Written by Missy Johnston
Kotor Old City
Starting in Kotor, Montenegro, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this Croatian yacht charter itinerary is a cruise from one UNESCO World Heritage site to another, Cruise the beautiful waters of the islands and coastline of Croatia visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Dubrovnik, Stari Grad and the Stari Grad Plain on the island of Hvar, and Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Explore incredible historic sites, and then relax swimming in the crystal clear blue green waters of Croatia on this Croatian yacht charter itinerary.
CROATIA & MONTENEGRO
Kotor to Dubrovnik – Motor Yacht Itinerary
Kotor Old City Gates
Day 1: 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 takes in the great Romanesque cathedral of St. Tryphon and the Naval Museum, housed in an 18th-century Baroque palace. Afternoon cruise down the bay to Dubrovnik to overnight.
Dubrovnik
Day 2: After breakfast, get ready to visit the spectacular walled city of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The wonderfully preserved 15th Century “Old Town” features ancient buildings, squares, cobbled streets and fountains, all created from the same beautiful cut stone. In the afternoon, from Dubrovnik cruise to Celo on the island of Kolocep – an excellent beach for lunch and then on to Sipanska Luka, a delightful little village. Take a lovely walk up the hill to the church where you can see for miles around. Overnight.
Mljet
Day 3: Leave early for the Island of Mljet. Odysseus was fabled to have been seduced here by nymphs in Homer’s “The Odyssey”. Swim and have lunch at a little secluded bay and then on to Polace, (literally “palace”) to explore the ruins of a Roman palace right in town. Much of the surrounding area is a national park with lovely hiking and cycling trails. Hike or bike over to the lake and take the little lake boat to visit the old monastery buildings on the island. Have dinner on board or ashore. Overnight.
Korcula Old Town Main Gate
Day 4: Cruise in the morning for Korcula. Marco Polo was said to have been born in Korcula, and inside the walls is a museum in the home believed to have been the birth place. Wander the old town and perhaps you will hear locals performing Klapa singing on a street corner. In late afternoon leave for Hvar.
Marco Polo Watch Tower
Day 5: Hvar Town is overlooked by a large castle and has the oldest theatre in Croatia (circa 1200). This is where the beautiful people hang out. Lavender is grown everywhere and “tussie mussies” and other lavender products are a great souvenir from this island. Overnight.
Hvar Town
Day 6: Leave early for Rogac on the northern coast of the island of Solta. In the port there is a citadel dating back to the 17th century. The cove of Banje features the remains of a Roman fishpond. Enjoy lunch and a swim before heading up to Trogir to overnight.
Trogir
Day 7: Trogir is a small town outside of Split, and is located 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, offering restaurants, markets, and important medieval architecture. After lunch head toward the ancient city of Split. The medieval town developed within and around the Emperor Diocletian’s palace ruins, which is now a UNESCO – “monument of universal importance”. Other sites to visit include the Peristyle, Jupiter’s Temple and Visesllas’s Baptistery which are all in the area of Diocletian’s Palace. Overnight.
VIS
Day 8: After breakfast, cruise south to Vis. Enjoy lunch in Komiza, and after, weather permitting, visit the off-lying island of Bisevo, with ” the Blue Grotto”, an underwater cave that is lit from the sun, giving the water an amazing color. Head back to Vis Town, a charming old town. Overnight.
Blue Grotto on Bisevo Island
Day 9: A morning sail returns you back to the Island of Korcula, and the port of Vela Luka. Nearby, for lunch is Gulin Farm a traditional Croatian homested restaurant, where food is cooked under the Peka Bell. The coastal strip, including the small islands of Proizd, Kamenjak, Osjak and Gubesa, represents a rich fishing ground. Also, there is a prehistoric archaeological site – Vela Spilja (Neolithic). All along the mainland, in this area are wineries, so be sure to taste the local wines. Overnight.
Croatian Shoreline
Day 10: A good 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 spectacularly pretty. The lovely anchorage is well protected. Enjoy a swim and lunch before heading back to Cavtat near Dubrovnik to overnight. The old town of Cavtat, in the very centre of the South Adriatic, is situated at 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. The town of beautiful beaches and luxury hotels, together with a traditional way of life and preserved customs, waits for you. Overnight.
Dubrovnik at Night
Day 11: Wake for a relaxing breakfast before cruising to Dubrovnik to disembark ending your Croatian yacht charter itinerary in Dubronik to explore Dubrovnik Old Town.
