Adriatic Explorer from Split Premium Plus - 8 Days

Saturday. Split - Makarska. Departure from Split Harbour at 1 pm and cruise along Dalmatian Coast towards the Makarska Riviera. Makarska is a popular tourist destination with many restaurants and bars and a beautiful promenade along the famous beach. Enjoy the magic of the central spot of the Makarska Riviera, and be sure to take a walk along the city streets – with an abundance of churches and other cultural sites.

Makarska - Bol (Brac). This morning we continue our cruise towards our next destination – the island of Brac, more precisely to the town of Bol, a typical Dalmatian fishermen's village. Bol is known for its famous Zlatni Rat Beach (Golden Horn), a natural phenomenon that with its specific form dominates the other beaches of Bol. A walk along the promenade (approx 2 hours) from Bol you can reach the highest peak of all Adriatic Islands – Vidova Gora, under which the town lies. After a swim break and lunch we continue our journey towards Stari Grad on Hvar Island, the sunniest Adriatic Island. Free afternoon to explore this unique town, opt to visit the famous Stari Grad Field, the oldest in Croatia and the best preserved example of ancient Greek system of agriculture. Together with the old town it is World Heritage Listed and protected by UNESCO.

Bol - Hvar. Our next destination is the island of Hvar, the longest of all the Adriatic Islands and a favourite destination for jet setters from all around the world. After lunch, we stop for swim at nearby Pakleni Islands. Take some time to relax and enjoy the refreshment of the clear, crystal blue sea before arrival to Hvar, in the afternoon hours. Hvar Town offers many cultural and historical sites - Renaissance Cathedral, the oldest communal theatre in Europe founded in 1612, Franciscan Monastery, the Benedictine Convent famous for their lace listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Spanjola Fortress towering high above the town... and many restaurants and bars open late into the night.

Hvar - Vis. The ship sets sail early this morning as we cruise towards the little island of Bisevo to visit the Blue Cave (weather dependant). We then continue to the island of Vis, which was because of its unique geographical position, a strategic harbour for the Navy and as such, closed to the public until recently. Because of this isolation, Vis has a special charm, ‘the Mediterranean as it once was’ which makes it a really interesting place to see. We spend the night moored up by the town of Vis, situated on the northern side of the island, developed near the remains of ancient Issa, the first urban centre in Croatia. If interested, visit the remains of the Roman Thermal Baths, City Museum or simply take a walk and enjoy the views of the beautiful Roman styled villas situated along the coast.

Hvar - Korcula. Before breakfast we depart towards Korcula, the birthplace of famous explorer and adventurer Marco Polo. Surrounded by medieval walls, Korcula resembles a miniature Dubrovnik when approaching from the sea. It has more legends, tales and monuments than you will find anywhere else. Today, Korcula is the only place in the world where the Spanish medieval knight's game – Moreska is still performed. Upon arrival, enjoy a walk through the streets of the old town built in the shape of a fish bone. Enjoy the numerous konobas/taverns, restaurants, cocktail bars and night-clubs located within and around the city walls.

Korcula - Mljet Slano/Sipan. We continue cruising towards one of the greenest Adriatic Islands – the island of Mljet. This afternoon we take time to enjoy the beauties of the National Park, two salt lakes connected by a narrow channel to the sea and a boat ride to the St Mary Isle in the Great Lake, where the old church and monastery are situated. You can cycle around and swim in the lakes. We continue our cruise towards Šipan, part of Elaphite Islands, or towards Slano on the coast, both small fishermen's villages where we will overnight in the port. Tonight we'll enjoy a scrumptious Captain's Dinner.

Slano/Sipan - Dubrovnik. In the early morning hours we depart towards our final destination, Dubrovnik arriving in after lunch. Discover this “paradise on Earth”, as the famous writer George Bernard Shaw described, here we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik followed by an optional cable car ride up to Srd Mountain for spectacular views of the old town. During your free time, a stroll along the 1940 metre long city walls is highly recommended and offers magnificent views of the old town of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands.

Saturday. Dubrovnik. After breakfast, say goodbye to the crew and your new friends - Dovidjenja!