Southern Explorer – Premium Cruise from Split

Board your ship and at 13pm depart from Split harbour southwards towards Makarska. Lunch is served as we cruise along the Dalmatian coast. Feeling adventurous? There’s an afternoon swim stop in one of the bays. Then join our optional river rafting excursion or zip line on the Cetina river. Meet back on the ship in Makarska in the evening. Stroll the waterfront with its wide promenade, a pathway out to a lighthouse and some cool bars. The main square is home to an impressive church and other monuments. Overnight in the port of Makarska.

Early morning departure towards the island of Mljet. On the way, we stop to swim on Pelješac. Part of Mljet island is a National Park and in the afternoon, we visit the seawater lakes then cross to the peaceful, tiny St Mary’s island in the middle of the large lake to visit the church and the monastery. Walk or hire a bike to continue around these stunning lakes. Overnight in the port of Polača/Pomena depending on weather and space.

After breakfast depart for Dubrovnik, the most famous place in Croatia and, for many, the highlight of this cruise. The Irish writer George Bernard Shaw called Dubrovnik “heaven on earth” and we pass a beautiful stretch of coast on our way there. After arrival, you can explore on your own or join our guided city tour (included for Premium and Prem. Superior) followed by an optional cable car ride up to Srđ mountain for spectacular views of the old town. Don’t miss STRADUN – both a street and a square in the old town and try to find time to walk at least part of the, 1,940 m long city walls which have protected Dubrovnik during earthquakes and attacks! Overnight in the port of this magical town.

Late morning departure towards the island of Šipan or the small town of Trstenik on the Pelješac peninsula. Gorgeous spots for an afternoon swim and we spend the night here. There’s usually the possibility to visit a local winery. Later we enjoy the special Captain’s dinner on board.

After breakfast, we depart for the island of Korčula, one of the famous islands in the Dubrovnik region. It’s the birthplace of famous explorer MARCO POLO. Lunch on board in a bay near Korčula town then we continue, arriving in the afternoon. The encircling walls and bastions of Korčula town date back to the 13th century and there are some lovely churches and museums. Join the optional sightseeing of Korčula town (included on Prem.Sup.) with wine and local appetizer tasting at a local winery before dining in one of the numerous seafront restaurants or konobas on your own. Overnight in the port of Korčula town

Early departure towards the Paklinski Islands near Hvar (the longest island in the Adriatic) for lunch and a swimming stop. Later, there’s an optional afternoon sightseeing of Hvar Town (included on Prem.Sup.), which resembles a film set. The Renaissance cathedral has its original tower and the oldest community theatre in Europe is here, founded in 1612. Hvar Town offers an entertainment extravaganza: clubs and bars that open well into the night together with some excellent restaurants. Don`t forget to buy some island lavender from local stalls. Overnight in Hvar Town.

Our next stop is the island of Brač. The most famous (and most photographed) beach in Dalmatia is Zlatni Rat near Bol (the Golden Horn – a shingle bar that moves and changes shape according to the wind) and it is here that we stop to swim). Bol is a typical fishermen’s village that still feels like that despite being a popular spot for visitors. After lunch, we start our journey to Split for our final overnight. We stop at one of the many bays on Brač island for more swimming. The approach to the Split Riviera is wonderful and we have the best views from on board. On arrival, you can join our guided tour of Split, a monumental city which together with the famous Roman Diocletian’s Palace is under UNESCO protection. Split if full of bistros and restaurant serving local specialities. Cool bars too.

An early breakfast before your final goodbyes to new friends and the crew.