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 upwith exciting activities like a river cruise and a walk to the waterfalls of the Krka National Park. Take on expeditions like 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 - Opuzen - 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 the 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. Return to Opuzen in the early afternoon and sail to Trpanj. When you arrive, transfer to Matusko Winery for a tasting and enjoy the beautiful grounds of the vineyard before returning to the boat. Tonight, you’ll sit down for a four-course dinner with the captain.

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 - Split

Spend the morning sailing, arriving in Split in the early afternoon. When you arrive, you’ll meet a local guide who will take you on a walk around Split, then the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Maybe walk through the beautiful lane ways and squares of the Old City, hang out by the port or ask your leader for some activity recommendations.

Day 7: Split - Krka National Park

After a leisurely breakfast on board, head out to explore more of Split’s Old City. After lunch, return to the boat, ready to take your private bus transfer to Krka National Park. Here, board a smaller boat for some cruising and exploring within the park, which spans two thirds of the Krka River and some 142 square kilometres. Visit some of the waterfalls that this park is known for, then return to Split by bus. Tonight, you’ll have a final dinner with your group aboard the Aurora, celebrating an incredible adventure.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Split

Your adventure along the Dalmatian Coast ends after breakfast this morning. With no further activities planned, you’re free to leave at any time. If you would like to extend your stay in Split, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.

Departure Dates