Hvar (Brac to Hvar: 3 - 4 hours*)
Voyage along the Neretvanski Channel away from mainland Central Dalmatia. Settling in for an afternoon of beach-hopping, enjoying seafood fresh from the day's catch and kicking back with cocktails on the waterfront.
Hvar has an air of Venice about it, and is known as 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.
Vis (Hvar to Vis: 3- 4 hours*)
Cruise to Vis, which is the furthest island from the mainland. In 1944 the island was declared a military zone and foreigners were unable to access this island until 1989. Because of this long isolation, Vis has retained it charm and laid back lifestyle, and the south side of the island is home to some of the most eye catching coves and beaches. Your skipper can help organise an optional island tour so that you can learn all about the history of this island which passed between Greek, Roman, Venetian, Napoleonic, Austrian and Italian hands. On this tour you'll 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.
Korcula (Vis to Korcula: 4 - 5 hours*)
Sail for a blissful five hours along the pebbled beaches, black pine groves and stony cliffs of the Peljesac Peninsula, through the jewel-like waters towards Korcula. Sweep in past the round, defensive towers of Korcula Town via the Peljeski Channel and weigh anchor in Korcula. Natives of Korcula believe Marco Polo was born on the island. Whether or not this can be proved (the Venetians have a similar claim), Korcula is steeped in a long history and the islanders are proud owners of this little gem, smaller than Dubrovnik but no less precious to its inhabitants. Greeks settled in the 6th century BC (they called the island Black Korcula), but the town was also occupied by the Romans, the Slavs, and then the longest period of rule passed to the Venetians between 1420 and 1797. Even Napoleon was ruler for a while. As a result of all these influences, Korcula has a stunning Old Town – romantic and evocative. And what's more, there are plenty of warm beaches to relax on if that's more your speed.
Lastovo (Korcula to Lastovo (3 - 4 hours*)
This is the largest island in the Lastovo archipelago, which branches to the northeast towards the islands and Lastovnjaci Vrhovnjaci, being about 10 km long, 5.8 km wide, and 41 square kilometres. The islands highest peak is Hum at 417 metres, and there are 46 islets and reefs around its edges. Along with Mljet, this very mild Mediterranean climate island is the most wooded Croatian island, with over 70 per cent of it forested, part of the reason it was declared a national park in 2007. Lastovo has been permanently inhabited for several thousand years. The first inhabitants were the Illyrians, and then the Romans after they conquered Dalmatia. They named it Agusta Insula – 'Emperor's Island'. The island is noted for its Ventian architecture from the 15th and 16th centuries and high number of churches.
Mljet (Lastovo to Miljet: 3 - 4 hours*)
Head southeast and sail for six hours across the sea to Mljet. Set sail for the picturesque island of Mljet. Legendary in ancient history as the idyllic island where the shipwrecked Odysseus lived for seven years, today the island is a haven of lush national park, forests and small villages. Since Greek sailors sought haven here from storms, filling up on fresh water from the 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 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.
Elafiti Islands (Miljet to Elafiti Islands: 4 - 5 hours*)
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 because of its 100 year old pine groves, carol-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 touristic islands in the Dubrovnik area. The island is also home to several monasteries and ruins to explore. Sipan – This is the largest of the island group with a long history full of stories and legends and considered one of the jewels of the area.