Wines of Croatia Cruise

SUMMARY

Split, a town on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, is known for its beaches and the fortresslike complex at its center, Diocletian's Palace, erected by the Roman emperor in the 4th century. Once home to thousands, its sprawling remains include more than 200 buildings. Within its white stone walls and under its courtyards and galleries are shops, bars, cafes, cathedrals, hotels and several houses.

Check-in is from 11.00am to 12.00pm (midday). Please note your cabin may not be ready until 12:30pm. A Welcome Reception will commence onboard your ship between 12.00pm and 1.00pm, where you're able to join your fellow travellers for champagne and canapes before departing the harbour. Your ship will depart the harbour at 1pm sharp.

Please Note: Our Captains work hard to provide the best possible experience based on weather and port conditions. Our aim is to make sure you have an amazing week on your Sail Croatia cruise! In light of this, the itinerary and port locations may need to change during the week.

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Flying to Croatia
• Driving to Croatia

SPECIAL ELEGANCE INCLUSION

• Included stress-free transfer from the airport to the harbour on day 1 of your cruise*
• Welcome Reception

*complimentary transfer must be booked in advance with our Sales Team

SUMMARY

Enjoy a 3 course lunch onboard as we depart Split Harbour at 1pm and commence sailing towards our first destination - the island of Brac. The largest of the Dalmatian islands, we will moor up in the waterside town of Milna.

SPECIAL ELEGANCE WINE INCLUSION:

We start our discovery of the wines of Croatia in the most fun way possible, with a Wine Jeep Safari! Travelling in 4X4 vehicles we will experience the landscape of Milna from a different perspective and hear how food and wine production is rooted in ancient tradition. We will relax in a family tavern where our hosts will treat us to local wines and traditional food produce, including locally made cheese and meats.

In the late afternoon we will return to Milna where you can swim and relax in the stunning bays surrounding Milna, with the evening reserved to experience a local restaurant or waterside cafe.

SUMMARY

Enjoy breakfast overlooking the stunning Adriatic as we cruise towards Hvar island. Relax in the Croatian sunshine or take a dip into the refreshing Adriatic as we pass by the Golden Horn near the beautiful city of Bol on the Southern side of the Island, before lunch is served onboard. After lunch we continue onto Hvar, the ‘French Riviera’ of the Adriatic.

Feel the part sipping champagne and docking alongside other super yachts and possibly sighting a celebrity! Despite its celebrity status, Hvar still manages to remain authentic to its roots with its cobbled streets, historic architecture and 7th Century Fortress overlooking the town.

Please Note: The docking time in Hvar can be early evening in peak season due to port authority restrictions. Water taxi transfers will be arranged to take you to the port.

SPECIAL ELEGANCE WINE INCLUSION:

We will travel inland to the beautiful Stari Grad plains where we will visit Hora vineyard and farm. We will enjoy a delicious traditional 'Peka' dinner whilst tasting four varieties of Croatian wine, Bogdanuša (a native grape variety to Hvar), Pošip, Bogdanuša, Barrique Plavac Mal alongside a mezze of homemade cheeses, pršut, sausages, anchovies and olive oil.

SUMMARY

Early this morning, and subject to weather conditions (which are normally excellent), we will make our way to the island of Vis, one of the most outer-lying islands on the Dalmatian coast. Vis has been used over the centuries as a strategic military port and saw action by the Allied military through WWII against Italy and Germany.

SPECIAL ELEGANCE WINE INCLUSION:

Today we will visit the only wine cellar in the world that is located in a military tunnel! For 150 years the Lipanović family has been growing wine in the region and the cellar location provides the ideal conditions for keeping and storing wine. We will try three traditional wines, Vugava, Viski Opol (rose) and Plavac Mali (red) along with a tasting plate whilst learning about the history of Vis and the use of the military tunnels during the World War II.

Today the island is an idyllic destination, most famous for it's stunning Blue Cave, an island cave system accessible only by boat. The blue turquoise water and refracted light entering the cave make for amazing photo opportunities.

