|
Sail Croatia,
prices from
£299pp - 1 week
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cruise
Overview:
Split – Makarska
– Mljet –
Dubrovnik – Sipan/Trstenik –
Korčula – Hvar
– Split
For
this trip all you will need is a few T-shirts and a swimming costume
to spend seven unforgettable days sailing on the southern Adriatic
Sea from one island to another. Relax and let the captain and his
crew (especially the cook) take care of you. During the day you can
swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and explore the underworld of the Adriatic
Sea. The evenings you have free to find a good restaurant or
discover old churches or other historical monuments…
Online enquiry
Detailed
Itinerary:
|
SATURDAY:
SPLIT – MAKARSKA |
|
Departure from Split harbour, Saturday at 13:00 h. After
lunch sail along the Dalmatian coast down to Makarska
Riviera. We spend the afternoon swimming at one of the
beautiful beaches on the Riviera. From this beach those
feeling adventurous can join our WHITE WATER rafting
excursion on the Cetina river and meet up with the ship in
Makarska in the evening. Overnight in the port of Makarska,
one of the most attractive resorts on the Croatian coast.
Strolling along the streets of Makarska, you will come
across numerous churches and other architectural and
cultural sights. |
|
|
|
SUNDAY |
MAKARSKA –
MLJET |
|
Early morning departure towards Mljet with the first stop on
the Peljesac peninsula for a refreshing swim. The whole
afternoon is free to look at the salt lakes in Mljet
National Park and enjoy the sun and sea on this peaceful
island. In the middle of the large lake, inside the National
park, we can visit an old abbey and church, or just use a
small boat to roam around the National park. Overnight in
port Polaca/Pomena
|
|
MONDAY |
MLJET – DUBROVNIK |
|
After breakfast we depart for Dubrovnik, which is the
highlight of this cruise. On route will be time just for a
short swim. Enjoy the beautiful sights of nature along the
way towards “the heaven on earth” –according to the famous
writer George Bernard Shaw. Arrive to Dubrovnik in the
afternoon when you can explore on your own or first join our
guided tour of Dubrovnik with an English speaking guide.
Take a walk through STRADUN – both a street and a square, a
promenade inside the city walls. For those of you with more
enthusiasm we recommend a walk on top of the 1,940 m long
city walls! Overnight in the port of this magical town.
|
|
TUESDAY |
|
|
Morning is free to explore Dubrovnik. Discover the beauty of
history through numerous monuments, little streets,
churches… Around noontime we leave this magnificent town and
continue our cruise towards the isle Sipan or a little town
of Trstenik on the Peljesac penninsula, where we will swim
in the afternoon and spend the night.
|
|
WEDNESDAY |
SIPAN/TRSTENIK – KORCULA |
|
After breakfast depart for Korcula, the birthplace of MARCO
POLO. Lunch on the board in front of Lumbarda (part of
Korcula). Arrive to Korčula late afternoon where we
overnight in port. On this island you can find more legends,
tales and monuments than anywhere else. Listen to the story
of the stone walls, which were being built over two
centuries ago.
|
|
THURSDAY |
KORCULA –HVAR |
|
Early in the morning departure for the Pakleni Islands for
lunch and swimming. Departure for Hvar after lunch. Hvar is
the longest island in the Adriatic. Here we can find the
Renaissance cathedral with its original tower; also the
oldest community theatre in Europe was founded here in 1612.
City of Hvar offers abundanct entertainment full of
restaurants, bars and cafes that are open long into the
night.
|
|
FRIDAY |
HVAR (Bol) - SPLIT |
|
Our next stop will be the island of Brac. Swimming is
planned at one of the most famous beaches in Dalmatia –
Zlatni Rat near Bol (the Golden cape - its gravel promontory
shifts from side to side as the wind and waves constantly
change in shape). Bol is a typical fisherman’s town turned
into a popular tourist destination. After lunch we will
start our journey back to Split where the last overnight is
planned. On our way to Split there will be another
swim-break in one of the many bays on island of Brac.
Arrival to Split in the late afternoon. Enjoy the view of
Split Riviera arriving in Split. Possibility to join our
guided tour of Split with an English speaking guide. Split
is a monumental city under UNESCO protection that belongs
not only to Croatians, but also to you, as it is a part of
the world heritage. Here we find an abundance of Roman
architecture – of special interest is the Diocletian palace.
|
|
|
SPLIT |
|
Early breakfast after which it is time to say goodbye to the
crew and all your new friends!
|
My Sail Croatia
travel blog
For those
that don't know me, I'm Russell and I work for Vamos Travel
& in August 2008 I was lucky enough to cruise the Croatian
'Dalmatian' coastline on a vintage motor-sail boat.
Yes, I know what you're thinking.....its a hard life being a
travel consultant! But for the business, I accepted the
holiday proposal and off I went to experience Croatia's
beautiful aquatic seas, national parks, old towns and a spot
of nightlife.
 Arriving in Split (direct from London Gatwick) I decided to
make the most of the morning and discover as many parts of
the city as possible.
To my pleasure and surprise Split is a beautiful place and
is a real joy to walk around (being Croatia's second largest
urban centre and a very busy transit area - I hadn't
expected it to be so nice). The old town is a real treat for
people (like me) who enjoy small streets and hidden
corridors, that open up to wide squares and architectural
gems.
After catching the historical
highlights, I strolled along the modern port promenade
blindly with enthusiasm in search of the nearest local beach
area.
Noticing
time was escaping me, i hurried back to the port to find my
boat, Oroa 'Eagle' to meet the crew (of four) and fellow
passengers (18 in total).
We casted off around 13.00pm, and it didn't take long on a
relatively small boat, for us all to be on first & nickname
terms with each other.
