Compare Croatia Sailing Comfort Tour by Expat Explore vs Croatia with island hopping Adventure - 8 days by Serbia Tour Operator

Day 1: Split - Makarska

Expat Explore Travel exclusively uses the MS Dalmatinac on our Croatia Sailing Comfort tour. Featuring cabins with private en-suite facilities, the vessel carries a maximum of 22 people and also features a sun deck and other common areas for sunbathing and relaxing. The tour starts in Split; after you embark the ship, you will be served lunch on board and then we set sail along the Dalmatian coast down to Makarska Riviera, spending the afternoon swimming at one of the beautiful beaches. Once in Makarska, you have free time to explore and maybe try the local cuisine.

Day 2: Mljet

Meals: Breakfast

This morning we depart towards Mljet with the first stop on the Peljesac peninsula for a refreshing swim. After lunch, the whole afternoon is free to explore the Mljet National Park. You can chose to hire bicycles and see as much of the National Park as possible, or perhaps catch a boat to the Island of St Mary's Benedictine Monastery, the choice is yours!

Day 3: Dubrovnik

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast we depart for Dubrovnik, one of the highlights of this cruise. On route there will be time for short swim and you will enjoy the beautiful sights along the way towards “the heaven on earth” – according to the famous writer George Bernard Shaw. In the afternoon you can explore the city walls of Dubrovnik on your own or join our guided tour of the old town. In the evening we recommend a visit to Buza Cafe, this Cafe is outside of the city walls and overlooks the Dalmatian coast line, this is an amazing spot to watch the sunset.

Day 4: Sipan/Trstenik

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Today, the morning is free to explore Dubrovnik. Discover the beauty of history through numerous monuments, little streets, churches… Around lunch time we leave this magnificent town and continue our cruise towards the isle Sipan or a little town of Trstenik on the Peljesac peninsula, where we will swim in the afternoon and spend the night.

Day 5: Korcula

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast we depart for Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. Enjoy lunch on the board in front of Lumbarda (part of Korcula). We arrive in Korčula in the afternoon, where we overnight in port. On this island you can find more legends, tales and monuments than most place. Listen to the story of the stone walls, which were being built over two centuries ago on an optional walking tour.

Day 6: Hvar

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Today we depart for the Pakleni Islands for lunch and swimming. After lunch we will arrive in Hvar, the longest island in the Adriatic. This afternoon you have time to walk to the impressive fort overlooking the town and this evening you are spoilt with the abundant entertainment full of restaurants, bars and cafes that are open long into the night.

Day 7: Brac

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Our next stop will be the island of Brac. Swimming is planned at one of the most famous beaches in Dalmatia – Zlatni Rat near Bol (the Golden cape). Enjoy the view as we return to Split in the afternoon. Tonight is your last night on board the ship.

Day 8: Split

After breakfast it is time to say goodbye to the crew and all your new friends!

Arrival transfer from the listed airport is included. Private transfers from non-listed airports are available on request. Please check the options with your local expert. If you are arriving in Belgrade a few days prior to the tour departure, you can book additional nights with us.

Day 1: Arrive Split

Upon your arrival in Split you will be welcomed by your guide and escorted to your hotel. On the short coach ride from the airport, sit back, relax and enjoy the wel-coming atmosphere of Dalmatia, the most popular part of Croatia. Your guide will provide some basic in-formation about Dalmatian capital, tips and tricks about local daily routine and suggest some ideas for your free time. Overnight: Split.

Day 2: The Historical Maze of Dalmatia: Trogir and Split

Feeling lucky to start your day in Trogir, a charming little town with medieval walls, magical architecture and a wonderful sea view, you are ready for today’s adventure. Being in this town will seem like you travelled back in time through centuries, all the way to the Trogir’s Golden era, today, still visible in the magnificent Cipiko Palace, the Venetian Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the Gothic town hall and mighty walls along the waterfront. Walking through the city centre (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with cobbled streets and passages, among different architectural styles, listening to the stories about medieval time and feeling the atmosphere of the glorious times past, you will find yourself immersed in the incredible history of Trogir.

