Croatian Island Discovery: Zagreb to Dubrovnik

Upon arrival in Zagreb, you will be met at the airport and transferred to Opatija and your luxury cruising yacht, MV Lady Eleganza. Tonight, get to know your fellow travellers and cruise director. You will dock overnight in this magnificent town. 

Accommodation: MV Lady Eleganza 

Depart from Opatija and head to the beautiful island of Krk, where weather permitting, your yacht will drop its anchor so you can enjoy a swim right off the stern deck. Later, sail to the island of Rab and spend some time meandering through the narrow old alleys of the historic and picturesque Old Town. 

Arrive in Pag, a distinctively rocky island where you will have the chance to take a refreshing dip straight off the stern deck. Later, continue to Zadar and enjoy a guided walk through its well-preserved Old Town, which sits on a peninsula and is entirely pedestrianised. The streets are filled with Roman ruins, Romanesque churches, and Renaissance palaces, but there is also a striking modernity to Zadar, with its Sea Organ, which plays a tune according to the rhythm of the waves, and its Sun Salutation light show. Your yacht will dock here overnight, so perhaps you may like to try one of the local taverns. 

In the traditional village of Radosic, sample some of the local brandy and home-made doughnuts on arrival, then watch on as the locals perform a dance that has been passed through generations since the 18th century. Afterwards, enjoy a cooking demonstration showing how the villagers make their bread, before a tour of the village and dinner. After this special experience, cruise among the 140 islands that make up the Kornati archipelago, a cluster of islands teeming with natural beauty, coves and clear blue waters. During your time here, you might enjoy a swim from the yacht's rear deck.

Today, head to beautiful Krka National Park. Here, explore the dramatic waterfalls, the most spectacular of which is Skradinski Buk, a large natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and cascades at the other. Take a walk along wooden jetties and bridges to admire the falls, as well as the unique flora and fauna. Return to the yacht and continue cruising to Vis, a Croatian Island that was used as a military base for the Yugoslav army and which only opened to tourism in 1989. This isolation and lack of development has safeguarded the island’s natural beauty. 

Board a local boat to the neighbouring island of Bisevo. Here, visit its Blue Grotto, a coastal cave whose waters shine a striking neon blue when the sun's rays pass through an underwater opening, while the rocks beneath shimmer in silver. Return to your yacht and sail to Hvar, where you will embark on a guided walking discovery of the stunning Old Town. Set off from the iconic main square, which is the largest piazza in Dalmatia, then see the cathedral and the Franciscan Monastery. Continue to the Benedictine Nunnery, where we hear about the aloe lace still produced today by the nuns.

Sail to Korcula, where you will stroll along medieval streets flanked with palaces. It is believed the great explorer Marco Polo was born in this town. Tonight, go ashore for an evening stroll or check out the local nightlife. 

This morning, stop for a swim before continuing to your last port of call, Dubrovnik. Here, embark on a guided discovery of this spectacular walled city, known as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. Historically famous, Dubrovnik has gained even more attention since being featured as King's Landing in the television series Game of Thrones. 

After a final breakfast, say a fond goodbye to the MV Lady Eleganza and its crew before disembarking in Dubrovnik for your return flight or journey onwards.