Southern Dalmatia & Kotor Bay Cruise 2024

You will be transferred from Dubrovnik Airport to harbour, where embarkation begins at 1400HRS. Get settled in your cabin before attending a Welcome Reception followed by dinner this evening. (D)

Start the day with a walking tour of Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. Walk through Stradun, both a street and a square, the most famous place inside the town walls. Your guide will show you the most interesting sights and you will visit Franciscan Monastery’s Pharmacy. Later set sail for Kotor. After lunch onboard, you are going to visit Lovćen Mountain, Njeguši village and Budva. Encounter Montenegro’s rich culture, historical heritage and natural beauty as you travel by bus up the serpentine Lovćen Hills. A beautiful view of Kotor Bay and lovely mountain scenery accompany you enroute to Njeguši, where you will visit the village smokehouse. Stop for a snack of smoked ham and cheese, brandy and wine, all local specialties. Then head down the mountain towards the town of Budva, believed to be one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic Coast. It is more than 2,000 years old. After panoramic stop above Budva you will drive back to Kotor and enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants. Your evening is free in Kotor. (B, L, T, D)

Start the day with a walking tour of Kotor which will include a visit to St Tryphon Cathedral, and you will see the Orthodox Church of St Luka from the outside. Afterwards continue to Slano with a stop along the way to swim and relax if weather permits, with lunch onboard. Slano is a peaceful fishing village and a starting point to Ston, a fortified small town situated on Pelješac Peninsula, famous for its oysters. Pelješac Peninsula is known as one of the best wine producing regions in Croatia. Overnight and Captain’s Dinner onboard in Slano. (B, L, D)

In the morning we head west to the Island of Mljet. Join the Cruise Director for a stroll to the famous saltwater lakes in the Mljet National Park. Alternatively, you can rent bicycles, scooters, or kayaks to explore the National Park or the island on your own. Continue the cruise towards Korčula, known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. Before lunch, there is time for a swim stop in the clear blue sea. Afternoon arrival in Korčula followed by a guided walking tour of this enchanting town surrounded by walls, one of the best preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean. Overnight in Korčula where you can enjoy a gourmet experience at the numerous restaurants and bars. (B, L)

Early in the morning sail to Ploče with a stop along the way to swim and relax if weather permits, with lunch onboard. Take the coach for an excursion to Mostar with dinner included. Mostar is the city were the East meets the West. Built alongside the Neretva River, it is known thanks to the image of its beautiful ‘Stari Most’ (Old Bridge) which is the heart and symbol of the city. Since 2005, ‘Stari Most’ and the old town of Mostar have been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the streets, visit the Turkish house and the mosque. Return to Ploče for overnight. (B, L, D)

Leaving Ploče, we will have an early morning cruise towards the town of Hvar, a favourite holiday destination of world celebrities, but also a charming seaside town with 8 centuries of architecture. Before lunch, there is time for a swim stop in the clear blue sea. Upon arrival in Hvar, you will enjoy visiting the many historical sights of the town, such as St Stephen’s Square and Cathedral, Arsenal with the theatre built on its first floor, the first municipal theatre in Europe. Above Hvar Town is the impressive fortress offering magnificent views over the bay and Pakleni Islands. Your evening is free in Hvar. (B, L)

We head to Split, our final port of call with a stop along the way to swim, cool off and relax if weather permits, with lunch onboard. In the late afternoon we arrive in Split to take a walking tour of the historic inner city, taking us to the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We see the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, Peristyle and the Cathedral. Your evening is free in Split. (B, L)

After breakfast, it is time to disembark by 0900HRS. You will be transferred to Split Airport. (B)