Art In Voyage has found an incredible means of fully experiencing the Croatian islands and coastline. By sailing on our intimate luxury mini-cruiser, you can indulge in the best of both worlds - not having to unpack nightly and being pampered while waking up to new sites, landscapes, and activities on a daily basis. Spend the mornings lazing on the spacious decks or swimming in the crystal clear Adriatic waters, and the evenings exploring quaint Croatian towns.
On this journey, we introduce you to what we believe is the best Croatia has to offer. From culture to history, from blue caves to small port towns, from its fantastic food to its local wines, Croatia is full of zest. During this cruise of distinction, you will come to appreciate Croatia and its people, who will surely capture your heart.
You are picked up at the Split airport and transferred to our first port of call, Sibenik. Guests are welcomed. Become acquainted with your vessel and cabin, relax and enjoy a bubbly on the main deck getting to know other guests. Later, we enjoy a 2-hour walking tour of Sibenik before we make our way to our welcome dinner, at a unique and memorable site. It will be paired with lovely local wines.
This morning, guests will have a choice to stay aboard as the ship make its journey to Trogir, or join a private tour of Krka National Parks & Falls. In the south, Skradinski Buk waterfall is flanked by traditional watermills. To the north, a nature trail passes another striking cascade, Roški Slap, and the Krka Monastery, built above ancient Roman catacombs. Whatever your choice might be, this afternoon, all guests will experience a private guided walking tour of Trogir. Its preserved old town, known for its mix of Renaissance, baroque and Romanesque buildings, lies on a small island connected to the mainland and the island of Čiovo by bridges. After some time to relax and freshen up, we walk to dinner, held at one of our favorite local eateries, showcasing regional delicacies, all paired with local & international wines.
We set sail for the island of Vis, once a strategic naval Yugoslav base that was closed to the public for years. On the way, we stop by the small island of Biševo to visit the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon (weather dependent). Guests will have a chance to swim in the caves. Due to this isolation, Vis has an alluring appeal – “the Mediterranean as it once was” making it particularly fascinating to visit. Vis town, situated on the northern side of the island and developed near the remains of ancient Issa, was the first urban center in Croatia. With an afternoon at leisure, make sure to visit the remains of the Roman thermal place, or city museum, or a simple walk so as to absorb the views of the beautiful Villae Rusticae situated along the waterfront. Dinner will take place at the incredible Fort George, served with fantastic local and international wines.
In the early morning, we depart for Korčula Island, known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. We enjoy lunch on board, while anchored in one of the secluded bays we come across en route. In the afternoon we arrive in Korčula Town, where we have a guided walking tour of the enchanting surroundings. Enclosed by walls, Korcula is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. A fish-bone-shaped street pattern was used when the town of Korčula was designed so as to keep its inhabitants cool, comfortable, and sheltered. Korčula has an abundance of gourmet restaurants to choose from, as well as numerous lively bars. In the evening, select your own spot in town for dinner, on your own account. Tonight will be spent in Korčula.
Today, we cruise further south to the Island of Mljet. Legend has it, that the Greek hero Odysseus spent years on this island when he was captured by the nymph Calypso. Accompany our tour guide on a stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park and experience a riveting boat ride to St Mary Isle. Here, we visit an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey, and church dating back to the 12th Century. Alternatively, kayaks, bicycles, scooters, or convertible cars will be made available, so as to ensure that you adventure across the National Park as you wish. We spend the night in port Polača or Pomena, where dinner will be served on board.
We depart for Ston and the quaint fishing village of Slano. Enjoy the magical scenery as we cruise south and make our usual swim stop off the coast of one of the many smaller islands. The afternoon will see our arrival in Slano and our starting point to Ston. After exploring the town’s lengthy medieval fortification ramparts, we head to another small village a short distance away, to taste their world-renowned oysters, and learn more about oyster cultivation. There will be some leisure time before we return to our ship. In the evening, we delight in a captain's themed dinner and live entertainment on board.
We set sail for our last destination: Dubrovnik. Along the way, the usual and traditional swim stop. After lunch on board, we meet our guide, Iris, for a private guided tour of the old town and the Remparts. Expect to be dazzled by the distinctive charm of the ancient Dubrovnik Republic and the buildings and monuments that reflect the modest Renaissance architecture era. After freshening up, we end our day with a lovely sundowner cocktail on the city walls, followed by a tasting dinner paired with a selection of superb wines. We spend our last night on board our ship, being lulled to sleep by the gentle Adriatic current.
All good things must come to an end, and while we don't want to ruminate on it, it may be the sad truth. We do, however, find comfort in having introduced you to what we truly believe is paradise on earth. This morning, arrangements will be made to take you to your airport. Looking to extend? Stay an extra night in Zagreb, head to the UNESCO Plitvice falls, uncover truffles and incredible food in Istria, or discover old town Zagreb. Let the Art In Voyage Team assist with designing your perfect extension.
This was our third journey with Art in Voyage and it definitely did not disappoint. As always Mikael and the AIV team went above and beyond the call of duty. Their attention to detail and personal need is outstanding. Can’t say enough about the AIV experience…nothing else like it!
Our day-to-day itinerary may, from time to time and prior to departure, need to be altered or slightly modified to address possible unforeseen logistical and weather challenges. In such rare instances, Art In Voyage guarantees delivery of the content of the itinerary yet, in a different order.
All listed retreats (hotels, villas, and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. In such rare instances, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
In case of a cancelation at more than 90 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned minus a $250 per person administrative fee.
In case of a cancelation within the penalty period: Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $250 per person administrative fee.