day by Day Itinerary
Events listed are based upon availability and upon local variations of closing times and is subject to change.
- DAY 1 Depart USA to fly to Dubrovnik
All meals are included aboard the yacht. Great breakfast buffets are included at the hotels in Croatia. Lunches and dinners are on your own where you'd be more pleased getting out and enjoying an old town. Our 4-star Hotels are next to charming old towns. AND, we pay yacht crew, baggage, driver, guide gratuities.
Day 2 Arrive in Dubrovnik and drive to Kotor
After we greet you between 10 AM and Noon, we take you to our deluxe coach for a beautiful ride to Kotor. After a short city tour and a chance for you to enjoy a dinner in old town, it's time for a good night's sleep. We advise sipping some caffeine to stay awake at least until 8:00 - 10:00 PM in order to sleep through the first night. The first few nights your body will try to revert back to home base, so melatonin and over-the-counter sleep aids for a while help avoid waking at 3:00 AM.
After we greet you between 10 AM and Noon, we take you to our deluxe coach for a beautiful ride to Kotor. After a short city tour and a chance for you to enjoy a dinner in old town, it's time for a good night's sleep. We advise sipping some caffeine to stay awake at least until 8:00 - 10:00 PM in order to sleep through the first night. The first few nights your body will try to revert back to home base, so melatonin and over-the-counter sleep aids for a while help avoid waking at 3:00 AM.
Day 3 Morning tour on speed boat
After breakfast, our guide takes gives you the stories of this intricate and intriguing old fortress city. Then, just across the street, board a speed boat for a guided tour of the lakes including the Rock Island and Church formed by fishermen who said they saw the Virgin Mary in a special lake location. They say they were instructed to build a lake there. They started bringing rocks and dropped them into the lake at that spot. Others followed suit and eventually they had a rock island where they built a church.
We then sail to an amazing submarine base hollowed out by the Yugoslavian navy to hide their submarine's from the prying satellites of the USA and NATO. Sometimes a choir is there to adorn the acoustics. Then off to the famed Kotor Blue Grotto. If you have your suit on or else don't care if your clothes get wet, a dip in the Blue Grotto with its dazzling turquoise water in unforgettable. We then continue up the Adriatic Sea where we circle a famed fortress. At noon we stop in another classic old town of Perast where you can have lunch at one of the lakeside cafes. This a day to remember.
After breakfast, our guide takes gives you the stories of this intricate and intriguing old fortress city. Then, just across the street, board a speed boat for a guided tour of the lakes including the Rock Island and Church formed by fishermen who said they saw the Virgin Mary in a special lake location. They say they were instructed to build a lake there. They started bringing rocks and dropped them into the lake at that spot. Others followed suit and eventually they had a rock island where they built a church.
We then sail to an amazing submarine base hollowed out by the Yugoslavian navy to hide their submarine's from the prying satellites of the USA and NATO. Sometimes a choir is there to adorn the acoustics. Then off to the famed Kotor Blue Grotto. If you have your suit on or else don't care if your clothes get wet, a dip in the Blue Grotto with its dazzling turquoise water in unforgettable. We then continue up the Adriatic Sea where we circle a famed fortress. At noon we stop in another classic old town of Perast where you can have lunch at one of the lakeside cafes. This a day to remember.
Day 4 Free day in Kotor
There is so much to do for nearly every person's physical capability. Some love the vigorous hiking to majestic views or mysterious caves. Other explore the towns and islands by special island taxis. Still others enjoy the cafe's and shops of the wharfs. Or a mixture of all three. The towns and islands can accommodate you!
You have free time in Kotor to explore so many choices that we'll lay out for you. Besides the 360 degree grandeur Kotor “must see” sites include:
1. The best preserved medieval old town in the Adriatic with UNESCO World Heritage Sites
2. Venetian Works of Defense from the 16th and 17th centuries.
3. Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in the old town (built in 1166).
