Dubrovnik, Split & Jewels of the Dalmatian Coast Yacht Cruise

Journey to this historic walled city. On arrival, you will be escorted to the harbour where the superb four-star MV Felicita awaits. The captain and crew will welcome you aboard and help you settle into your comfortable, well-equipped cabin.

For the rest of the day, it’s time to relax and get to know your fellow passengers – there are just thirty-eight of you in total! Perhaps you’ll catch some ‘rays’ on the Sun deck or take a stroll ashore. It’ll soon be time for dinner and the ship’s restaurant awaits. After dinner, why not take a stroll or enjoy a digestif in a local bar?

As you rise refreshed in the morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast, you’ll be so glad you chose this holiday. The MV Felicita, our home for the next week and every inch the private yacht, slips out of the harbour and out to sea. Dubrovnik soon fades into the distance – but we will be back for a more in-depth visit later. It is impossible for large cruise liners to visit the charming and almost deserted hamlets accessible to the MV Felicita.

Ruled by the Venetians for 800 years, it is rather reminiscent of a much smaller Dubrovnik, with its host of tangled lanes so typical of medieval Mediterranean ports. The town is a charming small fortress, celebrated for supplying timber for the wooden walls of Venice and its harbour was a major shelter for the Venetian fleet.

You’ll find architectural gems at every turn in its narrow-cobbled streets. Famous for its artistic and musical traditions, Korčula has its own unique sword dance, the ‘moreska’, and a form of a-capella singing, but is much more famous as the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. His house can still be visited, as can the All-Saints Museum with its glorious collection of Byzantine icons.

After our guided walking tour, you are free to explore this beautiful town further. After dinner at your leisure, why not take an after-dinner drink in one of the innumerable harbour side cafés whilst admiring the sleek lines of the MV Felicita.

After breakfast, take to the deck to see the spectacular coast of Korčula island sliding by as we cruise northwards through this enchanting archipelago. We spend the morning sailing with a swim stop if conditions allow. Lunch will be served on board before continuing to Pučišća.

This afternoon we sail to the glorious island of Brač, mooring in idyllic Pučišća. This jewel of a place, perhaps the most spectacular of Croatia’s villages, boasts dwellings of gleaming white stone reflecting the sun onto the crystal-clear water. Stroll ashore to explore this charming spot or relax on board before the superb Captain’s Dinner is served – a delicious selection of Croatian and Mediterranean specialities.

We continue north, sailing between the mainland and the coastline of the stunning island of Brač to arrive at the city of Split. Split is principally famous for a single building, the Emperor Diocletian’s huge palace, 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.

We have a guided walking tour of this fascinating complex, followed by some free time to wander the alleyways independently and enjoy a spot of lunch at your leisure. 

*Due to reconstruction work at Split port, you will be dropped off and picked up in Split port and the ship will remain at anchor during your visit. You will then sail onto Milna or a nearby port to moor overnight and enjoy dinner on board.

This morning we’ll stop once more for an invigorating swim before we cruise to another stunning island in this breath-taking archipelago, Hvar.

After lunch we moor in Stari Grad on the northern side of the island and then take the short drive by coach to the bewitching old town for a guided tour. Remarkably, it’s so compact and cosy the streets don’t even have names. With its freshwater springs, the island is unusually green, its hillsides boasting spectacular pine forests.

Elsewhere you’ll find olive groves, orchards and vineyards, the aromatic pleasures of the island exemplified by the delicate fragrance of abundant lavender fields. Hvar has been inhabited since Neolithic times; later, the Ancient Greeks founded a colony here, and during the 14th-century, as the Venetian Empire extended its influence, it became a major naval base. Also on the island’s northern shores are some distinctive fortified 16th-century buildings, built to repel pirates and assaults by the Ottoman Empire.

After exploring Hvar’s agricultural, historical and cultural splendours, we transfer back to Stari Grad where you can dine at leisure wherever you wish. The ship remains moored in Stari Grad overnight.

Morning breaks and we find ourselves breakfasting over more stunning views of this most spectacular coastline. After a leisurely morning, we have another chance to cool off in the clear waters with a swim in a sheltered bay followed by a tasty lunch on board.

