Jewels of the Adriatic from Split

Welcome to Croatia! Included arrival transfer from Split Airport to the harbour for check-in (after 2PM). When you've settled into your cabin, enjoy a guided tour of Split, Croatia's historic second-largest city and home to sights such as the 4th-century Palace of Diocletian. Afterwards, we return to the ship for a welcome cocktail reception.

Split - Hvar. In the morning, we cruise to the island of Brač, where you can enjoy a swim at Zlatni Rat, famous for its 'shape-shifting' beach. Nearby is the fishing village of Bol, now a scenic tourist hotspot. After lunch on board, we continue to Hvar, an island blessed with sunny skies and lavender fields. Enjoy a presentation of local lavender products, followed by a walking tour of the historic town, where we'll hike up to the medieval fortress overlooking the Pakleni Islands. Spend the evening at leisure in one of Hvar's many beach bars or restaurants.

Hvar - Bisevo - Vis. Early this morning (weather permitting), we cruise to Biševo, a small island home to visit the spectacular Blue Cave. We then continue to the island of Vis. A Yugoslav Naval Base until the late 1980s, Vis is a charming slice of the old Mediterranean. Indulge in a tasting at a traditional winery before spending the rest of the day at your own leisure. Opt to visit the Roman ruins of ancient Issa, Croatia's first urban centre, or simply stroll along the waterfront promenade.

Vis - Korcula. Leaving Vis early in the morning, we continue to Korčula, stopping for lunch in a secluded bay along the way. This walled town was the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo, and we'll follow in his footsteps with a guided tour of its 'fishbone'-patterned streets. There are plenty of dining choices - Korčula is packed with bars, clubs, and restaurants offering views of the town's incredible sunsets, or perhaps join an optional excursion to a local village for a traditional Dalmatian dinner (fee paid on arrival – approx. EUR 45-60pp).

Korcula - Mljet. Today we cruise south to the island of Mljet. Local legend declares that the Greek hero Odysseus spent seven years here with the nymph Calypso - try not to do the same as you explore the vast forests of the National Park at leisure. Maybe join a tour of the beautiful salt lakes and tiny St Mary's Island, home to a 12th-century Benedictine Monastery. After dinner on board, we spend the night at a local port.

Mljet - Slano - Ston. Returning to the Croatian mainland, and continue to the fishing village of Slano, and then onwards to Ston, where the towering medieval walls - over 5km long, guard its famed saltworks and oyster farms. We'll tour one such farm, and of course enjoy an oyster tasting. Tonight we'll have a Captain's dinner on board the ship, accompanied by live entertainment and music.

Ston - Dubrovnik. The final leg of our Dalmatian cruise takes us to Dubrovnik, an Adriatic port with a rich and varied history. Now a UNESCO-Listed Site, Dubrovnik was once the capital of the Republic of Ragusa, a powerful maritime city-state. Approaching Gruž Harbour, we'll enjoy lunch on deck as we cruise around the old city walls. After docking, we transfer to town for a guided walking tour, taking in the Renaissance architecture, and travel by cable car up the Srđ Mountain for spectacular views of the city and Elaphiti Islands. Spend the evening at leisure.

Dubrovnik. Our luxury Adriatic holiday comes to an end after breakfast. Disembark and transfer to Dubrovnik Airport is included.