Day 1 Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most captivating cities in the Mediterranean. Your super yacht charter can anchor right off the city, and the tender can drop you at the seaside gate of this 15th century city, surrounded by medieval walls. Inside the walls, you’ll find ancient churches and a monastery, narrow cobbled sidewalks, open air cafes, boutiques, galleries and the most artfully sculpted ice cream that you’ve ever seen. Yum! “If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik. Because the beauty there will leave anyone breathless." George Bernard Shaw

Day 2 Mljet

Mljet – a wild, untamed island shimmering with exquisite natural beauty and covered with a dense Mediterranean forest. Most of the island is National Park… and it is here that you’ll reacquaint yourself with the true meaning of the “vacate” in vacation. You’ll enjoy a journey to the two inland salt lakes and the old Benedictine monastery in the middle of one of them. This is a great spot for cycling, hiking, kayaking and paddle boarding. A hidden gem is the restaurant, Ankara, offering delicious fresh food and if your lucky an after dinner strum on the guitar or squeeze on the accordion by its owner Palo Povo.

Day 3 Korcula

Korcula – this is like a mini-Dubrovnik… smaller, quieter, more quaint. This island is rich in art, culture and history – the reputed birthplace of Marco Polo whose house has been transformed into a museum that celebrates this world-traveler. Tradition is alive and celebrated on the island - Moreska which is ancient sword dancing, religious ceremonies, and folk dancing. Wine enthusiasts will love seeking out the local “wine without vowels” – Grk – grown on local vines that have no cross pollination. Your quest for Grk brings you through a bevy of vineyards, forests , and enchanting villages.

Day 4 Vis

Vis – Off limits to travelers until 1989, this isolation preserved the island’s natural history and way of life. Home to fisherman and wine growers, you can indulge in the best of fish and wine everywhere on the island. Get out and tour this delicious island with so many panoramic vistas that our camera shouted “Battery exhausted.” Lush hillsides and olive groves crisscrossed with old stone walls. Take a hike to Tito’s Cave.. his hideout during his days as a partisan outlaw. Venture on to fishing village of Komiza, situated in a deep bay with dozens of local fishing boats hugging the docks. A labyrinth of walkways leading you into the heart of the village, clothesline stretched across the alleyways with today’s laundry drying in the breeze. Children playing hide and seek. Tiny shops selling local olive oil and honey. History buffs will enjoy both the Archaeological Museum and the Fishing Museum.

Day 5 Bisevo and the Blue Cave

A unique natural phenomenon, the cave and its water shimmer with an iridescent blue glow that delights your eyes with its beauty. You have to arrive here at the right time of day – usually mid-day when the reflection of the sun creates this wonder.

Hvar – we call it the “has it all” island – nightlife, celebrities, lavender plantations, Venetian architecture, meadows of olives and grapes, lazy beaches, jagged inlets, glitz, glamor, and grannies. The horseshoe-shaped waterfront of medieval Hvar town is lined with 13th century walls, traffic free streets made of marble and a cloister of old buildings that now house restaurants, shops, galleries, and the oldest theatre in Croatia. A favorite past time is sitting at an outdoor café watching the world pass by. A heart-pumping hike to the Spanish fortress that poises over the harbor rewards you with wondrous views.

Day 6 Pakleni Islands

The nearby Pakleni Islands are a short tender ride away. Many people choose to anchor here overnight – a quiet interlude after the revelry of Hvar. Their rocky shoreline reminded us of the coast of Maine. You can choose a deserted cove or party the night away on Stipanska at the infamous Carpe Diem’s Beach and tiki bar.

Day 7 Brac

Brac – the island is known for its lustrous white stone which the ancient Romans used to build cities, amphitheaters, temples, and tombs all over Dalmatia including the 4th century Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Some was even used in the White House (yes, the U.S. White House). The stonemason’s tradition is still thriving and a visit to the Stonemason School in the harbor of Brac is a must. Young teenage boys (girls allowed but none were there when we visited) learning the ancient art – chiseling, chipping, polishing, and brushing the native white stone into statues, signs, garden ornaments and décor.

From here you can take a taxi tour of the island while your yacht moves on to the port of Bol. Check out the olive factory where the local growers bring their olives in to be pressed. Stop at the quaint nautical museum. Stop at a mountain top vista and capture a photo of the most photographed beach in Dalmatia - Zlatni Rat – a constantly changing spit of pebbles bordered by azure seas. End up at the seaside promenade that leads to the beach.

Day 8 Split

Split – the second largest city in Croatia just does not feel all that big, especially if you limit your sightseeing to the old city. The highlight of Split, Diocletian’s Palace, was originally built in the 4th century (now that is old!) But don’t expect a palace – it’s an 8-acre walled ancient city with blocks and blocks of old Roman buildings, winding stone walkways, dark cobbled alleys, churches, and squares. About 3,000 people live here alongside a maize of tiny corner cafes, galleries, and boutiques. Step outside the “Palace” to the waterfront esplanade and follow your nose to the vibrant fish market. Catch a coffee in one of the bustling outdoor cafes. If you are fortunate, maybe a local Klapa group with traditional a capella singing will be performing nearby.

 Can I reverse the itinerary and do Split to Dubrovnik?

Yes, it does not matter which way you do it.

 Do you recommend that we spend a few days beforehand in either of the cities? Absolutely – both cities are exquisite with a wealth of historical sites, chic restaurants and bars, and local music and art.