We arrive at Mljet, one of the most seductive of such islands, where the hillsides are clad in a green carpet of lush pine forests bringing that instantly recognisable Mediterranean aroma to the air. Nestling in picturesque coves are medieval fishing villages, refreshingly free from tasteless development, where the alleyways are simply pebbles set into the earth and overhead shutters sway precariously in the warm, gentle breezes. Life here continues much as it has for centuries.

We go ashore to visit the tiny islet of St Mary’s, situated in an idyllic inland lake, and its 12th-century former Benedictine monastery. With its colourful walls and altar carved from local stone you will already feel a long way from home.

Our port for tonight is a small village. Gaze around you during dinner at one of the hospitable local restaurants and absorb the ambience. It’s easy to see why legend has it that the Greek hero Ulysses came here to contemplate.

As our elegant yacht drifts on past the rocky shores of the beautiful Elaphiti Islands, if the weather allows, it’s your last chance to take a swim off the back of the ship as if it were your very own!

After lunch on board, we arrive in Dubrovnik once more and take a guided tour of the old town. An independent city state for much of its history, it has evolved differently to the rest of Croatia. The city threw off its Venetian shackles during medieval times founding a commercial empire trading with the eastern Mediterranean, France, Spain and later the Ottoman Empire.

As so often happened, the city began to reflect its resultant wealth and today this wonderfully Baroque city proudly nestles behind its huge imposing ramparts in a location of outstanding natural beauty. The main avenue, lined by intimate cafés, is completely paved with marble, which dazzles in the sunlight and gives credence to the city’s description as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’.

Throughout the city you will find a wonderful array of monasteries, beautifully decorated churches and civic buildings dating from the 14th-century. The guided walking tour encompasses all this and more, after which you are free to explore as you wish.

This evening enjoy a final dinner independently at your leisure ashore in this most beguiling of cities; and as you relax, your thoughts inevitably turn to the wonderful places you have experienced and the interesting people you have met on this most fascinating of maritime adventures.

Arrive in Split and transfer to Omis, where MS Mendula and her welcoming crew await. Settle into your comfortable cabin and begin getting to know your fellow guests as the ship remains moored for the evening.

Tonight, enjoy your first dinner on board and look forward to the week of island-hopping ahead.

Settle on deck this morning as we sail towards one of Croatia's most beautiful islands. With its pebble beaches, hidden coves and fragrant hillsides blanketed in pine forests, olive groves and lavender fields, Hvar is a spectacular introduction to the Adriatic. Weather permitting, we'll pause along the way for a refreshing swim in these crystal-clear waters before enjoying lunch on board.

Arriving in Stari Grad, we'll continue by coach to Hvar town, one of the most captivating destinations on the Dalmatian coast. Accompanied by a local guide, explore its charming maze of lanes, elegant Venetian architecture and palm-lined waterfront. Discover the magnificent St Stephen's Square, the largest in Dalmatia, surrounded by honey-coloured stone buildings, inviting cafés and centuries of history.

After your guided tour, enjoy free time to soak up the atmosphere at your own pace before we return to Stari Grad. This evening is yours to explore independently, perhaps choosing one of the harbourside restaurants for dinner while watching the sunset over the Adriatic.

This morning we continue our island-hopping adventure, cruising south through the sparkling waters of the Adriatic. There's time to relax on deck and enjoy the ever-changing coastal scenery, with a refreshing swim stop planned along the way before lunch is served on board.

Arriving on the lush, forest-cloaked island of Mljet, we'll discover why it is often considered one of Croatia's natural treasures. Covering much of the island's western side, Mljet National Park is a landscape of dense pine woodland, tranquil lakes and peaceful walking trails.

We'll explore the park on foot before boarding a small local boat to St Mary Islet, a tiny oasis set amid the park's saltwater lake. Here, surrounded by still waters and fragrant woodland, stands a beautifully preserved former Benedictine monastery. With time to soak up the serenity of this unique setting, it's easy to understand why Mljet has long inspired legends and visitors alike.

This evening, you're free to enjoy dinner ashore at leisure.

Leaving Mljet behind, we sail towards Dubrovnik, pausing for a swim stop around the idyllic Elaphiti Islands if conditions allow. As the city comes into view, enjoy an unforgettable perspective of Dubrovnik's mighty stone walls rising directly from the Adriatic, one of the most spectacular arrivals in the Mediterranean.

