Croatia and Montenegro Sailing Adventure Itinerary

Starting in

Split, Croatia

Physical Difficulty

3 / 5

Ending in

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Accommodation

Overnight boat (14 nights)

Transport

Boat

See Croatia and Montenegro’s picturesque coasts by setting sail on this 15-day adventure. Find the perfect balance between exploring medieval towns, hiking through forests and relaxing on sandy beaches, all with a handy local to lead the way. If you can’t choose between seaside Split and Old Town Dubrovnik or the stunning beaches along Montenegro’s seaside – why not have it all! Watch the sunset every night and fall asleep to the gentle rock of your private yacht. Take daily excursions to historical villages, national parks and famous landmarks along the Dalmatian Coast and make this one, one for the books.

Day 1: Split to Brac

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in Split with a welcome meeting at 3 pm. If you arrive early, see what makes Split the soul of Dalmatia by exploring at your own pace. Maybe see the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace or explore the markets just outside the palace walls. After your meeting, you’ll head to the local supermarket to buy supplies for your trip, then board the yacht and sail to sunny Brac – the largest island in central Dalmatia. Cruise along the Mediterranean coast, soaking up the sunshine and the scenery. Then, weigh anchor and go for a dip in the sea or snorkel to spot sea anemones, crabs, sea urchins and small fish.

Day 2: Brac to Vis

After 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.

Day 3: Vis to Hvar

Today, you’ll make your way 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, which are 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’.

Day 4: Hvar to Lastovo

Set sail to Lastovo, stopping around Lovista or Scedro for a morning swim. On the way, you’ll also explore some of the 46 islets and reefs around the island’s edges. Over 70 per cent of Lastovo is forested, making it the perfect place to stretch your legs after a day at sea. There's also Venetian architecture from the 15th and 16th centuries and high number of churches to find in your free time.

Day 5: Lastovo to Korcula

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.

Day 6: Korcula to Mljet

This morning, you’ll 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.

Day 7: Mljet to Elafiti Islands to Dubrovnik

Depart 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 provide a scenic backdrop for lunch. Then, sail on to the 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 enjoy dinner and drinks at the marina.

Day 8: Dubrovnik - Sipan

Wake up in the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik and enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe explore on foot, take a Game of Thrones walking tour or find a seaside or alleyway restaurant and try some local favourites. Head back to the sea for another welcome meeting at 3 pm this afternoon to start the next stage of your adventure. Your skipper will collect the next group kitty and you’ll head to a local supermarket for the week’s meals. After, 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 on the island.

Day 9: Sipan – Herceg Novi

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.

Day 10: Budva

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.

Day 11: Rose

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.

Day 12: Tivat

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!

Day 13: Kotor

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.

Day 14: Zelenika - Dubrovnik

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.

Day 15: Dubrovnik

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.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Coffee bar ACI Marina (main building) Split, Uvala Baluni 8 , Split, 21000, CROATIA

Finish point

ACI Marina Dubrovnik (main building), Na skali bb Mokošica , Dubrovnik, 20 236, CROATIA

Important information

START TIME:
This trip starts on Day 1 in Split at 3pm.

ACCOMMODATION ONBOARD THIS SAILING YACHT
This trip is accommodated entirely on board a yacht of between 48ft to 52ft. A typical yacht for 8 travellers is equipped with 4 double share cabins, 2/3 shared bathrooms and 2 showers. Our boats are real yachts and this is a real sailing trip. Yachts are designed to keep sleeping areas to the absolute minimum of space, while maximising common areas as much as possible.

Rooms are allocated on arrival by our skipper according to group composition, which means it is not possible to reserve or guarantee any specific berth or cabin. Single passengers will be paired up with another passenger of the same gender, this will mean sharing a double cabin with a double mattress. Everyone including the skipper shares the bathrooms on board.

While not everyone may feel entirely comfortable living in such close quarters, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of an authentic sailing trip usually find any discomfort from cramped living conditions is more than made up for by the whole experience.

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION:
Please note that the majority of our sailing trips start and/or finish at a marina or port. If you have pre-booked any additional accommodation through us, you will need to make your own way to the joining point on day 1 and from the finish point on the final day. We do not provide transfers between hotels and the port/marina. Please check the Essential Trip Information for details.

