SUMMARY
The Split Return South itinerary is perfect for travelers flying in and out of Split, as this route starts and ends in the waterfront city.
After checking in at Split Port, this itinerary travels south along the coast to the seaside town of Makarska before cruising to Korcula and the famous medieval city of Dubrovnik. Leaving Dubrovnik behind, the itinerary then continues north through the islands of Mljet and Hvar, before returning to Split on day 7.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore Diocletian’s Palace in Split
- Experience waterfront dining in Makarska
- Sip cocktails in a 15th Century turret in Korcula
- Walk Dubrovnik’s famous City Walls
- Cycle through Croatia’s Greenest Island, Mljet
- Discover Hvar’s famous nightlife including Carpe Diem & Hula Hula Bar
- Taste local wines at the UNESCO protected Stari Grad Plain
- Zip-line through the Cetina Canyon
Ship Departure Date: September, 30th 2023
Ship Return Date: October 7th, 2023 Ship arrives back to Split port Evening of Oct. 6th
Travelers: 40 Seats booked at Double Occupancy
Ready to go
Split, a town on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, is known for its beaches and the fortress like 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 at Split Port between 10.30am and 12.00pm. Your ship will depart the harbor at 1pm, kicking off your 7-day cruise and sailing toward your first destination!
Please note: your cabin may not be ready until 12:30pm.
USEFUL INFORMATION
- How do I get to Croatia?
- How do I get from the airport to the ship?
- What if I can’t make the check-in time?
Day 1 – Markarska
We depart Split harbor at 1pm and have lunch onboard as we sail down the Dalmatian coast to the Makarska Riviera. Your first afternoon will be spent swimming at one of the beautiful beaches along the Riviera.
Tonight, the ship will overnight in the port of Makarska, one of the most beautiful destinations on the Croatian coast. Makarska nestles under the massive peaks of the Biokovo mountain range, with Mt Jure being the highest seaside peak on the Mediterranean.
Strolling along the streets of Makarska, you will come across numerous churches and other architectural sights. For nightlife options, there is the cocktail bar Marineta and for late night takers, there is “Club Deep” set in a natural cave next to the sea.
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
Day 2 – Korcula
After breakfast we set sail for Korcula, the rumored birthplace of Marco Polo. Lunch will be served onboard near Lumbarda bay, on the eastern side of Korcula island. We will overnight in the port of Korcula Town.
Explore this fortified town with its narrow streets and lookout towers, and spend your afternoon discovering the island’s legends, myths and tales. The town’s stone walls were built over two centuries ago, and the Old Town is built in a fishbone structure that you have to see to believe.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Day 3 – Dubrovnik
We leave Korcula behind and set sail for Dubrovnik, dubbed “heaven on earth” by the famous writer, George Bernard Shaw. We arrive in Dubrovnik in the early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore the 13th century Old Town.
Walk the impressive 1,940m long city walls and discover hidden gems such as cafes and bars perched along the walls, where you can sit back with a cold drink and watch the sunset. We will overnight in the Port of Gruz, just outside this magical city.
Please Note: Your ship will dock in Port Gruz, which is located just outside of Dubrovnik Old Town. A bus transfer to Dubrovnik Old Town is available for €2 per person (payable locally).
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Day 4 – mljet
We set sail early this morning and head toward the beautiful National Park island of Mljet. Once docked, you are free to explore the salt lakes within the National Park.
Inside the National Park you are able to visit the isle of St Mary, which is home to an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and a church dating back to the 12th century that are just waiting to be explored.
The National Park is best discovered using a bicycle or kayak that can be hired within the park grounds. We will overnight in the port of Polace or Pomena this evening and catch one of Mljet’s famous sunsets from the back of the ship.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Day 5 – hvar
Early this morning we’ll depart for the Pakleni Islands where we have lunch onboard and stop for a swim in the crystal clear water. Hvar is the longest island in the Adriatic and is famous for its super-yachts and celebrity status.
