Over 1,000 sparsely populated islands off the Dalmatian coast form one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world, a boating paradise of turquoise waters and safe harbours. With an appealing heritage of Venetian architecture and a strongly Italian influenced cuisine and wine-making tradition, Croatia’s scenic national parks and Roman archaeological sites provide entrancing shore visits and seaborne delight, all away from the noise of tourism.
We have chartered a fully crewed and equipped yacht for our explorations - 30 m/100 ft overall, with 6 double/twin cabins for guests, all with modern en suite facilities. There are plenty of opportunities to swim in quiet coves and explore ashore on foot each day. A particular highlight is a visit to the walled mediaeval city of Dubrovnik.
HIGHLIGHTS of our Croatia tour include:
Guests’ comments on this trip:
‘A fabulous trip which exceeded my expectations. Our boat was a very special home for a week - delightful crew who worked really hard to attend to our every wish. The chef was superb. Scenery just beautiful. Relaxing, fun, really enjoyable holiday.'
'Kudu came up trumps as usual, with a flexible programme that fitted in with everyone’s capabilities and the vagaries of the weather. The food was amazing! And the drink! And what an interesting group of people. Many thanks for a wonderful trip.'
'A wonderfully relaxed holiday in the most beautiful surroundings. Croatia really is attractive and I so enjoyed everything about it.'
After meeting at Split airport in the early afternoon, a short road transfer along the coast brings us to Trogir, a delightful historic town and harbour situated on a small island separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. We settle into our 4-star heritage hotel and walk through the compact old town with its Venetian style fortress, palaces and churches, including the Cathedral, built over five centuries with a fine 1240 stone portal. Our first dinner together will feature fresh seafood accompanied by a crisp Croatian white wine.
Outside Split, we visit the impressive archaeological park of Salona, the ancient capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Within the remains of the city walls, we find a forum with temples, a necropolis where early Christian martyrs were buried and an amphitheatre. In Split, we explore the Emperor Diocletian’s 4th century Palace, an extraordinary complex defying description, centred around the Cathedral, a 7th century conversion of the imperial mausoleum. After lunch, we board our yacht, meeting our captain and his three-person crew, including our personal chef. We set sail for the island of Brač, pausing to swim from the boat en route, then moor and go for a stroll in the unspoilt, picturesque 17th century fishing village of Milna, once capital of a Russian protectorate during the Napoleonic wars.
On the small islet of Biševo, off the mountainous island of Vis, we visit the well-known Blue Grotto. After a leisurely lunch on board, we tour Vis by Land Rover to learn about the partisans of Tito; the SOE operations during WWII; the emergency airfield constructed for RAF and USAF landings and why the island was off-limits for visitors until 1989. We dine ashore, accompanying our meal with local wines such as the powerful, spicy, red ‘Plavac Mali’.
DAY 4
B, L, D included
Sailing south to the island of Hvar, we moor in a quiet bay to swim and lunch. We go ashore by tender for a guided walking tour of Hvar, discovering the 17th century Venetian Arsenal, which was converted into one of Europe’s earliest theatres in 1612, the many churches and monasteries and excellent views from the hilltop Citadel. We join fashionable Croatians in the Korzo (evening promenade) along the palm tree–lined harbour, before a seafood dinner in an excellent local restaurant.
DAY 5
B, L, D included
We travel along the coast of the island of Korčula, seeing fields of lavender and olive and fig trees. We moor in the harbour beside Korčula’s defensive walls, built by the Venetians over almost eight centuries ago. One of their most famous subjects, Marco Polo, was allegedly born here. This compact historic town is a delight, full of architectural treasures, an excellent art collection, including works by Tiepolo, Carpaccio, Tintoretto and Bassano, the beautiful 13th century Cathedral of St Mark, and many outdoor cafes for a glass of wine or ‘an ice cream with a view’.
DAY 6
B, L, D included
Sailing south, we reach the island of Mljet, where St. Paul is said to have ran aground on his voyage to Rome and many of Dubrovnik’s admirals built summer houses. We walk (1.5 hrs) in the forested national park featuring mainly Aleppo and stone pines, seeing swathes of cyclamens in the olive groves. We overnight in Polace. This quiet harbour has an ancient history and on our stroll through the village we see remains of a 4th century Roman villa and two early Christian basilicas.
DAY 7
B, L, D included
We head for the dramatic channel of Ston, framed by steep karst mountains, and moor beside a rustic tavern. A 2 hour walk through the hills gives us good appetites for a lunch of freshly caught fish grilled on charcoal, accompanied by jugs of wine from the vineyards behind the tavern. Continuing south, our destination is Šipan, largest of the inhabited Elaphite islands, where we go ashore for a stroll to see the ruined 15th century mansions of the Dubrovnik aristocracy.
DAY 8
B, L, D included
We moor in a quiet cove off the island of Lopud for a final opportunity to swim and have lunch on deck. Approaching Dubrovnik, we pass beneath the splendid new Dubrovnik suspension bridge to moor in the marina. In the afternoon, taxis take us to Dubrovnik, for centuries a great trading Republic and major centre for the arts and science, and now a beautifully restored mediaeval city. We take an introductory stroll along the 12th century Stradun, then disperse through the polished white marble streets for individual explorations. Highlights include the 15th century Rector’s Palace; the Maritime Museum; the superb manuscript collection in the Sponza Palace; the Dominican monastery with its orange and palm tree-filled Renaissance cloisters and the richly embellished Baroque church of St Blaise, the city’s patron. Our farewell dinner is provided by one of Dubrovnik’s most innovative restaurants.
DAY 9
B included
Bidding farewell to our ship’s crew, we disembark after breakfast on deck and return to Dubrovnik to circumnavigate the 2 km mediaeval city walls on foot. Our journey concludes with a private transfer to the nearby airport for flights home.
The published itinerary is subject to alteration if weather and sea conditions make it necessary. The captain’s decision as to the most appropriate routing for the safety and comfort of the yacht, guests and crew is at all times definitive.
Please note the boat is under motor rather than sail and this is not a sailing trip as such, rather a stylish way to visit various islands by boat.
On Kudu trips, you will only need money for postcards, presents to take home, the odd G & T or an irresistible ice cream. Festival and opera tickets, museum and gallery entrances, National Park fees, all meals (with a very few exceptions specified in individual itineraries), wine with lunch and dinner, access to specialist books carried by the guides, gratuities for porters and hotel and restaurant staff, boat rides, train trips, internal flights, wine tastings, 4WDs with drivers, the services of skilled local guides and trackers etc are ALL INCLUDED in the cost of your holiday.
We are confident that, like previous very satisfied guests, you will discover that our tours give you excellent value for money.
The published itinerary is subject to alteration if weather and sea conditions make it necessary. The captain’s decision as to the most appropriate routing for the safety and comfort of the yacht, guests and crew is at all times definitive.
Please note the boat is under motor rather than sail and this is not a sailing trip as such, rather a stylish way to visit various islands by boat.
Visitors from the UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA currently require a valid passport, but not a visa, for entry to Croatia. If you are a national of any other country, please check visa regulations with your nearest Embassy of Croatia.
Normally there are no specific and compulsory health requirements for entry to Croatia.
You may also wish to check the advice given to travellers by the Department of Health and the FCO.
Insurance
It is essential, and a condition of booking, that you protect yourself with a suitable travel insurance policy as soon as you book a trip. Follow this link for a quote for a policy available to UK residents.
If you are already insured or a non-UK resident, please inform us of your policy at the time of booking.
Size of party
This trip will run with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 guests.