HOT WEATHER:
Summer temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, which can be uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

PASSPORT DETAILS:
Please provide full passport details at time of booking including exact name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, issue and expiry dates as these are essential for booking services on this trip.

TRIP KITTY:
On this trip it's compulsory to contribute to a kitty of EUR200 per person. The kitty is an on-ground payment put into a central fund managed by travellers. It helps fund for breakfast and lunch on the boat and other small items such as ice, water, snacks and drinks. Travellers are responsible for the preparation of these meals onboard and to shop at port where supermarkets are often very close to the mooring. Kitty amounts are subject to change to reflect local price increases. On day 1, the skipper will talk through the kitty and how it will be managed (by yourself or fellow travellers) The kitty will be collected when you arrive at the welcome meeting or in stages throughout your trip.

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your skipper straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your skipper may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the skipper to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. But we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.

For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/

In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Europe Operations Team can be reached on the number listed below:

Intrepid's Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

Is this trip right for you

Our yachts have a small Zodiac on board, which is used to transport travellers to shore if we need to anchor in the bay. However, we will most often overnight in the small marinas on each island we visit, so the Zodiacs aren’t used. Zodiacs can sometimes be awkward to climb in and out of, but a sense of humour and a can-do attitude are all you need.

This is an adventure on board a real yacht, which means living spaces, cabins, bathrooms and showers need to be shared with other passengers. Sleeping quarters can be relatively compact, but you will spend most of your time above board in the open air.

Please note that smooth sailing depends on the weather, so itinerary changes may occur at the last minute if the weather becomes unfavourable. You can trust your knowledgeable skipper to choose an alternative route or activity if any changes are made.

If you’re travelling with your own group of friends or family and would like to book a private departure on this sailing trip, our Tailor-Made team will be happy to help: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/tailor-made

Why we love it

See the historic towns, protected forests and stunning islands of Croatia and Montenegro along Dalmatian Coast and Bay of Kotor – aboard a private yacht, no less., Visit Old Town Dubrovnik, the World Heritage-listed walled city that often plays host to film crews. You’ll see why when you experience this medieval-like architecture surrounded by a glittering coast., Make daily excursions to explore wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades, dramatic limestone cliffs, ancient olive groves and traditional wineries., Customise your trip with lots of free time and a flexible schedule – your skipper will always consider the weather conditions and the group’s desires., Learn some fascinating legends, myths and stories at each stop – including gems like Brac, Hvar, Vis, Korcula, Lastovo, Mljet, the Elafiti Islands, Kotor, Dobrec, Sveti Dorde and Gospa od Skrpjela.

Group leader

On this trip you will be accompanied by one of our skippers. Your skipper's role involves taking charge of the sailing, the safety of the vessel and safety for all passengers on board. Skippers all hold a Yacht Master Offshore license or higher and have completed an intense training and review process before sailing with us. They are also fully qualified in CPR and First Aid. The aim of the skipper is also to take the hassle out of your travels by organizing the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip, managing trip logistics and coordinating the kitty (where applicable). Your skipper will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect skippers to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Safety

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines, WATER SAFETY AT SEA:
Travellers that are able and confident swimmers will be able to enjoy swimming & snorkelling off the boat, but please always note the skipper's advice and instructions on when and where to swim and what precautions to consider. Travellers who are not able to swim are certainly welcome on this trip, but you will be required to wear a life jacket when we are sailing., LIFE JACKETS:
Intrepid will provide life jackets for private boats, but cannot guarantee that all public ferries will have enough life jackets or life rings for all clients., ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION:
Alcohol abuse will not be tolerated onboard for safety reasons. The availability and consumption of alcohol on our sailing trips will be up to the skipper's discretion.

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Last modified (date)

26 Aug 2024

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 


CPAP Machines:
If you are travelling with a CPAP machine on our Europe sailing trips, please note that there is a 220V socket in each cabin on most boats. These sockets only work when we are connected to shore power and is only available at some of the ports that we visit. Sometimes shore power sockets are interrupted causing a trip of the supply or is not available at all. We cannot guarantee power for the whole trip so we recommend that you bring a back-up battery (or two). If you are travelling by yourself, you will need to pay a single supplement to limit disruption to other passengers.

Food and dietary requirements

The amazing food on offer is one of the highlights of any trip in Europe. To make the most of this we’ve structured our meal arrangements to provide both flexibility and variety.