After lunch on board, we transfer into the heart of the Old City for a guided walking tour. Often referred to as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik has enchanted visitors for centuries with its gleaming marble streets, elegant squares and beautifully preserved architecture.

Your local guide will reveal the stories behind the city's remarkable past as you wander through its atmospheric lanes and historic thoroughfares. Afterwards, enjoy free time to continue exploring at your own pace. Perhaps stroll along the Stradun, browse artisan shops hidden within the ancient walls, or find a welcoming restaurant overlooking the city rooftops for dinner before returning to the ship later this evening.

This morning we sail along the enchanting Elaphiti Islands, a scattering of pine-clad islets and hidden coves. Weather permitting, there's another opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear Adriatic before lunch is served as we continue towards Korčula.

Known affectionately as 'Little Dubrovnik', Korčula is one of Croatia's most captivating historic towns. Protected by medieval walls and built from warm honey-coloured stone, its atmospheric streets reveal centuries of Venetian influence and maritime history.

Join our local guide for a walking tour through the old town, discovering elegant squares, narrow alleyways and picturesque viewpoints overlooking the harbour. Legend claims this beautiful island was the birthplace of Marco Polo, and you'll find echoes of its rich seafaring heritage throughout its historic centre.

After the tour, the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether that means browsing boutique shops, dining beside the waterfront or simply soaking up the unique atmosphere of this Adriatic gem

Spend the morning relaxing on deck as we sail north through the beautiful Dalmatian archipelago. With sparkling seas, hidden bays and dramatic island landscapes all around, this is Croatian cruising at its most relaxing. Conditions permitting, we'll pause for swim stops along the way before lunch is served on board.

Later this afternoon we arrive in Pučišća, one of the prettiest harbour towns in Croatia. Nestled around a sheltered inlet on the island of Brač, it is famed for the brilliant white limestone that has been quarried here for centuries and used in some of the world's most celebrated buildings.

Enjoy free time to wander the waterfront, admire the elegant stone houses and soak up the peaceful atmosphere before returning to the ship. This evening, gather with your fellow guests for the Captain's Dinner, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your Croatian yacht cruise over a specially prepared meal

After a final morning sailing through the Dalmatian islands, we arrive in Split, Croatia's vibrant coastal capital. En route, weather permitting, there's one last opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the Adriatic's crystal-clear waters.

Accompanied by a local guide, we'll explore the historic heart of the city and discover the extraordinary Palace of Emperor Diocletian. Built at the height of the Roman Empire, this vast complex remains one of the most remarkable ancient monuments in Europe. Unlike many historic sites, the palace is still very much alive today, with cafés, shops and homes woven seamlessly between its ancient walls.

We'll also visit the atmospheric subterranean cellars, among the palace's best-preserved Roman features, before enjoying free time to explore Split independently. Wander the lively waterfront promenade, browse local boutiques or simply soak up the atmosphere of this fascinating city.

Later, we return to Omis and rejoin MS Mendula for our final evening on board.

Arrive in Split and transfer to Trogir, where Il Mare and her crew await. After settling into your cabin, take some time to relax on board or begin exploring the historic surroundings.

This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner on board as your Croatian yacht cruise begins. 

Settle on deck this morning as we sail towards one of Croatia's most beautiful islands. With its pebble beaches, hidden coves and fragrant hillsides blanketed in pine forests, olive groves and lavender fields, Hvar is a spectacular introduction to the Adriatic. Weather permitting, we'll pause along the way for a refreshing swim in these crystal-clear waters before enjoying lunch on board.

Arriving in Stari Grad, we'll continue by coach to Hvar town, one of the most captivating destinations on the Dalmatian coast. Accompanied by a local guide, explore its charming maze of lanes, elegant Venetian architecture and palm-lined waterfront. Discover the magnificent St Stephen's Square, the largest in Dalmatia, surrounded by honey-coloured stone buildings, inviting cafés and centuries of history.

After your guided tour, enjoy free time to soak up the atmosphere at your own pace before we return to Stari Grad. This evening is yours to explore independently, perhaps choosing one of the harbourside restaurants for dinner while watching the sunset over the Adriatic.

