Cruise Croatia: Split to Dubrovnik via Zadar
15 days
from Villa Split to Hotel Dubrovnik
From
$ 6105
Duration15 days
Discover stunning islands, clear seas and Dalmatian elegance in this cruise of Croatia's coast. Spend 15 glorious days exploring the myriad delights of the Dalmatian Coast in this cruise from Split to Dubrovnik. With a mix of photogenic shorelines, ancient cities and European elegance, Croatia is sure to impress even the most jaded traveller. From well-known highlights such as Split’s Old Town to the quiet charm of a winery in small Sibenik village, this trip is the perfect way to see guidebook favourites and little-known treasures alike.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 15 daysService level: Upgraded
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Starts in: Villa SplitPhysical Grading: Easy
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Ends in: Hotel DubrovnikAges: 15+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Board in Split
Start place: Villa Split
Welcome to Split, perhaps the most famous and beloved of all Croatia's coastal cities. Don't worry if you don't have a chance to see much today – we'll be back. Board the Peregrine Dalmatian at 5 pm and meet your fellow travellers for a welcome meeting and drink. In the evening, enjoy dinner on board and get to know your companions and leader a little better.
Meals: D
Day 2: Trogir and Primosten
Set sail early for Trogir and enjoy breakfast en route. Start exploring upon arrival with a leader-led orientation walk. Stop at the Cathedral of St Lawrence and take in the fine detail on one of Croatia's most famous pieces of architecture. Continue to the imposing 15th-century Kamerlengo Fortress. Return to the ship for lunch and set sail for Primosten where your evening is at leisure. Perhaps enjoy dinner at one of the many seafront cafes, taking in view and watching the sunset.
Meals: B, L
Day 3: Kornati National Park
Sail to Kornati National Park, a nautical wonderland made up of 89 islands. Explore the myriad small islands that make up this gorgeous area, stopping at secluded bays to swim. If you wish there will be an opportunity to discover the area by kayak. Alternatively, sit back and relax with a beer in hand and take in the endless blue-green vistas. Spend the evening moored in the bay of Telascica, where you can gaze upon the dramatic cliffs and undulating green hills.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Zadar
Cruise to Zadar, stopping en route at a deserted cove for a dip and beach barbecue. Discover the history and culture of Zadar on a a walking tour with a local guide, which includes admission to St Donatus Church. This imposing 9th-century building is still used for music performances. In the afternoon you'll head to the Riva and listen to the lilting sounds generated by the Sea Organ, which is both a profound piece of art and a feat of engineering. As the sun sets, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine at nearby Greeting to the Sun, a monument consisting of 300 multi-layered glass plates that produces a stunning show of light after dark. It works in tandem with the Sea Organ – one communicates with light, the other with sound.
Meals: B, L
Day 5: Plitivice Lakes National Park
Transfer by coach to Plitvice National Park, where a leisurely hike with your leader is a lovely way to take in all the natural beauty. While you can't swim in these lakes, the vistas are stunning. Waterfalls gush and butterflies flit through the lush green forest, providing many a photo opportunity. Return to Zadar in the afternoon and spend the rest of your day as you like.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Sibenik
Today is all about gastronomical indulgence. Sail to Sibenik, take a short orientation walk with your leader and transfer to a nearby village for a traditional Dalmatian lunch in an agriturismo (a farm cum restaurant). This particular spot is famous for its smoked ham, known in the to the locals as prsut. After your meal, take a tour of the farm and stop in at one of Croatia's finest wineries for a tasting. Please note that the order of these activities may vary. Return to Sibenik in the early evening and spend the rest of the night as you wish. If you purchased some wine earlier perhaps enjoy a glass on the deck of the ship and enjoy the gentle sea breeze.
Meals: B, L
Day 7: Split
After breakfast on board you’ll make a stop at Ciovo Island for a swim (if time allows) before sailing back to Split. Croatia's second largest city is abuzz with life and Dalmatian culture. Take a guided walking tour on arrival and then explore the beautiful streets and squares of the Old Town at your own pace. The Octagonal Cathedral of St Domnius, the remarkable ruins of Diocletian's Palace and the ancient Temple of Jupiter are all worthy of a closer look. As night falls, sit down to a captain's dinner to farewell any passengers who will be departing tomorrow.
Meals: B, D
Day 8: Split
Your day is as clear as the waters of the Adriatic Sea, so spend your time as you wish in gorgeous Split. Maybe take a relaxing stroll along the palm-lined Riva Harbour. This evening, welcome some new travellers to your group at a dinner on board the Peregrine Dalmatia.