4. Ancient walls which stretch for 4.5 km (3 mi) directly above the city.
5. Welcome to Cat City – its official animal along with many cat stores, a cat museum, and Cats' Square.
6. Climb to the top of the medieval fortress. Take along some water. You'll need it, but the view is magnificent.
7. Join others in our group for a private bus tour of the old royal city in the mountain above Kotor.. Check out the blog post for more details.
There is so much to do for nearly every person's physical capability. Some love the vigorous hiking to majestic views or mysterious caves. Other explore the towns and islands by special island taxis. Still others enjoy the cafe's and shops of the wharfs. Or a mixture of all three. The towns and islands can accommodate you!
You have free time in Kotor to explore so many choices that we'll lay out for you. Besides the 360 degree grandeur Kotor “must see” sites include:
1. The best preserved medieval old town in the Adriatic with UNESCO World Heritage Sites
2. Venetian Works of Defense from the 16th and 17th centuries.
3. Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in the old town (built in 1166).
4. Ancient walls which stretch for 4.5 km (3 mi) directly above the city.
5. Welcome to Cat City – its official animal along with many cat stores, a cat museum, and Cats' Square.
6. Climb to the top of the medieval fortress. Take along some water. You'll need it, but the view is magnificent.
7. Join others in our group for a private bus tour of the old royal city in the mountain above Kotor.. Check out the blog post for more details.
Day 5 Morning coach to Dubrovnik for tour and board the ship.
You step immediately into the old "Game of Thrones" city and are whisked back in time to the 15th century under the Venetian rule. The city has been long regarded as the crown jewel of the Adriatic Sea. UNESCO listed Dubrovnik in its World Heritage Sites in recognition of its outstanding medieval architecture and fortified old town. No wonder HBO set Game of Thrones here. Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Robin Hood and even the Bollywood movie, Fan, were filmed here.
You step immediately into the old "Game of Thrones" city and are whisked back in time to the 15th century under the Venetian rule. The city has been long regarded as the crown jewel of the Adriatic Sea. UNESCO listed Dubrovnik in its World Heritage Sites in recognition of its outstanding medieval architecture and fortified old town. No wonder HBO set Game of Thrones here. Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Robin Hood and even the Bollywood movie, Fan, were filmed here.
Day 6 Cruise to Sipan Island
Sipano is the nearby island and is the largest of the islands nearest Dubrovnik. Two limestone crests, the higher (Velji Vrh, 243 m) in the northeast and the lower in the southeast surround a dolomite depression, on which olives, figs, vine, carob-trees, almond-trees, oranges and citrus fruit are cultivated. The island's population is 419 with two ports on the island, Suđurađ (San Giorgio) in the east, and Šipanska Luka (Porto Gippana) in the west. The island is also famed for its numerous palm tree species that grow on the island. It is the likely location of the naval Battle of Tauris during Caesar's Civil War.
Sipano is the nearby island and is the largest of the islands nearest Dubrovnik. Two limestone crests, the higher (Velji Vrh, 243 m) in the northeast and the lower in the southeast surround a dolomite depression, on which olives, figs, vine, carob-trees, almond-trees, oranges and citrus fruit are cultivated. The island's population is 419 with two ports on the island, Suđurađ (San Giorgio) in the east, and Šipanska Luka (Porto Gippana) in the west. The island is also famed for its numerous palm tree species that grow on the island. It is the likely location of the naval Battle of Tauris during Caesar's Civil War.
Day 7 Orebić and Mljet Island
Orebić that sits on the southern coast of Croatia’s pretty Pelješac peninsula. It’s known as ‘the town of sailors and captains’, having thrived on the maritime industry throughout the centuries. ‘An old captain once said that the Orebić coastline is the most beautiful in the world. And you trust captains on Pelješac’ is how the local saying goes. Today, Orebić is one of the best towns to visit on the Dalmatian coast.
When the apostle Paul shipwrecked on an island, Mljet (pronounced Me-yet) became the place. Scenic, with a quiet small town where villagers anxiously meet the yachts. You are welcome here, just like Paul was. Mljet's population of 1,088 is spread between 13 villages with the smallest housing 13 souls and the largest with 120.
