Southern Explorer Cruise - Split to Split Premium Lower Deck

Make your own way to the port. At 13h departure from the Split harbour southwards, towards Makarska (late arrivals can join in Makarska). Lunch is served while cruising along the Dalmatian coast. Afternoon swim stop in one of the secluded bays on route. For the adrenaline lovers, there’s an optional zipline ride over the Cetina River canyon. Enjoy Makarska in the evening. Stroll the waterfront with its wide promenade, a pathway out to a lighthouse and some cool bars. The main square is home to an impressive church and other monuments and sights. Overnight in the port of Makarska. (L)

Early morning departure towards Mljet, with a swim stop on the Peljesac Penninsula. Part of Mljet Island is a national park (entrance fee to be paid on the spot, 25EUR). In the afternoon, plan to visit its seawater lakes, the peaceful, tiny St Mary’s Island in the middle of the large lake, the church and the monastery. Walk or hire a bike to explore these stunning lakes. Overnight in the port of Polaca or Pomena. (B, L)

After breakfast, depart towards Dubrovnik, the most famous town in Croatia and, for many, the highlight of this cruise. The Irish writer George Bernard Shaw called Dubrovnik “heaven on earth”. Unbelievable views of the surroundings along the way, enjoy and admire the beautiful stretch of the coast. Upon arrival, explore on your own or join a guided city tour (included on Premium and Premium Superior), followed by an optional cable car ride up to the Srd mountain for spectacular views of the old town. Don’t miss Stradun – both a street and a square in the Old Town and walk at least part of the 1.940 m long city walls which have protected Dubrovnik during earthquakes and attacks! Overnight in the port of this magical town. (B, L)

Late morning departure towards the island of Sipan or the small town of Trstenik on the Peljesac Peninsula. Gorgeous spots for an afternoon swim and time at leisure with the possibility to visit a local winery. In the evening enjoy the special Captain’s dinner on board (included on Premium Superior and Premium). Overnight in the port. (B, L, Captain’s Dinner)

After breakfast, departure towards the island of Korcula, one of the famous islands in the Dubrovnik region. It’s the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Lunch on board in a bay near the Korcula town. The encircling town walls and bastions date back to the 13th Century and there are some lovely churches and museums. Join the optional sightseeing of the Korcula town (included on Premium Superior) or optional wine and local appetizer tasting at a local winery before dining in one of the numerous seafront restaurants or konobas on your own. Overnight in the port of Korcula. (B, L)

Early departure towards the Paklinski Islands near Hvar (the longest island in the Adriatic) for lunch and a swimming stop. Later, there’s an optional afternoon sightseeing of Hvar Town (included in Premium Superior category). The Renaissance cathedral has its original tower and the oldest community theatre in Europe is here, founded in 1612. Hvar Town offers an entertainment extravaganza: clubs and bars that open well into the night together with some excellent restaurants. Don’t forget to buy some island lavender from local stalls. Overnight in Hvar Town. (B, L)

The next stop is the island of Brac. Bol is a typical fishermen’s village that has kept it’s atmosphere despite becoming a popular tourist spot. From Bol, you can visit the most famous (and most photographed) beach in Dalmatia, Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn)–renowned for its ever-changing shape, a shingle bar that moves according to the wind. Enjoy a walk through the pine forest from Bol to the Golden Horn beach or ride the tourist train (with an additional fee). After lunch, navigation towards Split–the approach to the Split Riviera is wonderful and offers the best views from  onboard. Upon early afternoon arrival, join the optional guided tour of Split, a monumental city which, together with the famous Roman Diocletian’s Palace, is under UNESCO protection. Split is full of bistros and restaurants serving local specialties, as well as cool bars. (B, L)

An early breakfast before the final goodbyes to the new friends and crew and check-out. (B)