Croatia and Montenegro Sailing Adventure

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, Split is the second-largest city in Croatia. A cultural hub of old-time-y architecture and coastal bliss, you can get lots of local interaction in Split. If you’d like to explore this city properly, it’s recommended you arrive a couple of days early. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 3 pm at the ACI Marina. The first port of call is the local supermarket to buy supplies as a group. You set sail this afternoon, heading for Brac.

Sunny Brac is the largest island in central Dalmatia, set among steep cliffs and a distinctly Mediterranean landscape. Villagers have farmed wine, olive oil, figs and almonds in the rugged interior of this rock-strewn island for centuries, but the small, beach-side towns draw the crowds. Brac's most famous export is the gleaming white stone mined from the island's quarries, cladding buildings as deep in antiquity as Diocletian's Palace and even as far as the White House in Washington DC. Take a leisurely cruise along the coast, soaking up the sunshine and scenery. Go for a paddle in the aquamarine sea or snorkel and spot sea anemones, crabs, sea urchins and small fish. Anchor for the night in the main town of Bol or a nearby cove, depending on the weather.

For the next few days, you’ll sail along the Dalmatian Coast. Voyage along the Neretvanski Channel away from the mainland to Hvar – the 'Queen of the Dalmatian Islands'. Wander around towns with wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades, hike past dramatic jagged limestone cliffs and slow your pace to enjoy the undulating farms, ancient olive groves and fields of rosemary and lavender. Settle in for an afternoon of beach-hopping, enjoying fresh seafood from the day's catch and kick back with cocktails on the waterfront.

Cruise to Vis – the furthest island from the mainland. In 1944 the island was declared a military zone, and foreigners could not access it until 1989. Because of this long isolation, Vis has retained its charm and laid-back lifestyle. The island’s south side is home to some of the most eye-catching coves and beaches. Maybe you’d like to take an optional island tour here, where you can visit nuclear fallout shelters, churches and vantage points with great views across the ocean. If the tide is low, visit the stunning blue grotto of Cave Bisevo.

Sail along the pebbled beaches, black pine groves and Peljesac Peninsula’s stony cliffs through jewel-like waters towards Korcula. Natives of Korcula believe Marco Polo was born on the island (the Venetians have other ideas). This island has had many inhabitants and settlers, from the Greeks and the Romans to the Slavs and the Venetians. Even Napoleon was ruler for a while! As a result of all these influences, Korcula has a stunning Old Town – romantic and evocative.

Sail to Lastovo – the largest island in its archipelago. Along with Mljet, this very mild Mediterranean climate is the most wooded island in Croatia, with over 70 per cent being forest. This is part of the reason it was declared a national park in 2007. The first inhabitants of Lastovo were the Illyrians, followed by the Romans after they conquered Dalmatia. Noted for its Venetian architecture from the 15th and 16th centuries, it's also known for its many churches.

Set sail for the picturesque island of Mljet. Legendary in ancient history as the idyllic island where the shipwrecked Odysseus lived for seven years, the island is a haven of lush parks, forests and small villages. Since Greek sailors sought respite here from storms, 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. Explore karst valleys and catch your reflection in inky blue lakes on a guided tour through the national park. Wander beneath cool pine forests, through chasms and gorges and discover ruins such as the remains of an Illyrian fortification, a Roman palace and a 5th century church. These ruins are on opposite ends of the island, so keep this in mind when exploring. In the evening, perhaps try the local wine – the fields and vineyards that dot the island are the foundation of the local economy, with Mljet's villagers producing wine and olive oil as they have been for hundreds of years.

Depart the picturesque Mljet and head to the hidden paradise of Elafiti Islands. Elafiti is made up of three main islands – Kolocep (known as the green island due to the 100-year-old pine groves, carol trees, olive groves and citrus trees), Lopud (with spectacular parks and beaches, this island is one of the best developed touristic islands in the area) and Sipan (the largest of the island group with a long history of stories and legends, considered one of the jewels of the area).

Sail towards Dubrovnik and dock at the ACI Marina near Komolac, approximately 8 km from the Old Town. You’ll have free time today to relax on the boat or explore Dubrovnik. Maybe you’d like to head into Old Town with the group or enjoy dinner and drinks at the marina.

