Croatia Luxury Cruise South: from Split to Split

Split is known for its beaches and the fortresslike complex at its centre, Diocletian's Palace, erected by the Roman emperor in the 4th century. Once home to thousands, its sprawling remains include more than 200 buildings. Within its white stone walls and under its courtyards and galleries are shops, bars, cafes, cathedrals, hotels and several houses.

Check-in is from 11am to 12pm (midday). Please note your cabin may not be ready until 12:30pm. A Welcome Reception will commence onboard your ship between 12pm and 1pm, where you're able to join your fellow travellers for champagne and canapes before departing the harbour. Your ship will depart the harbour at 1pm sharp.

Enjoy a traditional 3-course lunch onboard as we depart Split Harbour at 1pm and commence sailing towards our first destination - the quaint harbour town of Stari Grad. Situated on the northern side of the island, Stari Grad literally means 'Old Town' and it is the oldest town in Croatia. Stari Grad boasts an attractive network of old narrow streets and small squares around the harbour. Vineyards and olive groves surround the town and the Stari Grad Plain is a UNESCO-protected World Heritage Site.

Tonight we'll enjoy a traditional Croatian Village Dinner on the Stari Grad Plain, indulging in delicious Peka and locally produced wine.

Please Note: Due to Port Authority restrictions your ship may be docked in the ferry port.

This morning we'll head out to the stunning Pakleni Islands where we'll stop for a refreshing swim stop and lunch onboard. We'll continue to the other side of Hvar Island to the famous Hvar Town, the ‘French Riviera’ of the Adriatic. Feel the part sipping champagne and docking alongside other super yachts. Although a haven for celebrity spotters, Hvar still remains authentic to its roots, with cobbled streets, historic architecture and a 16th Century Fortress overlooking the town.

Please Note: The docking time in Hvar can be early evening in peak season due to Port Authority restrictions. However, if guests would like to arrive earlier, water taxi transfers will be arranged.

Today we sail south-east to one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia, Mljet, which is actually a National Park and Croatia’s greenest island; covered by dense Mediterranean pine forest. The National Park is famous for its two salt lakes at the north end of the island - Veliko and Malo Jezero, as well as the 12th century Benedictine monastery in the middle of Veliko. You're able to explore the stunning natural beauty of the island by cycling or walking around to where the sea meets the lake.

After exploring, spend your afternoon on the top deck of the ship watching a magical Mljet sunset with a drink in hand.

Please Note: Guests looking to explore Mljet National Park, please be aware there is an entrance fee payable locally.

There is nothing like waking up in the peaceful Mljet and enjoying breakfast as we cruise towards the UNESCO-protected and spectacularly beautiful city of Dubrovnik. Enjoy the beautiful views along the way towards "heaven on earth" - according to the famous writer George Bernard Shaw. We will arrive in Dubrovnik in the afternoon, allowing plenty of time to be spent exploring Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is wonderfully captivating with its 1,940m long 15th century stone walls built to protect the city from invasion.

We highly recommend walking around the walls to grasp the diverse nature of this city. Walk along the Stradun, the promenade inside the old city walls and meander the alleyways to discover numerous local restaurants, shops and bars.

The included Dubrovnik City Historical Walking Tour is a great way to learn about this wonderful city.

Please Note: Your ship will dock in Port Gruz, which is located just outside of Dubrovnik Old Town. Port Gruz runs from South Gruz, to North Gruz Port which is under Dubrovnik Bridge. Public buses to Dubrovnik Old Town are available for €2 per person, one way (payable locally).

After breakfast, we set sail for Korcula, the rumoured birthplace of Marco Polo. Lunch will be served onboard near Lumbarda Bay, on the eastern side of Korcula Island.

Explore this fortified town with its narrow streets and lookout towers, and spend your afternoon discovering the island's legends, myths and tales. The town's stone walls were built in the 13th Century, and the Old Town is built in a fishbone structure that you have to see to believe.

Enjoy cruising along the Adriatic coast as we make our way to the Makarska Riviera. Spend the afternoon swimming at one of the beautiful beaches along the Riviera, relaxing onboard or strolling the streets of Makarska, exploring the beachfront markets.

Take a walk around the tip of the Riviera for a wonderful view of the Biokovo Mountain range and get up close to the statue of St Peter, watching protectively over this beautiful town. Unwind with a cocktail as you absorb the beauty of Makarska and watch the spectacular sunset over the Adriatic.

mbrace your last morning cruising the Dalmatian coast as we make our way back to Split. Enjoy a swim stop in a secluded bay just outside of Split and then take in this spectacular city as we cruise into Split harbour in the afternoon, This UNESCO World Heritage city bases the city centre in and around the stunning Diocletian's Palace, the Roman emperor Diocletian’s retirement palace from 295-305 AD.

Stroll through the palace basement filled with market stalls and once outside, experience the historical architecture of this beautiful palace that consists of 220 buildings within its boundaries and is home to 3,000 people.

Split is now the second largest city in Croatia and continues to grow every year with numerous cafes, bars and traditional Dalmatian restaurants.

Enjoy an early breakfast after which it is time to say goodbye to the crew and your fellow guests! Disembark from the ship by 9am. PLEASE NOTE: It is possible for you to leave as early as needed on Sunday morning to catch flights as the ship will be in port by Saturday night