Croatia·16 - 23 September 2023

Sailing the Coast of Croatia

Become immersed in Croatia's natural beauty while sailing the stunning Adriatic coast.

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Overview

Mix lazy days of swimming and beach going with time spent exploring medieval fortresses, sitting in lively restaurants, wandering cobbled streets and hiking to ancient ruins. Wind down in the evening and fall asleep onboard the boat, lulled to sleep by the sound of lapping waves. We’ll be guided by a professional skipper and pampered by a hostess and chef during our journey. All breakfasts and lunches will be served aboard the boat. In the evenings, we’ll go ashore most nights to experience the incredible cuisine Croatia has to offer. We'll be sailing 2 catamarans, each approximately 50′-52’ in length with 5-6 staterooms. The first catamaran is sold out - we are now offering berths on the 2nd catamaran. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe

Highlights

Sail the Dalmatian coast aboard a large luxury catamaran

Sail the Dalmatian coast aboard a large luxury catamaran

Enjoy private accommodations whilst sailing, your accommodation moves with you

Enjoy private accommodations whilst sailing, your accommodation moves with you

Experience stunning scenery from the deck.  Sit back, relax and watch the coast go by

Experience stunning scenery from the deck. Sit back, relax and watch the coast go by

Relax with a professional crew and skipper who prepare your breakfasts and lunches

Relax with a professional crew and skipper who prepare your breakfasts and lunches

Visit many historical sites in Croatia at each stop

Visit many historical sites in Croatia at each stop

Soak in the wonders of Croatia

Soak in the wonders of Croatia

Enjoy Croatian cuisine & wine in style

Enjoy Croatian cuisine & wine in style

Explore the stunning blue grotto of Cave Bisevo

Explore the stunning blue grotto of Cave Bisevo

Visit the Fortress of Petar Hektorovic

Visit the Fortress of Petar Hektorovic

Enjoy a wine tasting in Brac

Enjoy a wine tasting in Brac

Itinerary

Note: the below itinerary should be considered a typical itinerary, not an itinerary written in stone. Sailing journeys are weather dependent, and our captain will decide each day’s destination based on the weather, wind direction and sea conditions. While the weather is typically idyllic at this time of year, mother nature doesn’t always cooperate. Your safety and comfort are of paramount importance.

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Day 1: Saturday, September 16, 2023

We’ll board our catamarans in the early afternoon in Trogir, only a 10 min drive from the Split airport. (See the trip FAQ for more information about getting to/from Split).

We’ll get acclimated, unpack and go through a short boat briefing. Then we’ll set sail for Milna  on the island of Brač. Brac is the largest island in central Dalmatia, set among steep cliffs and a distinctly Mediterranean landscape. Villagers have farmed wine, olive oil, figs and almonds here for centuries. Brac’s most famous export is the gleaming white stone mined from the island’s quarries, cladding buildings as deep in antiquity as Diocletian’s Palace in Split, and as far afield as the White House in Washington DC.

We’ll have dinner ashore in Milna.

Included

Dinner

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Day 2: Sunday, September 17, 2023

Today, we’ll set sail for the 5,000-year-old town of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, perhaps with a stop in a cove for lunch and swimming on the way. Soak up the sunshine and the scenery, or go for a snorkel and spot sea anemones, crabs, sea urchins and small fish in the pristine waters. 

Hvar has an air of Venice about it and is known as the ‘Queen of the Dalmatian Islands’. Once in Stari Grad, we can wander around town with wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades, hike past dramatic jagged limestone cliffs and slow your pace to enjoy the undulating farms, ancient olive groves and fields of rosemary and lavender. Based on what the group desires, we can visit the Fortress of Petar Hektorovic and/or visit the Stari Grad museum, or take a hike to White Cross/Glavica Hill

We’ll dine tonight at Hora Restaurant as we watch the sun set over the Adriatic Sea.

Included

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Day 3: Monday, September 18, 2023

We continue our journey to Paklenski Otoci, an archipelago of 16 islands off the southwest coast of Hvar, designated a protected nature park. Breathe in the nature around you on one of the sandy beaches or explore the island by its extensive footpaths. The city of Hvar: The inevitable jewel of the Croatian Riviera and Dalmatian islands, with most sunny hours of all the islands in the Adriatic. It encompasses all the best of the Croatian coast: gentle climate, autochthon architecture and unforgettable scenery. Many people recognize that, so the island is often swarmed with guests. If this alone is not enough, there are various tourist offers ready to fill your stay: traditional restaurants, sightseeing, and

We’ll enjoy dinner in the ancient part of Hvar at Konoba Menego, a family-owned tavern specializing in traditional Croatian cuisine from the Dalmatian region.

