Zagreb to Split self-drive with mini-cruise: Dalmatian Highlights

Nestled in the Dinaric Alps, Plitvice Lakes National Park is undoubtedly Croatia’s crown jewel. The UNESCO World Heritage site is made up of sixteen lakes and interconnecting waterfalls, including the highest in the country – the 78-metre-high Veliki Slap. A network of walkways and trails wind around its waters, making it the perfect place for hiking amid nature. As you explore the park, you’ll be in awe thanks to the postcard-perfect views and the abundance of wildlife that call it home.

Lying on Croatia’s Adriatic Sea, Zadar is one of the most unique resorts in all the Dalmatian coast. The 3000-year-old city combines Roman and medieval remains with innovative architectural projects. And while there’s many sights to see, in-the-know visitors also flock here to catch some rays on the white-sand beaches. Food fanatics will be pleased to know that, as well as a laidback cafe culture, the town offers a plethora of seafood restaurants and oceanside bars – the perfect spot for sipping on cocktails while watching the blood-orange sunset. Whether you’re into exploring cultural landmarks, relaxing on the beach or tucking into tasty food, Zadar has something for everyone.

Trogir has earned its place as one of Croatia's finest historic towns, set on a tiny island and surrounded by medieval walls. Boasting UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the town's cobbled streets and bustling squares are home to Romanesque and Renaissance palaces, towers and cathedrals that will transport you back in time, and the lovely palm-lined promenade is a summer hotspot that draws in flocks of crowds to its outdoor restaurants and bars. Visit as a day trip from nearby Split or spend a weekend here, you won't be disappointed.

Trogir has earned its place as one of Croatia's finest historic towns, set on a tiny island and surrounded by medieval walls. Boasting UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the town's cobbled streets and bustling squares are home to Romanesque and Renaissance palaces, towers and cathedrals that will transport you back in time, and the lovely palm-lined promenade is a summer hotspot that draws in flocks of crowds to its outdoor restaurants and bars. Visit as a day trip from nearby Split or spend a weekend here, you won't be disappointed.

Our journey starts in Trogir for those who will board between 12:00 to 2pm (passengers that arrive later can embark on the boat in the port of Split). The captain and the crew will give you a warm welcome and during lunch snack we will take off to one of the bays on the island of Čiovo. After having enjoyed swimming and sunbathing, we will set sail for Split, our first port of call. Split is Croatia’s second largest city and the capital of Dalmatia. The 1700-year-old city was once the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and is today a UNESCO-protected site. After a guided city tour, you will have the rest of the evening at your disposal to discover the old town on your own and to enjoy the bustling Mediterranean atmosphere on the famous promenade of Split.

Today we will leave Split, heading to the island of Hvar known for its mild climate and fragrant lavender fields. On our way to Hvar, we will stop in a secluded bay for a swim. After having reached Hvar, we will anchor in the port of Hvar, the homonymous capital of the island. The port lies at the foot of an impressive fortress, which offers spectacular views of the offshore islands “Pakleni otoci”. Provided that the number of boats anchoring in the small port of Hvar allows us to do so, we will stay here overnight. Otherwise, we will approach Hvar already in the afternoon and you will have enough time to explore the island’s capital before we head for a nearby bay to spend the night there.

Sailing along the south coast of the island of Korčula, we will stop at one of the numerous bays for a swim, before heading to our next port of call – Pomena or Polače, on the island of Mljet. Part of the island was declared a National Park – two saltwater lakes (in the larger of the two lakes, you will find a small island with a former monastery) are connected to the sea by a narrow channel. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the National Park (entrance not included). We recommend swimming in the saltwater lakes, where the temperature is always 2°C above the seas temperature.

We leave the island of Mljet and continue our journey. After a swimming break at the Elafiti Islands, we will enter the port of Dubrovnik around 4:00 pm. Dubrovnik is also called the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, since in the Middle Ages the city counted among the most important economic and cultural centres of the Mediterranean area. Today, the Old City unfolds a unique open air museum with countless attractions. After arriving in Dubrovnik, we are invited to enjoy a guided tour through the historic town with its impressive walls. It takes only a few minutes by bus to get to the old town. The bus stop is located right next to the port, and the bus leaves every 10 minutes (tickets are available from the kiosk or on the bus). After the guided city tour, you will have plenty of time to discover the gems of Dubrovnik on your own. Stroll through the famous “Stradun”, take a walk along the massive city walls, and visit the numerous unique sights, or take the cable car to the 415 m high mountain Srđ, from which you can enjoy a unique view of the old town and the sea.

Continuing our cruise in a northwestward direction, we will first stop in a bay of the Elafiti Islands for swimming and sunbathing, before heading to the island of Korčula – our today’s port of call. Korčula boasts one of the most beautiful old towns in Dalmatia and because of its fortress-like appearance, it is often called “Little Dubrovnik”. Overnight stay in the birthplace of the famous sailor and explorer Marco Polo.

Passing the mountainous Pelješac Peninsula, we head towards the island of Brač. On our way to Brač, we will stop in one of the beautiful secluded bays of this area for swimming and sunbathing. The island of Brač is not only well-known for its white limestone. Even world-famous buildings like the White House in Washington and the Reichstag building in Berlin are constructed with stone, which is still exported today to countries worldwide. Brač is also known for being one of the largest islands in the Adriatic Sea. Overnight stay in one of the lovely places in the northern part of the island – the perfect setting for tonight’s Captain’s Dinner.

We leave the island of Brač and after a swimming break in a bay on the island of Čiovo, we will bid farewell to the Dalmatian islands and return to the starting point of our journey, Trogir, with its beautiful old town, protected by the UNESCO and also called “the Museum City”. Enjoy the experience of a guided walking tour through the winding streets and discover impressive walls, towers, churches, frescoes and vaults. Do not miss out on taking a look into the unique old yards. Enjoy the last evening of your cruise with a romantic dinner at one of Trogir’s numerous restaurants (own expense).

After breakfast, disembarkation until 9:00 am.