Kotor to Trogir

Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most magnificent walled cities, overlooking the calm blue Adriatic. the pedestrian-only Old Town – packed with aristocratic palazzi and elegant Baroque churches, contained within sturdy medieval fortifications – draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Visit Mljet Island and you will discover the natural beauty of Croatia. Magical Mljet would be anyone’s idea of an Adriatic island paradise. With most of the island covered by forests and the rest dotted by fields, vineyards and small villages, Mljet casts a spell that can be difficult to break. Mljet National Park was created in 1960 and occupies the western third of the island and surrounds two saltwater lakes, Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero. Anchor for lunch at Polace, on the island’s north coast. Enjoy a walk or cycling through the forest or a swim in the saltwater lakes.

Arriving at the island of Korcula, your first impressions will take your breath away. Sweeping views of lush green vegetation and medieval influences look at you from every angle. With legend saying that the island was founded by Trojan hero Antenor in the 12th century BC, the island is steeped in history with cultural aspects from all who have previously ruled her. Anchoring down in the pretty harbour you are inevitably drawn to the popular cobbled streets of the surrounding settlements. Looking up and around, the medieval architecture is well preserved and gives an atmosphere of jumping back through time. The culturally rich destination of Korcula offers many insights in to the way of life for local residents, starting with sword dancing.

Cruise to the island Vis, a former military base and one of Croatia’s best diving spots. It also has fabulous food and wine. Getting closer you’ll see the canons on top of the hill, a reminder of its military importance. You can anchor in the deep, protected bay and enjoy the splendid view. The best way to get around is to hire a car and explore its wine cellars, historical monuments, or even Tito’s wartime cave headquarters. In the evening, return to Vis town to stroll around and discover its Roman bath.

The island of Hvar is the queen of the Croatian Dalmatian islands. It has been famous since the antique because of its important strategic and nautical position, the rich of the various historical periods, the culture and natural monuments and the literature. While separation from the mainland can sometimes be a handicap, it also provides some protection from the factory chimneys and other misfortunes which come with civilisation.

Although Brac does not have a heritage listing to its name, it is cluttered with medieval buildings from the various periods of rule of the island’s history. Cultural influences from the Venetians, French, Italian and Germans still influence modern life on the island but the most incredible historic findings date even further back. Archaeological findings from the island provide proof that there were people living on the island in the Palaeolithic era. The findings can be seen in museums, followed by an equally cultural drink made from some local vineyards.

Morning cruise to Trogir and disembarkation. Trogir is detailed on the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage as the best preserved Romanesque-Gothic town in Central Europe. Some of the most famous sights in the town are the Cathedral of St. Lawrence with its remarkable portal by master Radovan, the Kamerlengo Fortress, the Town Gate, the Cipiko Palace, the Town Hall, the Church of St. Nicholas, a museum, a picture gallery and the Kairos art collection. According to UNESCO, when visiting Trogir one should look beyond the stone of the buildings: Look for the mysterious spirit in stone. Look for all those architects, builders, artists, patrons, for all those stories hidden in the history of stone’. Bars, taverns, restaurants, souvenir shops, traditional music corners, a theatre and music festivals are but a few of the entertainment possibilities. The town’s life, fun, passion and vibrations arise from three springs: the market, the promenade and the central square.