Croatian Coastal Cruising – Split to Dubrovnik (Aurora)

Navigate the gorgeous coastline of Croatia in both style and comfort on this small-ship adventure cruise from Split to Dubrovnik. Soak up the sun, sea and salty sea breeze as you sail through the azure waters of the Adriatic, experiencing impressive islands, meandering rivers, stunning beaches and historic towns. Begin by exploring the ancient city of Split and walking through colourful Brac, before setting sail southbound. Drop an anchor in Hvar and indulge in the glitz and glamour of this chic island, venture up the River Neretva and discover the beautiful town of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, wander through the romantic old town of Korcula and enjoy tastings at a local winery, then dock in the stunning walled city of Dubrovnik. Combine a healthy dose of cuisine and culture with a beautifully designed ship, and you have the perfect way to explore the Croatian coast.

Itinerary

Day 1: Split

Dobrodosli! Welcome to Split, Croatia. There is so much to see and do in this gorgeous seaside oasis, so it’s recommended you arrive a couple of days early to fully experience this city. Your luggage can be dropped off at the ship from midday, so feel free to explore Split at your leisure before boarding commences at 5 pm, when you’ll meet your fellow travellers for a welcome meeting and safety briefing. This evening, sit down to your first group dinner on board before overnighting in port.

Day 2: Split – Brac

This morning you’ll sail to the colourful island of Brac. Along the way, stop for a swim in the glittering ocean and enjoy lunch aboard the boat. When you arrive in Brac, the longest island in central Dalmatia, head to the Skrip museum. As the oldest settlement on the island, this regional museum is full of fascinating history. After, visit the Olive Oil museum to explore the history of this cooking staple on the island. Here, you’ll also have the opportunity to taste some local olive oil along with some local produce (and pick up a souvenir, if you fancy). Tonight, enjoy some free time exploring Brac or lounging on the boat.

Day 3: Brac – Hvar

Set sail for the island of Hvar, enjoying breakfast on board. Stop to swim in the waters of the Adriatic at a secluded beach close to Stari Grad – Hvar’s old town. Arrive in Stari Grad around midday and look across one of Europe’s oldest towns while lunching on board the Aurora. Next, take a bus to explore the island known as the ‘Queen of the Dalmatian Islands’. Visit a nearby farm and try some local produce. Afterwards, drive to Hvar town for an orientation walk with your leader, then enjoy free time to explore. Return to Stari Grad and dine at a local restaurant of your choosing. Overnight in Hvar (Stari Grad).

Day 4: Hvar – Opuzen

Set sail early towards Opuzen, breakfasting on board and then stopping for a spot of swimming. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail up the Neretva river towards Opuzen. On arrival, jump into small wooden boats for a leisurely cruise through the surrounding wetlands (with local snacks and music on board). End up at a beautiful local restaurant overlooking the water for Peka veal and other local dishes then board the boats and return to Opuzen. This evening, you may like to venture out to the friendly bars around the town square to meet the locals.

Day 5: Opuzen – Mostar – Opuzen – Trpanj

It’s an early start this morning as you make your way to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina by minibus. Take a tour with a local guide, visiting a coffee shop where you will see how the Bosnian coffee is made followed by a tasting of it. Afterwards enjoy some free time to explore the town and have lunch at your leisure. Return to the ship in the early afternoon and set sail for Trpanj. On arrival, visit the Matusko winery for a wine tasting and enjoy the beautiful grounds of the vineyards. Return to the ship to enjoy a four-course dinner with the captain and your travelling companions onboard. Overnight in Trpanji

Day 6: Trpanj – Korcula

After breakfast on board, enjoy a mid-morning swim stop in beautiful clear turquoise waters of Loviste in the Peljesac peninsula. Return to the ship and set sail for Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, with lunch on the way. This afternoon, join your leader for an orientation tour of the town. This evening you’ll be spoiled for choice with many restaurants overlooking the waterfront – ask your leader for their recommendations. Overnight in the port of Korcula.

Day 7: Korcula – 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 Dubrovnik in the early afternoon where you’ll join a local guide to explore this beautiful walled city. This evening enjoy a final dinner on board the Aurora.

Day 8: Dubrovnik

Your small ship adventure cruise along the Dalmatian coast ends after breakfast.

Departure Dates