Unique Dalmatia

Board the MS Magellen this morning and settle in for your Dalmatian adventure. During a welcome drink, Captain's orders and safety mesures will be explained to you. Moreover, you will be introduced to the Captain, members of the staff and your tour guide. The arrival in Slano is expected in late afternoon hours, but early enough for a refreshing swim on Slano beach before dinner.

Slano is a village in the southern Croatia and a small harbour located 27 km northwest of Dubrovnik town. Its main occupations include farming, olive-growing, viniculture, fruit growing, tobacco, herbs growing (sage, laurel, and woodworm), fishing and tourism.

Depart in the early hours towards Korcula island. Before coming to Korcula stop in Trstenik. Trstenik is one of the oldest settlements on Pelješac peninsula. It has beautiful natural bays and beaches with clear blue sea surrounded by pine forests. This town is a favourite resort of many tourists who seek peace and quietness, natural beauty and typical Dalmatian atmosphere. Trstenik was founded as a wine export port. Locals used to built their houses further from the coast in order to protect themselves from the pirates. Coastal settlement developed later in the 19th century. In Trstenik you will have excursion to Grgich winery to learn more about production of wines and autochthon Dalmatian grape sorts.

After your wine excursion, the boat departs from Trstenik and stops for a swim in a Badija bay, in front of Korcula. Continue into Korcula late this afternoon. Korèula is a small town situated on the north-east end of Korcula isand. The old medieval part of the town was built on a small oval peninsula. Today the town has about 3,000 inhabitants. Local legend says that a great merchant Marco Polo was born in Korcula (but do not argue with a local on this point). The town center is dominated by the splendid Cathedral of St. Mark.
Included Excursions: Wine tasting in Grgich winery, Korcula town tour.

Departure in early hours towards the island of Hvar. On your way to Hvar stop in a bay near island for a relaxing and refreshing swim from the boat's platform.

Arrive in Hvar late this afternoon. Hvar is a unique fusion of luxurious Mediterranean nature, rich culture and historical heritage. Its name derives from the Greek name Pharos, today's Stari Grad (Old Town). Hvar became the island’s center in the 13th century. The island gained glory and power during Middle Ages being an important port within the Venetian naval empire. Today, it is the centre of the island’s tourism and one of the favourite destinations in the Dalmatian Riviera.

Upon your arrival to Hvar, a local guide and a producer of aromatical oils will make a short lavender oil presentation and walk you throughout the city introducing you to history, culture and way of life on this island.
Included Excursions: Lavender presentation, Hvar town tour.

After the past few days of cruising, tonight you will overnight in mainland town. Before arriving in Split, make a stop in a bay near Braè island. Braè is the largest island of the central Dalmatian group of islands.

In late afternoon hours arrive in Split where a city tour led by a local guide will start. Split is the second largest urban centre in Croatia and the center of Split Dalmatian County. It is traditionally considered to be over 1,700 years old. Since 1979 the historic centre of Split has been inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. It is the economic, administrative, educational, sport and tourist centre of Dalmatia. Many of Split’s historical and cultural buildings can be found within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. In addition, numerous museums, the National Theatre, old churches and other archeological sites in the Split region make this city an important cultural attraction.
Included Excursion: Split town tour.

Before your arrival to Vela Luka (Big Port) stop for swimming and relaxation in a beautiful Gradina bay near the town of Vela Luka. Arrive in Vela Luka in the afternoon hours. On the western part of Korèula island you will find Vela Luka town that is situated in a deep and large bay, surrounded by many coves. Shores are covered with vineyards, olive trees, figs and pine trees that gently slope into the sea.

Vela Luka is the second largest town on the Adriatic islands. It is a safe anchorage and harbour for boaters. Vela Luka is also famous for olive oil production as almost every inhabitant produces extra-virgin olive oil. In late afternoon, upon your arrival, a bus will take you to Zlokiæ olive oil factory and ethno museum. There you will learn everything you want to know about olives and olive oil. You will see factory and process of producing olive oil accompanied by tasteful bites of homemade products and olive oil. After the tour return to Vela Luka where the custodian of Vela Luka's town museum will introduce you to a prehistoric life in this area by showing you findings of Vela Spila (Big Cave) that is considerd one of the oldest in this part of Mediterranean.
Included Excursions: Olive oil tasting in Zlokic etno museum, visit to Vela Luka museum (archaeological collection).

Depart in the early hours to the island of Mljet. You can expect an afternoon arrival in port of Pomena (on Mljet). Port of Pomena is just a few steps away from the entrance to the National Park. Today, you will spend a day in the nature and you can use it for recreation – rent a bike, kayak, canoe or just swim and wander around in the splendid and peaceful environment of the National Park.

On the northwest part of the Mljet island you can find National Park that was founded in 1960 as the oldest National Park in Croatia. This park has world renown thanks to the natural wonders such as Small and Big Lakes. In the middle of the Big Lake there is a monastery and St. Mary’s Church built in the 12th century by the Benedictines from Monte Gargano, Italy. The church has changed its appearance through times under different cultural changes, from the Renaissance to Baroque. However, the central part remained Romanic.
Optional Excursion: Entrance to the Mljet National Park - park entrance fee additional cost, payable locally.

Early this morning departe for a magnificent trip along the shores of Elaphiti islands consisting of serveral islands northwestern of Dubrovnik. In Dubrovnik you will have an organized town tour, but before arrival in Dubrovnik enjoy a short, last swim stop in a bay near Dubrovnik. After a swim break you can expect to arrive in Dubrovnik in the early afternoon.

Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful cities on the Croatian coast. In the middle ages the Republic of Dubrovnik was an important rival to Venice. Many buildings in the Old city center testify of this glorious past and of the Venetian influence. Today, Dubrovnik is also a very lively city, with many things to do, both during the day and night. The coast nearby offers all sorts of activities and the town has many restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Dubrovnik is the city rich in culture and history, and for that reason, it is inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List.
Included Excursion: Dubrovnik town tour.

Disembark this morning with fond memories of your adventures in Adriatic Sea.