Compare Croatia & Montenegro by Carpe Mundo vs Montenegro Sailing Adventure from Dubrovnik by Intrepid Travel

Day 1:

Welcome to Split. For the first day of the tour, you have the day to explore the beautiful city of Split. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for Diocletian’s Palace which was built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian over 1,700 years ago! Split has some of the best preserved Roman remnants and you will love wandering the narrow streets of this enchanting city. If you would like to arrive before the tour starts and spend more time, consider visiting nearby Plitvice or Krka National Parks.

Day 2:

Korcula. In the morning we take a ferry to the island of Korcula where we will spend the next two nights in the town of Korcula. Korcula is the rumored birthplace of Marco Polo, and the small walled city is loved my almost all who visit.

Day 3:

Korcula & Surrounding Islands. After a delicious breakfast, we charter a boat to go island hopping among some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands!  You can swim in the crystal clear water, visit a monastery on one of the islands, enjoy a beach bar accessible only by boat, and/or just relax on the boat . In the afternoon, you can explore Korcula on your own, rent a bike to venture around the island, or visit nearby vineyards (Korcula is known for Grk, a type of wine found only on the island!).

Day 4:

Peljesac & Montenegro. Today we head down the coast to Montenegro, passing through the Peljesac Peninsula which is one of Croatia’s premier wine growing regions. We stop at a local winery along the way, where you will learn about Croatian wine and will sample varieties like plavac mali, which is found only in this region!   We continue to the small fishing village of Perast, located on the Bay of Kotor (this area was selected by Lonely Planet as the #1 place to visit in 2016!). You will be amazed by the beauty here as the mountains plunge into the sea. The next two nights are spent at a seaside hotel with gorgeous views of the Bay.

Day 5:

Kotor & Lake Skadar. In the morning, you will have time to visit the town of Kotor. This is a great spot for shopping, or for those wanting a workout you can climb up the fortress that rises above the town, affording a panoramic view of the bay. Then, we continue to Lake Skadar, one of the largest lakes in the region. Situated in a valley surrounded by high mountains, we embark on a boat tour of the lake and will hopefully see a lot of wildlife (part of the lake is a National Park). There are dozens of monasteries around the lake and we stop to visit one built in the 14th century- still with the original frescoes! After the boat tour, we return to Perast, stopping to visit a small family owned winery. Sampling the local wines along with homemade cheese, prosciutto and bread will be the perfect way to end the day!

Day 6:

Dubrovnik. Today we head back to Croatia to the incredible city of Dubrovnik. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and perhaps Croatia’s best known city- it’s become even more popular recently since it is used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. You can wander the narrow cobblestone streets, eat at a cliffside café, swim at one of the nearby beaches, or go for a sunset sail on the Adriatic! There’s an optional cooking class where you can learn to make a traditional Croatian meal- for many this is one of the trip highlights!

Day 7:

Farewell. This is the end of the tour, and you have the day to explore as you please. Dubrovnik is an incredible city so we recommend spending an additional night or two if your schedule allows. There are a lot of additional activities for you to enjoy, or you can take a flight or ferry to Italy or a day trip to Mostar in Bosnia.

Day 1 Dubrovnik - Sipan

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Dubrovnik in Croatia. If you arrive early, it’s recommended that you explore this medieval walled city on foot, take a Game of Thrones walking tour or find a seaside or alleyway restaurant and try some local favourites. For the start of your sailing trip, you’ll leave the city for quiet waters and attend a welcome meeting at 3 pm. Your skipper will collect the group kitty at this time, and as a group, you’ll head to a local supermarket for the week’s onboard meals. After, embark and start sailing to Sipan – the largest island in the Elaphiti Islands northwest of Dubrovnik. With a long history of stories and legends, this island is one of the jewels of the archipelago. When you arrive. Maybe head out to dinner with your group at one of the beautiful restaurants on the island before spending your first night at sea.

Day 2 Sipan – Herceg Novi

This morning after breakfast and maybe a quick dip in the ocean, you’ll continue to Herceg Novi. Pass through customs, stopping for a swim along the way in one of many inviting bays and arrive in the late afternoon. Founded in 1382, Herceg Novi is your historic entry point to the Bay of Kotor and a fabulous city in its own right. With an evening spent at the port, you’ll have time to explore the tree-lined squares of the city at your leisure this evening. Maybe head to a local restaurant with your group and enjoy a night of gorgeous views.

Day 3 Budva

This morning after breakfast (and sunrise, if you’re keen), you’ll head to Budva. You’ll stop for a swim along the way, maybe at Uvala Dobrec, depending on the weather – a secluded cove with a pebble beach and pristine waters. Arrive in Budva – home to sandy beaches, a walled city, old monasteries and lively nightlife. The time spent here will depend on the group’s desire to let loose (this is a self-proclaimed party town). Don’t worry, if you prefer the sun and the sand over the sound of bass, Budva is also home to lovely, sheltered beaches like Mogren, Kamenovo and Jaz. Your skipper will recommend the best local spots to eat for dinner, but you’re free to spend the evening how you wish.

Day 4 Rose

Enjoy breakfast on the boat this morning and then head to Rose – a historic fishing village with a quieter pace. Stop for a swim along the way and then enjoy a free evening exploring the town or sit back and relax with a good book on the beach. Don’t miss sunrise tonight – whether from the sea or the deck, this part of the world is home to some pretty epic nightly displays.

Day 5 Tivat

This morning, you’ll sail to Tivat – a coastal town in Montenegro in the Bay of Kotor, surrounded by glittering waters and mountain peaks. Stop for a refreshing ocean swim and then explore the town at your own pace. Tonight, you have the opportunity to sit down with a local family in their home and enjoy some incredible hospitality. If you choose to include this optional dinner, you’ll enjoy a 3-course meal of local favourites with unlimited wine and homemade grappa. All the food served has been homemade and homegrown on the property – a night to remember!

Day 6 Kotor

Sail towards Kotor this morning, passing the islet of Gospa od Skrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks). As the legend goes, sailors would place a rock in the bay after every successful voyage, and over five hundred years, a tiny island was created. If you happen to have a rock handy, you can also become a part of this tradition! Docking in Kotor, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in southeastern Europe, and exploring its winding streets can feel like travelling back in time. Maybe hike along the ancient, steep fortress walls to the Castle of San Giovanni, a stunning medieval structure from which you can get sweeping views of the Old Town. Depending on your fitness level and the sureness of your footing, the hike can take between 3 to 5 hours, so it’s a good idea to set off early if you plan to tackle the climb. Or maybe opt for a full-day tour of Lovcen Mountain, Njegos Mausoleum and Cetinje. This optional tour includes a prosciutto tasting (yum!) and is a super fun way to spend the day.

Day 7 Zelenika - Dubrovnik

This morning, you’ll sail to Zelenika, Montenegro to the customs checkpoint. If there is time, stop for a refreshing dip in the sea before continuing to Dubrovnik and docking in the marina. Perhaps head out into Dubrovnik for your final night with the group – buses depart regularly from the marina and your trip leader can help with coordination. Or stay close by enjoying dinner and drinks at the lovely marina and saying farewell to your group on your last night.

Day 8 Dubrovnik

There are no activities planned for today, so you can leave any time before 10 am. If you wish to spend more time here, just speak to your booking agent.