Croatia flotilla sailing | Croatian Adventure
Itinerary

Day 1

Saturday: Split

Time is best spent on Saturday morning touring the many historic attractions in Split town. Arrive at the marina allowing time to check-in with the yacht base staff and do any necessary provisioning.

Dinner: A relaxed welcome dinner briefing will be held at 19:00hrs at ACI Marina Split restaurant. Overlooking Split harbor and the sea, a delicious menu includes Adriatic seafood Italian pasta, western dishes as well as good local beer on tap. The first night is a sleep aboard at the marina.

Day 2

Sunday: Split | Primosten | Skradin

Distances and sailing conditions: 47 miles - 8 hours. Motor in the morning, then tack in northerly winds.

Highlights: Sail out of the marina early on a northwesterly course to the beautiful bay and quaint town of Primosten for a morning swim. Then sail for the Krka river inlet and motor passed incredible St Nicholas Fortress, the town of Sibenik and up the river to the picturesque village of Skradin - our access point to the beautiful Krka National Park. Drop anchor off the town of Skradin and swim in the beautiful fresh water. Explore the lovely village of Skradin.

Dinner: Bonaca Konoba, one of the best restaurants on our Croatian program. Meals include delicately seared steaks with gorgonzola, sumptuous scampi in a zesty tomato sauce and fresh river eel.

Day 3

Monday: Skradin, Krka Falls National Park | Sibenik to Zut Island

Distances and sailing conditions: 37 miles – 5.5 hours. Motor out of the river delta, then enjoy an afternoon of long tacks in northerly winds.

Highlights: Half the day is dedicated to hiking in the National Park and visiting the Krka falls - accessed by riverboats every hour. These spectacular falls cascade down the forested hills into numerous emerald pools. Hiking, swimming and photography make the afternoon unforgettable. Wildlife includes many bird species including grey herons and egrets. Upon return to the yacht, cruise downstream towards Sibenik. Stop along the way and purchase fresh mussels at one of the many mussel farms along the river. If there is time, explore Sibenik town for an hour and hike up to the fort for a fantastic view of the town and river. After exiting the river delta, sail north-west towards the Kornati National Marine Park. This area features 118 islands with little or no development. The islands have a golden hue to them as a result of herbs and wild flowers, making this area the pride of every Croatian. Our anchorage for the evening is an enchanting bay on the east coast of Zut Island. This protected bay is great for swimming, eating mussels and stargazing.

Dinner: Eat aboard under the stars.

Day 4

Tuesday: Zut Island | Luka Telascica Bay | Vrulje Uvala, Kornati Islands

Distances and sailing conditions: 27 miles – 4 hours. Motor through the Dugi passage, then enjoy a beautiful run south in northerly winds.

Highlights: Enjoy a morning swim at Zut, then lunch at Luka Telascica Bay followed by a great run south through a myriad of beautiful Kornati islands and islets all the way to Vrulje Uvala bay on Kornati Island. Tie up to one of the small jetties and hike up the hill for a beautiful sweeping view of this island playground. Collect some local oregano, lavender or rosemary and make your way down after sunset for another delectable dinner.

Dinner: Dine at Konoba Robinson where they barbeque meat and seafood in a traditional Croatian outdoor oven.

Day 5

Wednesday: Vrulje Uvala, Kornati Island | Vis Island

Distances and sailing conditions: 60 miles – 9 hours. Sail on a blue water passage on a broad reach.

Highlights: Leave the Kornati Islands and enjoy a spectacular day of blue water sailing. Upon arrival anchor in the bay, then wander the promenade around the town taking in the peaceful port.

Dinner: Stop at a pizzeria along the way or dine at Roki's Konoba where the owner serves food and wine locally produced on his farm or from the sea. Specialties are traditionally cooked fish and Lamb barbequed under an iron bell. See some of the interior of the island as the restaurant collects patrons by minivan.

