It was our second Yacht Getaways trip, and it was simply as particular as the primary. Last summer time, we discovered ourselves cruising by the Ioninan Islands of Greece in pure luxurious, and once we discovered that Yacht Getaways had one other route by Croatia, we needed to go! We are going to share our expertise of our seven days aboard the Dubrovnik Explorer as we sailed up the Dalmatia coast to discover a few of Croatia’s most lovely cities.
About Yacht Getaways
Yacht Getaways is a boutique cruising expertise that’s each luxurious and reasonably priced. Before taking our cruise final 12 months, I believed that solely the wealthy and well-known might sail the Mediterranean Sea. But with cruises starting at €1200, common {couples} like us can expertise the posh of cruising the crystal clear waters on our personal personal catamaran.
We and 4 different {couples} hopped aboard our catamaran, the place we had been met by our Skipper Levi and Host Lauren, who sorted our each want as we loved adventures from swimming on the Elaphiti Islands, e-biking by Mljet National Park and exploring the historic cities of Korcula, Hvar, and Stari Grad. Every day was filled with journey and rest, beginning with Lauren whipping up a scrumptious, hearty breakfast and making ready a flavourful lunch as we set sail from island to island. Here’s what you’ll be able to count on on a seven-day voyage from Dubrovnik to Split.
Day 1: Departure from Dubrovnik – Setting Sail in Style
Our journey started within the beautiful metropolis of Dubrovnik. We arrived a few days early to absorb town that doubled as Kings Landing in Game of Thrones. Staying on the Dubrovnik Palace Hotel, we had been away from the hustle and bustle however had a free door-to-door shuttle from our entrance door to the previous city. After completely having fun with all of the Old Town needed to provide, we ordered an Uber to the Marina, the place we boarded our personal catamaran.
This isn’t your typical crowded Mediterranean cruise—Yacht Getaways affords an intimate expertise with solely a small group of friends onboard. Lucky for us, we had the very best group of individuals to share the expertise with. The worldwide visitor listing included {couples} from New Zealand, the United States, Australia, and the UK. Not to say this couple from Canada. It was a multicultural expertise!
We sailed away from Dubrovnik at 4 pm sharp, having fun with the azure waters and lovely surroundings. After establishing anchor, we hopped into the nice and cozy waters of the Elaphiti Islands whereas Lauren ready our welcome dinner aboard. This is only a style of what’s to return: pristine waters, secluded coves, and loads of time to unwind. In the night, we loved our first dinner collectively. We relaxed onboard and watched the sundown over the Adriatic.
Mljet National Park
There is nothing higher than waking as much as the mild sound of waves whereas anchored close to the unspoiled Elaphiti Islands. These islands are identified for their lush inexperienced surroundings and hidden seashores. Lauren had a recent pot of espresso on with an array of fruits, pastries, yogurt, and granola. Each morning was excellent for a morning swim or snorkel to get up and prepare for the day forward. We bobbed within the calm waters as a scorching breakfast was ready.
The great thing about Yacht Getaways is the flexibleness—there’s no rush. Some individuals couldn’t wait to get within the water, whereas others loved basking within the solar on deck with espresso in hand earlier than setting sail to our subsequent vacation spot.
Next up is Mljet, certainly one of Croatia’s most lovely and tranquil nationwide parks. Known for its serene lakes and luxurious forests, Mljet is finest explored by bike—and with e-bikes out there, even the steepest hills are a breeze. Cycle alongside quiet paths, by thick pine forests, and round saltwater lakes, stopping to absorb the peaceable environment. We even took a ship to see the island’s Twelfth-century Benedictine Monastery, perched on a tiny island throughout the lake.
It was a improbable day on land, and as soon as we returned from our journey, we relaxed aboard with cocktails and wine as we ready for dinner ashore. This was the right night time to pattern Croatia’s well-known Under the Bell dish, the place we loved freshly caught seafood slow-cooked all day over an open hearth.
Korcula – A Journey Back in Time
Sailing onward, one other spotlight of our journey was the island of Korcula, typically known as “Little Dubrovnik” due to its medieval partitions and red-roofed buildings. It is a gorgeous walled metropolis that can also be rumored to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. This little gem caught the attention of vacationers, and it buzzed with vitality. Make certain to ebook a desk when you arrive on the island, as eating places replenish quick alongside the waterfront.
Meals Aboard Yacht getaways
All breakfasts and lunches are included in your Yacht Getaways cruise, together with two dinners. During every meal, beer, wine, gentle drinks, and juices are included, and all of the water you’ll be able to drink is aboard.
When packing, make sure that to incorporate a refillable water bottle. We packed our personal espresso mugs as effectively. If you need different spirits, there are locations to buy bottles of alcohol all through the journey.
Hvar Town – Croatia’s Glitziest Island
Hvar is called Croatia’s celebration island, however there’s a lot extra to it than simply nightlife. We anchored exterior its glamorous harbor and took a water taxi into city. There is quite a bit occurring with purchasing, eating, and completely satisfied hours galore. You can stroll as much as the fort for sundown or make your option to Sunset Beach.
