Croatian Coastal Cruising - Split to Dubrovnik (Aurora)

Welcome to Split, Croatia. Your luggage can be dropped off at this ship from 12pm, so feel free to explore Split at your leisure before boarding commences at 5 pm, when you’ll meet your fellow travellers for a welcome meeting and safety briefing. This evening, sit down to your first group dinner on board before overnighting in port. (D)

After a leisurely breakfast on board, head off on a guided tour of Split with your local guides. Explore the laneways and squares that make up the beautiful old town and hear the stories of conquerors and sieges then enjoy lunch at your leisure in one of the old town's lovely al fresco eateries.

In the afternoon, take a private bus transfer to Krka National Park then board a smaller boat for some cruising and exploring within the park. The park spans two thirds of the Krka River, and some 142 square kilometres – visit some of the gorgeous waterfalls for which this park is renowned.

Afterwards, return by bus to Split, and dinner on board the Aurora. (B/D)

Set sail for the island of Hvar, enjoying breakfast on board. Stop to swim in the waters of the Adriatic at a secluded beach close to Stari Grad - Hvar's old town. Arrive in Stari Grad around midday and look across one of Europe's oldest towns while lunching on board the Aurora. Next, take a bus to explore the island known as the 'Queen of the Dalmatian Islands'. Visit a nearby farm and try some local produce. Afterwards, drive to Hvar town for an orientation walk with your leader, then enjoy free time to explore. Return to Stari Grad and dine at a local restaurant of your choosing. Overnight in Hvar (Stari Grad). (B/L)

Set sail early towards Opuzen, breakfasting on board and then stopping for a spot of swimming. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail up the Neretva river towards Opuzen. On arrival, jump into small wooden boats for a leisurely cruise through the surrounding wetlands (with local snacks and music on board). End up at a beautiful local restaurant overlooking the water for Peka veal and other local dishes then board the boats and return to Opuzen. This evening, you may like to venture out to the friendly bars around the town square to meet the locals. (B/L/D)

It’s an early start this morning as you make your way to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina by minibus. Take a tour with a local guide, visiting a coffee shop where you will see how the Bosnian coffee is made followed by a tasting of it. Afterwards enjoy some free time to explore the town and have lunch at your leisure. Return to the ship in the early afternoon and set sail for Trpanj. On arrival, visit the Matusko winery for a wine tasting and enjoy the beautiful grounds of the vineyards. Return to the ship to enjoy dinner onboard. Overnight in Trpanji (B/D)

After breakfast on board, enjoy a mid-morning swim stop in beautiful clear turquoise waters of Loviste in the Peljesac peninsula. Return to the ship and set sail for Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, with lunch on the way.

This afternoon, join your leader for an orientation tour of the town.

This evening you'll be spoiled for choice with many restaurants overlooking the waterfront – ask your leader for their recommendations. Overnight in the port of Korcula. (B/L)

Leave early this morning and cruise to Dubrovnik, stopping mid-morning for a swim near the island of Jakljan. Take your lunch on board before arriving in Dubrovnik in the early afternoon where you’ll join a local guide to explore this beautiful walled city. This evening enjoy a farewell four-course dinner with the captain and your travelling companions on board the Aurora. (B/L/D)

Your small ship adventure cruise along the Dalmatian coast ends after breakfast. (B)