It was our second Yacht Getaways trip, and it was simply as particular as the primary. Final summer time, we discovered ourselves cruising by the Ioninan Islands of Greece in pure luxurious, and after we came upon that Yacht Getaways had one other route by 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 reasonably priced. Earlier than taking our cruise final yr, I assumed that solely the wealthy and well-known may 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 personal 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 by 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 making 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 Type
Our journey started within the beautiful 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 Resort, 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 Previous City needed to supply, we ordered an Uber to the Marina, the place we boarded our personal catamaran.
This isn’t your typical crowded Mediterranean cruise—Yacht Getaways affords an intimate expertise with solely a small group of friends 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 come back: 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 identified 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 scorching 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, certainly one of Croatia’s most lovely and tranquil nationwide parks. Identified for its serene lakes and plush forests, Mljet is greatest explored by bike—and with e-bikes obtainable, even the steepest hills are a breeze. Cycle alongside quiet paths, by 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 improbable 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 evening to pattern Croatia’s well-known Below 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, typically 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 sure that 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, 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 properly. If you would 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 celebration 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 purchasing, eating, and comfortable hours galore. You possibly can stroll as much as the fort for sundown or make your method to Sundown Seashore.
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 the most effective comfortable 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, certainly one 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 supplied a peaceable retreat with its slender alleyways, quiet cafes, and charming native outlets.
We took a stroll by the UNESCO-listed previous city and bought misplaced in its alleyways. We have been stunned 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 excitement of Hvar, providing a serene and cultural expertise earlier than your closing day at sea.
Throughout this cease, Yacht Getaways additionally affords a wine-tasting tour. It’s your selection 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 prime sights.
Day 7: Crusing into Cut up – The Grand Finale
As you sail towards Cut up, get pleasure from your closing breakfast on deck, taking within the final breathtaking views of the Dalmatian Coast. The journey is perhaps 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, identified 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 proper 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 need to pack a refillable water bottle and a thermos-style espresso mug.
- A transportable USB energy provide to cost your cellphone and electronics when not on shore energy
- A transportable rechargeable fan as if 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.
- If you happen to get seasickness, ensure to pack medicine
- Pack in tender, collapsible baggage like duffel baggage for straightforward storage.
- Cabins are small, so to remain organized, we extremely suggest packing your garments in packing cubes.
- For telephones, we recommend a water-proof cellphone holder or a GoPro so you may 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 folks 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 preserve your face from burning.
- An extended-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 quite a lot of garments, it’s a straightforward going environment. Aside from a few sharp button-down shirts for males and sundresses for ladies, you’ll be in your bathing go well with for many of the journey.
- Some shorts and footwear for climbing and biking. The climbing isn’t overly strenuous, so trainers will do the trick.
- We additionally counsel packing a couple of bathing fits. You can be swimming loads so it’s good to have a dry bathing go well with to alter 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 personal yacht. Listed below 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 substances to present you a style of Croatia’s scrumptious delicacies.
- Beer and Wine Included: Get pleasure from complimentary drinks all through the cruise, whether or not you’re enjoyable on deck or having fun with a meal.
- Non-public Skipper: An expert skipper sails the boat, so all you want to do is sit again, loosen up, and take within the beautiful views.
- Paddle Boards, Snorkeling Gear and Floaties – No must pack your masks and snorkeling gear, the whole lot you 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 simple. The whole lot is taken care of, so all you want to do is deal with making your dream journey of a lifetime.
Ought to You Guide a Yacht Getaways Cruise?
If you happen to’re searching for the proper steadiness 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 by Mljet Nationwide Park and from the historic streets of Korcula to the nightlife of Hvar, on daily basis affords one thing new and thrilling.
Proper now, Yacht Getaways is having an early fowl particular for the 2025 season. Cruises start at €1258. You possibly can take a look at itineraries and costs right here.