At every cease, our host, Lauren, gave us info on what to do, what to see, and the place to eat. We didn’t must do an oz of planning. She instructed us the place the very best completely satisfied hour was, the very best place for sundown, and the very best meals. It is a one-stop store when reserving this cruise.
In the night, the selection is yours: benefit from the vibrant nightlife in Hvar’s fashionable bars or retreat to the yacht for a quiet night beneath the celebrities. With Yacht Getaways, the tempo is as much as you.
Stari Grad – Discovering Croatia’s Oldest Town
Our favorite cease on our cruise was Stari Grad, certainly one of Europe’s oldest cities. Stari Grad dates again to 384 BC. Despite its age, Stari Grad is much less crowded than the opposite cities we visited. It provided a peaceable retreat with its slender alleyways, quiet cafes, and charming native retailers.
We took a stroll by the UNESCO-listed previous city and received misplaced in its alleyways. We had been shocked by the variety of native artwork galleries and quiet eating places the place we had the prospect to pattern Dalmatian delicacies. This cease is an ideal distinction to the thrill of Hvar, providing a serene and cultural expertise earlier than your last day at sea.
During this cease, Yacht Getaways additionally affords a wine-tasting tour. It is your selection if you wish to be part of or you’ll be able to merely take within the metropolis. We moored proper on the town and had been inside strolling distance of all of the eating places and high points of interest.
Day 7: Sailing into Split – The Grand Finale
As you sail towards Split, get pleasure from your last breakfast on deck, taking within the final breathtaking views of the Dalmatian Coast. The journey could be coming to an finish, however the reminiscences of the turquoise waters, historic cities, and unforgettable moments will final lengthy after you disembark.
Split is Croatia’s second-largest metropolis, identified for the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace and its vibrant coastal vibe. We didn’t moor in Split, however we really resulted in Trojir. Dave and I booked a resort to expertise this pretty city and extremely advocate an evening right here earlier than heading on the Split.
It’s the right place to proceed your journey, whether or not you intend to discover extra of Croatia or head off to your subsequent vacation spot.
What to Pack
As we talked about above, you must pack a refillable water bottle and a thermos-style espresso mug.
A conveyable USB energy provide to cost your cellphone and electronics when not on shore energy
A conveyable rechargeable fan as if you find yourself not on shore energy, the air con doesn’t run. There are followers within the cabins, however an additional makes for a really comfy sleep.
If you get seasickness, make sure that to pack medicine
Pack in gentle, collapsible luggage like duffel luggage for straightforward storage.
Cabins are small, so to remain organized, we extremely advocate packing your garments in packing cubes.
For telephones, we advise a water-proof cellphone holder or a GoPro so you’ll be able to take snapshots when swimming.
Water sneakers are a good suggestion for going onto the seaside. The seashores of Croatia are rocky, so if you wish to go ashore whereas swimming, you’ll desire a good pair of water sneakers. Some individuals on our journey wore keens and felt them to be too heavy to swim in. We use water sneakers by Body Glove, and they’re wonderful.
A solar hat will assist maintain your face from burning.
A protracted-sleeved shirt and a snorkeling or surf shirt are good concepts to maintain from sunburn when swimming.
Sunglasses, chapstick, and sunscreen are a should.
No must pack loads of garments, it’s a simple going ambiance. Other than a few sharp button-down shirts for males and sundresses for ladies, you’ll be in your bathing go well with for a lot of the journey.
Some shorts and sneakers for climbing and biking. The climbing isn’t overly strenuous, so trainers will do the trick.
We additionally recommend packing just a few bathing fits. You might be swimming quite a bit so it’s good to have a dry bathing go well with to alter into.
The Yacht Getaways Difference: Luxury and Adventure Combined
What units Yacht Getaways aside is the mix of journey and luxurious. You’ll discover Croatia’s most lovely islands, all whereas having fun with the perks of a non-public yacht. Here are just a few highlights that make this cruise so particular:
Private Host: Your onboard host prepares recent breakfasts and lunches every day, utilizing native components to provide you a style of Croatia’s scrumptious delicacies.
Beer and Wine Included: Enjoy complimentary drinks all through the cruise, whether or not you’re enjoyable on deck or having fun with a meal.
Private Skipper: An expert skipper sails the boat, so all it’s good to do is sit again, calm down, and take within the beautiful views.
Paddle Boards, Snorkeling Gear and Floaties – No must pack your masks and snorkeling gear, every part it’s good to have enjoyable on the water is on board to make use of at your leisure.
Every day on the cruise consists of swimming and snorkeling in a secluded spot and stopping at a vacation spot. We docked proper downtown almost each night time, making going out in town straightforward. Everything is taken care of, so all it’s good to do is give attention to making your dream journey of a lifetime.
Should You Book a Yacht Getaways Cruise?
If you’re trying for the right steadiness of rest, journey, and luxurious, a Yacht Getaways cruise from Dubrovnik to Split is the final word Croatian expertise. From secluded swims within the Elaphiti Islands to biking by Mljet National Park and from the historic streets of Korcula to the nightlife of Hvar, each day affords one thing new and thrilling.
Right now, Yacht Getaways is having an early chook particular for the 2025 season. Cruises start at €1258. You can try itineraries and costs right here.