Meals: B, D
Day 9: Krka National Park
After a leisurely breakfast on board, you may wish to join the new travellers on another guided tour of Split. Or perhaps strike out on your own and lunch at your leisure in one of the old town's lovely al fresco eateries. In the afternoon, take a private bus transfer to Krka National Park. Board a small boat to explore this stunning environment. Witness the park's many waterfalls, many of which feature multi-tiered falls gushing from verdant forest. You may wish to stop for a dip or two in the clear, crisp waters. Return by bus to Split and enjoy dinner on board the ship.
Meals: B, D
Day 10: Hvar
Set sail for the island of Hvar, enjoying breakfast on board. Stop to swim at a secluded beach off the coast and continue to Stari Grad – one of Europe's oldest towns and one of Hvar's prettiest. Enjoy lunch with an incredible views of the historic town from the deck. Disembark and hop on a bus to explore Hvar and discover why it is sometimes called the 'Queen of the Dalmatian Islands'. Visit a local honey farm and taste some of this sweet specialty before taking a stroll through vibrant purple lavender fields. Continue to Hvar Town and explore this small but glamorous city on a leader-guided walk before returning to the comparatively quiet Stari Grad for the evening.
Meals: B, L
Day 11: Opuzen
Depart early for Opuzen, enjoying breakfast on board and a mid-morning swim stop in turquoise waters. Set sail up the River Neretva, taking in the sight of the steep cliffs that rise on either side of the fjord and lunching while you cruise. On arrival, hop in a small wooden boat for a leisurely cruise through the surrounding wetlands, enjoying some local snacks and music while you glide through the water. Alight at a beautiful local restaurant that looks over the water, and savour the rich flavours of Peka lamb and other local dishes. Spend the evening in Opuzen as you wish. Perhaps venture out to one of the friendly bars around the town square to meet the locals over a beer or two.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Mostar and Trpanj
Make an early start this morning and transfer to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina by minibus. Take a guided walk through the charming town, visiting a workshop specialising in traditional coffee sets and copper wall carvings. Enjoy some free time to explore the town, snap some photos of the iconic, arched bridge of Stari Most. Return to the ship in the early afternoon and set sail for Trpanj, alighting and transferring to the Matusko Winery for a tour of the evergreen vineyard and a wine tasting. This evening enjoy a barbecue on the deck of the Peregrine Dalmatia.
Meals: B, D
Day 13: Korcula
Depart for Korcula, enjoying breakfast on board and a mid-morning swim stop in beautiful clear turquoise waters off the coast of Loviste. Once in Korcula, get acquainted with the idyllic streets during a guided walk and then explore at your own pace. Perhaps continue your stroll through the narrow alleyways of the marvellously-preserved Old Town or run your hands over the rough-hewn walls and towers that were built to protect Korcula in the 13th an 14th century. Ask your leader for dinner recommendations, and don’t forget to sample some of the famous local white wines.
Meals: B, L
Day 14: Dubrovnik
Leave early this morning and cruise to Dubrovnik, stopping mid-morning for a swim near the island of Jakljan. Take your lunch on board before arriving in the early afternoon. Dubrovnik features the terracotta rooves, ancient cliff-built walls and crystal coasts that most people associate with the Dalmatian Coast. Your leaders escort you by local bus to the Old City, where you can spend the afternoon exploring independently. Return to the ship in the evening and enjoy a four-course farewell dinner with the captain and your travelling companions.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 15: Disembark in Dubrovnik
Your small ship adventure cruise along the Dalmatian coast ends after breakfast this morning. Should you require a transfer to Dubrovnik international airport, please enquire with your travel consultant prior to departure or your leader during your trip.
End place: Hotel Dubrovnik
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Trogir Old Town Walking tour - includes Cathedral of St Lovro and Kamerlengo Fortress
- Kornati National Park Visit
- Zadar City Walking Tour
- Zadar Sunset Drink
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Sibenik Orientation Walk
- Traditional Dalmatian Lunch
- Wine Tasting at Bibich Winery
- Captain's Dinner
- Split Guided Walk
- Ciovo Island Visit
- Krka National Park waterfalls & swim stop
- Split Guided Tour
- Hvar Orientation Walk
- Lavender farm visit
- Boat trip on the River Neretva with local snacks
- Riverside Restaurant Dinner
- Mostar Orientation Walk
- Matusko winery visit and tasting
- Korcula orientation walk
- Dubrovnik local bus pass
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Transport
Small cruise ship, Boat, Minibus -
Accommodation
Small cruise ship (14 nights)