It was our second Yacht Getaways trip, and it was simply as particular as the primary. Final summer season, we discovered ourselves cruising by way of the Ioninan Islands of Greece in pure luxurious, and once we discovered that Yacht Getaways had one other route by way of Croatia, we needed to go! We’re 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 inexpensive. Earlier than taking our cruise final yr, I believed that solely the wealthy and well-known may sail the Mediterranean Sea. However 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 way of Mljet Nationwide Park and exploring the historic cities of Korcula, Hvar, and Stari Grad. Day by day was filled with journey and leisure, beginning with Lauren whipping up a scrumptious, hearty breakfast and getting ready a flavourful lunch as we set sail from island to island. Right here’s what you’ll be able to anticipate on a seven-day voyage from Dubrovnik to Cut up.
Day 1: Departure from Dubrovnik – Setting Sail in Type
Our journey started within the gorgeous metropolis of Dubrovnik. We arrived a few days early to absorb the town that doubled as Kings Touchdown in Sport 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 previous city. After completely having fun with all of the Previous City needed to supply, 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 provides an intimate expertise with solely a small group of visitors onboard. Fortunate 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, america, Australia, and the UK. To not point out 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. That is only a style of what’s to come back: pristine waters, secluded coves, and loads of time to unwind. Within the night, we loved our first dinner collectively. We relaxed onboard and watched the sundown over the Adriatic.
Mljet Nationwide Park
There’s 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 his or her lush inexperienced surroundings and hidden seashores. Lauren had a recent pot of espresso on with an array of fruits, pastries, yogurt, and granola. Every 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 scorching 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.
Subsequent up is Mljet, one among Croatia’s most lovely and tranquil nationwide parks. Identified 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 way of 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 Beneath the Bell dish, the place we loved freshly caught seafood slow-cooked all day over an open hearth.
Korcula – A Journey Again in Time
Crusing onward, one other spotlight of our journey was the island of Korcula, usually referred to as “Little Dubrovnik” due to its medieval partitions and red-roofed buildings. It’s a lovely 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 sure that 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. Throughout every meal, beer, wine, tender drinks, and juices are included, and all of the water you’ll be able to drink is aboard.
When packing, be sure that to incorporate a refillable water bottle. We packed our personal espresso mugs as nicely. If you’d like different spirits, there are locations to buy bottles of alcohol all through the journey.
Hvar City – 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 exterior its glamorous harbor and took a water taxi into city. There’s a lot occurring with buying, eating, and comfortable hours galore. You possibly can stroll as much as the fort for sundown or make your method to Sundown Seaside.
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 instructed us the place one of the best comfortable hour was, one of the best place for sundown, and one of the best meals. It’s a one-stop store when reserving this cruise.
Within 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 City
Our favorite cease on our cruise was Stari Grad, one among Europe’s oldest cities. Stari Grad dates again to 384 BC. Regardless of 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 way of the UNESCO-listed previous city and acquired misplaced in its alleyways. We have been shocked 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 ultimate day at sea.
Throughout this cease, Yacht Getaways additionally provides a wine-tasting tour. It’s your alternative if you wish to be a part of or you’ll be able to merely take within the metropolis. We moored proper on the town and have been inside strolling distance of all of the eating places and high sights.
Day 7: Crusing into Cut up – The Grand Finale
As you sail towards Cut up, take pleasure in your ultimate breakfast on deck, taking within the final breathtaking views of the Dalmatian Coast. The journey is likely to be coming to an finish, however the reminiscences of the turquoise waters, historic cities, and unforgettable moments will final lengthy after you disembark.
Cut up is Croatia’s second-largest metropolis, recognized for the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace and its vibrant coastal vibe. We didn’t moor in Cut up, however we truly led to Trojir. Dave and I booked a lodge to expertise this beautiful city and extremely suggest an evening right here earlier than heading on the Cut up.
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 is best to pack a refillable water bottle and a thermos-style espresso mug.
- A transportable USB energy provide to cost your telephone and electronics when not on shore energy
- A transportable 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 comfy sleep.
- In the event you get seasickness, be sure that to pack remedy
- Pack in tender, 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 recommend a water-resistant telephone holder or a GoPro so you’ll be able to 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 Physique Glove, and they’re wonderful.
- A solar hat will assist preserve your face from burning.
- An extended-sleeved shirt and a snorkeling or surf shirt are good concepts to maintain from sunburn when swimming.
- Sun shades, chapstick, and sunscreen are a should.
- No must pack quite a lot of garments, it’s a straightforward going ambiance. Apart from a few sharp button-down shirts for males and sundresses for girls, you’ll be in your bathing swimsuit for many of the journey.
- Some shorts and footwear for mountaineering and biking. The mountaineering isn’t overly strenuous, so trainers will do the trick.
- We additionally recommend packing a couple of bathing fits. You may be swimming quite a bit so it’s good to have a dry bathing swimsuit to vary into.
The Yacht Getaways Distinction: Luxurious and Journey Mixed
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. Listed here are a couple of highlights that make this cruise so particular:
- Personal Host: Your onboard host prepares recent breakfasts and lunches each day, utilizing native elements to provide you a style of Croatia’s scrumptious delicacies.
- Beer and Wine Included: Get pleasure from complimentary drinks all through the cruise, whether or not you’re stress-free on deck or having fun with a meal.
- Personal Skipper: Knowledgeable skipper sails the boat, so all it’s good to do is sit again, calm down, and take within the gorgeous views.
- Paddle Boards, Snorkeling Gear and Floaties – No must pack your masks and snorkeling gear, the whole lot it’s good to have enjoyable on the water is on board to make use of at your leisure.
Day by 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. The whole lot is taken care of, so all it’s good to do is give attention to making your dream journey of a lifetime.
Ought to You E-book a Yacht Getaways Cruise?
In the event you’re on the lookout for the right stability of leisure, journey, and luxurious, a Yacht Getaways cruise from Dubrovnik to Cut up is the final word Croatian expertise. From secluded swims within the Elaphiti Islands to biking by way of Mljet Nationwide Park and from the historic streets of Korcula to the nightlife of Hvar, on daily basis provides one thing new and thrilling.
Proper now, Yacht Getaways is having an early chicken particular for the 2025 season. Cruises start at €1258. You possibly can check out itineraries and prices here.