Included

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Day 4: Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Today we’ll cruise to Vis, which is the furthest island from the mainland. In 1944, the island was declared a military zone and foreigners were unable to access it until 1989. Because of this long isolation, Vis has retained its charm and laid-back lifestyle. 

The south side of the island is home to some eye-catching coves and beaches.

Your skipper will organize an optional island tour so that you can learn about the history of this island which passed between Greek, Roman, Venetian, Napoleonic, Austrian and Italian hands. On this tour you’ll visit nuclear fallout shelters, churches and vantage points with great views across the ocean. We’ll surely want to visit the St. Nicholas Church with its sweeping views of the harbor.

Dinner tonight will be on the boat with everyone chipping in a bit to cook. It's fun to buy fresh fish at the market and cook aboard!

Included

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Day 5: Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Komiža is a perfect example of a small, charming Mediterranean town. It’s guarded by Mt. Hum, overlooking beautiful pebble beaches and an open port. The island’s springs weave their way to the sea through Komiža, such as Gusarica, Nova Pošta, Velo Žalo. You will enjoy a mostly stone-build architecture bathed in the warm sun. Thanks to the location, Komiža is also known for its wide selection of fish: here you can taste excellent quality fish and large crabs, which will certainly enrich your gastronomic experience.

Budikovac is small island opposite the Island of Vis with a beautiful lagoon and a small bay making for an outstanding anchorage or swimming spot.

Included

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Day 6: Thursday, September 21, 2023

We’ll head to the east side of the Island of Biševo just to the west of Vis where we’ll find another jewel of the Croatian coastline: the Modra špilja (Blue Cave). It’s marvelous to see the cave change colors and turn into a deep blue sapphire color. Then we’ll head up to Maslinica on the island of Solta, famous for its olive growing (maslina). It is a calm cove on the western end of the Island intercepted with bays and pebble beaches. The town still keeps its renowned fishing tradition, which we’ll encounter in one of the many local, traditional restaurants.

If there’s time, we can visit a delightful honey farm.

Dinner tonight is at Restaurant Sampjer, overlooking the harbor.

Included

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Day 7: Friday, September 22, 2023

A perfect place to stop by on our way back to the mainland is a lovely beach on the southeast part of the Island of Drvenik Veli. It’s a beautiful, protected bay guarded by the Isles of big and small Krknjaš. It’s great for swimming and enjoying the last moments on the wonderful Croatian coast.

We’ll spend our last night back in the port of Trogir.

Included

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Day 8: Saturday, September 23, 2023

If you’re not joining us for the Dubrovnik extension, we’ll say our goodbyes after breakfast. It’s always a little sad when such a magnificent adventure has concluded, but we’ll have memories for a lifetime.

Included

Breakfast

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Day 1 of Extension: Saturday, September 23, 2023

We’ll disembark our catamaran in Trogir in the morning and drive south to Dubrovnik, arriving in the early afternoon. It’s about a 3-hour drive, but we’re along the coast so time will fly!

Upon arrival we’ll check into the St. Joseph's boutique hotel located right in the center of Old Town. St.Joseph’s is a very special house at the heart of the Old Town in Dubrovnik. Built in the 16th century, it had fallen into disrepair in modern times but has now been lovingly restored to become one of the most elegant properties within the city walls. 

After a quick lunch, we’ll take a guided tour of old town where we’ll visit the Rector’s House built in the late 15th Century used by the Rector who governed Dubrovnik. It is now a cultural history museum built in the Gothic-Renaissance style. You’ll have some free time in the afternoon to roam around the old town to shop and explore.

Tonight, we’ll ride the Cable Car and watch the sunset. After, we’ll dine at a superb seafood restaurant, Proto, where we will savor some truly fine Croatian gastronomy.

Included

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Day 2 of Extension: Sunday, September 24, 2023

Let’s wake up early to walk the Old Town Wall at sunrise & visit the Lovrijenac Fortress before the city gets too crowded and the sun too high in the sky. The views of the Adriatic Sea and city of Dubrovnik will be spectacular!

Breakfast at our hotel. 

Around 10 am, we’ll pick up our picnic lunch and board a little ferry to Lokrum, a small island and nature reserve just off the coast. We will have seen it from our walk this morning on the Old Town Walls. Lokrum is entirely uninhabited. It was bought by Austrian archduke Maxilimilan I in 1858, and much of the botanical plant life is owed to the grand gardens created during his ownership. It’s also famous as one of the filming locations of the epic Game of Thrones TV series.

We’ll explore the island, including the botanical gardens, the 11th century monastery, Fort Royal, and all the other natural beauty. We’ll stop at a picturesque spot and have our lunch.

