Croatian Coastal Cruising: Dubrovnik to Split (Aurora)
Imagine the sun warming you while you lean over the side of a boat, peacefully watching the clear water wash against the limestone cliffs and pebbly shores of Croatia. This eight-day small-ship cruise offers plenty of that idle relaxation, broken upwith exciting activities like a river cruise and a walk to the waterfalls of the Krka National Park. Take on expeditions like a winery trip near Korcula and get a taste of what the Dalmatian Coast has to offer, all with a local leader and group of likeminded travellers.
8 days, from
$2,313
per person
GROUP SIZE
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Details
Countries Visited:
Bosnia And Herzegovina
Croatia
Accommodation: Small cruise ship (7 nights)
Transportation: Small cruise ship , Boat , Minibus
Included Meals:
- 7 breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- 4 dinners
Group size: Minimum 1, Max 36
Minimum Age: 15
Board a traditional vessel and sail up along the spectacular Neretva River, inland from Opuzen.
The trip includes an excursion to Krka National Park, where you’ll get to see stunning waterfalls and secluded pools. Its a magical part of Croatia.
If you’re worried about long cruise days, this itinerary is a good choice. There are plenty of excursions, short walks and port stops, and the distance between islands is short.
While large cruise liners have to moor out at sea and commute into shore via tender, we drop anchor in the middle of port towns like Hvar or Korcula. You can hop on or off the boat as you please.
There’s nothing like diving into the aquamarine waters of the Dalmatian Coast. Weather permitting, our captain will be stopping the ship for regular swim breaks during the trip.
This itinerary includes a special detour to Mostar, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s not a stop featured on many Croatian coastal tours. You’ll see the town’s iconic bridge and have the chance to watch a coffee demonstration followed by a sample of this well-loved brew.
Itinerary
Zdravo and welcome to Croatia. Lovely Dubrovnik features the terracotta rooves, ancient cliff-forged walls and crystal coasts that many people associate with Dalmatia. Your adventure begins this evening at 5 pm, when you will be welcomed aboard the Aurora and introduced to your crew and fellow travellers. Enjoy a drink and get to know each other before your first dinner on the ship this evening. Later, perhaps relax with a glass of wine on the deck and take in the incredible sight of waves lapping at rugged cliffs.
After breakfast set sail for Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, with lunch on board and if time permits, a quick swim stop en route. In the afternoon, embark on an orientation walk before enjoying an evening to explore at your own pace. If you're hungry, your leader can assist with dinner recommendations.
Depart for Opuzen, enjoying breakfast on board and a mid-morning swim stop in beautiful clear turquoise waters near the small island of Badija, then continue on to Trpanj. Transfer to Matusko winery for a tour of the vineyard and a tasting, before returning to the ship and sailing up the River Neretva to Opuzen. Tonight, enjoy a deck BBQ on the Aurora.
An early start this morning to make our way to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina by minibus. Take a guided walk through the town, visiting a local coffee shop where you will see how the Bosnian coffee is made and have a taste of it, afterwards and enjoy some free time to explore the town and have lunch at your leisure. Return to Opuzen in the early afternoon when we will 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. Board the boats to return to Opuzen. You may want to venture out to one of the friendly bars around the town square to meet the locals over a beer or two.
Sail into Jelsa on the island of Hvar and take a private transfer to a local farm for local produce tasting and a walk through the nearby lavender fields, then drive to Hvar town. Explore on a walk with your leader before continuing on to Starigrad in the evening.
Spend the morning sailing, arriving in Split in the early afternoon. You will meet a local guide who will take you on a walk around Split, then the afternoon is yours to enjoy some free time to explore the beautiful lane ways and squares of the old city.
After a leisurely breakfast on board, head out with some more time to explore the Split’s old city. After lunch, return to the boat ready to take your private bus transfer to Krka National Park. Here you will board a smaller boat for some cruising and exploring within the park. The park spans two thirds of the Krka River, and some 142 square kilometres. You visit some of the gorgeous waterfalls for which this park is renowned. Afterwards, return by bus to Split, in time for a captain's dinner for your evening repast.
Your small ship adventure cruise along the Dalmatian coast ends after breakfast this morning. Should you require a transfer to Split international airport, please enquire with your Travel Consultant prior to travel or your Tour Leader during your trip.