Croatia and Montenegro Sailing Adventure

There’s no better way to see Croatia and Montenegro’s stunning coasts than by setting sail on this 15-day adventure. Find the perfect balance between exploring medieval towns, hiking through expansive forests and relaxing on sandy beaches on this experience of a lifetime. If you can’t choose between seaside Split and Old Town Dubrovnik, or the stunning beaches along Montenegro’s seaside – why not experience it all? Watch the glorious sunset every night and fall asleep to the gentle rock of your group’s private yacht. Explore the waters of Montenegro and take daily excursions to explore historical villages, lush national parks and famous landmarks along the Dalmation Coast.

Itinerary

Day 1: Split to Brac

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in Split with a group meeting at 3 pm. If you arrive early, take the chance to see what makes Split the soul of Dalmatia. There are the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace, Split's most imposing structure, to explore or 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. Take a leisurely cruise along the distinctly Mediterranean coast, soaking up the sunshine and the scenery. Then, weigh anchor and go for a dip in the sea or snorkel and spot sea anemones, crabs, sea urchins and small fish.

Day 2: Brac to Vis

After a 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

Have breakfast onboard, then make your way slowly 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, 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

Make breakfast onboard the boat this morning and then set sail for the day. Make a stop around Lovista or Scedro for a morning swim, and then cruise along to Lastovo. On the way, explore some of the 46 islets and reefs around the island’s edges. Over 70% of Lastovo is forested, making it the perfect place to stretch your legs after a day spent 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

After breakfast onboard, set 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 the picturesque 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 will provide a scenic backdrop for lunch. Then, sail on towards Dubrovnik, you will arrive at 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 enjoying dinner and drinks at the lovely marina. The choice is all yours!

Day 8: Dubrovnik - Sipan

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Dubrovnik in Croatia. If you arrive early, it’s recommended that you explore this medieval walled city on foot, take a Game of Thrones walking tour or find a seaside or alleyway restaurant and try some local favourites. For the start of your sailing trip, you’ll leave the city for quiet waters and attend a welcome meeting at 3 pm. Your skipper will collect the group kitty at this time, and as a group, you’ll head to a local supermarket for the week’s onboard meals. After, embark and 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 at one of the beautiful restaurants on the island before spending your first night at sea.

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.

Departure Dates