A natural unfolding to this fulfilled day is a visit to the city of Split, the successor of Solin, the capital of Roman province Dalmatia. Split was actually the periphery of Solin whose very important citizen – the emperor Diocletian, chose Split’s downtown as a place for his palace. That is how the splendour of Split began and how the heart of the city was shaped. Walking down the Split's streets is similar to wandering through a historical labyrinth. You will enter the bronze gate in the south, pass by the cathedral of St. Domnius, one of the best preserved buildings of Roman times, reach the golden gate in the north to touch the left toe of the statue of Gregory of Nin. According to the legend, all visitors who touch the toe of the statue will ensure their return to Split someday. Our tour ends on the busy seafront, complete with palms and yachts, colourful shops in Roman passages, and charming bars with creative interiors. Overnight: Split.

Day 3: Skywalk Biokovo

Meet one more jewel of Croatian Nature, the Biokovo Mountain whose rampart peaks 1.500 meters above Makarska Riviera offer exceptional views of the sea and nearby islands. It is one of Croatia's most popular hiking destinations with numerous paths that wind up the hills past olive groves, vineyards and pine forest. Some say it owes its name to the whiteness of the snow covered peaks (bio is a Croatian word for white) while others claim that word biokovo used to be a synonym for tempest – a specific type of wind locally also called bura. The nature reserve is known among nature lovers by the great number of endemic animal and plant spe-cies. Recently its fame has spread thanks to the Sky-walk - a 25-meter-long promenade made out of glass that offers а spectacular view of Makarska Riviera. The local myth says that when the sky is clear and bright, you can even see Italy, all the way across Adriatic! Spend your free time to enjoy the remarkable view of the Split’s historical centre from Marjan Hill and feel the life and energy of the locals – probably the best way to say good-bye before island hopping! Overnight: Split.

Day 4: Brač – Flavours and Sceneries of the authentic Croatian island®

The next three days you will be discovering the incredible Adriatic coast and Dalmatian archipelago.

Your first stop is the island of Brač, with the highest peaks among the Croatian islands. With a smaller number of tourists, but without big crowds and pomp as the glittering islands in its neighbourhood, Brač provides an excellent opportunity to delve into the authentic life of locals, particularly in the inland.

Your sightseeing starts at the Museum of olive oil since olive cultivation here dates back all the way to the Venetian time and there's over a half-million trees planted. Warmly welcomed by hosts, you will get interesting insights into the production process. Spice up your visit by tasting various local delicacies. Later on, head up to Vidova Gora, the roof of the Croatian islands. From this point, you will go downhill along the rocky trails to the town of Bol. This small place, adorned by lovely old houses, offers great restaurants for lunch or snack by the promenade. Walk a little bit more and spend your well-deserved break at one of the most attractive beaches in the world – the Golden horn (Zlatni Rat).

Later in the afternoon, meet again with your guide at the harbour for your half-hour catamaran ride to the island of Hvar. Overnight: Hvar Island.

Day 5: Hvar Island: The ghost-like villages with lavender scent - Medieval Hvar town

After breakfast, the queen of the Croatian islands – Hvar is expecting you. It is so much more than just the glitz and glamour of its main town. The significance of the island dates back from the ancient times. The important strategic and nautical position of Hvar had been the main cause of rich and turbulent times throughout its history. Its separation from the mainland protected the island from some of the modern influences and preserved the harmony between man and nature. This is visible in the white-washed towns and historic cobbled streets, in the fields of lavender and azure waters, as well as the home-style restaurants serving delicious Dalmatian fare. With all this in mind, you will visit one of the households that cultivates lavender and hike through the abandoned ghost-like village Malo Grablje. Somewhere in the middle of the Hvar hiking route, you’ll get to the Milna just in time for refreshment at one of the restaurants with a wide seafood offer. As you continue hiking along the coast, you will be rewarded with marvellous views. You will arrive in the capital of the island – the city of Hvar.

