It was our second Yacht Getaways trip, and it was simply as particular as the primary. Last summer time, we discovered ourselves cruising by means of the Ioninan Islands of Greece in pure luxurious, and once we discovered that Yacht Getaways had one other route by means of 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 assumed that solely the wealthy and well-known may 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 non-public catamaran.
We and 4 different {couples} hopped aboard our catamaran, the place we have 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 means of Mljet National Park and exploring the historic cities of Korcula, Hvar, and Stari Grad. Every day was full of journey and leisure, 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 possibly can 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 gorgeous metropolis of Dubrovnik. We arrived a few days early to soak up the town that doubled as Kings Landing in Game of Thrones. Staying on the Dubrovnik Palace Hotel, we have been away from the hustle and bustle however had a free door-to-door shuttle from our entrance door to the outdated city. After totally having fun with all of the Old Town needed to provide, we ordered an Uber to the Marina, the place we boarded our non-public catamaran.
This isn’t your typical crowded Mediterranean cruise—Yacht Getaways presents an intimate expertise with solely a small group of friends onboard. Lucky for us, we had the perfect 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 beautiful surroundings. After organising 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 come back: 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 sizzling breakfast was ready.
The great thing about Yacht Getaways is the flexibleness—there’s no rush. Some folks 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, one in every of Croatia’s most lovely and tranquil nationwide parks. Known for its serene lakes and luxurious forests, Mljet is greatest explored by bike—and with e-bikes out there, even the steepest hills are a breeze. Cycle alongside quiet paths, by means of thick pine forests, and round saltwater lakes, stopping to soak up 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 unbelievable 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 stupendous walled metropolis that can be rumored to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. This little gem caught the attention of vacationers, and it buzzed with vitality. Make positive to e book a desk when you arrive on the island, as eating places refill 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 possibly can drink is aboard.
When packing, be sure to incorporate a refillable water bottle. We packed our personal espresso mugs as nicely. 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 get together island, however there’s a lot extra to it than simply nightlife. We anchored outdoors its glamorous harbor and took a water taxi into city. There is loads happening with procuring, eating, and blissful hours galore. You can stroll as much as the fort for sundown or make your strategy 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 have to do an oz. of planning. She advised us the place the perfect blissful hour was, the perfect place for sundown, and the perfect 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 celebs. 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, one in every 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 slim alleyways, quiet cafes, and charming native outlets.
We took a stroll by means of the UNESCO-listed outdated city and bought misplaced in its alleyways. We have been stunned by the variety of native artwork galleries and quiet eating places the place we had the possibility to pattern Dalmatian delicacies. This cease is an ideal distinction to the thrill of Hvar, providing a serene and cultural expertise earlier than your remaining day at sea.
During this cease, Yacht Getaways additionally presents a wine-tasting tour. It is your selection if you wish to be part of or you possibly can merely take within the metropolis. We moored proper on the town and have been inside strolling distance of all of the eating places and prime points of interest.
Day 7: Sailing into Split – The Grand Finale
As you sail towards Split, take pleasure in your remaining breakfast on deck, taking within the final breathtaking views of the Dalmatian Coast. The journey could be coming to an finish, however the recollections 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 lodge to expertise this pretty city and extremely suggest an evening right here earlier than heading on the Split.
It’s the right place to proceed your journey, whether or not you propose to discover extra of Croatia or head off to your subsequent vacation spot.
What to Pack
As we talked about above, it’s best to 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 end up 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, be sure to pack medicine
Pack in gentle, collapsible baggage like duffel baggage for simple storage.
Cabins are small, so to remain organized, we extremely suggest packing your garments in packing cubes.
For telephones, we propose a water-proof cellphone holder or a GoPro so you possibly can 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 folks 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 preserve 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 have to pack loads of garments, it’s a simple going environment. Other than a few sharp button-down shirts for males and sundresses for ladies, you’ll be in your bathing swimsuit for a lot of the journey.
Some shorts and sneakers for mountaineering and biking. The mountaineering isn’t overly strenuous, so trainers will do the trick.
We additionally counsel packing a couple of bathing fits. You can be swimming loads so it’s good to have a dry bathing swimsuit to vary 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 a couple of highlights that make this cruise so particular:
Private Host: Your onboard host prepares recent breakfasts and lunches each day, utilizing native elements to present you a style of Croatia’s scrumptious delicacies.
Beer and Wine Included: Enjoy complimentary drinks all through the cruise, whether or not you’re stress-free on deck or having fun with a meal.
Private Skipper: An expert skipper sails the boat, so all it’s essential to do is sit again, loosen up, and take within the gorgeous views.
Paddle Boards, Snorkeling Gear and Floaties – No have to pack your masks and snorkeling gear, every part it’s essential 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 practically each night time, making going out in town simple. Everything is taken care of, so all it’s essential to do is deal with making your dream journey of a lifetime.
Should You Book a Yacht Getaways Cruise?
If you’re wanting for the right steadiness of leisure, journey, and luxurious, a Yacht Getaways cruise from Dubrovnik to Split is the last word Croatian expertise. From secluded swims within the Elaphiti Islands to biking by means of Mljet National Park and from the historic streets of Korcula to the nightlife of Hvar, day by day presents one thing new and thrilling.
Right now, Yacht Getaways is having an early chicken particular for the 2025 season. Cruises start at €1258. You can take a look at itineraries and costs right here.