Please Note: If by chance the weather and wind isn't suitable to visit Vis, an alternative stop will be made on the itinerary. The captain reserves the right to amend the itinerary, as his number one priority is always safety.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION

• Visit to the Blue Cave

SUMMARY

We set sail from Vis and head to the western side of Korcula Island to the port of Vela Luka. The name Vela Luka translates to ‘big harbour’ and the town lies in a deep sheltered bay, lined with small coves. The town dates back to prehistoric times and archaeological artefacts can be found at the town's cultural centre.

Vela Luka has a strong agricultural background, particularly in olive growing, from which its olive oil is widely used and recommended by locals. There are a handful of restaurants and shops dotted along this quiet harbour and the town becomes increasingly popular in the summer months.

SPECIAL ELEGANCE WINE INCLUSION:

We will visit a winery located in the middle of the stunning island of Korčula, where we will enjoy a guided tour of the production process before sampling five delicious wines with a local tasting plate, whilst enjoying some live music.

SUMMARY

Relax with breakfast onboard as we set sail around Korčula Island towards the town of Korčula. The town of Korčula, said to be the home of Marco Polo, was mostly built in the 15th century, and has a fascinating fish-bone structure. The island's local population were originally famous for their decorative stone carving work, which to this day still adorn the city's facades.

SPECIAL ELEGANCE WINE INCLUSION:

Stroll the cobbled streets of Korcula soaking in the history and architecture before stumbling upon a quaint alley leading to our wine bar destination for this afternoon to sample the local wines of Korcula with tapas.

SPECIAL ELEGANCE INCLUSION:

We will overnight in Korčula Town and enjoy a traditional Croatian dinner in the village of Žrnovo, one of the oldest settlements on the island.

SUMMARY

This morning we sail south-east to one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia, Mljet. This island is actually a National Park and is classified as Croatia’s greenest island due to the dense covering of Mediterranean pine forest.

The National Park is famous for its two salt lakes in the north end of the island - Veliko and Malo Jezero - as well as the 12th century Benedictine monastery in the middle of Veliko. You can explore this pristine island by kayaking, cycling or walking around to where the sea meets the lake.

After exploring, spend your afternoon on the top deck of the ship watching a magical Mljet sunset with a cold drink in hand.

SPECIAL ELEGANCE WINE INCLUSION:

Our Captain's Dinner will be accompanied by an experienced Sommelier who will talk us through the specially curated wines we have paired with each dish. This is also the perfect opportunity to get to know your Captain and ask him any questions about his life at sea.

Please Note: Guests looking to explore Mljet National Park, please be aware there is an entrance fee payable locally.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION

• Mljet Bike Rental

SUMMARY

There is nothing quite like waking up in peaceful Mljet and enjoying breakfast onboard your ship as we cruise towards the UNESCO protected and spectacularly beautiful city of Dubrovnik. Enjoy the stunning views along the way to "heaven on earth" - according to the famous writer, George Bernard Shaw. We will arrive into Dubrovnik in the afternoon, allowing plenty of time for you to explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

The city is wonderfully captivating, with its stone walls and historic charm. It is highly recommended to walk around the 1,940m long, 15th century walls to grasp the diverse nature of this city. Walk along the Stradun, the promenade inside the old city walls and meander the alleyways to discover numerous local restaurants, shops and bars.

The included Dubrovnik Walking Tour is a great way to learn about this wonderful city.

Please Note: Your ship will dock in Port Gruz, which is located just outside of Dubrovnik Old Town. Port Gruz runs from South Gruz, to North Gruz Port which is under Dubrovnik Bridge. Public buses to Dubrovnik Old Town are available for €2 per person, one way (payable locally).

SPECIAL ELEGANCE INCLUSION

• Dubrovnik Walking Tour

OPTIONAL EXCURSION

• Game of Thrones Walking Tour

*Transfers to/from the start/end destination are not included

SUMMARY

This morning it's time for an early onboard breakfast, before saying goodbye to the crew and all of your new friends.

Please Note: It is possible for you to leave the ship as early as needed on Sunday morning to catch flights, as all ships will be in port by Saturday night.

SPECIAL ELEGANCE INCLUSION

• Included stress-free transfer from the harbour to the airport on day 8 of your cruise*

*complimentary transfer must be booked in advance with our Sales Team