Quite often visitors describe their time spent in the town of Hvar like being a part of a fairy-tale. The scenography features 13th-century walls surrounding beautifully ornamented Gothic palaces and traffic-free marble streets. This small bay town will show you its full glory especially through the stories about significant historical events and people, related to the cathedral, monastery or fortress.

Some would say that this incredible island simply has it all: rich history, vibrant nightlife, high-class service, wonderful nature and stunning viewpoints to admire it. Finally, you will have spare time to enjoy the crystal clear waters. Overnight: Hvar Island.

Day 6: Wine Duet: Korčula Island & Pelješac Peninsula – Walls of Ston

The third island in our itinerary will be sure to astonish you as well. Korčula, the most tranquil island of our adventure, got the name from the Greeks due to its dense pine forest - Korkyra Melaina (Black Corfu). The Korčula Town is also known as Little Dubrovnik for its mighty city walls, medieval squares, churches, palaces and houses. Locals say it still keeps secrets about the life of one of the most famous explorers in history – Marco Polo. Tip of the day: there is a nice bar in the Zakerjan tower at the far end of the old town where you can enjoy spectacular views of the strait in the distance.

The Mediterranean climate, soil quality and the terrain’s morphology provide the perfect conditions for wine-growing. In Lumbarda village, the heart of Korčula’s wine making, you will have the opportunity to taste various sorts of wine, as well as the most authentic ones, pošip and grk. The perfect ending to your visit to Korčula is tasting some of the most known Croatian wines and snacks at the local family winery. After this wonderful experience, get on the ferry, and head to your next destination, leaving behind old little houses, settled on the edge of the island. Upon your return to continental Croatia, enjoy the ride through the Pelješac peninsula. The largest Croatian peninsula, covered with macchia, is widely known by two trademarks: wine and oyster. This region, Dingač, with its famous symbol - the donkey, is the first protected wine region in Croatia. On your way to Dubrovnik, along the coast of the Adriatic, there will be a short photo stop by the impressive old city walls above the town of Ston. Overnight: Dubrovnik.

Day 7: UNESCO’s Dubrovnik: Movielike Old Town and Kayak Experience

Get ready for a lovely walking adventure through Dubrovnik’s Old Town. This maze of beautiful white marble streets (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is surrounded by a 2 km long wall which hides medieval treasures: the city’s baroque churches, magnificent palaces, significant monuments, medieval gates and marble streets. Its numerous art galleries and unique artisanal shops keep the artworks of many artists who found inspiration in this light-coloured-stone city. Walking through the historical centre, you will start and end your visit at the main street Stradun, and in between, you will hear facts, tales and legends about the Pile Gate, Big Onofrio’s Fountain, the cathedral, main square Placa and wonderful ornaments of Rector’s and Sponza Palaces. A lunch or refreshment in the city port will complete the story about Dubrovnik. Even with the spectacular morning, the real highlight of the day is kept for the afternoon – time to meet Dubrovnik from a different perspective. You saddle up on kayaks, row along the coast and admire the view of the pink-grey city walls, which stand out against the azure blue water. Be sure that this experience will boost the impression about the mightiness of the city walls and give you a chance to enjoy both the attractive shore of the Lokrum isle and the cave up close. This beautiful island holds a lot of mysteries and according to the legend it was a shelter to King Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. Our guide will tell you the whole story once you arrive there. Lokrum Island has been a set for filming the Game of Thrones, and it is another inevitable destination for the true lovers of the series. Overnight: Dubrovnik.

Day 8: Departure day

Departure from Dubrovnik or any non-listed airport.

Departure transfer to the listed airport is included. Private transfers to non-listed airports are available on request. Please check the options with your local expert. If you are departing from Belgrade a few days after the tour end, you can book additional nights with us.