An unusual cruise from Split that visits Montenegro - There are only 1-2 small ships that are allowed to do this. There is also a side trip to visit Mostar and its famous bridge. Many of the small ports and harbours of Croatia's Adriatic coast and Kotor Bay are only accessible to ships of up to 50 metres long, so we are privileged to visit these smaller ports.
Kotor is a hugely dramatic bay; actually the largest fjord in southern Europe, and a spectacular inlet surrounded by granite mountains. Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful old cities in the world, and the history just oozes from Split and Korcula. Topped off with a visit to the Blue Cave (weather permitting) - This is one of the most unusual yet all encompassing small ship cruises in the Adriatic.
We will have the chance to swim in a small bay from the back of the ship on most days, and in the evenings you are usually free to explore the restaurants and cafes of the lovely towns where we spend each night.
Kotor Bay
Korcula & Split
Vis & the Blue cave
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
You will be transferred from Split Airport or your Split hotel to the harbour, where embarkation begins at 13:00h. Get settled in your cabin before attending a Welcome reception followed by dinner this evening.
Early in the morning sail to Ploče and take the coach for an excursion to Mostar with lunch included. Mostar is the city were east and west meet. Built alongside the Neretva River is known by all thanks to the image of its beautiful “Old Bridge" (Stari Most) which is the heart and symbol of the city. Since 2005 the “Old Bridge", as well as the old city of Mostar have been inscribed as a World Heritage by UNESCO. Walkthrough the streets, visit the Turkish house and the mosque. Tonight, enjoy Captain’s dinner and overnight in Ploče.
In the morning head further south to the Island of Mljet. Join the Cruise Manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park. Set sail to Dubrovnik with swimming stop and relax, if weather permits, with lunch on board. In the late afternoon we arrive in Dubrovnik the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, to take a guided tour of the historical centre of city which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site including visits to the Franciscan Monastery’s Pharmacy. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
In the morning we set sail to Kotor. After lunch on board, we are going to visit Lovćen Mountain, Njeguši Village and Budva. Encounter Montenegro’s rich culture, historical heritage and natural beauty as you travel by bus up the serpentine Lovćen Hills. A beautiful view of Kotor Bay and lovely mountain scenery accompany you en route to Njeguši, where you will visit the village smokehouse. Stop for a snack of smoked ham and cheese, brandy and wine—all local specialties. Then, head down the mountains towards the city of Budva—believed to be one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast. It is more than 2,000 years old. After panoramic stop above Budva you will drive back to Kotor to explore the city that is known as the jewel of Montenegro. Your guide will take you on a walking tour that will include a visit to St Tryphon’s Cathedral and you will see the Orthodox Church of St Luka from the outside. Your evening is free in Kotor.
In the morning after breakfast, we head to Cavtat. As we are traveling from one country to another, there will be some formalities at the border. Continue our cruise with swim stop on way to Korčula island, best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. Afternoon arrival in Korčula followed by a guided walking tour of this enchanting town surrounded by walls, which is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Overnight in Korčula where you can enjoy a gourmet experience at the multiple restaurants and bars.
Early in the morning we sail to small island Biševo to visit the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon. As sometimes weather conditions can be very unpredictable, the possibility of our visit will depend on those conditions, however you will be notified of this on time. Cruise towards the island of Vis once a strategic naval Yugoslav base and restricted to the public. Due to this isolation, Vis has a special charm – “the Mediterranean as it once was” making it really interesting to visit. Try some exquisite wine sorts in one of the Vis traditional wineries. If interested, visit the remains of the Roman thermal place, City Museum or simply take a walk enjoying the views. Overnight in the port of Vis.
In the morning head further towards Hvar, the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic, with a swim stop and lunch on board. Afternoon arrival in Hvar town followed by a tour of the town - the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower, and the oldest community theatre in Europe founded in 1612. After the tour set sail towards Split. In the afternoon join a guided tour of the city, visit the seafront promenade and Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. The historical center of the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your evening is free in Split.
After breakfast it is time to disembark. You will be transferred to Split Airport or your Split hotel. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner, WR-Welcome Reception, CD-Captain’s dinner
Stella Maris
M/S Stella Maris is a deluxe vessel, with maximum capacity of 36 passengers in 18 twin and double cabins. All cabins are modern and fully equipped with A/C, LCD TV, safe deposit box, fire alarm, internal communication system between room and bar. Bathrooms are equipped with toilet, shower, wash basin, hair dryer, slippers, bathrobe, and for added convenience cosmetic package. All cabins are sound-proof and each cabin comes with the fire-proof doors.
A fully air-conditioned upper deck dining room can accommodate all passengers at once, yet offer a great degree of privacy for each guest. There is free wireless internet (Wi-Fi), loudspeakers, audiosystem, and a direct telephone communication cabin-bar on board. The kitchen is made in line with the latest HACCP standards.
An extension of the restaurant is outdoors, on the covered part of the upper deck, spacious enough for all passengers and tables, chairs and including a public lavatory. To make the most of every swimming opportunity, there is a platform with a ladder for easy access to the water.
Ship Amenities:
Salon/restaurant, bar, outdoor showers, swimming platform, PA system, complimentary Wi-Fi.
Cabins include:
LCD TV (satellite system), safe box, bathrooms - toilet, shower, wash basin, hair dryer, slippers, bathrobe.
Includes
7 nights cruise from Split to Kotor and back to Split
Supreme category ship in a cabin with private bathroom, air conditioning & LCD TV
Daily buffet breakfast Daily lunches, all with 3 courses and salad bar
Welcome dinner Captain's dinner with live music
Water dispenser
Complimentary coffee, tea and fresh fruits available daily
Professional English speaking Cruise Manager throughout
Daily cabin servicing, fresh bed linen and towels midweek
Luggage handling
Free Wi-Fi on board
City tours of Mostar (with lunch), Dubrovnik, Kotor, Korčula, Vis, Hvar and Split
Entrance fees to the Franciscan Monastery’s Pharmacy, Diocletian’s Palace and St Tryphon’s Cathedral Lovćen/Njeguši/Budva Excursion – ride by bus, snack in Njeguši (smoked ham and cheese, brandy and wine)
TRANSFERS INCLUDED
- Arrival shared transfer from Split Airport/hotel to Split Harbour for embarkation
- Departure shared transfer from Split Harbour to Split Airport/hotel on disembarkation
Excludes
Drinks on board (except water)
Extra meals
Entrance fees not mentioned above
Port fees and taxes
Sole occupancy of single cabin up to +80% depending upon season
Entrance to Mljet National Park: up to 25 EUR per person (depending on the season)
Entrance to Blue Cave: up to 13 EUR per person (depending on the season)