This journey offers island hopping at its best. All you will need is your swimming gear, a couple of T-shirts and shorts, and you're ready for a never-to-be-forgotten experience. Just imagine eight days of pure relaxation while the captain, his crew and the chef take care of your every need. On the Southern Explorer cruise, swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing are how you'll spend your mornings, and the afternoons are your's to choose either to delve into gastronomic delights in great restaurants, or to revel in the antiquity of the historic towns you will be visiting.
Cruise plan
SPLIT - MAKARSKA - MLJET - DUBROVNIK - SIPAN/TRSTENIK - KORCULA / HVAR / (BOL) SPLIT
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ITINERARY
Day 1 | SPLIT - MAKARSKA (Lunch)
We leave Split harbour at 13h00 and head south to Makarska. (Late arrivals can catch up in Makarska). Lunch will be served while you sail along past the scenic Dalmatian coastline. Then you can cool down when we stop for a swim in one of the bays. Makarska will be our port of call for the evening and you will be free to stroll along the waterfront's expansive promenade, or check out the lighthouse or the main square, which is surrounded by historic monuments including an interesting baroque-style church. Or you can simply visit one of the ambient pubs or bistros. We will spend the night in the harbour.
Day 2 | MAKARSKA - MLJET (Breakfast, lunch)
We depart for the island of Mljet in the early morning sunshine with a stop for a dip in the sea off the peninsula of Peljesac. In the afternoon we will visit the western flank of Mljet, which is home to a pristine National Park. It boasts stunning saltwater lakes, upon the largest of which a boat ride will transport us to the tiny islet in the centre, St. Mary's. There we will explore the picturesque Benedictine monastery and church. I recommend a walk or hiring a bicycle to traverse and immerse yourself in the beauty of this park. We will spend the night at either Polaca or Pomena harbour.
Day 3 | MLJET - DUBROVNIK (Breakfast, Lunch)
We cruise after breakfast alongside a wonderful stretch of coastline to arrive in what some might consider the highlight of our cruise, and certainly one of my favourite cities, the famous Dubrovnik. This ancient city is known as 'the Pearl of the Adriatic' and George Bernard Shaw called it 'heaven on earth'. You will have an opportunity to travel around on your own or join our guided tour (included in Premium categories). Stroll along the Stradun, Dubrovnik's main thoroughfare, which also serves as a square, and see the historic fountains, bell towers and monasteries that front it. I would really recommend that you walk the 1,940 m long city walls surrounding the town, or at least part thereof, because it's really cool to get a close up look of the old town, it's walkways, grand buildings and red rooftops from that aspect on the one side, and the blue sea on the other. I wouldn't miss the optional cable car ride up Srđ mountain for an incredible bird's eye view of the town and the sea and islands. We will remain in the city harbour overnight.
Day 4 | DUBROVNIK - SIPAN / TRSTENIK (Breakfast, Lunch, Captain's Dinner)
We only leave Dubrovnik in the late morning and our next stop will be either the small town of Trstenik on the peninsula of Peljesac, or the island of Sipan, where we will also spend the night. This will be a lazy day offering you idyllic places where you can swim and suntan. We might also be able to visit a local winery, and the evening will end off with the sumptuous Captain's dinner on board.
Day 5 | SIPAN / TRSTENIK - KORCULA (Breakfast, Lunch)
Breakfast first and then off we sail to the island of Korcula. Known as Marco Polo's birthplace, it is one of Dalmatia's most popular islands. Before we get there, lunch will be served on board in a bay close to Korcula town. After our afternoon arrival, you can jump on board the optional sightseeing tour (Included in Premium Superior categories) or the wine tasting at a local winery with traditional snacks served. Or just amble through the churches and museums in this old town, whose defensive walls and bastions were built in the 13th century. Dine in any one of the multitude of seafront restaurants or konobas (taverns) to choose from. We will sleep over in the port.
Day 6 | KORCULA - HVAR (Breakfast, Lunch)
After an early start we leave for the Paklinski islands where we stop for a dip in the sea and lunch. Once we reach the longest island in the Adriatic Sea, with its purple lavender fields, Hvar, you again have the option of joining a guided tour of the town (included in Premium Superior categories). The town is enchanting and exhibits a Renaissance cathedral, with its original tower, and the oldest community theatre in Europe constructed in 1612 amongst other ancient monuments. A favourite of world travellers, the town has a host of supreme eating places, pubs and bistros with non-stop entertainment and discos where you can dance the night away. Overnight in Hvar port.
