Croatian Coastal Cruising: Dubrovnik to Split (Aurora)

Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is home to plenty of impressive beaches – we’re talking the official second cleanest in Europe. Imagine the sun warming you while you lean over the side of a boat – just peacefully watching the clear water wash against limestone cliffs and pebbly shores as you pass on by. This eight day cruise offers plenty of that idle relaxation, broken up with exciting activities like a river cruise and a walk to the waterfalls of the the Krka National Park or expeditions like a winery trip near romantic Korcula to for those who find relaxation at the bottom of a wine glass. Get a taste of what the Dalmatian Coast has to offer on this exciting and varied cruise adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Dubrovnik

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.

Day 2: Dubrovnik – Korcula

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.

Day 3: Korcula – Badija – Opuzen

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 to Opuzen. Enjoy lunch onboard and then in the afternoon jump into small wooden boats for a leisurely cruise through the surrounding wetlands (with local snacks and music on board). Arrive at a beautiful local restaurant overlooking the river 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.

Day 4: Opuzen – Mostar – Opuzen – Trpanj

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 enjoy some free time to explore the town and have lunch at your leisure. Return to Opuzen in the early afternoon and sail to Trpanj. Upon arrival, transfer to Matusko winery for a tasting and enjoy the beautiful grounds of the vineyard, before returning to the ship. Tonight, enjoy dinner onboard the Aurora.

Day 5: Trpanj – Hvar – Jelsa – Starigrad – Hvar

Sail into Jelsa on the island of Hvar and take a private transfer to a local farm for some local produce tasting, then drive to Hvar town. Explore on a walk with your leader before continuing on to Starigrad in the evening.

Day 6: Hvar – Split

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.

Day 7: Split – Krka National Park

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.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Split

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.

Departure Dates