from sunny Stari Grad and head towards Hvar, with lunch on board and a stop to swim in the endless turquoise waters of the Pakleni islands. When you arrive in Hvar, you’ll have the afternoon to find out exactly why it’s the most popular of the Croatian Dalmatian islands. Experience Mediterranean hospitality at its finest and sample the home-made wines at local restaurants and cafes, tour the vineyards and vast fields of lavender, or discover Gothic palaces surrounded by marble streets before the sun sets and the town comes alive to party the night away.

Day 4 Tuesday:    HVAR – VIS We set off bright and early and cruise to island of Vis. Until recently; the island served as a military base and was isolated from the rest of the world, allowing it to remain a truly authentic experience of the Mediterranean as it once was. You can spend the day soaking up the old-world charm – and some of Croatia’s best wine, or see the remains of the Roman Thermal Palace. If you have time, we recommend you visit one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe - white sand and crystal water enclosed in a steep cove of limestone rock on the eastern bay. For those who want a bit more adventure, you can hire a moped and explore the naval base or enjoy some of the best wreck-diving Europe has to offer, before spending the night on the northern end of the island.  Day 5 Wednesday:    VIS – KORCULA After breakfast we depart from spectacular Vis towards an island steeped in legend; Korcula. You’ll have the day to explore the island, famous as the birthplace of the intrepid explorer; Marco Polo. See the massive medieval walls that still surround the town, watch a traditional sword dance that tells a story in elegant choreography, or visit some of the many monuments the small island boasts. Be sure to try some of the local wines, flavoured brandies and delicacies at the quaint restaurants in Old Town before you overnight in the port.

Day 6 Thursday: KORCULA – MLJET - SIPAN or SLANO We depart from Korcula and head towards the lush island of Mljet, where you’ll have ample time to enjoy the beautiful National Park, dominated by dense green forests which surround two massive salt lakes. Take a leisurely boat ride to the St. Mary Island in the Great Lake, a stunning 12th century monastery, which is arguably one of the most secluded and serene places in Croatia. Relax and take in the atmosphere, swim in the lake or cycle around it before we continue our day’s journey either to Sipan, in the Elaphite Islands or Dubrovnik on the coastline, where you’ll overnight in one of these quaint fishing villages.

Day 7 Friday:       SIPAN or SLANO – DUBROVNIK We depart early en route to our final destination; Dubrovnik. After lunch on board, we’ll have a short stop at the paradisiacal Sipan Island, famed for its ancient architecture and vast expanses of palm trees. At Dubrovnik, you will be in awe at the sight of the medieval walls that surround this UNESCO World Heritage Site city. Inside the walls, you’ll discover marble streets and baroque cathedrals, palaces and mansions of impossible beauty and detail. Take a cable car ride to the top of Srd Mountain and enjoy unrivalled views of this stunning city from 400m above, where the azure-blue water surrounds a sea of terracotta roofs and spires. After a full day of exploration, you’ll overnight in the Gruz harbour.

Day 8 Saturday: DUBROVNIK Enjoy breakfast and some last-minute sight-seeing before saying your fond farewells to your captain and crew when you check in for departure between 11am and 12pm. Departure is promptly at 13:00.

Services not mentioned in the itinerary

• International and domestic flights not mentioned
• Laundry, phone calls, tips and any expenditure of a personal nature
• Travel insurance

Accommodation will be provided at the hotels stated in the programme. In the event of the hotels becoming unavailable, alternative accommodation will be sourced for clients in hotels of an equal or higher standard.