Dalmatian Islands Yacht Cruise with Plitvice Lakes & Šibenik

You’ll arrive to Makarska harbour to board our ship, the magnificent, twin-masted MS Mendula. As you step on board, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the crew who’ll be on hand to help you settle in and familiarise yourself with this vessel.

You’ll have the rest of the day to unpack and unwind (flight time permitting) – perhaps taking a stroll ashore before it’s time to enjoy dinner in the ship’s elegant restaurant. Tonight, chat with your fellow guests over a digestif from the bar as the sun goes down for your first night on board.

Today we’ll sail to Bol. The Dalmatian Coast is reputedly one of the most picturesque in the world and certainly one of the most dramatic; towering walls of limestone cliff slice the sapphire depths below, interspersed with ribbons of shingle beach, secret coves and idyllic bays. You’ll soon realise why this is one of the most relaxing ways to holiday as you sit back to watch the pine covered coast drifting by.  

As we arrive in Bol – a town on the Croatian island of Brač, the third largest island in the Adriatic – you’ll be welcomed by the view of a cluster of little fishing boats jostling in its picturesque harbour, fringed by characterful stone cottages.  

We’ll step ashore to explore the tangle of winding lanes that are unchanged by time, stopping to admire the blooms cascading from wrought-iron balconies.

After you’ve worked up an appetite, lunch is served on board whilst you savour the views of the archipelago, before time for a refreshing swim off the ship.  

Our stop late this afternoon is the nearby island of Vis. An Allied Forces base during World War II, the island was also used as a Yugoslavian naval base and closed to visitors until 1989. You can step ashore into its gorgeous harbour with a quaint jumble of stone houses nestling at the calm water’s edge. There’ll be time to wander at your own pace, soaking up the ambience of this idyllic spot.

Arrive this morning at Hvar Island with swathes of pebble beach and coastline studded with pretty bays and coves.

Fed by freshwater springs, the island is lush and green with hillsides draped in an aromatic blanket of pine and eucalyptus forest. The foothills feature a mosaic of ancient olive groves and lavender fields. We’ll enjoy a walking tour around its historic little centre – where the streets don’t even have names! We’ll see the majestic St Stephen’s Square, the largest in Dalmatia, with a 16th century fountain, lined by honey-coloured stone buildings and bustling cafés.

After lunch back on board there’ll be another opportunity to swim in these clearest of waters. Later this afternoon, we’ll arrive in the historic walled town of Korčula and moor on the picturesque quayside.

Known as Black Korčula by the Greeks due to its thickly forested interior, the island was ruled by the Venetians for 800 years and was famed for supplying timber to build Venice’s legendary wooden walls. It also provided a major shelter for the Venetian fleet and its Italianate atmosphere is evident as you explore its winding streets and cool, shaded alleys. There’s a view to capture around every corner in its exquisite old town - no wonder it’s affectionately nicknamed ‘Little Dubrovnik’. The legendary explorer Marco Polo was born here, and his house can still be visited, as can the All-Saints Museum, with its unique collection of religious icons and exhibits. As evening falls, you can enjoy dinner at leisure in one of the island’s charming restaurants before heading back on board and finishing the evening with a glass of local rakija in the ship’s bar. 

You could take to the deck this morning to watch the coastal views slipping by. We’ll stop for an invigorating swim in one of the many sheltered bays along the Dalmatian archipelago, before sailing along the northern shores of the island of Hvar to our next port of call.

After lunch on board, we’ll arrive in Jelsa, nestled on the edge of a pretty bay on the island of Hvar, situated between the island’s highest peaks, St Nikola and Hum. We’ll moor in its harbour fringed with palms and pavement cafés. With its freshwater springs, the island is lush and green, its verdant hillsides draped in thick forest and its foothills perfumed with lavender and fruit orchards. Inhabited since Neolithic times, the Greeks then founded a colony here, becoming a major naval base during the 14th-century as the Venetian Empire extended its reach. Enjoy an independent visit to admire the stonework of the typical Dalmatian houses, and the fine church encircled by a web of terracotta roofs and cobbled alleys. You’ll also have the chance to partake in a guided wine tasting in the town.

This evening we’ll enjoy Captain’s Dinner, with a delicious locally-inspired menu. 

Rising refreshed, you can sit back, savour that second cup and soak up the seascapes in this archipelago as our vessel cuts effortlessly through the waves. Conditions allowing, we’ll arrive at Milna on the island of Brač for some free time to enjoy lunch.

Another idyllic swim stop is planned this afternoon as we sail to Trogir. 

Trogir is a historic coastal gem founded by the Greeks. A succession of rulers left their mark here, evident in its imposing city walls, ancient sights, stately Romanesque and Renaissance buildings and classic waterfront.

At the heart of the old town, you’ll find the cathedral, one of the most impressive in the Adriatic. Trogir’s lanes are tucked behind an attractive waterfront and imposing 15th-century walls. Discover this delightful place on a walking tour with a local guide.