Day 7 | HVAR (BOL) (Breakfast, Lunch)
On the last day we sail to the island of Brac with an en route stop to plunge into the sea at the most famous beach in Dalmatia, Zlatni Rat (the Golden Horn) where the elements of wind and water continuously change the shape of the bluff. Then onto Bol, a quaint fishermen's village that has retained its peaceful authenticity even though it has become a popular destination on the tourist map. After lunch we cruise on with another stop for a swim in one of the numerous bays on Brac island, after which we head for the city of Split with an optional river rafting experience or zip line on the Cetina river on the way. Enjoy the stunning vistas as we approach the panoramic Split Riviera. After disembarking you have the option of joining a guided tour of this magnificent city with its heritage sites and the not-to-be-missed Roman Diocletian Palace, protected by UNESCO. The evening is your's to spend savouring local delicacies in one of many restaurants or enjoying the night life in a bar or club.
Day 8 | SPLIT (Breakfast)
Sadly all good things come to an end, but you will have some time for an early breakfast and to bid farewell to the crew and all the new friends you've made along the way.
WHAT CATEGORY WOULD YOU LIKE TO SELECT?
Premium category
Traditional modern looking, steel hulled, 29 to 35m long cruisers. Accommodation is in roomy 8 to 14m2 en-suite cabins with double or twin beds, A/C, hair dryer and mini safe.
Included here
- Breakfast buffets, lunches are three-course, Captain's dinner
- Tea/coffee and biscuits in the afternoons plus complimentary water
- Guided tour of Dubrovnik
- Wine and olive oil tasting on board
- Cabin service daily and clean towels and bed linen provided midweek
- Luggage handling
- Free Wi-Fi
Premium Superior ships
These are recently-built mini deluxe cruisers offering similar amenities to the large cruisers, but are smaller - 38 to 41m long. Cabins are 8 to 14m2 with double or twin beds, have A/C, a hair dryer and mini safe.
Includes the same as Premium plus
- On board English-speaking tour manager
- Three guided tours: Dubrovnik, Korcula and Hvar
Traditional vessels
Wooden ships with A/C saloon, and cabins (no A/C) with bunk beds & washbasins.
Includes
- Continental breakfasts
- Three course lunches
- Free water
- Complimentary WiFi
Traditional En-Suite cruisers
Wooden ships saloon and cabins with A/C. Cabins have mostly bunk beds and your own private shower/toilet.
Includes the same as Traditionals plus:
- Private shower/toilet
Optional Extras for Traditional vessels:
- Note: These are already included in other categories (net)
English Breakfast Supplement - € 40 per week
- Incl: 2 eggs, bacon, tomato and mushrooms, or yoghurt & fruit (or similar).
- Regular continental breakfast included in cruise price consists of: coffee, tea, milk, glass of juice, cereals, bread, varying spreads - butter, jam, honey, soft cheese;
- daily add-ons e.g. ham and cheese or boiled eggs, frankfurters, salami etc.).
- Hot & cold buffet breakfast included on Premium category ships.
Captain's Dinner
- € 25 - choice of fish or meat menu - the ship's speciality is also served (included in price on Premium vessels)
Extra Towels
- You will be given two towels per week.
- Extra bath towels can be rented for € 3, and beach towels € 5 per week/towel.
Daily Cabin Service
- €15 per person per week - (included in the price for Premium vessels - daily cabin servicing, clean bed linen and towels midweek; Not provided on Traditional vessels, but you can order in advance).
Important items to note
- If the weather turns bad, the Captain reserves the right to amend the route.
- Cruise departures are guaranteed unless less than 10 guests make a booking, in which case, and if necessary, the line reserves the right to change the departure and name of ship.
- Please take note of the ship's rules and respect them, particularly relating to bringing your own drinks on board.
- Unacceptable behaviour or misconduct may result in the Captain requesting such guest/s to disembark.
- We recommend that you consider taking out insurance against cancellation of reserved services, as well as a comprehensive travel insurance package (Incl. travel health, personal accident, valuables/luggage, private liability) - all offered by the cruise line.
- Croatian harbours have differing mooring conditions and requirements, and at times it may be necessary for cruise vessels to moor next to each other. This would necessitate in crossing via a bridge over the gap between ships. This will be at your own risk. As always, the crew are available to help if necessary.
- Cruises are not recommended for people in a wheelchair or for those with limited mobility.
Cabin Inquiry CABIN PRICES FOR THIS CRUISE