It's a great place to rent a bike or an electric bike and explore the two "lakes" nearby. (They're actually inlets.) With no airport, only occasional ferries, and charming villages all around, it’s a tranquil delight. A two-lane paved road runs throughout the island.
No doubt our captain and crew will find a tranquil bay where the crystal clear waters cast a turquoise luminescence so delightful for swimming. You can see the Sea bottom 30 feet below!
Orebić that sits on the southern coast of Croatia’s pretty Pelješac peninsula. It’s known as ‘the town of sailors and captains’, having thrived on the maritime industry throughout the centuries. ‘An old captain once said that the Orebić coastline is the most beautiful in the world. And you trust captains on Pelješac’ is how the local saying goes. Today, Orebić is one of the best towns to visit on the Dalmatian coast.
When the apostle Paul shipwrecked on an island, Mljet (pronounced Me-yet) became the place. Scenic, with a quiet small town where villagers anxiously meet the yachts. You are welcome here, just like Paul was. Mljet's population of 1,088 is spread between 13 villages with the smallest housing 13 souls and the largest with 120.
It's a great place to rent a bike or an electric bike and explore the two "lakes" nearby. (They're actually inlets.) With no airport, only occasional ferries, and charming villages all around, it’s a tranquil delight. A two-lane paved road runs throughout the island.
No doubt our captain and crew will find a tranquil bay where the crystal clear waters cast a turquoise luminescence so delightful for swimming. You can see the Sea bottom 30 feet below!
Day 8 Korčula Island: peaks of 1,864 and 1657 ft.
The old town or Stari Grad is one of the most unusual in all the islands. We loved it. No one wanted to leave! It's designed in a fish-bone pattern that blocks out cold winds and entices cooling breezes. It has the best shopping in the Adriatic.
According to legend, Trojan hero Aeneas arrived in the 12th century BC. Check out the numerous old stone buildings and fortresses left behind. Its ideal climate is perfect for agriculture and the sea teems with fish. They called it "Black Corfu" after their homeland and the dense pinewoods.
The island is covered with Mediterranean flora including extensive pine forests. The Moreška sword dance, stonemasonry, painting and sculpture arts are strong traditions.
The old town or Stari Grad is one of the most unusual in all the islands. We loved it. No one wanted to leave! It's designed in a fish-bone pattern that blocks out cold winds and entices cooling breezes. It has the best shopping in the Adriatic.
According to legend, Trojan hero Aeneas arrived in the 12th century BC. Check out the numerous old stone buildings and fortresses left behind. Its ideal climate is perfect for agriculture and the sea teems with fish. They called it "Black Corfu" after their homeland and the dense pinewoods.
The island is covered with Mediterranean flora including extensive pine forests. The Moreška sword dance, stonemasonry, painting and sculpture arts are strong traditions.
Day 9 Vis Island (pronounced Wees)
The 35-square-mile island welcomes visitors with 17th-century Venetian architecture, azure rocky beaches, and laid-back vibes.
In Vis town, parts of the ancient city walls remain, along with a thermae (public baths). On a small peninsula, St. Jerome’s Church and Monastery is built over an ancient Roman theater.
The World Wildlife Fund declared Vis is one of the ten best-preserved islands in the Mediterranean.
You may be interested to know that Momma Mia: Here We Go Again was filmed on Vis island, mostly in Komiza. The featured beach scenes took place in Stiniva. The pebbled beach was named the most beautiful in Europe in 2016 but a variety of beaches welcome some beautiful possibilities. Just remember the local saying, "pomalo, pomalo" (slowly, slowly) and you'll be fine. Looking forward to a laid back day of exploring this unique island.
Grab a water taxi and explore the famous Blue Grotto on the island of Biševo, just off Vis. It glows an incredible blue each day around noon. Keep an eye out for seals that often play near the entrance.
The 35-square-mile island welcomes visitors with 17th-century Venetian architecture, azure rocky beaches, and laid-back vibes.
