It was our second Yacht Getaways trip, and it was simply as particular as the primary. Final summer time, 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 12 months, I assumed 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 had 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. Each day was full of journey and leisure, beginning with Lauren whipping up a scrumptious, hearty breakfast and making ready a flavourful lunch as we set sail from island to island. Right here’s what you possibly can count on on a seven-day voyage from Dubrovnik to Cut up.
Day 1: Departure from Dubrovnik – Setting Sail in Model
Our journey started within the beautiful metropolis of Dubrovnik. We arrived a few days early to absorb the town that doubled as Kings Touchdown in Recreation of Thrones. Staying on the Dubrovnik Palace Lodge, we had 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 After completely having fun with all of the Outdated City needed to supply, we ordered an Uber to the Marina, the place we boarded our non-public catamaran.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 presents an intimate expertise with solely a small group of visitors onboard. Fortunate for us, we had the most effective group of individuals to share the expertise with. The worldwide visitor listing included {couples} from New Zealand, the USA, 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 lovely 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 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 may be 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 good 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 individuals 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 every of Croatia’s most lovely and tranquil nationwide parks. Recognized for its serene lakes and luxurious forests, Mljet is finest explored by bike—and with e-bikes obtainable, 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 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 proper night time 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 vitality. Ensure to e-book 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, mushy drinks, and juices are included, and all of the water you possibly can 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 occasion island, however there’s a lot extra to it than simply nightlife. We anchored outdoors its glamorous harbor and took a water taxi into city. There’s a lot occurring with procuring, eating, and blissful hours galore. You’ll be able to stroll as much as the fort for sundown or make your option 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 the most effective blissful hour was, the most effective place for sundown, and the most effective 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 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 every of 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 provided a peaceable retreat with its slender alleyways, quiet cafes, and charming native outlets.
We took a stroll by way of the UNESCO-listed previous city and bought misplaced in its alleyways. We had been stunned by the variety of native artwork galleries and quiet eating places the place we had the prospect to pattern Dalmatian delicacies. This cease is an ideal distinction to the excitement of Hvar, providing a serene and cultural expertise earlier than your remaining day at sea.
Throughout this cease, Yacht Getaways additionally presents a wine-tasting tour. It’s your alternative if you wish to be a part of or you possibly can merely take within the metropolis. We moored proper on the town and had 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, get pleasure from your remaining breakfast on deck, taking within the final breathtaking views of the Dalmatian Coast. The journey may 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 really resulted in Trojir. Dave and I booked a lodge to expertise this pretty city and extremely advocate an evening right here earlier than heading on the Cut up.
It’s the proper place to proceed your journey, whether or not you intend 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 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 snug sleep.
In case you get seasickness, ensure to pack medicine
Pack in mushy, collapsible baggage like duffel baggage for straightforward storage.
Cabins are small, so to remain organized, we extremely advocate packing your garments in packing cubes.
For telephones, we advise a water-proof telephone holder or a GoPro so you possibly can 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 need a good pair of water footwear. Some individuals 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 glorious.
A solar hat will assist hold 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 loads of garments, it’s a simple going ambiance. Apart 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 footwear for mountain climbing and biking. The mountain climbing isn’t overly strenuous, so trainers will do the trick.
We additionally counsel packing a couple of bathing fits. You can be swimming so much 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 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:
Non-public Host: Your onboard host prepares contemporary breakfasts and lunches day by day, utilizing native elements to provide 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 could do is sit again, calm down, and take within the beautiful views.
Paddle Boards, Snorkeling Gear and Floaties – No must pack your masks and snorkeling gear, all the pieces you could have enjoyable on the water is on board to make use of at your leisure.
Each day on the cruise consists of swimming and snorkeling in a secluded spot and stopping at a vacation spot. We docked proper downtown almost each night time, making going out in town simple. Every little thing is taken care of, so all you could do is concentrate on 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 proper steadiness of leisure, 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 by way of Mljet Nationwide Park and from the historic streets of Korcula to the nightlife of Hvar, every single day presents one thing new and thrilling.
Proper now, Yacht Getaways is having an early hen particular for the 2025 season. Cruises start at €1258. You’ll be able to try itineraries and costs right here.