Climb the hill and visit the 16th Century Fortress ruins overlooking the harbor, explore a Renaissance Cathedral with its original tower or discover the oldest community theatre in Europe! The town of Hvar offers plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes that are open well into the night.
Please Note: The docking time in Hvar can be early evening in peak season due to port authority restrictions. However, if guests would like to arrive earlier, water taxi transfer will be arranged for one time slot for the boat, which will be included for all guests.
Day 6 – Stari grad
For our second night on Hvar island, we moor overnight in the quaint harbor town of Stari Grad or in the pretty port of Jelsa (depending on local harbor traffic).
Situated on the northern side of the island, Stari Grad literally means ‘Old Town’ and it is the oldest town in Croatia. Stari Grad boasts an attractive network of old narrow streets and small squares around the harbor. Vineyards and olive groves surround the town and the Stari Grad Plain is a UNESCO protected World Heritage Site.
Jelsa dates back to the 1300’s and was a significant trading port for the island’s wine and olive oil. It nestles at the foot of thickly wooded hillsides. Both ports have plenty of restaurants and bars to explore, with some overlooking the harbor itself and others tucked away in the side streets.
Please Note: Due to Port Authority restrictions your ship may be docked in the ferry port. A transfer into Stari Grad Town can be arranged for €2 per person (payable locally).
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
Day 7 – Split
From Stari Grad/Jelsa, we make our way back to Split, stopping for a swim and onboard lunch at one of the hidden coastal beaches along the way.
Your ship will dock in Split in the afternoon, allowing you the early evening to explore Split and it’s UNESCO protected Diocletian’s Palace, complete with Roman architecture dating back to the 4th Century!
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Checkout and Departure
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 Saturday morning to catch flights, as all ships will be in port by Friday night.
Checkout and Departure
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 Saturday morning to catch flights, as all ships will be in port by Friday night.
pricing
Cruise Price: Upper Deck – $1965.00 US or Lower Deck – 1650.00 USD Spots are limited!!!
Airfare: Estimate Pending
What’s included:
7 Day Cruise on a Private Charter Yacht in the Adriatic – 7 Nights Accommodation
Choose your comfort level with a variety of modern, spacious ships available
Tour Manager – Your dedicated Tour Manager will assist you with any questions onboard
Daily Swim Stops – Dive into crystal clear water, straight off your ship!
Daily Buffet Breakfast – Wake up to a freshly prepared breakfast daily
3 Course Lunch Daily – Enjoy a 3-course lunch daily
Breakfast and a 3-course lunch are included daily on our Explorer cruises. Breakfast is usually continental style, with additional warm food such as eggs. Lunches are usually 3 courses, with a soup/salad starter, meat or fish-based main course and fruit/cake for dessert, prepared by your onboard cook. A Captains Dinner is also included in Explorer Cruises. All other evenings, we encourage our clients to explore the local towns, experiencing local food and wine! Of course, we can offer suggestions on the best places to go!
Wi-fi – Wi-fi is available on your cruise (subject to download limits)
Captain’s Dinner Evening – Experience traditional Croatian cuisine, as your Captain puts on an evening complete with local entertainment!
Optional Excursions
Optional activities, such as zip-lining and wine tasting, are available on all Explorer Cruises
FAQs
Above Deck cabins are on the main deck of the ship or just above it. Lower Deck cabins are in the hull of the ship. There are pros and cons to both – Lower Deck cabins are often cooler and quieter at night, as you do not have many travelers walking past your cabin as much as the Above Deck cabins. Above Deck cabins offer more natural light and ventilation. Each ship is unique and therefore the layout varies from ship to ship. Please note: On some ships, the Above Deck cabins are located across two levels, i.e. located on the main deck and on a higher deck level.
Our Explorer ships consist of either a Twin or Double bed, ensuite and air-conditioning. Twin or Double bed cabins are confirmed during the booking stage, so please let us know your preferences. On some ships, we also have Triple cabins available. Triple cabins consist of a double bed and a single bunk.
SHIP Details and Layout