Day 6

Thursday: Vis | Bisevo Island (Blue Cave) | Hvar town, Hvar Island

Distances and sailing conditions: 36 miles – 5.5 hours. Motor sail to Bisevo Island then tack across the passage to Hvar town in northerly winds.

Highlights: The Blue Cave at Bisevo Island is a phenomenal experience and arriving before noon is the key. Midday sunrays bounce off the sandy bottom making the water in the cave turn translucent. After touring the cave by dinghy and lunch and a swim, enjoy a spirited tack to Hvar town and anchor or take a mooring ball under the shadows of Spanjola Fortress - the Venetian citadel that looms over the town. Wander the cobblestone streets of the city and explore the Cathedral of St Stephen with its 17th century bell tower, religious icons and oil masterpieces. Hvar town dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Adriatic' became the capital in 1420 because of its central location and safe natural harbor.

Dinner: This is an open night for you to choose your own restaurant. One of the top choices is Lucalus Konoba, set inside an ancient medieval courtyard. There are also a multitude of quaint pizzerias and ice cream shops off the main square. After dinner, Hvar offers excellent cafes and the best nightlife on the tour at Carpe Diem.

Day 7

Friday: Hvar town, Hvar Island | Zaklopatica bay, Lastovo

Distances and sailing conditions: 33 miles – 4.5 hours, Sail a beautiful open water passage with following breeze on a broad reach.

Highlights: Start your morning by hiking the 1100 steps up to Spanjola Fortress - the most beautiful fort on the Croatian coast. The view from this strategic location is incredible. After the hike sail another beautiful blue water passage to Lastovo Island, where you tie up to the pier of Triton Konoba restaurant in Zaklopatica Bay. This is a quiet island that offers some picturesque walks around the bay along with a small hotel and marina to explore.

Day 8

Saturday: Lastovo | Polace, Mljet Island

Distances and sailing conditions: 25 miles – 4 hours. Sail to Polace, on the island of Mljet, on a fine reach in northerly winds.

Highlights: Upon arrival tie to the wooden dock at Konoba Sponga in the dusty fishing village of Polace. Purchase a ticket and take the minibus to the breath-taking Holm Oak and Aleppo Pine forests of the Mljet National Park. The minibus drops off hikers at an inland salt-water lake, where you embark a small vessel and are taken to a sacred island where Benedictine Monks built a monastery in 12th century AD.

Dinner: Choose your fish from the live well, full of sponga (Med. rock lobster), spiny lobster and numerous fish species under the wooden dock. The best starter in the house is the octopus salad with feta cheese! Before sunset, take a walk up the dirt road away from town, for a spectacular sunset view of Polace and the forested coast of Mljet.

Day 9

Sunday: Mljet | Dubrovnik

Distances and sailing conditions: 35 miles – 5 hours. Sail to Dubrovnik on another magical reach in northerly winds.

Highlights: Arrive at the modern ACI Dubrovnik Marina, and take a short bus ride to explore the fascinating old city of Dubrovnik. Learn about Dubrovnik's rich history and architectural wonders by renting a headset and walking the fortified city walls on a 2-3 hour tour. Dubrovnik, founded by the Romans, was taken over by the Byzantine Empire, the Venetians and then the Hungarians before becoming a republic in its own right in 1382. One of the most historic and beautiful of all European cities Dubrovnik was the home to the largest fleet of merchant marine vessels in the Mediterranean - with over 500 ships.

Dinner: This is an open night for you to explore Dubrovnik's wonderful restaurants or one of the restaurants in the marina. For fine dining in Dubrovnik, try Nautica, located just outside of the old city entrance.

Day 10

Monday: Dubrovnik | Sunj bay, Sipan

Distances and sailing conditions: 15 miles – 2 hours. Motor or sail on a tack in northerly winds.

Highlights: Explore Dubrovnik in the morning, then sail northeast to the serene Island of Sipan. Anchor or take a mooring ball in Sunj Bay, just off the outdoor dining area of Konoba Kod Marka - arguably the best restaurant on the tour. Before dinner walk along the shoreline to a lovely swimming area or around the bay past some beautiful bougainvilleas.

