Dalmatia One – Way Route: SPLIT – DUBROVNIK

Your embarkation is at 5:00 PM in Split.

Split-Milna (island Brač) Your embarkation is at 5:00 PM. After you meet the crew and take a tour around the boat you will sail towards the island of Brač. You will spend the night in some beautiful quiet bay on western side of the island, near the picturesque town of Milna. Dinner will be served aboard, under the stars and surrounded only by sounds of sea and crickets. This is an ideal ambient for relaxation after a day or two of travel. If you would still want to visit town, crew can take you there with a tender boat.  Milna, is a typical fishing harbour – with stone houses, narrow streets and church that dominates the village. If you decide to visit this beautiful Baroque church, dedicated to Our Lady of the Annunciation, you will enjoy works of Venetian artists while the sounds of a 19th century organ echo in the background. Bell tower offers a beautiful view. Town of Milna was also known as “Valle di mille navi”, or “The bay of thousand boats”. This safest harbour on island Brač, surrounded with beautiful bays that offer protection from rough winds was for centuries a shelter for sailors and their boats. Milna also has a rich shipbuilding tradition and a unique Croatian sailboat “bracera” was designed here. Pristine nature that dominates this area in combination with beautiful beaches and crystal sea are for sure the best recipe for your first night on the Adriatic Sea. But do not be surprised if your morning coffee starts with the cries of seagulls and songs of fishermen returning home from their night fishing. It is just the right time to buy some fish for today’s lunch.

As it will be usual these days, after breakfast served in surrounding of untouched nature you will sail to your next location – island Vis.

Vis owes this title to its remoteness from the mainland, and also to the fact that during the former Yugoslavia it was for many years closed for visitors as a military zone. Because of this isolation it remained protected from human influence more than other islands in surroundings and nature on Vis is more pristine and preserved than elsewhere. Located on the open sea, the waves have shaped the island coast for thousands of years, hitting rocks and cliffs while forming unique beautiful beaches, hidden bays and coves, and caves inside which you will discover the most thrilling colour games of sunshine and the sea. And just after one visit to the Vis you will realize why it is one of the favourite Adriatic destinations, to which many tourists return year after year. Vis has a very rich history as one of the oldest towns in Croatia. It was an important Greek colony on the Adriatic and many ruins from Greek and Roman times can still be found on the island, especially on the oldest part of the town of Vis – Gradina. There you can find Greek walls and necropolis, and Roman bath and floor mosaics. A very interesting to see. Also, on the remains of the Roman theatre Franciscan monastery on peninsula Prirovo was built, and the remains can still be found in the basements of the monastery. The most interesting antique artefact, a bronze statue of the head of Greek goddess Artemid can be found in the Archaeological Museum. Town of Vis was created in the past by merging three villages into one, each of which has its own special story and uniqueness. Yet, the most interesting and most inspiring is perhaps Kut, the eastern part of the city, where you can find beautiful Renaissance houses and churches from noble Vis families built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Opposite to this, the other settlement on Vis island – town of Komiža is typical Mediterranean fishing town. Located in the deep bay, with its simple but still beautiful stone houses and its unique charm, Komiža offers another view on the Vis island. Also, only 5 nautical miles from Komiža island Biševo is located and the famous Blue Cave can be visited there. Many different excursions are offered on the island Vis, but regardless of whether you decide to go on a wine tour and try the most famous high-quality Vugava wine, or go on a military tour around the island, you will definitely have a new experience and feel some of the charms of this wonderful island.

Today you will have a few extra hours of sailing in the morning but it will be worth of it as you are going to visit town of Korčula on the island with the same name. This picturesque little town, located on a small peninsula, and surrounded by city walls and towers is often compared to Dubrovnik. As during this week, you are going to visit both of these locations, you will be able to find out why this is so. While arriving to Korčula from the sea, you will enjoy the best perspective of this city, known for its timeless beauty and its connection to a famous medieval explorer and world traveller – Marco Polo. It is believed that Polo was born right here in Korčula (as the family name DePolo is usual on the island), and during the summer time you can visit a museum located in the building that’s believed to be his birth house. Today we know that this house was built in 17th century, but locals say that it is built on the ruins of his old house. Nevertheless, this is must see location in Korčula as it also offers a wonderful view of the city. Korčula’s old town has the most interesting layout. Built in the shape of fish bone – with one main street that goes from north to south and many small ones that go vertical to it. This was designed to offer good aeration and also to protect from strong winds. While walking the old town we suggest you to pay a visit to St Marcos cathedral with altarpiece painting Three Saints made by famous Venetian artist Tintoretto. You can also climb the bell tower for a stunning view. Besides the cathedral, the Town Museum and Abbey Treasury are located on the main city square. Modern art lovers can visit the Memorial Collection of Maksimilijan Vanka. If you are more into romantic walks, an impressive 101 steps long promenade leading to the church of St Anthony on nearby hill would be our suggestion for you. And in the evening do not miss performance of moreška – traditional sword dance that has its origins in Spain and today is performed only in Korčula. While walking the streets of Korčula, this unique and unforgettable little town, you will immediately feel its charm: palm trees and apealing restaurants located next to the sea, massive stone walls that offer most romantic views and where best cocktails are served, cobbled streets, beautiful Renaissance houses and churches, chic and charming shops and boutiques – Korčula has it all. Rich history combined with beautiful nature, colourful gastronomy and warm and welcoming people is this town’s formula of success. And this is why we assure you; you will be thrilled with your visit to this island.

