A lot of people crow over Croatia.
We think you might join them.
Home to over a thousand islands, the Croatian Adriatic offers some of the best cruising in the Mediterranean, and we've enlisted expert help to navigate.
Explore are the market leaders, renowned for their ability to push beyond the traditional tourist boundaries and get to the lifeblood of a country.
On this trip, they'll prove it. Visit the most beautiful and dramatic islands on the Croatian Adriatic for a week-long experience on a traditional wooden sailing boat.
The vessel is family operated and the cabins are small but cosy. There are 10 twin cabins (bunk beds) on the main and upper decks, with a washbasin in each. Cabin space is limited, so please pack accordingly.
Breakfasts and lunches are generally taken on board the boat, leaving you free to sample the cuisine in local restaurants in the evenings.
Croatian Islands Cruise Tour
Travel to the scenic islands of Vis, Korcula, Hvar and Brac on board the traditional Oldtimer wooden boat. Unwind with a swim in crystal clear seas off the coast of picturesque islands with a mix of sandy beaches and rocky coves. You'll also visit ancient villages, explore pine-forested trails and enjoy delicious local cuisine and wines along the way. There'll be the chance to get active with cycling, windsurfing and sea kayaking excursions included in the price.
Tour Highlights
Oldtimer Motor Cruiser - 7 nights on board
Windsurfing - Learn this fun activity off the coast of Korcula Island
Kayaking - Sea kayak in the Adriatic Sea along the coastline of Vis Island
Relaxation - Unwind on sandy beaches in unspoilt bays and swim in clear waters
Cycling - Explore Hvar Island on two wheels
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Trogir and step aboard the Oldtimer, which is docked on the old town waterfront. Tonight, meet the crew, settle into your cabin and have a light supper.
Day 2: After breakfast, cruise towards Jelsa on Hvar Island. The old town has been in existence since the 13th century and is a treasure trove of cultural and historical monuments. In the afternoon take a cycling excursion along the coast with the chance to stop along the way for refreshments and swimming.
Day 3: Discover Hvar, a small island town with 7,000 years of history. It's a place filled with sophisticated shops, cafes and restaurants too. Your Explore Leader will guide you through the narrow streets to visit the citadel. Later, cruise to the town of Vis, on the island of the same name. The boat may move around the headland to a quiet bay where a tunnel was constructed by the Yugoslavs to hide their ships from the German air raids during World War II. A section of the tunnel has been converted into a family run wine cellar where you have the option to stop and sample the local wine.
Day 4: Start with a sea kayaking excursion (included) which takes you to a number of beaches, close to Manjarema Fort and the beautiful Barjoska Bay. Later, cruise to Korcula, believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, as well as being famed for its high quality white wine. They'll be plenty of time to stop for a swim or to snorkel before mooring overnight in a secluded bay near to Vela Luka.
Day 5: Continue east, following Korcula's coastline with stops for swimming and snorkelling along the way to your destination, Lumbarda. There's an opportunity this evening to enjoy a dinner and wine tasting.
Day 6: Today, cruise to Korcula Town for one of the highlights of the trip. Take a self-guided walking tour of this wonderfully compact walled town whose history, like most of Croatia, spans the centuries. Then rejoin the boat and sail a short distance to Kuciste on the Peljesac Peninsula. It's a favourite spot for sailors and windsurfers, considered to be amongst the best in the entire Croatian Adriatic. The beaches here are a mix of sandy and pebbled.
Day 7: Head to Pucisca on Brac Island and take the local bus to Bol, famous for its sandy beach, Zlatni Rat, also known as the 'Golden Horn'. After free time here to relax, there's an opportunity to visit Vidova Gora peak, which affords great views over the island and coastline below. Pucisca has retained many of its original Mediterranean characteristics. Tonight, as it will be our last evening on board, enjoy a Captain's dinner.
Day 8: Sail along the coast to Trogir, where your trip ends.
Prices
For departures between late June and mid-September, prices start from £1,189 per person.
For further details or to make a booking, contact info@abbottstravel.com, book an appointment online, call 0208 989 9445 or visit the shop at 134 George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1BA.