Dinner: Is a fixed price per person, and is an experience in gourmet Mediterranean dining. The meal may start with anchovy wrapped olives, prosciutto and melon, followed by lobster risotto and seared tuna or beefsteak. After dinner take in some live music and nightlife at several quaint bars around the bay.

Day 11

Tuesday: Sipan | Korcula

Distances and sailing conditions: 36 miles – 5 hours. Motor or tack in northerly winds.

Highlights: Korcula, the home of Marco Polo, is a gem for historians as there are many remarkable museums, sites and architecture. Enter the old town through the fortified Land Gate entrance and explore the 13th century St Mark's Cathedral, complete with the spectacular sculpted Gothic doorway, spiral columns, gargoyles and the figure of St Mark. There are a number of museums including one dedicated to Marco Polo - located in the house where he lived, and the Civic Museum which houses an exceptional display of art, coins, icons, dress and artifacts.

Dinner: This is an open night for dinner. Choose from the numerous restaurants and pizzerias along the rounded eastern promenade that offer a beautiful view of the sea under towering oak and eucalyptus trees. There are also some good bars for a nightcap - one built into a fort tower.

Day 12

Wednesday: Korcula | Stari Grad, Hvar Island

Distances and sailing conditions: 54 miles – 8 hours. Motor sail or tack most of the day, then sail a broad reach in the afternoon in northerly winds.

Highlights: Enjoy a spirited tack or motor sail to Hvar town then round the northern headland of Hvar and sail on a reach to Stari Grad. This charming town is one of the oldest towns in Croatia - once known as Pharos, named by the Greeks who came from the Aegean island of Paros. Ancient Greek stonewalls can be seen encircling the original settlement. Yachts dock stern to, taking mooring lines from shore. Walk the waterfront and see St Stephen's Church, a beautiful 17th Century shrine in the town's main square. There is also an interesting shipwreck display and artifacts at the Bianchini family museum.

Dinner: Stari Miln Konoba, one of the top restaurants on the tour. Enticing meals include octopus salad, scampi, lobster, meat and pasta dishes. After dinner pop by the handicrafts market for souvenirs.

Day 13

Thursday: Stari Grad | Bol beach, Brac Island | Trogir

Distances and sailing conditions: 40 miles – 6 hours. Motor then sail on a reach in northerly winds to Bol beach. In the afternoon sail close-hauled or tack to Trogir.

Highlights: Bol Beach on Brac Island is a stunning peninsula of sand jutting out in the Hvarski Channel. Wander the beach, have lunch, then sail to Trogir and drop anchor off famous fort Kamerlengo. Trogir is a medieval town founded on an ancient Greek settlement dating from 380 BC. The Romans came in 78 AD and in the Middle Ages it was occupied by Byzantine, Saracen, Hungarian and then Venetians. The rich history and unique architecture have made Trogir a UNESCO world heritage site. The small town can be toured in a few hours and offers good shopping.

Dinner: This is an open night for guests to choose a pizzeria. Some of the best dining is found at Kamerlengo Konoba, offering fresh seafood and excellent wine in a truly divine garden atrium setting. *This last port allows us to be close to Split in case of bad weather during the tour. Trogir may be omitted based on weather or other reasons, so it is a good idea to visit it by bus or taxi before or after the sailing tour from Split so as not to miss it.

Day 14

Friday: Trogir to Split

Distances and sailing conditions: 17 miles – 2.5 hours. Motor sail out of the Trogir gulf then sail on a close reach in northerly winds.

Highlights: Explore Trogir's sites including St Mark's Tower, the Cathedral of St Lawrence with its beautiful Romanesque door, the Church of John the Baptist and other wondrous architecture. Later, sail around Ciovo island and stop for a last swim in the Adriatic before returning to Split in the afternoon.

Day 15

Saturday

Disembark: 09:00hrs.