Croatian Island Hopping

AN ARCHIPELAGO CRUISING ADVENTURE

Calling at some of the Dalmatian coast’s most sublime isles, this intimate cruise allows time for paddling in turquoise waters, tasting local wines, and strolling through centuries-old towns. Step aboard the MS Equator for a week of sailing around a cluster of Croatian isles while embracing the on-board Jacuzzi and spacious sun decks. Starting with a visit to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean on Bol on Brač Island, this well-paced cruise will continue to Jelsa’s historic centre with its pretty bay. The birthplace of Marco Polo in Korčula is where you can see this famous explorer’s house and sample wine from the local vineyards. Time spent wandering through the renowned 'Pearl of the Adriatic', Dubrovnik, ringed by ancient walls ensures exploration. On foot, by bicycle or canoe, you can then venture into the heart of the wildlife-rich Mljet National Park, home to interconnected salt lakes and the mythical Odysseus Cave. Finally, discover the allure of Hvar, a favoured summer resort frequented by celebrities and cap off your journey in Split, experiencing its lively waterfront promenade with a final dinner overlooking the Adriatic. MS Equator Deck Plan

Highlights

Board the sophisticated MS Equator for seven nights of island hopping around Croatian isles
Spend time in the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik, strolling its pedestrianised streets and ancient walls
Wander around the old town of Jelsa with its pretty bay and charming cobblestone centre
Swim in the waters of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful beach on the island of Bol on Brač
Visit Korčula, the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo and sample the local wine during a tasting
Explore the sprawling, wildlife-rich Mljet National Park with its salt lakes and Odysseus Cave
Celebrate your cruising experience alongside your fellow travellers with a special Captain’s dinner
Discover the highlights of Hvar, a popular summer resort, favoured by celebrities
Experience Split with its lively waterfront promenade and historic heart

Inclusions

Seven nights' half-board accommodation aboard the supreme MS Equator
A welcome dinner and a Captain’s dinner
Six breakfasts (buffet breakfast) and six lunches (three-course meal and salad bar)
Complimentary coffee, tea, and fresh fruits available daily
One beach towel
Free Wi-Fi on board
Visit to Bol and Jelsa
Walking tour of Korčula with wine-tasting
Walking tour of Dubrovnik
Guided tour and entrance to Mljet National Park
Walking tour of Hvar
Walking tour of Split
Return flights to Split
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Day 1

You’ll touch down at Split airport, Croatia’s second-largest city and be transferred to the port. From here, you’ll board your home on the water for the next few nights, the MS Equator. Compact and ideal for traversing the country’s idyllic coastline, this vessel of 18 well-equipped and comfortable cabins encompasses a modern and elegant design with three decks, a restaurant, a bar, and a Jacuzzi. Settle into your cabin and join the other travellers for a welcome reception in the evening, followed by dinner.

Day 2

Enjoy your first breakfast on board as the vessel travels to the Bol on Brač Island, with one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, Zlatni Rat (the Golden Horn). This stretch of smooth white pebbles is constantly shaped by the wind and ocean currents. Weather permitting, you can take a dip in its surrounding crystal-clear waters before lunch is served back on the deck. The vessel will then continue to the port of Hvar Island, a popular summer resort enclosed by 13th-century walls and sprawling lavender fields. A walking tour will reveal Hvar’s main sights, such as the old town’s main square, St Stephen’s Square, Hvar Cathedral with its bell tower, and Hvar Public Theatre, one of the oldest public theatres in Europe, dating back to the 17th century. Positioned above the town is the fortress Fortica boasting panoramic views over the bay and the chain of rocky Pakleni Islands. A free evening means you can soak up the atmospheric nightlife, from the lively bars and assortment of restaurants with terraces spilling onto the pavements. Please note: Due to the limited capacity of the Hvar harbour (during peak season) port of call can be substituted for Stari Grad. In that case, transfer by bus will be organised to and from Hvar.