Mljet, the island you are about to visit today, is just an hour and a half of sailing away from Korčula. You will arrive there in the morning, before lunch, so you will have almost the whole day to explore this incredible island. As you will moor somewhere inside the national park, you will have easy access to all the most important sights. Mljet is one of the most beautiful islands on the Adriatic, almost fully covered with Mediterranean forest, extremely rich in flora and fauna, untouched for centuries, almost magical. For many years, only Benedictine monks walked these forest paths. In the 12th century one Italian Benedictine Monastery received this island as a gift from the local nobility and they built their second monastery here. They have lived here alone for a few centuries, in deep connection with God and nature. In 15th century first communities were organized on the island. Northwest part of the island still remained under the administration of monks until the end of the 18th century. That part of the island today is protected as a national park. The most interesting parts of Mljet national park are for sure Big and Small Lake, salt lakes that represent natural phenomenon. In the middle of Big Lake, island of St. Mary is located, with a Benedictine monastery built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style. You can reach the lakes by bike or on foot, boats are organized to visit small island and monastery and you can swim in the lakes, too. You will enjoy walking through this untouched nature and shady paths and will for sure- at least for a moment – feel reconnected with nature. Interesting fact is that even two stories are connected to this island. The first of them is about Odysseus, an ancient hero who wandered the seas on his way home from the Trojan war and experienced a shipwreck. He woke up in a beautiful sea cave on some island in the Adriatic and there he met nymph Calypso and was enchanted by her charm. She kept him on the island for almost 7 years. This is a story from Homer’s ancient Odyssey, and many researchers have tried to prove that the island Homer was writing about was in fact Mljet. Beautiful sea cave, named after Odysseus, was supposed to be one of the proofs. The second story is from the Bible, more precisely the Acts of the Apostles, where the apostle Paul writes about his journey across the Adriatic. Fleeing from the big storm, he found salvation on the island of “Melita”. There are doubts whether this mentioned island was Mljet or Malta, but in any case, even today many visitors find salvation on this island, while looking for a break from the stress and hustle and bustle of modern life.

After Mljet you will explore another piece of paradise – Elafiti islands. Spread just in front of the town of Dubrovnik, this group of small islands enrich the perfect sunset from the hill Srđ. In the 15th and 16th century these islands covered with Mediterranean evergreen vegetation, have been recognized by the Dubrovnik nobility as a refuge from the city bustle and a place of return to nature. That is why the remains of 42 summer residences of prominent Dubrovnik families can be found on Šipan – the island you are going to visit today. Šipan is the island of olive trees and it has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the island with the highest number of olive trees compared to its size and number of people living there. It is also an island of peace and harmony, an island of some lost times when rich members of Dubrovnik society walked these paths in in search of peace and pristine nature. Today tourists visit Šipan for the same reason. Šipan is a perfect choice if you want to completely reset and reconnect with nature. Two villages on the island – Šipanska Luka (Šipan Harbour) and Suđurađ are connected with the road that goes through large fields covered with Mediterranean vegetation, olive trees, figs, and lemon and orange trees. This is for sure a lovely biking or hiking route. Down the road, culture lovers will enjoy visiting some of the island’s 34 churches (built form 7^th till 16^th century) and wander through the remains of summer mansions. This is quite an inspiring experience and this is why some of the famous people that have visited the island (like Carolina of Monaco, Belgian king Albert II and Francesca von Habsburg) planned to buy some of the mansions on the island. In Suđurađ you can visit Stijepović-Skočibuha fortified mansion, the best-preserved summer residence on the island. Also, in the church of St Stephan there is a beautiful painting of St Mary and Jesus from the 15^th century.

Long time ago famous writer George Bernard Shaw wrote: ““Those who seek paradise on earth should come to see Dubrovnik.”

 And today, after almost hundred years, Dubrovnik still continues to amaze and inspire visitors from all over the world. Known as the pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is really one of our top destinations. Located on the south of Croatian coast, near the border to Montenegro, this town was centre of Republic of Ragusa, a free state that for centuries resisted the onslaught of powerful neighbouring rulers and with skilful diplomacy maintained its freedom at a time when all the surrounding areas were under foreign rule. Even today, the inhabitants of Dubrovnik are proud of their historical freedom and it has been and remains an important part of their culture and identity. So, on your last day you will visit this proud city that has survived few earthquakes and wars and it still continues to shine in its full splendour. When arriving to Dubrovnik by boat, while watching how the sea touches the stone cliffs on which city walls have been build, you can just imagine what hides behind them. Beautifully preserved old city, with its cobble stone streets, stunning buildings, monasteries and fortresses tells the story of a life that passed long time ago. We suggest you to start the visit by walking the city walls, enter the city gates, walk the Stradun street, visit Rectors and Sponza palace and the town cathedral where remains of town protector St Blaise have been kept. Visit also Franciscan monastery with the oldest Pharmacy in Europe. There is so much to see in Dubrovnik. Large number of city museums just continue this list (Archaeological Museum, Maritime Museum, Franciscan Monastery Museum, Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik, Love Stories Museum, Gornji Ugao Tower etc). Enjoy the unforgettable views from one of the city fortresses or city walls or even better – unique view from Mount Srđ were you arrive with cable car. After seeing all this you will not be surprised why Dubrovnik was chosen as the filming location for some famous movies and TV series (like Game of Thrones, Star Wars etc). In Dubrovnik, history is combined with colourful and diverse gastronomy, stunning views, rich cultural and nightlife and a huge choice for sport and adrenalin lovers. There is something for everybody. So, enter the city gates and start exploring this wonderful town. You will not be disappointed!

Your disembarkation is at 09:00 AM, just after breakfast. If you have extra time try to visit some of other Dubrovnik attractions as Dubrovnik is truly a pearl of the Adriatic, and it would be a shame if you wouldn’t explore it fully. Our suggestion is to stay in Dubrovnik an extra day or two.