Croatian Islands Cruise - Mendula

Itinerary

Day 1

Upon arrival, transfer by coach to the quayside in picturesque Zaton’s small harbour for an afternoon embarkation aboard Mendula (transfer time is approximately 40 minutes). Enjoy dinner and your first night on board, getting to know your fellow passengers and the welcoming crew. Passengers arriving early will be taken to the picturesque resort of Cavtat to enjoy free time prior to embarkation in Zaton.

Day 2

After breakfast, visit beautiful Dubrovnik, ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, with its red-roofed buildings and encircling fortifications. A guided tour introduces one of the Mediterranean’s greatest treasures, including the medieval Old Town, its pedestrianised central street Stradun running from the Pile Gate to busy Luza Square, overlooked by the impressive Sponza Palace and graceful Baroque St Blaise’s Church. Other highlights will include the Franciscan Monastery, housing Europe’s oldest pharmacy, and the Rector’s Palace (entrances payable locally). After the tour, you’ll set sail out into the brilliant blue waters of the Adriatic, passing the tantalising Elaphiti, or ‘Deer Islands’, which lie offshore, and which, weather and time-permitting, provide an idyllic backdrop for a first dip. Each day, the captain will ensure that there’s time to enjoy the warm sunshine for which the region is famous and the opportunity for a swim or snorkel. Later today, you’ll arrive at the island of Mljet, legendary hiding place of Odysseus and Calypso. Your ship will tie up at the tiny port of Pomena, and there’s the chance to enjoy dinner in this unspoiled haven.

Day 3

Following breakfast on board, you’ll step ashore to explore the wooded Mljet National Park, home to two salt lakes and a 12th-century Benedictine monastery on an island. After a wonderful morning spent exploring, board Mendula for a leisurely cruise up the Dalmatian Coast to Korčula. Lunch will be served on board as you float through the brilliant blue waters of the Adriatic, past pine-clad islets to verdant Korčula, settled for at least 6,000 years and birthplace, legend has it, of the explorer Marco Polo. Whether true or not, the island is worthy of any voyage of discovery. Upon arrival, join the included tour of the main town, a medieval jewel of narrow streets – built at interlocking angles to avoid the cool winter winds off the sea – and fortifications. This evening, seek out a restaurant or taverna for dinner.

Day 4

Enjoy a leisurely morning on board, including a fresh breakfast, before Mendula departs for laidback Vis. Of all Croatia’s inhabited islands, Vis is furthest from the mainland, and was closed off entirely to foreign visitors until just over 30 years ago, leaving it well preserved and undeveloped. Mendula will tie up off the coast, giving you the chance to take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water before dinner is at leisure tonight.

Day 5

A free morning gives you the chance to step ashore and explore Vis before you depart to Hvar, the most celebrated of Croatia’s offshore archipelago. A verdant paradise of lush vegetation, floral beauty, vineyards, lavender fields and hidden coves, topped by a rocky ridge, Hvar is as idyllic a spot as any in the Mediterranean. After lunch on board, enjoy the included guided tour of Hvar Town, where the Venetian arsenal, tiny harbour and Cathedral are amongst the highlights, and this evening soak up the atmosphere of what is one of Croatia’s trendiest enclaves.

Day 6

Depart verdant Hvar this morning, stopping at picturesque Starigrad or Bol to step ashore and enjoy lunch at leisure. This afternoon, return to Mendula as she sails past steep coastal cliffs and to lively Pučišća on Brač, Croatia’s third largest island, with its stunning beaches and especially clear waters. You’ll tie up here for the evening, where you’ll have the chance to step ashore and explore before a Captain’s Dinner is served on board, under the stars, later on.

Day 7

A morning’s sailing – with a stop for a swim and lunch on board – brings you to the historic Dalmatian capital city of Split – with its wondrous UNESCO-listed Old Town and palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian. Officially Croatia’s second city, Split bustles with life, especially on the waterfront promenade, the Riva, and in its colourful marketplaces, which are explored on the included tour. Mendula will tie up in Split for the final night of your cruise.

Day 8

Bid Mendula farewell and transfer to the airport and the return flight, at the end of a wonderful holiday. Passengers on late afternoon flights will have the opportunity to enjoy free time Split before they depart. Back to top

Further Information

Reversed itinerary

Please note, on some departures the itinerary will be reversed, starting in Split and ending in Dubrovnik. The actual content and places visited remains unchanged. This affects departures from the UK on 16 & 30 July, 13 & 27 August and 10 & 24 September 2022.

Transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to the quayside to board MS Mendula is approximately 45 minutes.

Combining transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your ship. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your ship. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Single cabins

Please note that the single cabin on the Mendula (which is located on the Main Deck) is roughly three metres by two metres, and is much smaller in size than the twin cabins. As you would expect with a cabin of this size, space is very restricted.

Changes to your itinerary

At the captain's discretion, it may be necessary to alter the order of the itinerary on your holiday.

Cabin facilities

Each cabin is provided with beach towels and complimentary toiletries.

Items not included on board

Drinks from the ship's bar and gratuities are not included in the price of your holiday.

Payments on board

Please note that debit and credit cards cannot be used to make payments on board. Any incidentals and bar bills should be settled in Euro or Croatian Kuna.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Airport development fees

An Airport Development Fee has been introduced at a few UK Airports. You will be required to pay this charge at the following airports prior to checking in for your flight: Blackpool, Durham Tees Valley, Newquay and Norwich. The amount varies from airport to airport, but it is generally between £5 and £10 per person. Please visit the airport's website for further information.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas. Back to top