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.

After a breakfast onboard, bid farewell to Brac and set sail to Vis – the furthest island from the mainland. On the way, you might stop in for a swim near Milna or the island of Solta. When you arrive, you can take an optional tour to learn about the island’s history – passing between Greek, Roman, Venetian, Napoleonic, Austrian and Italian hands. Visit nuclear fallout shelters, churches and vantage points with great views across the ocean. If you like, you can also take an optional winery tour and indulge in a few glasses of the local vino.

Have breakfast onboard, then make your way slowly to Hvar. Along the way, you might stop at the Pakleni Islands or Stoncica for a swim. After arriving in Hvar you can wander around the towns, home to some wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades. If you like, hike past dramatic jagged limestone cliffs and undulating farms, ancient olive groves and fields of rosemary and lavender. There’s also an option to cross the island by car to Hvar Town – often known as the ‘San Tropez of Croatia’.

Make breakfast onboard the boat this morning and then set sail for the day. Make a stop around Lovista or Scedro for a morning swim, and then cruise along to Lastovo. On the way, explore some of the 46 islets and reefs around the island’s edges. Over 70% of Lastovo is forested, making it the perfect place to stretch your legs after a day spent at sea. There's also Venetian architecture from the 15th and 16th centuries and high number of churches to find in your free time.

Sail through the jewel-like waters to Korcula this morning, stopping at Badija or Polace for a refreshing morning swim. Greeks settled in Korcula in the 6th century BC, but the town was also occupied by the Romans, Slavs and then the Venetians between 1420 and 1797. Even Napoleon was ruler for a while! As a result of all these influences, Korcula has a cosmopolitan Old Town. Alongside the idyllic beaches, you’ll have plenty of options for your free time. Ask your leader for the best dinner recommendations for a good feed.

After breakfast onboard, set sail for the island of Mljet, stopping for a swim along the way. Legendary in ancient history as the 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, 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. When you arrive, perhaps rent a bike and cycle through the national park. Tonight, you could 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. Made up of three main islands – Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan – the olive groves, citrus trees and ancient ruins will provide a scenic backdrop for lunch. Then, sail on towards Dubrovnik, you will arrive at marina near Komolac. You can then head into Dubrovnik for your final night with the group – there’s a regular bus service – or stay close and enjoying dinner and drinks at the lovely marina. The choice is all yours!

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.