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 after we came upon 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 stunning cities.
About Yacht Getaways
Yacht Getaways is a boutique cruising expertise that’s each luxurious and reasonably priced. Before taking our cruise final yr, I assumed 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 taken care of 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 getting ready a flavourful lunch as we set sail from island to island. Here’s what you may anticipate 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 absorb the 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 gives an intimate expertise with solely a small group of company onboard. Lucky for us, we had one of the 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 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 recognized for their lush inexperienced surroundings and hidden seashores. Lauren had a contemporary pot of espresso on with an array of fruits, pastries, yogurt, and granola. Each morning was good 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 pliability—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, certainly one of Croatia’s most stunning and tranquil nationwide parks. Known for its serene lakes and plush 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 inside 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 evening 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 also 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 guide 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, delicate drinks, and juices are included, and all of the water you may drink is aboard.
When packing, ensure that 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 named 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 so much occurring with purchasing, eating, and glad hours galore. You can stroll as much as the fort for sundown or make your method to Sunset Beach.
At every cease, our host, Lauren, gave us data on what to do, what to see, and the place to eat. We didn’t must do an oz of planning. She advised us the place one of the best glad hour was, one of the best place for sundown, and one of the 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 stylish bars or retreat to the yacht for a quiet night underneath 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 supplied a peaceable retreat with its slim alleyways, quiet cafes, and charming native retailers.
We took a stroll by the UNESCO-listed previous city and obtained misplaced in its alleyways. We had 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 excitement of Hvar, providing a serene and cultural expertise earlier than your remaining day at sea.
During this cease, Yacht Getaways additionally gives a wine-tasting tour. It is your selection if you wish to be a part of or you may 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 sights.
Day 7: Sailing into Split – The Grand Finale
As you sail towards Split, get pleasure from 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, recognized for the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace and its vibrant coastal vibe. We didn’t moor in Split, however we really led to 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 propose 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 snug sleep.
If you get seasickness, ensure that to pack remedy
Pack in delicate, collapsible luggage like duffel luggage for simple storage.
Cabins are small, so to remain organized, we extremely advocate packing your garments in packing cubes.
For telephones, we propose a water-proof cellphone holder or a GoPro so you may take snapshots when swimming.
Water footwear are a good suggestion for going onto the seashore. The seashores of Croatia are rocky, so if you wish to go ashore whereas swimming, you’ll desire a good pair of water footwear. Some folks on our journey wore keens and felt them to be too heavy to swim in. We use water footwear 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 plenty of garments, it’s a straightforward going environment. 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 footwear for climbing and biking. The climbing isn’t overly strenuous, so trainers will do the trick.
We additionally counsel packing a couple of bathing fits. You will likely be swimming so much so it’s good to have a dry bathing go well with to vary into.
The Yacht Getaways Difference: Luxury and Adventure Combined
What units Yacht Getaways aside is the mixture of journey and luxurious. You’ll discover Croatia’s most stunning 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 contemporary breakfasts and lunches day by day, utilizing native substances 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 you might want to do is sit again, loosen up, and take within the gorgeous views.
Paddle Boards, Snorkeling Gear and Floaties – No must pack your masks and snorkeling gear, every part you might want 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 evening, making going out in town simple. Everything is taken care of, so all you might want to do is concentrate on making your dream journey of a lifetime.
Should You Book a Yacht Getaways Cruise?
If you’re wanting for the right stability 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, daily gives one thing new and thrilling.
Right now, Yacht Getaways is having an early hen particular for the 2025 season. Cruises start at €1258. You can try itineraries and costs right here.