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 up with exciting activities like a river cruise and a walk to the waterfalls of the Krka National Park. Enjoy a guided walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, then see how Bosnian coffee is made. Take 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.

Itinerary

Day 1: Dubrovnik

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in Dubrovnik. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do, explore the terracotta rooves, ancient cliff-forged walls and crystal coasts of this medieval walled city. You’ll meet your trip leader and group this evening at 5 pm, when you’ll be welcomed aboard the Aurora and introduced to your crew. Enjoy a drink and get to know each other before your first dinner on the boat this evening. Later, perhaps relax with a glass of wine on the deck and take in the waves lapping the rugged cliffs.

Day 2: Dubrovnik - Korcula

After breakfast, set sail for Korcula – the birthplace of Marco Polo – with lunch on board. If time permits, you’ll stop for a quick swim stop on the way – the perfect way to start any day on board! In the afternoon, head out on land for an orientation walk through the town, before enjoying an evening to explore at your own pace. If you need dinner recommendations, your leader is always on hand!

Day 3: Korcula - Badija - Opuzen

Depart for Opuzen, stopping for a mid-morning swim in clear, turquoise waters near the small island of Badija. Enjoy lunch onboard, 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 local restaurant overlooking the river for Peka veal and other local dishes for dinner. Board the boats to return back to Opuzen. You may want to venture out to one of the bars around the town square to meet the locals over a beer or two.

Day 4: Opuzen - Mostar - Trpanj

Embrace an early start this morning as you make your way to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina by minibus. Take a guided walk through the town, visiting a local coffee shop where you’ll see how Bosnian coffee is made, then try some for yourself. After, enjoy some free time to explore the town and have lunch at your own pace. Then, travel by bus back to the Dalmatian Coast. Along the way, you’ll stop at Matusko Winery for a tour of the vineyards followed by a wine tasting. You’ll then continue to Trpanj where you’ll reboard your boat. Tonight, sit down to a four-course dinner with the captain as the sun sets over the water.

Day 5: Trpanj - Hvar - Jelsa - Starigrad - Hvar

This morning after breakfast aboard, you’ll sail into Jelsa on the island of Hvar. When you arrive, take a private transfer to a local farm for some local produce tasting, then drive to the town. Explore the town on a walk with your leader before continuing on to Starigrad this evening.

Day 6: Hvar - Omis

Spend the morning sailing, arriving in Omis in the early afternoon. Along the way, enjoy a swim stop and lunch on board. When you arrive in Omis, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. Omis is a small village, but it’s packed with limestone-lined streets and old churches to wander through. Perhaps explore the town’s historic centre – Omis is overlooked by Mirabela Fortress which was built in the 13th century. Or take a more relaxing route and stroll along the town’s promenade. Tonight, seek out a new dinner spot to try – maybe with a view of the sun setting over the water. Ask your local leader for their recommendations!

Day 7: Omis - Krka National Park - Split - Omis

After a leisurely breakfast on board, you’ll take a private bus to Krka National Park. Here, you’ll board a smaller boat for some cruising and exploring within the park, which spans two thirds of the Krka River and some 142 sq km. Visit some of the waterfalls that this park is known for, then travel to Split by bus. When you arrive, maybe have some lunch and settle in. This afternoon, discover the charming alleyways and local history of Split’s Old Town during a tour with a local guide. After, you’re free to pick up a souvenir or two, or simply continue exploring Split before boarding a bus back to Omis. Tonight, you’ll have a final dinner with your group aboard the Aurora, toasting to your sailing adventure with the new travel friends you’ve made along the way.

Day 8: Omis - Split

Your adventure along the Dalmatian Coast ends after breakfast this morning. You’ll take a short bus ride from Omis to Split, arriving in Split at midday. With no further activities planned, you’re free to leave at any time. If you would like to extend your stay in Split, and it’s recommended that you do, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to book additional accommodation.

Departure Dates