Our first
plunge was on our way to the coastal town 'Makarska '.
As we approach ed
Makarska, the sun was just retiring onto the harbour
buildings, giving the city a spectacular golden glow.
All extremely hungry, new friends in tow, we bounced off the
boat to indulge in the local cuisine and eager to d iscover
the renowned Makarska
nightlife.
It certainly lived up to its reputation, with some of my
fellow passengers waking up on the top deck of the boat.
This was only day one! And the holiday became progressively
better!!!
Sunday
morning. I woke to another perfect spot in paradise....the
Island of Mljet. We were offered options for water rafting,
scenic boat tours, hiking and cycling.....I choose for the
latter, and set off with five other new friends into the
Mljet National Park.
Needless to say the bike ride was spectacular & after an
hour on the bikes, we stopped and dived off the rocks into
the crystal blue waters to cool down.
In the late afternoon, taking
our bikes in the opposite direction - we pushed on together,
to catch the Island from another perspective.
As the sun climbed down, and a cool breeze began to guide us
along the quiet island roads - we all fell into silence,
soaking up the moment and savouring the sights that kept
unfolding in front of us.
Monday morning, we sailed to
Slano - for a quick orientation of a picturesque town,
giving the crew chance to re-stock the fresh food and
re-fill the boat.
We had approximately 2.5 hrs there to relax on the beach,
swim off the boat or venture into the nearby countryside &
charm one of the local mountain snakes.
Above you
can see my view point, half way up the hillside. Directly
below me, in the sea, were my fellow ship mates.
Finally, we arrive in
Dubrovnik, one of the most prominent tourist destinations on
the Adriatic, a stunning old town, guarded by a castle
boundary, which juts out into the gorgeous turquoise blue
Adriatic Sea.
From the castle ramparts you can look over hundreds of
pretty red bricked roof tops as well out to the many
neighbouring islands.
On the evening, we were
fortunate to discover the East West beach club, a trendy
Saint Tropez-style beachfront club, overlooking the most
spectacular view of the Old City of Dubrovnik.
We were particularly taken with the elegant décor and
relaxed atmosphere, and decided to stay and dine at the
restaurant. The menu was a fusion of Mediterranean
cuisine with typical Dalmatian flavour, and surpassed my
expectations, as did the impeccable service.
As the sun evaporated once more,
i marvelled at the purple glow coating the fortified walls.
Truly spectacular...sealing Dubrovnik's reputation, as being
one of the romantic cities in the world.
After another deep relaxing sleep in my private cabin, I
rise for another splendid breakfast, continuing the journey
towards the birth place of Marco Polo (the famous world-traveler
and writer)...
'the Island Of Korcula'.....
Before reaching the main island, our captain stops at
another secluded bay for swim time, tan topping and coastal
excursions.
After studying the local map, I decided to get off the
beaten track and try and discover my own little bay on the
other side of the island (only a short 4km hike).....it's
amazing how short 4 km walk becomes, when your crossing vine
yards, traversing across coastal rocks & following narrow
foot tracks to hidden bays.
 
That afternoon, we harboured
just outside the Island's main town, also named Korcula. It
is a typical medieval walled Dalmatian city, with its round
defensive towers, clusters of red-roofed houses and romantic
small streets. I instantly fell for this small-but perfectly
formed town.
Personally, I adored the pace of Korcula, the slower tempo,
fine restaurants and polished stone streets. As for the
panoramic views & the stunning sunset ! Well this is
something that will stay with me forever.
If you want to discover South
Croatia, you can't possibly miss Hvar.......this was our
Wednesday destination, and was only a short sail from
Korcula.
In the day, we competed in the Lilo Surf
gymnastics....although not represented in the 2008 Beijing
Olympics, I can assure you its a very tough and competitive
Croatian national sport :)
Later, we swam to neighbouring boats, made new friends and
we managed to rope a new set of willing explorers to find
the other side of the bay.
On the evening, we took the
winding hill path to Hvar Castle.
Although, the walk looks to be promisingly painful (the
castle sits high above the town), I can assure you its not
and you're instantly rewarded by one of the best views in
the south Dalmatian.
On Thursday we reached one of
Croatia's most famous beaches 'Zlatni rat' (Golden Cape) ,
on the Island of Brac. The beach stretches itself 500 metres
into the sea, switching direction according to the strong
sea currents. (Picture above - far right).
On shore, i
was pleased to discover that there was a nearby hike, where
one could trek 778m above sea level to the top of island's
highest mountain.
With time and sunlight not on our side, we hurriedly walked
out of the Bol (the main town on Brac Island) to begin the 2
hour climb.
Around 19.30pm, we summited 'Plisko' standing directly above
the 'Golden Cape' beach, hands stretched wide in a spiritual
fashion. Undoubtedly, my holiday highlight.
On my final
day...i woke with a saddened feeling....."Friday already"!!
I really couldn't believe this was my last day & the journey
of a life time was cruising to an end.......and I was so
getting used to my new daily routine of:
A light breakfast, cup of tea, a refreshing plunge into the
sea, shower on deck, dry in the sun, sun bathe up top, take
an afternoon adventure, back for the prepared fresh lunch,
more swimming & tan topping, then discovering another
gorgeous town to meet the friendly locals.
The Journey returned us to
Split, where we stayed together for one last night, making
our farewells, swapping hotmail addresses and thinking about
how many pictures we were going to have to share on
facebook. Undoubtedly, this holiday was like nothing else
I've ever done and meeting so many like minded people, made
it all that much more special.
If you're reading this, and want to know more......please
call me in the offices.
We want our clients to experience the real Croatia.
Best
Regards
Russell
"Tailor
Made Travel"
|