This morning, you have free time to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace. This city straight-from-the-past has lots to offer, from guided tours through famed Game of Thrones filming locations to free hikes with amazing medieval and coastal views. At around 3 pm you'll have a second welcome meeting as a group, then head to a local supermarket for the week’s onboard meals. After, embark and start sailing to Sipan – the largest island in the Elaphiti Islands northwest of Dubrovnik. With a long history of stories and legends, this island is one of the jewels of the archipelago. When you arrive. Maybe head out to dinner with your group at one of the beautiful restaurants on the island.

This morning after breakfast and maybe a quick dip in the ocean, you’ll continue to Herceg Novi. Pass through customs, stopping for a swim along the way in one of many inviting bays and arrive in the late afternoon. Founded in 1382, Herceg Novi is your historic entry point to the Bay of Kotor and a fabulous city in its own right. With an evening spent at the port, you’ll have time to explore the tree-lined squares of the city at your leisure this evening. Maybe head to a local restaurant with your group and enjoy a night of gorgeous views.

This morning after breakfast (and sunrise, if you’re keen), you’ll head to Budva. You’ll stop for a swim along the way, maybe at Uvala Dobrec, depending on the weather – a secluded cove with a pebble beach and pristine waters. Arrive in Budva – home to sandy beaches, a walled city, old monasteries and lively nightlife. The time spent here will depend on the group’s desire to let loose (this is a self-proclaimed party town). Don’t worry, if you prefer the sun and the sand over the sound of bass, Budva is also home to lovely, sheltered beaches like Mogren, Kamenovo and Jaz. Your skipper will recommend the best local spots to eat for dinner, but you’re free to spend the evening how you wish.

Enjoy breakfast on the boat this morning and then head to Rose – a historic fishing village with a quieter pace. Stop for a swim along the way and then enjoy a free evening exploring the town or sit back and relax with a good book on the beach. Don’t miss sunrise tonight – whether from the sea or the deck, this part of the world is home to some pretty epic nightly displays.

This morning, you’ll sail to Tivat – a coastal town in Montenegro in the Bay of Kotor, surrounded by glittering waters and mountain peaks. Stop for a refreshing ocean swim and then explore the town at your own pace. Tonight, you have the opportunity to sit down with a local family in their home and enjoy some incredible hospitality. If you choose to include this optional dinner, you’ll enjoy a 3-course meal of local favourites with unlimited wine and homemade grappa. All the food served has been homemade and homegrown on the property – a night to remember!

Optional Activities:
-Tivat - Dinner at local family home (transport included)

Sail towards Kotor this morning, passing the islet of Gospa od Skrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks). As the legend goes, sailors would place a rock in the bay after every successful voyage, and over five hundred years, a tiny island was created. If you happen to have a rock handy, you can also become a part of this tradition! Docking in Kotor, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in southeastern Europe, and exploring its winding streets can feel like travelling back in time. Maybe hike along the ancient, steep fortress walls to the Castle of San Giovanni, a stunning medieval structure from which you can get sweeping views of the Old Town. Depending on your fitness level and the sureness of your footing, the hike can take between 3 to 5 hours, so it’s a good idea to set off early if you plan to tackle the climb. Or maybe opt for a full-day tour of Lovcen Mountain, Njegos Mausoleum and Cetinje. This optional tour includes a prosciutto tasting (yum!) and is a super fun way to spend the day.

Optional Activities:
-Kotor - Tour of Perast and Lady of the Rocks
-Kotor - Kotor Walls hike
-Kotor - Tour of Lovcen mountain, Njegos Mausoleum & Cetinje

This morning, you’ll sail to Zelenika, Montenegro to the customs checkpoint. If there is time, stop for a refreshing dip in the sea before continuing to Dubrovnik and docking in the marina. Perhaps head out into Dubrovnik for your final night with the group – buses depart regularly from the marina and your trip leader can help with coordination. Or stay close by enjoying dinner and drinks at the lovely marina and saying farewell to your group on your last night.

There are no activities planned for today, so you can leave any time before 10 am. If you wish to spend more time here, just speak to your booking agent.