Croatian Coastal Cruising: Dubrovnik to Split (Aurora)

Dobro dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in Dubrovnik. If you arrive early, and it’s recommended that you do, explore the terracotta roofs, ancient cliff-forged walls and crystal coasts of this medieval walled city. You’ll meet your trip leader and group this evening at 5 pm, when you’ll be welcomed aboard the Aurora and introduced to your crew. Enjoy a drink and get to know each other before your first dinner on the boat this evening. Later, perhaps relax with a glass of wine on the deck and take in the waves lapping the rugged cliffs.

After breakfast, set sail for Korcula – the birthplace of Marco Polo – with lunch on board. If time permits, you’ll make a quick swim stop on the way – the perfect way to start any day on board! In the afternoon, head out on land for an orientation walk through the town, before enjoying an evening to explore at your own pace. If you need dinner recommendations, your leader is always on hand!

Depart for Opuzen, stopping for a mid-morning swim in clear, turquoise waters near the small island of Badija. Have lunch on board, then in the afternoon, jump into small wooden boats for a leisurely cruise through the surrounding wetlands (with local snacks and music on board). Arrive at a local restaurant overlooking the river for Peka veal and other local dishes for dinner. Board the boats to return back to Opuzen. You may want to venture out to one of the bars around the town square to meet the locals over a beer or two.

Embrace an early start this morning as you make your way to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina by minibus. Take a guided walk through the town, visiting a local coffee shop where you’ll see how Bosnian coffee is made, then try some for yourself. After, enjoy some free time to explore the town and have lunch at your own pace. Then, travel by bus back to the Dalmatian Coast. Along the way, you’ll stop at Matusko Winery for a tour of the vineyards followed by a wine tasting. You’ll then continue to Trpanj where you’ll reboard your boat. Tonight, sit down to a four-course dinner with the captain as the sun sets over the water.

This morning after breakfast on board, you’ll sail into Jelsa on the island of Hvar. When you arrive, take a private transfer to a local farm for some local produce tasting, then drive to the town. Explore the town on a walk with your leader before continuing to Starigrad this evening.

Spend the morning sailing to the colourful island of Brac. Along the way, make a stop at one of Brac’s secluded beaches for a swim in the Adriatic. You'll have lunch on board, then you’ll head to Skrip to visit the Brac Museum. Skrip is the oldest settlement on the island, and in this museum, you’ll see Roman and early medieval monuments and artefacts like the Roman mausoleum and reliefs of Hercules. Next, visit the Olive Oil Museum to uncover the history of this cooking staple. Taste some local olive oil paired with other local produce and maybe even pick up a bottle for your kitchen back at home. Tonight, you’ll have some free time to either continue exploring Brac or simply lounge on the boat.

Set sail from Brac towards the mainland, headed for Split – a vibrant city that blends ancient Roman history with lively Mediterranean life. On the way, you’ll stop for a refreshing swim in a secluded cove where you can cool off and take in sea views. When you arrive in Split, you’ll head out on a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Diocletian’s Palace. This well-preserved palace complex was built in the late 3rd century AD. After, you’ll have free time to see more of the Old Town at your own pace. Maybe ask your leader for some recommendations on where to find the best local seafood or go for a stroll along the Riva promenade. This afternoon, travel to the small village of Omis by private vehicle, where your boat will be waiting for you. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore Omis’ charming riverfront or the town’s historic centre. This evening, join your group for a farewell dinner and celebrate the memories you’ve shared.