Embark on an 8-day cruise from Dubrovnik to Split aboard the Avangard and experience the full beauty of the Croatian islands and coastline. Sail on an intimate mini-cruiser. Enjoy your mornings on ample decks or swimming in the clear Adriatic Sea, and your evenings discovering small historical towns. Experience the best of the Southern Dalmatia islands with a variety of additional amenities and opportunities to indulge in gourmet experiences and wine.
Highlights
Explore the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture of the Old City of Dubrovnik
Stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park
Enjoy a gourmet experience and numerous bars in Korcula Old Town
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Transfer from Dubrovnik airport or hotel to the Dubrovnik Gruž harbour for check-in from 14.00h onwards. After settling in, transfer to the city gates for a guided tour of the city. Meander through the narrow, car-free limestone streets – worn smooth under the soles of centuries of pedestrians, exploring the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Take the cable car from the Old Town to the Srđ mountain to enjoy scenic views of the mighty ramparts and of the Elaphiti Islands. After the tour, return transfer to the vessel to meet the crew and enjoy cocktails and dinner on board, to toast to the upcoming cruise week ahead. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Departure to the small village of Slano on the mainland. Enjoy the magical scenery as cruising around Dubrovnik city walls before continuing to one of the Elaphiti islands for a swimming stop. Afternoon arrival in Slano, a peaceful fishermen's village and your starting point to Ston, once fortified small village, famous for its oysters. After exploring the town’s long medieval ramparts, heading for a small village nearby to learn more about oysters and a special tasting of this delicacy. Time at leisure and return transfer to the vessel. Captain’s dinner with live entertainment onboard. Overnight in Slano.
In the morning, the cruise continues further north to the Island of Mljet. The legend says Greek hero Odysseus spent years on this island when he was captured by the nymph Calypso. Join the cruise manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and a Church dating back to the 12th Century. Alternatively, you can rent kayaks, bicycles, scooters or convertible cars to roam around the National Park or island on your own, but beware of the nymphs! Overnight in port Polača or Pomena.
Early morning departure towards the island of Korčula best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. Stop for lunch in one of the secluded bays en route. Afternoon arrival in Korčula Town followed by a guided walking tour of this enchanting place surrounded by walls and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Fishbone street pattern was used in the design of Korčula Old Town for a natural cooling effect and it provides citizens with sheltered and comfortable accommodation. Korčula has an abundant choice of restaurants to enjoy a gourmet experience and numerous bars for those looking for evening entertainment. Optional excursion to a small village near Korčula Town for a typical Dalmatian dinner and learn about the history and traditional way of living. Overnight in Korčula.
Continue to the island of Vis, once, in the 4th century BC, one of the main Greek colonies. Vis is relatively under the radar for tourists. For a long time, it was in use as a Yugoslavian army base – until 1991. As a result, the culture and architecture are extremely well preserved. Rosemary, capers and sage grow wild around the island. Try some exquisite local wines. If interested, visit the remains of the Roman thermal place, City museum or simply take a walk enjoying the views of the beautiful Villae Rusticae situated along the waterfront. Overnight in the port of Vis.
Early in the morning, cruising resumes towards the small island of Biševo to visit the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon (entrance fee to be paid on the spot, 18EUR). As sometimes weather conditions can be very unpredictable, the possibility of a cave visit will depend on those conditions. Continue towards the jet-set island of Hvar with a swimming stop and lunch on board at the Pakleni Islands. Hvar, the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic is known for glorious lavender fields and breath-taking beauty. Arrive in the afternoon for the guided tour of Hvar - visit the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower, and the oldest community theatre in Europe founded in 1612. Hike up the zig-zag path to the town fort overlooking the harbor for lovely scenic views of the vessel and the Paklinski Islands. Hvar offers an abundance of entertainment in the evening - numerous restaurants, bars and clubs, many open long into the night. Overnight in the port.
Morning departure to Brač island where swimming is planned at the most famous beach in Dalmatia – Zlatni Rat near Bol – whose shingle promontory shifts from side to side as the wind and waves constantly cause the shape to change. Bol is a typical fishermen’s village converted into a popular tourist destination yet retaining its charm. Continue to Split to join a guided tour of the city upon arrival. This historical town under UNESCO world heritage protection will knock you off your feet with its abundance of things to see and do and with its unique lively atmosphere. Overnight in Split.
Day 8: Split | Disembark
1 Breakfast
One last breakfast onboard followed by goodbyes with the crew and new friends! Check-out by 9.00 am.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$1,820
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Main Deck Ensuite cabins
-Fully air-conditioned cabins equipped with hairdryer, safe deposit box, LCD TV, internal phone and vanity set.
-Cabins are serviced daily
11 Main deck ensuite cabins (14.8 to 17.8 m2)
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Lower Deck Ensuite cabins
Fully air-conditioned cabins equipped with hairdryer, safe deposit box, LCD TV, internal phone and vanity set.
-Cabins are serviced daily
8 Lower deck ensuite cabins (13.7 - 17.6 m2)
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