For most dinners and some lunches we will moored in a port or marina near meaning that the group will have a choice of on-land eating options available. We find our group often eat together however you have the freedom to go off and do your own thing. Our skippers can recommend options for restaurants and on many occasions will dine with the group.

While your skipper will co-ordinate the shopping for and preparation of these meals we’ve found that the best trips are those where everyone pitches in together to help with the meal preparation.

If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies please notify us at the time of booking so we can determine the extent to which your dietary requirements can be met. There are many vegetarian options available in Greece, Croatia, Italy and France though vegans might find their choice less varied especially away from the bigger cities. Travellers that require a gluten free diet may also find their choices limited. Most of our trips start in a larger towns where you will find greater choice of supermarkets and markets however they do not stock the range of gluten free products that you may be used to at home.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

TRIP KITTY
On this trip it's compulsory to contribute EUR 200 per person to a kitty.

The kitty is an on-ground payment into a central fund, managed by you and your fellow travellers. The kitty amount reflects local prices and is subject to change. On Day 1 the skipper will explain the kitty, when and how it will be collected, and how it's managed. The kitty is used for breakfasts and lunches on the boat, ice, water, drinks and snacks. You'll all help to shop for and prepare these meals.

EUROPE
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in the following destinations: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain. All other European countries still have their own national currencies.

You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Europe. You can obtain EUR cash prior to arriving through normal outlets such as banks and currency exchange offices.

BUDGET:
Please budget for additional meals and expenses while on your trip. We suggest EUR 300 for meals not included on this trip. Our suggestion is based on past traveller feedback but you may choose to spend more or less.

TIPPING
Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be.

YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, 4-7 USD or EUR per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination), can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

What to take

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
Space on board the vessel is very limited - for your own comfort and safety, luggage should be kept to an absolute minimum. The use of a backpack, soft sports bag or duffle bag is recommended - we highly recommend you do not travel with a hard suitcase. If you are travelling with a larger bag or suitcase you can leave these bags at your hotel [usually for a small fee]. This is only applicable if you are returning to the same hotel at the end of the trip, if you aren't, it will be your own responsibility to make your own way back to collect your luggage. If you are leaving a bag at a hotel or in a locker do not leave cash, credit cards, passports or any irreplaceable belongings behind.
Daypack [a smaller back pack that you can take with you on island excursions]
Comfortable clothing for warmer temperatures [shorts, t-shirts, light long sleeved tops and pants]
A fleece or warmer jumper for the evenings or early mornings
A light rain coat or poncho
Comfortable shoes [trainers or walking shoes are sufficient for most trips]
Sandals or thongs/flip flops/jandals
Sunscreen [bio degradable and waterproof if available] and lip balm [to combat the effects of wind burn]
Sunhat [that can be secured as it can get windy out on the water]
Swimming costume
Rash vest [for sun protection while snorkelling and swimming]
Water bottle [filtered water is available on board the boat]
Bio-degradable shampoo, conditioner and soap
Dry bag
Beach Towel
Sarong
Pegs [so you can hang your swimming costume or towel out to dry]
Insect repellent [for island visits]
Adaptor/electrical plug
Camera
Earplugs
Batteries [if you do not have rechargeable camera batteries]
Please ensure you travel with all required medicines, pain killers and toiletries that you may need while in on this sailing trip. You are travelling to quite a remote destination and will not have immediate access to pharmacies and even then they may not stock your required medication.

Special Items required for this trip
- There are many opportunities for snorkelling during this trip. Diving masks, snorkels and fins are provided onboard the yacht and are for use by all passengers. Some passengers choose to bring their own, however this is a personal choice.
- Beach towels are not provided so you will need to bring your own.
- Underwater disposable camera
- During our trip, we are usually sailing and anchoring in sheltered waters. However, it is possible we may encounter some movement in open waters - if you are prone to motion sickness, and you might wish to bring some preventative medication.

Climate and seasonal

Summer temperatures can be extreme in Croatia and have been known to reach 40°C. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Accommodation notes

This trip is accommodated entirely on board a yacht of between 48ft to 52ft. A typical yacht for 8 travellers is equipped with 4 double share cabins, 2/3 shared bathrooms and 2 showers. Our boats are real yacht’s and this is a real sailing trip. Yachts are designed to keep sleeping areas to the absolute minimum of space, while maximising common areas as much as possible.