Day 3

During breakfast, you can sit back and relax as the vessel ventures north to the island of Mljet, where the expansive Mljet National Park can be found. Made up of five types of forests and featuring two deep interconnected salt lakes, Veliko Jezero (Great Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake), this is a natural haven for wildlife and several bird species. Your cruise manager will take you into the heart of the park along the scenic trails to these two salt lakes, pointing out St. Mary’s Island, with its Benedictine monastery and church. You can also choose to rent bicycles, scooters, or kayaks to do some sightseeing of your own. The 3,000-year-old Odysseus Cave is worth checking out because of its connection to Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey – it’s believed to be the cave where Odysseus sought shelter. Relax aboard the vessel this evening.

Day 4

Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll head to Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient city. On the guided tour, you’ll get to see the pedestrianised central street Stradun, running from the Pile Gate to busy Luza Square and overlooked by the carved stone façade of the impressive Sponza Palace, as well as the baroque St Blaise’s Church. You’ll then have the opportunity to discover more highlights, like the Franciscan Monastery with Europe’s second oldest pharmacy, and the Rector’s Palace, the seat of the government in the former Dubrovnik Republic. The energetic can walk the entirety of the city walls, while others can take a seat in one of the city's many pavement cafés. You can also take a boat ride to the nearby Lokrum Island, home to a botanical garden, a salt lake, and a historic Benedictine monastery. Alternatively, choose to travel by cable car to the summit of Mount Srđ, which overlooks the city’s red-roofed buildings and the shimmering waters below. Choose from one of the city’s restaurants for dinner this evening as the vessel will dock here for the night.

Day 5

Early this morning, you’ll journey to the island of Korčula, have breakfast and depending on the weather, a swim in one of the nearby bays. You can then lounge on the sun deck and eat lunch before docking at the harbour and visiting the walled medieval town. Famed as the birthplace of the famous explorer, Marco Polo, Korčula will be explored on a guided walking tour, which will take you around its labyrinth of streets. Points of interest include the striking St. Mark's Cathedral, a prominent landmark with a bell tower, the Marco Polo House, a museum dedicated to the pioneer, and the 16th-century Renaissance-style Gabrielis Palace. This island is also known for its wine production, especially the white wine variety Pošip, and you’ll get to sample some of the local labels and learn about the winemaking process at a popular bar. Another free evening allows you to survey the town at your leisure, perhaps taking a stroll along the city walls as the sun sets over the Adriatic and tasting the seafood at an open-air restaurant.

Day 6

Start the day with breakfast and a morning swim in one of Brač’s coves and bays (weather permitting) followed by lunch onboard later. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at the port town of Pučišća, on the island of Brač. Celebrated for its white limestone architecture, Pučišća village on the island of Brač, is one of the well-preserved coastal settlements in the Dalmatian region. Particularly famous for its centuries-old stonemasonry heritage, Brač’s local limestone is referred to as ‘Brač stone’ and has been used to build famous structures, including the White House in Washington, D.C. Choose to join an optional visit to the Stonemasonry School, one of the few stonemasonry schools in Europe. During this excursion, you can learn about how the school trains students in traditional stone-cutting techniques and watch them at work. Perhaps have a drink at the vessel’s bar this evening and then enjoy a special Captain’s dinner with the other travellers.

Day 7

Following breakfast, the vessel will make its way to the final port, Spilt, with a swim stop to cool off and lunch on board. Upon arriving at the island, you’ll go on a walking tour of the inner city, visiting Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world. You’ll also get to view the central Peristyle Square with its marble colonnaded design and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, built as the mausoleum of Emperor Diocletian and reflecting an elaborate Romanesque design. You can climb the bell tower for panoramic views over the city, too. Lastly, set sail to the UNESCO-listed city of Trogir, often referred to as a ‘museum city’ due to its well-preserved medieval architecture. You can wander around its old town, taking in the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, Kamerlengo Fortress, and Cipiko Palace. It’s your last evening and you can spend it on Trogir’s Riva waterfront promenade, bustling with restaurants and bars, and looking out over the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy a chilled beverage as the sun goes down followed by a dinner of local delicacies.