We’ll remain moored here overnight so, this evening, hop ashore to dine in one of the restaurants serving local Mediterranean-inspired menus: simply grilled fresh fish, pasta with seafood or hearty meat dishes - look out for dishes cooked ‘peka’ - very slowly under a ‘bell’. 

We’ll enjoy a leisurely start today as we continue south after breakfast. Make sure you make the most of this final morning on board, soaking up the sun on deck or enjoying a drink with newly made friends in the bar. We’ll stop at the island of Ciovo for our last swim stop, before lunch on board en route to Split.

On arrival, we’ll join our knowledgeable guide for a walking tour of the sights including the huge Roman ruins of the Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, used in ‘Game of Thrones’.

As one of the greatest structures of the Roman Empire, no expense was spared in its construction – the best Italian marble, with columns and sphinxes from Egypt. But what makes this palace so astonishing is that during medieval times it was fully integrated into the town’s fabric with a jumble of buildings grafted onto and inside it.

This means for example; the Temple of Jupiter became a baptistry. It’s all the more fascinating that today 3,000 people still live here. You will find surprises at every turn: there are tall medieval buildings lining the streets, buttressed by unmistakably Roman columns.

Perhaps choose the old town for dinner before returning for a nightcap on deck, against the backdrop of Split’s beautiful skyline. 

Our final day of sailing has arrived but there’s still so much to enjoy. With sunshine glinting on the azure water, we’ll slip our moorings once again, sailing back towards the island of Brač, the third largest in the Adriatic.

We’ll arrive in the fishing port of Postira to spend the morning exploring more of this island. The landscape here is typically Mediterranean - pine-scented uplands with vineyards and citrus groves tumbling down to deserted beaches. Take in a panorama from Vidova Gora, the islands highest peak before enjoying a visit to the Olive Oil Museum in Škrip, to sample the excellent produce. The olive oil here is well-renowned, with olive cultivation dating back to the Venetian years. 

After a late lunch back on board, we'll sail back to Makarska from where you can marvel at the rocky Mount Biokovo. At nearly 1,828 metres above sea level, it shelters the coast from less temperate climates further inland.

During the 10th century, this region was bedevilled by pirates preying on passing ships. A slightly raffish atmosphere still prevails but piracy has long since been replaced by more peaceful activities such as fishing, and the production of olive oil and wine. St Mark’s Baroque church and some palatial 18th-century Venetian-style houses stand guard over Makarska’s main square. We’ll moor overnight for our final evening on board, enjoying dinner at leisure. 

Say farewell to our crew this morning as we disembark MS Mendula and begin our post-cruise land tour.

Venturing into the Croatian countryside near Vodice, we’ll stop at a traditional, family run farm. Here, we’ll enjoy a taste of Croatia during a delicious farm-to-table lunch, featuring a range of fresh, local produce.  

After a leisurely lunch, we’ll continue on to our hotel, near Plitvice Lakes, where we’ll stay for two nights. The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure for you to settle in and explore the local area. There’s no need to worry about what to eat this evening, we’ve arranged for dinner at the hotel to be included.

Today, be prepared to be mesmerised by the beautiful lakes and waterfalls of the Republic of Croatia's oldest and largest national park, Plitvice Lakes.

Located in the mountainous region of Lika, halfway between Zagreb and Zadar, the park is home to a series of around 90 sparkling waterfalls that connect 16 turquoise-coloured lakes. The highest waterfall, Veliki Slap - or Great Waterfall - stands 78 metres high but Sastavci Slap is considered the most beautiful waterfall in the park, situated in serene surroundings near Novakovića Lake. Rumour has it, it's affectionately named after a local man who was always seen crossing the lake in his boat.

Here, we'll enjoy a guided tour to discover the park's natural beauty for ourselves as well as a boat ride across the emerald-green Kozjak Lake, the largest and lowest in the area.   

After our visit, we'll head to a nearby restaurant for a late lunch before visiting Korana. This quaint village is home to historical architecture, including one of the oldest mills still in operation, a water drive sawmill and a promenade along the Korana River. If the weather is warm, you might even spot some locals swimming in its clear waters.

This evening, dinner is included at the hotel.

Heading south this morning, we'll arrive in the small port of Šibenik for a guided tour. As we stroll through medieval streets with a local guide, we'll learn more about the local history and life in the town today. We'll take a moment to stop to admire its beautifully restored Renaissance town hall and a remarkable Gothic cathedral - it's believed to be the world’s largest church built without brick or wood supports. 

Later, we'll check into your hotel this afternoon, after which you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You could choose to explore the town some more, lie on the beach or simply relax at the hotel.

Dinner is entirely your choice tonight, so feel free to wander the town and explore some traditional Croatian cuisine. You might try a hearty fish stew or the delicious slow-cooked beef, simmered with wine and prunes, accompanied by fresh, crusty bread baked "under the lid" – a typical Croatian cooking style. Sit back and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of historic Šibenik.