In Vis town, parts of the ancient city walls remain, along with a thermae (public baths). On a small peninsula, St. Jerome’s Church and Monastery is built over an ancient Roman theater.
The World Wildlife Fund declared Vis is one of the ten best-preserved islands in the Mediterranean.
You may be interested to know that Momma Mia: Here We Go Again was filmed on Vis island, mostly in Komiza. The featured beach scenes took place in Stiniva. The pebbled beach was named the most beautiful in Europe in 2016 but a variety of beaches welcome some beautiful possibilities. Just remember the local saying, "pomalo, pomalo" (slowly, slowly) and you'll be fine. Looking forward to a laid back day of exploring this unique island.
Grab a water taxi and explore the famous Blue Grotto on the island of Biševo, just off Vis. It glows an incredible blue each day around noon. Keep an eye out for seals that often play near the entrance.
Day 10 Hvar Island
Named the 4th most beautiful island in the world by a leading travel guide, we trust you'll declare the same conclusion. Hvar town is a Mediterranean dream, full of rustic cobblestoned streets, stunning beaches, and ancient history.
Each day we'll find a "swim stop" because the water is SO INVITING. Even non-swimmers can't resist.
And this is the just the beginning of what there is to explore in Hvar, the island and Hvar, the town. Read more at: www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/dalmatia/hvar-island
Named the 4th most beautiful island in the world by a leading travel guide, we trust you'll declare the same conclusion. Hvar town is a Mediterranean dream, full of rustic cobblestoned streets, stunning beaches, and ancient history.
Each day we'll find a "swim stop" because the water is SO INVITING. Even non-swimmers can't resist.
And this is the just the beginning of what there is to explore in Hvar, the island and Hvar, the town. Read more at: www.lonelyplanet.com/croatia/dalmatia/hvar-island
Day 11 Brac Island
Enjoy reading why famous trekkers love Brac Island with the highest peak of any Dalmatian island. https://www.earthtrekkers.com/love-brac-island-croatia-zlatni-rat-beach/
We love Brac as well. We've driven all around the island and still barely caught the wonders. Olive groves, olive oil museum with lunch, olive press factory, great beaches, charming towns, and friendly people.
Travel by vans to see the faces you select of this large island.
Enjoy reading why famous trekkers love Brac Island with the highest peak of any Dalmatian island. https://www.earthtrekkers.com/love-brac-island-croatia-zlatni-rat-beach/
We love Brac as well. We've driven all around the island and still barely caught the wonders. Olive groves, olive oil museum with lunch, olive press factory, great beaches, charming towns, and friendly people.
Travel by vans to see the faces you select of this large island.
. Day 12 (Saturday) Disembark the yacht and tour Split then head to our hotel in Sibenik on the Dalmatian coast.
We'll enjoy what Emperor Diocletian enjoyed when he built his grand estates between Split and Sibenik. Split is the second largest city in Croatia, and is a bustling port for tourists anxious to visit the many Dalmatian Islands.
While in Split, roam its old town with famous Diocletian Palace, and Pjaca Square, home to the city’s town hall. Admire stunning architecture from the Roman and Venetian eras. The Old Town also has unique restaurants and cafes where you can unwind and enjoy a cool drink. If you want to mingle with the locals, head for the Fish Market – it occupies a Secession-style building, which makes for impressive photos.
We'll enjoy what Emperor Diocletian enjoyed when he built his grand estates between Split and Sibenik. Split is the second largest city in Croatia, and is a bustling port for tourists anxious to visit the many Dalmatian Islands.
While in Split, roam its old town with famous Diocletian Palace, and Pjaca Square, home to the city’s town hall. Admire stunning architecture from the Roman and Venetian eras. The Old Town also has unique restaurants and cafes where you can unwind and enjoy a cool drink. If you want to mingle with the locals, head for the Fish Market – it occupies a Secession-style building, which makes for impressive photos.