Back in Dubrovnik, the afternoon is yours to explore on your own or do some shopping.

Dinner tonight is at Pantarul, a farm-to-table restaurant featuring local produce sourced by farmers from Dubrovnik’s surroundings, especially from Župa and Konavle.

Included

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Day 3 of Extension: Monday, September 25, 2023

This morning we’ll explore the Dominican Monastery dating from 1225 which is now home to an art museum.

Then we’ll take a trip out to the vineyards of the Peljesac Peninsula for some wine tours and tastings. We will visit two unique wineries and an oyster farm. We’ll lunch along the way. 

Then we’ll discover Potomje village and the unique Dingac vineyards situated on 45-degree inclined slopes.

As we return to Dubrovnik and if time allows, we’ll stop and visit the Trsteno Arboretum. 

Tonight, for our last dinner, we’ll try some Bosnian fare at Taj Mahal (no, it’s not an Indian restaurant). Taj Mahal was created out of the love of two people who share a devotion to food, tradition, and family.

Included

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Day 4 of Extension: Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Today we say our final goodbyes and begin the journey home full of wonderful memories and new friends. If you’ve joined us on the extension, it’s best if you fly home from Dubrovnik.

Included

Breakfast

Hosts

Doni Belau

Doni Belau

Doni Belau is the creator and founder of Girls' Guide to the World. She is an inveterate traveler, having been to nearly 70 countries (and counting). She loves to help other women experience this sensation as she truly feels it helps us see a larger world of possibilities within ourselves.

Azure waters, idyllic islands, and ancient cities that have hosted mariners for millennia.

The Adriatic Sea and the Coast of Croatia

Croatia's more than 1,100 miles of breathtakingly beautiful coastline is the stuff of travel dreams. While you'd need a lifetime to explore everything that the lovely Croatian coast has to offer, you can visit some of the most beautiful islands and towns on this Croatia coast itinerary.

The Adriatic Sea and the Coast of Croatia

What's Included

What's Included

7 days and 6 nights of sailing in your own private room on a beautiful yacht

A world-class captain

All meals

All excursions and tastings

Glorious sunsets

Roundtrip international airfare to Split and from Dubrovnik

Additional wine, beer, or spirits beyond what is offered at meals

All personal souvenir purchases

Travel and Medical Insurance (required)

FAQs

As the majority of this trip takes place on a sailboat, you’ll need to feel comfortable with moving about the vessel, including the use of stairs.

Catamarans are very stable with far less rocking side to side compared with a traditional monohull sailboat. As a result, most people are comfortable aboard a catamaran – your “sea legs” will come naturally. But some people have a harder time adjusting to being on a boat. There are effective preventative treatments if you’re worried about sea sickness.

A zodiac (small inflatable boat) is used to transport passengers from the boat to the mainland, with landings taking place at piers (dry landings) as well as on beaches (wet landings). Zodiacs can sometimes be awkward to climb in and out of, but a sense of humor and can-do attitude is all you need.

This is an adventure on board a real yacht, which means living spaces, cabins, bathrooms and showers may need to be shared with other passengers. Sleeping quarters can be quite compact, but you’ll be spending the majority of your time above board in the open air.

Time on the water also means time in the sun. Remember to pack sun protection, such as sun screen and a hat, and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.

Please note that smooth sailing is dependent on the weather, so itinerary changes may occur at the last minute if the weather becomes unfavorable. If any changes are made, you can trust your knowledgeable skipper to choose an alternative route or activity.

Fly into Split (SPU). We’ll board our vessel in the early afternoon in Trogir, only a 10 min drive from the airport. (The town of Split is around the bay, 20 min east of the airport). We’ll provide transportation from Split airport to the marina in Trogir.

If you want to arrive early to rest, relax and acclimate to the local time zone, we can help you arrange a hotel in Split. It's a lovely town - worth exploring.

If you're joining us on the Trip Extension to Dubrovnik, you' should book your return flight from there.

If you're just doing the base sailing trip, book a flight from Split to whichever international airport you're flying home from.

This trip will be led by Doni Belau, founder of Girls’ Guide to the World & Joy Sherman, our experienced captain on this adventure. 

All meals except first night’s dinner

2 glasses of wine at dinner 

Your stay at the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik 5-star Hotel in a Superior King Room

All tours, tastings and visits

All guides and in country transport 

Extra alcohol beyond what is offered

Souvenirs and personal laundry 

Transfer back to Airport 

Inquire about this trip

Sailing the Coast of Croatia

Croatia· 16 - 23 September 2023· 7 nights

FREE