It was our second Yacht Getaways trip, and it was simply as particular as the primary. Final summer time, we discovered ourselves cruising via the Ioninan Islands of Greece in pure luxurious, and after we came upon that Yacht Getaways had one other route via 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 12 months, I believed that solely the wealthy and well-known might sail the Mediterranean Sea. However with cruises starting at €1200, common {couples} like us can expertise the luxurious 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 taken care of our each want as we loved adventures from swimming on the Elaphiti Islands, e-biking via Mljet Nationwide Park and exploring the historic cities of Korcula, Hvar, and Stari Grad. On daily basis was full of journey and rest, 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 may anticipate on a seven-day voyage from Dubrovnik to Cut up.
Day 1: Departure from Dubrovnik – Setting Sail in Model
Our journey started within the gorgeous metropolis of Dubrovnik. We arrived a few days early to absorb town that doubled as Kings Touchdown in Recreation of Thrones. Staying on the Dubrovnik Palace Lodge, 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 After totally having fun with all of the Outdated City needed to supply, we ordered an Uber to the Marina, the place we boarded our non-public catamaran.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 establishing 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 return: 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 contemporary 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 sizzling breakfast was ready.
The great thing about Yacht Getaways is the pliability—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 in all Croatia’s most lovely and tranquil nationwide parks. Recognized for its serene lakes and plush forests, Mljet is finest explored by bike—and with e-bikes accessible, even the steepest hills are a breeze. Cycle alongside quiet paths, via 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 throughout the lake.
It was a implausible 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 Underneath 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 power. Be certain that to guide a desk when you arrive on the island, as eating places refill 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 may drink is aboard.
When packing, ensure to incorporate a refillable water bottle. We packed our personal espresso mugs as effectively. 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 named 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 happening with purchasing, eating, and glad hours galore. You’ll be able to stroll as much as the fort for sundown or make your technique 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 informed us the place one of the best glad 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 fashionable bars or retreat to the yacht for a quiet night below the celebs. 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 in all 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 slender alleyways, quiet cafes, and charming native outlets.
We took a stroll via the UNESCO-listed previous city and obtained 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 remaining 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 may 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 points of interest.
Day 7: Crusing into Cut up – The Grand Finale
As you sail towards Cut up, take pleasure in your remaining breakfast on deck, taking within the final breathtaking views of the Dalmatian Coast. The journey is perhaps coming to an finish, however the recollections 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 resort 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, you must pack a refillable water bottle and a thermos-style espresso mug.
- A conveyable USB energy provide to cost your telephone and electronics when not on shore energy
- A conveyable rechargeable fan as when you’re not on shore energy, the air-con doesn’t run. There are followers within the cabins, however an additional makes for a really snug sleep.
- In case you get seasickness, ensure to pack treatment
- Pack in tender, collapsible luggage like duffel luggage for simple storage.
- Cabins are small, so to remain organized, we extremely suggest packing your garments in packing cubes.
- For telephones, we propose a water-proof telephone holder or a GoPro so you may take snapshots when swimming.
- Water sneakers 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 need a good pair of water sneakers. Some folks on our journey wore keens and felt them to be too heavy to swim in. We use water sneakers by Physique Glove, and they’re glorious.
- A solar hat will assist maintain your face from burning.
- A protracted-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 a whole lot of garments, it’s a simple going ambiance. Aside from a few sharp button-down shirts for males and sundresses for ladies, you’ll be in your bathing go well with for a lot of the journey.
- Some shorts and sneakers for climbing and biking. The climbing isn’t overly strenuous, so trainers will do the trick.
- We additionally counsel packing a number of bathing fits. You may be swimming rather a lot so it’s good to have a dry bathing go well with to vary into.
The Yacht Getaways Distinction: Luxurious and Journey Mixed
What units Yacht Getaways aside is the mixture 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 below are a number of highlights that make this cruise so particular:
- Non-public Host: Your onboard host prepares contemporary breakfasts and lunches day by day, utilizing native components to offer you a style of Croatia’s scrumptious delicacies.
- Beer and Wine Included: Take pleasure in complimentary drinks all through the cruise, whether or not you’re enjoyable on deck or having fun with a meal.
- Non-public Skipper: Knowledgeable skipper sails the boat, so all you might want to do is sit again, chill out, and take within the gorgeous views.
- Paddle Boards, Snorkeling Gear and Floaties – No must pack your masks and snorkeling gear, the whole lot you might want to have enjoyable on the water is on board to make use of at your leisure.
On daily basis on the cruise consists of swimming and snorkeling in a secluded spot and stopping at a vacation spot. We docked proper downtown almost each evening, making going out in town straightforward. Every part is taken care of, so all you might want to do is deal with making your dream journey of a lifetime.
Ought to You E-book a Yacht Getaways Cruise?
In case you’re on the lookout for the right stability of rest, journey, and luxurious, a Yacht Getaways cruise from Dubrovnik to Cut up is the last word Croatian expertise. From secluded swims within the Elaphiti Islands to biking via Mljet Nationwide Park and from the historic streets of Korcula to the nightlife of Hvar, day by day provides one thing new and thrilling.
Proper now, Yacht Getaways is having an early chook particular for the 2025 season. Cruises start at €1258. You’ll be able to try itineraries and costs right here.