This morning we continue our island-hopping adventure, cruising south through the sparkling waters of the Adriatic. There's time to relax on deck and enjoy the ever-changing coastal scenery, with a refreshing swim stop planned along the way before lunch is served on board.

Arriving on the lush, forest-cloaked island of Mljet, we'll discover why it is often considered one of Croatia's natural treasures. Covering much of the island's western side, Mljet National Park is a landscape of dense pine woodland, tranquil lakes and peaceful walking trails.

We'll explore the park on foot before boarding a small local boat to St Mary Islet, a tiny oasis set amid the park's saltwater lake. Here, surrounded by still waters and fragrant woodland, stands a beautifully preserved former Benedictine monastery. With time to soak up the serenity of this unique setting, it's easy to understand why Mljet has long inspired legends and visitors alike.

This evening, you're free to enjoy dinner ashore at leisure.

Leaving Mljet behind, we sail towards Dubrovnik, pausing for a swim stop around the idyllic Elaphiti Islands if conditions allow. As the city comes into view, enjoy an unforgettable perspective of Dubrovnik's mighty stone walls rising directly from the Adriatic, one of the most spectacular arrivals in the Mediterranean.

After lunch on board, we transfer into the heart of the Old City for a guided walking tour. Often referred to as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik has enchanted visitors for centuries with its gleaming marble streets, elegant squares and beautifully preserved architecture.

Your local guide will reveal the stories behind the city's remarkable past as you wander through its atmospheric lanes and historic thoroughfares. Afterwards, enjoy free time to continue exploring at your own pace. Perhaps stroll along the Stradun, browse artisan shops hidden within the ancient walls, or find a welcoming restaurant overlooking the city rooftops for dinner before returning to the ship later this evening.

This morning we sail along the enchanting Elaphiti Islands, a scattering of pine-clad islets and hidden coves. Weather permitting, there's another opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear Adriatic before lunch is served as we continue towards Korčula.

Known affectionately as 'Little Dubrovnik', Korčula is one of Croatia's most captivating historic towns. Protected by medieval walls and built from warm honey-coloured stone, its atmospheric streets reveal centuries of Venetian influence and maritime history.

Join our local guide for a walking tour through the old town, discovering elegant squares, narrow alleyways and picturesque viewpoints overlooking the harbour. Legend claims this beautiful island was the birthplace of Marco Polo, and you'll find echoes of its rich seafaring heritage throughout its historic centre.

After the tour, the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether that means browsing boutique shops, dining beside the waterfront or simply soaking up the unique atmosphere of this Adriatic gem

Spend the morning relaxing on deck as we sail north through the beautiful Dalmatian archipelago. With sparkling seas, hidden bays and dramatic island landscapes all around, this is Croatian cruising at its most relaxing. Conditions permitting, we'll pause for swim stops along the way before lunch is served on board.

Later this afternoon we arrive in Pučišća, one of the prettiest harbour towns in Croatia. Nestled around a sheltered inlet on the island of Brač, it is famed for the brilliant white limestone that has been quarried here for centuries and used in some of the world's most celebrated buildings.

Enjoy free time to wander the waterfront, admire the elegant stone houses and soak up the peaceful atmosphere before returning to the ship. This evening, gather with your fellow guests for the Captain's Dinner, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your Croatian yacht cruise over a specially prepared meal

After a final morning sailing through the Dalmatian islands, we arrive in Split, Croatia's vibrant coastal capital. En route, weather permitting, there's one last opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the Adriatic's crystal-clear waters.

Accompanied by a local guide, we'll explore the historic heart of the city and discover the extraordinary Palace of Emperor Diocletian. Built at the height of the Roman Empire, this vast complex remains one of the most remarkable ancient monuments in Europe. Unlike many historic sites, the palace is still very much alive today, with cafés, shops and homes woven seamlessly between its ancient walls.

We'll also visit the atmospheric subterranean cellars, among the palace's best-preserved Roman features, before enjoying free time to explore Split independently. Wander the lively waterfront promenade, browse local boutiques or simply soak up the atmosphere of this fascinating city.

Later, we return to Trogir and rejoin Il Mare for our final evening on board.