Croatian Coastal Cruising – Split to Dubrovnik (Aurora)

Navigate the gorgeous coastline of Croatia in comfort on this small-ship adventure cruise from Split to Dubrovnik. Soak up the sun, sea and salty breeze as you sail through the azure waters of the Adriatic, exploring islands, rivers, beaches and towns. Start in the ancient city of Split and walk through colourful Brac, before setting sail southbound. Drop anchor in Hvar and venture up the River Neretva. Check out the beautiful town of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, wander through the romantic Old Town of Korcula and enjoy tastings at a local winery, then dock in the walled city of Dubrovnik – whether you’re a Game of Thrones fan or just looking for a beautiful place to explore, this is the perfect city to end in (and stay longer, if you can)!

Itinerary

Day 1: Split

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. There is so much to see and do in the gorgeous seaside oasis of Split, where your adventure begins, so it's recommended you arrive a couple of days early. Your luggage can be dropped off at the boat from midday, so feel free to explore Split before boarding commences at 5 pm. This is where you’ll meet your fellow travellers for a welcome meeting and safety briefing. This evening, sit down for your first group dinner on board and get to know each other.

Day 2: Split - Brac

This morning you'll sail to the colourful island of Brac. Along the way, stop for a swim in the ocean and have lunch aboard the boat. When you arrive in Brac – the longest island in central Dalmatia – you’ll head to the Skrip museum. As the oldest settlement on the island, this regional museum is full of fascinating history. After, visit the Olive Oil Museum to explore the history of this cooking staple on the island. Here, you'll can also taste some local olive oil along with some local produce (and pick up a souvenir, if you fancy). Tonight, enjoy some free time exploring Brac or lounging on the boat.

Day 3: Brac - Hvar

Set sail for the island of Hvar, enjoying breakfast on board. Stop to swim in the waters of the Adriatic at a secluded beach close to Stari Grad, Hvar's old town. Arrive around midday and look across one of Europe's oldest towns while lunching on board the Aurora. Next, take a bus to explore the island known as the 'Queen of the Dalmatian Islands'. Visit a nearby lavender farm and try some local produce. After, drive to Hvar town for an orientation walk with your leader, then enjoy free time to explore. Return to Stari Grad and dine at a local restaurant of your choosing. Overnight in Hvar (Stari Grad).

Day 4: Hvar - Opuzen

Set sail early towards Opuzen, stopping for a spot of swimming along the way. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail up the Neretva River towards Opuzen. When you arrive, jump into small wooden boats for a leisurely cruise through the surrounding wetlands (with local snacks and music on board). End up at a beautiful local restaurant overlooking the water for Peka veal and other local dishes, then board the boat and return to Opuzen. This evening, you may like to venture out to a couple of the bars around the town square to meet the locals to soak up the atmosphere.

Day 5: Opuzen - Mostar - Opuzen - Trpanj

It’s an early start this morning as you make your way to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina by minibus. When you arrive, take a tour with a local guide, learn about the history of the iconic bridge and visit a local coffee shop where you’ll see how Bosnian coffee is made. Then, taste it for yourself! You’ll then have some free time to explore the town and have lunch at your own pace. Return to the boat the early afternoon and set sail for Trpanj, where you’ll visit the Matusko winery for a tasting and to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the vineyards. Return to the boat to enjoy a four-course dinner with the captain.

Day 6: Trpanj - Korcula

After breakfast on board, enjoy a mid-morning swim stop in beautiful clear waters of Loviste in the Peljesac Peninsula. Return to the boat and set sail for Korcula – the birthplace of Marco Polo. This afternoon, you’ll join your leader for an orientation tour of the town. Then tonight, you’ll be spoiled for choice with many restaurants overlooking the waterfront – ask your leader for their recommendations. Spend the night at port, with the boat rocking gently with the water.

Day 7: Korcula - Dubrovnik

Leave early this morning and cruise to Dubrovnik, stopping mid-morning for a swim near the island of Jakljan. Have your lunch on board before arriving in Dubrovnik in the early afternoon, where you’ll join a local guide to explore this beautiful walled city. Tonight, enjoy a final dinner on board the Aurora with your fellow travellers, making sure to toast to an incredible sailing adventure.

Day 8: Dubrovnik

Your adventure along the Dalmatian Coast ends after breakfast today and with no activities planned, you are free to leave at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Dubrovnik, and it’s recommended that you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Departure Dates