Check in from 13.00 h onwards with dinner as first meal. Due to many different flight arrivals of all participants first overnight is planned in Dubrovnik - a unique town on the Adriatic. The special charm of this old city are the buildings that have remained from the time of the old Dubrovnik Republic. A larger part of the monuments of history and culture belong to the fine but modest Renaissance architecture with some traces of the Gothic style. Use the afternoon to explore the city walls and plan what to do your last night on the cruise when we return to this wonderful city.
Early in the morning we continue our trip towards the Elafiti islands. Elafiti are a group of islands placed in the Adriatic Sea west of Dubrovnik. The biggest is Sipan, and to the group belong also Lopud and Kolocep (Kalamota). They attract many tourists with their beautiful scenery and sandy beaches. Sipan is the biggest island of Elafiti, and also the most distant from Dubrovnik. Our first stop is along the way is planned on Sipan on a lovely beach. After a refreshing swim we continue towards Mljet. The whole afternoon is free to look at the salt lakes in National Park and enjoy the sun and sea on this peaceful island. Overnight in port Polaca/Pomena. In the middle of the large lake, inside the National park, we can visit an old abbey and church, or just use a small boat to roam around the National park. Here you can rent bicycles and drive around the lakes.
After breakfast departure for Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. Lunch on board in front of Lumbarda (part of Korcula). Sightseeing of Korcula - overnight in port. On this island you can find more legends, tales and monuments than anywhere else. Listen to the story of the stone walls, which were being built for over two centuries.
Early in the morning we depart for the Pakleni Islands where we have lunch and time for swimming. Departure for Hvar after lunch. Hvar is the longest island in the Adriatic. Here we can find the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower; also the oldest community theatre in Europe was founded here in 1612. City of Hvar offers plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes that are open long into the night. Hvar is often referred to as the sunshine island.
We have to leave this Hvar and continue our cruise towards the little town of Trstenik on Peljesac penninsula, where we will swim in the afternoon and spend the night. Trstenik, a village and harbour in the central part of the southern coast of the island of Peljesac; population 106. Chief occupations include farming, viniculture (the famous Dingac wine), fishing and tourism. The coastline along the town and the neighbouring inlets is covered by groves of pine, offering fine ambience for swimming. The famous Grgic winery is situated here - have a walk and taste some of their lovely wine!
Ston, a town and harbor in southern Dalmatia, on the extreme northwest of the Ston Channel and the isthmus of the same name connecting the Peljesac Peninsula with the mainland. Roman settlement Stagnum. The foundations of the Roman castrum can still be seen on Starigrad Hill. In the 10th century Ston was the seat of the diocese, probably located by the church of Our Lady of Luzina. The present Ston was founded in 1333, as soon as Dubrovnik got hold of Peljesac. The town was fortified by 980-m long walls and is connected to 'little' (Mali) Ston by a 5-km long wall. Dubrovnik built the huge fortified complex between 1333 and 1506. The most representative secular buildings within the walls are the Chancery of the Dubrovnik Republic, built in Gothic and Renaissance styles, Sorkocevic Palace and the former bishop's palace. There are several other old churches in the surroundings of Ston, most of them in ruins now. The historical small town of Ston, with its famous walls and numerous cultural and historical monuments, is one of the most beautiful examples of a fortified town and Dubrovnik architecture. The restaurants offer domestic specialties, especially oysters, as well as other seafood. Ston is also known for its salt-works.
After breakfast we depart for Dubrovnik, which will be the highlight of our cruise. There will be time just for a short swim. Enjoy the beautiful sights of nature along the way towards "the heaven on earth" - according to the famous writer George Bernard Shaw. We will arrive to Dubrovnik late in the afternoon. Take a walk through Stradun - both a street and a square, a promenade inside the city walls. For those of you with more enthusiasm we recommend a walk on top of the 1940m long city walls! Overnight in the port of this magical town.
After early breakfast we say goodbye to the crew and all your new friends!
Route: Dubrovnik, Sipan, Mljet, Korcula, Hvar, Trstenik, Ston, Dubrovnik (Weekly Arrangement).