Dubrovnik, Korčula, Split, Hvar, and Mljet

Enjoy Croatia's most popular islands at a leisurely pace with plenty of free time for exploring and no need for directions and unpacking! The Dalmatian Coast along the Croatian side of the Adriatic Sea offers one of the most culturally rich regions of Europe. This is a great option for those who want a more personalized cruise along the Dalmatian Coast to explore the historic beauty and quiet charm of some of the most romantic islands and towns in Europe.

DAY 1 ARRIVE DUBROVNIK

After landing and going through customs at the airport, you will be greeted by a representative who will take you to your hotel for your pre-night in Dubrovnik. Once you check in, relax, walk around Dubrovnik for a leisurely stroll and take in the sights and sounds of this ancient, yet modern city.

DAY 2 DUBROVNIK TO KORČULA

After breakfast, you will have time to get out and see more of Dubrovnik, before starting your cruise, which will depart from Dubrovnik at 4:00pm. Embarking begins at 11am and ends at 3pm.

Begin your 2-hr walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town in the morning. Your guide will meet you at your hotel. This tour will reveal the finest sites of the old walled City as well as give you an opportunity to view it from a spectacularly panoramic viewing area above Dubrovnik. Our expert guide will lead you through the narrow streets of the Old Town, introducing you to the history and culture of this magnificent city. Dubrovnik is the Pearl of the Adriatic and you can find out why!

Once you are on board the adventure will truly begin. Over a welcome drink and a snack, you will meet your Cruise Director and the crew of "Providenca". Captain's orders and safety measures will be explained to you, after which the boat will set sail for your first destination: the Island of Korčula. On the way, you can meet your fellow travelers and enjoy the sights slowly passing you by. Expected arrival into Korčula is in the evening. Korčula, the same name as the Island, is a small town of immense beauty located on the northeastern part of the Island. The medieval core of the town is built in a fishbone-like pattern on a small peninsula jutting out into the sea, offering a great view of the sunsets that have made Korčula well known as a very romantic island. Enjoy a free evening on your own to explore more.

DAY 3 KORČULA / PUCISCA (ISLAND OF BRAČ) / OMIŠ

After breakfast, a local guide will take you for a walk around the town of Korčula to learn about its long history, stunning architecture, and the legend of the great merchant Marco Polo, who was reputedly born and spent his childhood in Korčula. After the guided tour, you will set sail towards the Island of Brač, passing through the scenic Peljesac channel, around the tip of Peljesac Peninsula and the southeastern tip of the Island of Hvar. Weather permitting, we'll stop for refreshing swim in a secluded bay. Afterward you will continue your journey towards Pucisca, nestled in a beautiful bay on the island of Brač, well-known as the source of the whitest and best quality limestone in the world, which are featured in the facade of the White House, as well as other important landmarks all over the world. You can join an optional short visit to a stone masonry school and learn about Brač limestone, and their centuries-old tradition of masonry, before reboarding and continuing your journey to Omiš for the night.

DAY 4 OMIŠ / SPLIT

After breakfast you can join an optional short walking tour where you will hear the story of this small town built below steep mountains surrounding the mouth of river Cetina. You will also learn about the pirates who brought the town fame during the Middle Ages. In the afternoon, you will continue sailing to Split, your port of call for the day. Upon arrival, you are free to enjoy the Old Town and visit the monumental Diocletian Palace built over 1700 years ago or you can go on a guided walking tour. Throughout the centuries, the Old Town has grown into the palace and around it, creating a unique building scape. Because of its historical and architectural importance, the whole Old Town is recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Later, you can join the locals enjoying coffee or another beverage and a snack while taking in the sites along the seaside promenade during your free time. Overnight in Split.

DAY 5 SPLIT / HVAR (ISLAND OF HVAR) / VELA LUKA (ISLAND OF KORČULA)

Today you will be sailing towards Hvar, known as the sunniest island in Croatia, famous for its endless fields of lavender and rosemary, its beautiful coast, and lovely historical towns. Your destination is the town of Hvar, a town of immense beauty that buzzes with a vibrant energy in the summer sun. Upon arrival, your expert local guide will take you for a walk around its ancient streets. After the guided walking tour, we will set sail to Korčula Island. Along the way, we'll make a stop for a swim near the stunning Palinski Islands, known for a very warm sea and turquoise water. After your swim, a speciality dish of Dalmatian fried fish will be served for a light, but delicious lunch. Arrival into the town of Vela Lula on Korčula Island in the late afternoon. Overnight in Vela Luka.

DAY 6 VELA LUKA (ISLAND OF KORČULA;) / POMENA (ISLAND OF MLJET)

Wednesday morning after leaving the inescapable beauty of Vela Luka, your Captain will hand-pick a bay for you, where he will drop the anchor for a short stay. You can hop into your swimsuit and have a swim in the crystal-blue Adriatic, surrounded by pine trees and the sound of crickets. After the stop, you will continue sailing to Pomena on the island of Mljet. The Island of Mljet, on its western side, features the National Park of Mljet, known for its stunning beauty and its two turquoise salt water lakes surrounded by a thick forest. Upon arrival, you will have plenty of free time to explore the park on your own. You could rent bikes and cycle (or jog, if you like) along the numerous paths around the lakes or in the forests. You can also rent kayaks and paddle across the magnificent lakes to observe the scenery from a different perspective on the other side. If you feel like just relaxing, you can hop onto the small boat that will take you to a tiny island on one of the lakes, where you will find a monastery and the Church of St. Mary's built in the 12th Century. Enjoy a cup of coffee with the view of the serene nature of the park.

DAY 7 POMENA (ISLAND OF MLJET) / JAKLJAN ISLAND / ŜIPAN ISLAND / SLANO:

Early in the morning, the Captain and his crew will take you on route to Slano. On the way there you will witness beautiful scenery as you pass the Elaphite Islands. Weather permitting, you'll get to enjoy a swim in a bay on Jakljan Island and afterwards visit Ŝipan island for few hours. After the swim, enjoy freshly made cakes for a snack.

DAY 8 SLANO / DUBROVNIK

After breakfast you are free to take an optional guided tour, 'Taste of Dalmatia', where you will visit Ston, a small town famous for its 3 miles long city wall–the longest one in Europe, and visit a local winery to taste fine Dalmatian wines. Later, set sail to Lopud Island for a short swim (weather permitting) and continue to Dubrovnik. Cruise beneath Dubrovnik City Walls and then to port Gruž. After the tour, you can return to the Providenca for your last night on board.

DAY 9 DUBROVNIK

After breakfast, your transfer will greet you after disembarking from the Providenca and take you to your hotel for check-in. You'll have the remainder of the day to explore Dubrovnik on your own and take in all the sights and sounds this wonderful city provides.