A yacht charter from Kotor, Montenegro along the coastline of Croatia up to Trogir includes five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all of which can be seen in a one week charter cruising through this beautiful and historic location.
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Old City Dubrovnik |
A great charter itinerary including all 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites starts in the historic city of Kotor, Montenegro, for a cruise along the coast and through the islands of southern Croatia.
After touring Old Kotor, the first of the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cruise down the southern-most situated fjord in the world, with a tropical microclimate along the shores, out to the Adriatic Sea and along the Croatian coast, filled with 1000 islands. With the crystal clear blue waters, and protected national parks, this coastline has been renowned through history for its natural beauty. Civilizations throughout time have sought out these shores to settle and have left behind remnants and ruins of their cultures to still be seen and explored today.
Here at Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, we think that a charter in Montenegro and Croatia is an outstanding way to experience the history of this area, while enjoying this beautiful coast of fjords, shores and islands.
The Bay of Kotor, one of the few fjords in the region, is truly memorable. With roots dating back to the site of a 3rd-century Roman military outpost, the fortress city of Kotor was a Byzantine stronghold in the 6th century; today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walking tour of Old Kotor takes in the great Romanesque cathedral of St. Tryphon and the Naval Museum, housed in an 18th-century Baroque palace. After touring the historic portion of the town of Kotor, cruise down the fjord to Dubrovnik to anchor or sit dockside for the night.
After breakfast, clear through customs and prepare for a walking tour of the spectacular walled city of Dubrovnik. The wonderfully preserved 15th Century Old Town, the second UNESCO World Heritage Site in this itinerary, features ancient buildings, squares, cobbled streets and fountains, all created from the same beautiful cut stone, giving a seamless continuity to the built structures. Visit the Old Town historic main square, the priceless collections in the Dominican Monastery, the Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral and the Franciscan Monastery.
Later in the morning cruise from Dubrovnik to Celo on the island of Kolocep or Lopud stopping for a beach picnic on these inviting sandy shores. Then cruise on to Sipanska Luka, a delightful little village with an old quay to moor alongside. Before dinner, take a lovely walk up the hill to the church where you can see for miles around.
Leave early the next morning to cruise to the Island of Mljet. The island was once one of the biggest producers of olive oil in the Med. Odysseus was fabled to have been seduced here by nymphs in Homer's "The Odyssey", but it had to be a fable because in real life, he would never have left. Swim and have lunch in a little secluded bay and then on to Polace, translates to the word palace, to explore the ruins of a Roman palace. Cruise along the long wooded inlet, and you could be forgiven for thinking that you were sailing up a Norwegian Fjord. At the end is a protected bay with restaurants. After anchoring have dinner on board or ashore.
Cruise in the morning to Korcula and after arrival take a walk around the fortified medieval town of Korcua where Marco Polo was born. Have a drink at the cocktail bar at the top of one of the towers, where the drinks arrive by a pulley outside the walls, as the stairs are too steep. Leave after lunch for a cruise to the island of Hvar.
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Korcula |
Hvar town is overlooked by a large castle and has the oldest theater in Croatia (circa 1200). This is where the beautiful people hang out. Enjoy a cocktail at the very chic Carpe Diem before strolling along the promenade to soak up the atmosphere of Croatia's Cote d'Azur.
The ancients considered Hvar one of the Isles of the Blessed. Flower-filled gardens, palms, lemon and orange groves add a fragrance lovely enough to match the visual appeal of this sun-drenched island. Visit the theatre, the Benedictine Monastery, the town square and wander by the ancient stone houses. The Stari Grad Plain on the island is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, as the most fertile plain in the Adriatic, and as the best preserved ancient cadastre in the Mediterranean. Settle in overnight here on anchor, under the stars.
Leave early for a cruise to Rogac, a hamlet of the village of Grohote on the northern coast of the island of Solta. As in most of Croatia, remains of various civilizations can be found on shore. In the port there is a citadel dating back to the 17th century. The church of St. Therese has an altarpiece with the portrait of the donor from 1749. The cove of Banje features the remains of a Roman fishpond. Enjoy lunch and a swim before cruising on to Trogir to overnight.
In the morning, explore Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trogir stands on the foundations of an ancient Greek settlement on a small island connected to the mainland by bridges. This medieval town is a favorite stop, which offers restaurants, markets, and beautiful sights, including the 15th Century Trogir chapel and the 13th Century portal by the master Radovan.
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Old City Trogir |
The yacht marina is situated on another small island opposite the old city walls, which is an easy walk over a bridge to the old town. After lunch head toward the ancient city of Split which was taken from Salona as the metropolis of the Roman province of Dalmatia. The medieval town developed out of the Emperor Diocletian’s palace, and is recorded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other sites to visit include the Peristyle, Jupiter’s Temple and Visesllas’s Baptistery.
After breakfast, cruise down to Vis. As the area is studded with little coves and inlets, one is simply spoilt for choice as to where to stop for a dip and what to explore next. In Komiza, Tito hid from the Germans during WW2 and there are two excellent restaurants serving fresh fish and local produce. In the Gradina area are remnants of the ancient Greek town of Ussa. On the small Pirovo promontory are remains of a Roman theatre and thermal baths. Take a short sail to the off-lying island of Bisevo, where a quick jump in the dinghy will reveal " the Blue Grotto", an underwater cave that during the morning is lit from the sun, giving the water an amazing color.
Head back to Vis town, a charming old town with some excellent restaurants and a wine bar where they serve nothing but wine from Vis.
A morning sail returns you back to the Island of Korcula, and the port of Vela Luka. This coastal area, including the small islands of Proizd, Kamenjak, Osjak and Gubesa, is a rich fishing ground, the spoils of which will show up as specials of the day on local restaurant menus.
Other cultural sites of importance in the area are the prehistoric archaeological site of Vela Spilja, and the one-nave church of St. John, in the region of Gradina. This neo-classic styled parish church has a bell tower on the main front and a Gothic vault. It is your choice of swimming areas and beautiful coves to anchor for the night.
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Coastline anchorages in Croatia |
Cruise to the deserted island of Lastovo. A military island until 1992, Lastovo was out of bounds to civilians and thus is completely undeveloped and considered spectacularly pretty.
The lovely anchorage is well protected. Enjoy a swim and lunch in Lastovo before heading back to Cavtat, near Dubrovnik to overnight.
The old town of Cavtat, in the very center of the South Adriatic, is situated on the south slopes of the peninsula of Rat, in the immediate vicinity of Dubrovnik. Known as Epidaurum in ancient times, it is today the tourist and cultural centre of Konavle, the southernmost region of Croatia. This town of beautiful beaches and luxury hotels, together with a traditional way of life and preserved customs, waits for you. Here you can shop for souvenirs of your cruise through Montenegro and Croatia and spend a final night on board.
Disembark in the morning after breakfast to begin your trip home and away from this lovely area filled with cultural remnants from a long historic past.
Read more information on Croatia and yachts available for charter in this area.
written by Missy Johnston
Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters
© July 2009 |