Rooms are allocated on arrival by our skipper according to group composition, which means it is not possible to reserve or guarantee any specific berth or cabin. Single passengers will be paired up with another passenger of the same gender, which will mean sharing a double cabin with a double mattress. Everyone including the skipper shares the bathrooms on board. There is no twin share bedding on this yacht.

While not everyone may feel entirely comfortable living in such close quarters, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of an authentic sailing trip usually find any discomfort from cramped living conditions is more than made up for by the whole experience.


ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION:
Please note that the majority of our sailing trips start and/or finish at a marina or port. For most of our destinations, we can provide transfers between the airport/hotel and the port/marina. Please check the joining and finish point information in the trip notes for details.

ELECTRICITY:
While there should be electricity on board throughout your trip the voltage is likely to vary widely, from 12V to 220V, and when in port or moored we are dependent on the supply available. Please be aware that the supply may not be sufficient to power some electronic devices all the time and that you may need a voltage adapter or similar (such as portable inverter used in cars). On some trips it may be possible to charge devices ashore at restaurants or resorts, however this is not guaranteed.

WI-FI:
Please note that our sailing boats do not have Wi-Fi. You will be getting off the boat and visiting towns regularly so you will be able to connect with the outside world then.

Transport notes

This is a sailing adventure so our time is spent on board a monohull yacht. You may be asked to assist on-deck, particularly when coming into or leaving port. No experience is necessary, but getting to know some 'sailing language' might help to get you into the spirit of the adventure.

Bow - front of the boat
Stern - rear of the boat
Port - left
Starboard - right
Deck - outside, upper area of the boat
Hull - the main part or body of the boat
Keel - part of the boat under water that keeps the boat stable and stops it capsizing
Mainsail - the large sail attached to the mast and boom
Mast - the big vertical pole that supports the mainsail
Boom - the big horizontal pole attached to the mainsail, coming off the rear of the mast (swing from side to side)
Jib, headsail, genoa, foresail - smaller sail near the front of the boat
Sheet - ropes used to control the sails
Booty - another word for pirate treasure
Lines - other ropes on the boat (ropes are never called ropes on yachts)
Spinnaker - large extra sail
Trim the sails - adjust the position of the sails when the wind changes strength or direction
Tiller or wheel or helm - used to steer the boat
Helmsman - person steering the boat
Running - sailing with the wind
Tack - turning the bow of the boat when sailing through the wind
Jibe - turning the stern of the boat when sailing through the wind
Figure-eight knot - the stopper: often used at the end of lines to stop them getting away.
Bowline (knot) - strong and dependable knot that is commonly used
Clove Hitch (knot) - not as secure it is often used to attach an object to a line

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:


https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Many insurance companies will only cover you on a sailing trip if you are within a certain distance off the coast.  Noted below are the maximum distances (nautical miles) we travel off shore in Europe:
Amalfi: 7 NM
Sardinia: 2 NM
France: 3NM
Greece: 7NM
Croatia: 5NM

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

The bonus of our sailing adventures are that they are small groups, a maximum of 8 - 11 travellers (with the average number of travellers 7). However when you add in a Skipper and the fact you will be eating, sleeping and lounging about together for up to 9 days in the confines of a monohull you may need to call on some patience, maybe some headphones but above all a sense of humour.
Most travellers come away from our sailing adventures saying it was a the trip of a lifetime and that they have made lifelong friends..............we're sure you will too!

If you wish to have a single cabin on our sailing trips, please advise at the time of booking. You will be required to pay double to guarantee a cabin to yourself.

PARTICIPATION:
You don't need to hold a recreational skippers ticket or any sailing experience at all to join this trip however you may be called on to help around the boat, help keep the bathrooms and galley clean by emptying the bins and overall keeping the communal areas free and available for your fellow travellers. You will also be asked to chip in at meal time, either helping with food preparation, cooking, setting or clearing the table and washing up dishes.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.


For sailing trips the itinerary will be subject to change depending on weather conditions. Your skipper will make the final decision to ensure safety at all times. Generally daily sailing time would not exceed 6 hours.

Please note that we will endeavour to sail at all times but there may be times during the trip that we will use the sails and motor or just the motor.

During the summer months in Europe, we are unable to pre-book a mooring berth at the marinas. Therefore, depending on availability, the place we stay the night may not be as per the advertised itinerary.