Then on to Sibenik on the Adriatic. Its old town is the oldest city town in Croatia with a scenic medieval town surrounded by four fortresses. Behind the walls discover very old churches and charming narrow stone streets. Our hotel, The Hotel Bellevue, is on the water's edge and steps away from "starigrad" or the old town. It is a family owned 4-star hotel. Magda is the hotel manager. Four years ago her husband built the hotel that his partner designed.
Only five cities in the world have two UNESCO monuments. Sibenik is one of them. 16th century Cathedral St. Jacob is a true architectural masterpiece that took 100+ years to build. Very few fortresses are as picturesque and elegant as the Renaissance Fortress of St. Nicholas, located at the entrance to the wonderful St. Anthony channel, which serves as the door of Sibenik to the open sea. Built in the 16th century as a defense from Turkish attacks from the sea, it is one of the most attractive fortifications on the Adriatic Coast. There's time to take a boat ride out to the channel. Enjoy the free time.
Only five cities in the world have two UNESCO monuments. Sibenik is one of them. 16th century Cathedral St. Jacob is a true architectural masterpiece that took 100+ years to build. Very few fortresses are as picturesque and elegant as the Renaissance Fortress of St. Nicholas, located at the entrance to the wonderful St. Anthony channel, which serves as the door of Sibenik to the open sea. Built in the 16th century as a defense from Turkish attacks from the sea, it is one of the most attractive fortifications on the Adriatic Coast. There's time to take a boat ride out to the channel. Enjoy the free time.
DAY 13 (Sunday) Church in Zadar and Krka Park
Not only is Zadar the home town of Kresimir Cosic, the first Elder in Yugoslavia of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and BYU basketball star and the branches are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Elder Cosic helping to set up the Church here.
Zadar is the oldest Croatian city. It has a small Latter-day Saint congregation that has welcomed us.
Not only is Zadar the home town of Kresimir Cosic, the first Elder in Yugoslavia of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and BYU basketball star and the branches are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Elder Cosic helping to set up the Church here.
Zadar is the oldest Croatian city. It has a small Latter-day Saint congregation that has welcomed us.
To the east of Zadar is Krka National Park, a true ecological treasure of forests, lakes and amazingly different waterfalls. In the park we board the Krka bus to take us to the most famous Falls. Enjoy strolling the grounds and walkways. Our private coach takes us back to Sibenik where you can roam the old town and enjoy free time and dinner on the esplanade.
DAY 14 Free Day in Sibenik with so much to explore.
1, Book a cruise exploring the nearby fortress island and other gems.
2. Climb to either or both monasteries/fortresses high above Sibenik.
3. Explore old Sibenik -- charming winding streets with shops galore.
4. Return to Krka Park for more explorations. And local Roman ruins near it.
5. Rent a car yourself or with another couple (very reasonable) and drive to some other coastal villages.
1, Book a cruise exploring the nearby fortress island and other gems.
2. Climb to either or both monasteries/fortresses high above Sibenik.
3. Explore old Sibenik -- charming winding streets with shops galore.
4. Return to Krka Park for more explorations. And local Roman ruins near it.
5. Rent a car yourself or with another couple (very reasonable) and drive to some other coastal villages.
DAY 15 & 16 Head north to Plitvice Lakes and Zagreb! Then home to USA
After breakfast we head north 2 hours into the heart of Croatia's national parks, Plitvice Lakes. Enjoy the tranquil scenery and majestic falls.
Then a couple of hours to the capital city surrounded by towering mountains to the north and south. We'll enjoy a guided tour of the city before going to our 4 star Sheraton Hotel.
Explore the old town. Our morning shuttle takes you to the airport for your flight home.
After breakfast we head north 2 hours into the heart of Croatia's national parks, Plitvice Lakes. Enjoy the tranquil scenery and majestic falls.
Then a couple of hours to the capital city surrounded by towering mountains to the north and south. We'll enjoy a guided tour of the city before going to our 4 star Sheraton Hotel.
Explore the old town. Our morning shuttle takes you to the airport for your flight home.