Croatian Coastal Explorer

Day 1: UK/Dubrovnik
Depart on your scheduled flight to Dubrovnik today. On arrival, you will transfer to the harbour where you will board MS Dionis, your home for the next seven nights. This afternoon and evening are free for you to spend at leisure in beautiful Dubrovnik, which is a delight to explore on foot. Stroll through its maze of narrow streets to the old town and admire the views out to sea from the ancient ramparts. Take a wander along the famous Stradun (promenade) to the former Rector’s Palace, which is now a museum, and the Franciscan Monastery, which houses the oldest pharmacy in Europe. Your ship docks overnight in Dubrovnik, where you’ll enjoy dinner on board with your fellow passengers.

Day 2: Mijet National Park
After breakfast your cruise begins as your ship sails to the island of Mljet. Almost three-quarters of the island is covered with the dense forest that once typified the Mediterranean coast – admire this lovely scenery while you enjoy lunch on board. Early this afternoon your ship arrives at the northern end of the island, where Mljet National Park is located. Go ashore and spend the afternoon walking around the two saltwater lakes here which are surrounded by lush forest. You’ll have the opportunity to rent a bicycle to see more of the island or you could hire a boat and explore the caves and rock formations that surround the shores of the lakes. Your ship will moor overnight in Polaca or Pomena.

Day 3: Hvar
Your cruise continues early this morning when you sail to the small island of Scedro, where there will be ample time to relax in the clear waters that lap its beaches. With its two protected bays and mild climate, this historic island was once reserved as pasture land for grazing and also for growing crops. Enjoy lunch on board your ship before setting sail for Hvar. Make sure you are on deck as the ship approaches the island, the views from the sea are stunning. You’ll step ashore in the main town, also called Hvar, one of Croatia’s most fashionable resorts, which is dominated by its Renaissance cathedral. Enjoy time at leisure here – the town has a good selection of bars and restaurants which stay open late into the night.

Day 4: Bol
Leaving Hvar this morning, MS Dionis sets sail for the island of Brac, and the town of Bol. It is here you will find Croatia’s most spectacular beach, Zlatni Rat, a vast sandbar which juts out into the clear-blue sea for almost half a kilometer. You can laze on the golden sand or, if you wish to observe its unique shape from above, why not take a taxi ride to the top of Vidova Gora, the highest point on the island. You will be rewarded with spectacular views of the picturesque Adriatic coastline. Your ship overnights in Bol, where dinner is served on board this evening.

Day 5: Korcula
Enjoy breakfast as your ship sets sail for the island of Korcula, reputed to be the birthplace of famous adventurer Marco Polo. You’ll arrive in the walled town of Korcula after lunch, where you will have free time to make your own discoveries. Enjoy a stroll around its maze of narrow streets, which are watched over by the splendid St Mark’s Cathedral, before finding a café-bar and sampling a glass of the locally produced wine. Sun-lovers may choose to find a spot on one of the island’s many lovely beaches and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. This evening, enjoy dinner in one of Korcula’s many restaurants.

Day 6: Elafiti Islands
Early this morning your journey continues as you sail towards the Elafiti islands, west of Dubrovnik. Incredibly popular with tourists, just three of the islands are inhabited – Kolocep, Lopud and Šipan, which is the largest of the islands and where your ship docks overnight. During the day, enjoy a visit to one of the smaller islands where you can relax in the sunshine on deck or swim in the clear, calm waters before lunch is served. Dinner is served on board this evening.

Day 7: Dubrovnik
After breakfast today enjoy free time to explore Dubrovnik further at your own pace. Alternatively, you may choose to join our full-day optional excursion by road to the neighbouring country of Montenegro. With a stunning coastline studded by beautiful towns, Montenegro is a real gem. During the day you will visit the picturesque town of Kotor, on wonderful Kotor Bay, and also the attractive beaches of the Budva Riviera, one of the most beautiful areas of the Adriatic coast and home to the walled old town of Budva. Indulge in a spot of shopping, or take a seat in a café-bar in the marina and sample the excellent fresh seafood and a glass or two of local wine. This evening is the final night of your holiday, and you are invited to the ‘Captain’s dinner’ on board, where you can bid the crew and your sailing companions farewell.

Day 8: Dubrovnik/UK
After breakfast you will disembark MS Dionis and transfer to Dubrovnik airport for your flight back to the UK.

Please note
Passengers will need to ascend and descend steps when moving between decks.

For 2013 departures your 2 nights in Dubrovnik will feature at the start of the itinerary.

MS Dionis
MS Dionis has been constructed in the style of a traditional sailing ship but boasts modern facilities including a bar, small dining area and seating on the open deck. Exclusively chartered for Travelsphere guests, the cabins are simple and comfortable with air-conditioning as well as en suite facilities. A small vessel with just 18 cabins and five crew members, there is a cosy atmosphere on board.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

Mljet National Park visit
Your ship visits the islands of Scedro, Hvar, Brac, Korcula and Šipan

Optional excursions

Montenegro (full day)
Hvar guided tour
Korcula guided tour
Dubrovnik guided tour

Your holiday includes

Scheduled flights
7 nights’ accommodation on board MS Dionis, with breakfast, plus 4 lunches and 4 dinners – 1 drink with lunch or dinner
Croatia port tax
Overseas transfers and other transportation
The services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)
All airport taxes and security charges
UK Airline Passenger Duty
All state and local taxes

With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.

By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.

Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.

Our Opinion
“Travelsphere are one of the biggest names in the Escorted Tour market. Finely tuned over the last 50 years their tours have been tried, tested and refined by thousands of customers.”