Split, Hvar and the Delights of Dalmatia Yacht Cruise - MS Mendula - 8 Days - Yacht Cruises

8 Days - Yacht Cruises

Experience the romance and glamour of a unique holiday at sea aboard our twin-masted luxury yacht, the MS Mendula. Feel like a VIP as you anchor up in the most picturesque little ports along the dazzling Dalmatian coast and step ashore with ease to soak up the charms and ambience of medieval towns unchanged in centuries and fascinating historic cities along the way. Lie back in the sun on deck, switch off and take in the glorious coastal vistas as you cruise through the Adriatic’s glistening waters, enjoying your most memorable holiday ever.

Highlights

Happy by day two or we'll bring you home with a full refund
Guided tour of Split and Emperor Diocletian’s monumental palace
Guided tour of Korčula, a perfectly preserved medieval port
E-bike tour of Hvar around its delightful old town
Guided tour of picturesque Jelsa nestling in a pretty bay
Visit the delightful medieval harbour town of Postira
Explore Brac's Mediterranean landscape and enjoy a visit to the Olive Oil Museum
Explore Trogir with its maze of winding medieval streets
Visit Bol and its enchanting old town
Swim stops in unspoilt, idyllic locations

Inclusions

The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin cabin. Cabins for sole occupancy are subject to availability at the stated supplement. The price includes:
Return flights from a choice of regional airports*
7 nights on the four-star MS Mendula in your choice of cabin
Daily breakfast, 5 lunches, 1 dinner plus the Captain’s Dinner
Services of our experienced tour manager
Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
All port charges, airport taxes and overseas transfers
ABTA and ATOL protection
*a supplement may apply
Please note that in the event of unsatisfactory weather conditions the MS Mendula reserves the right to alter or reschedule the itinerary.
Please note due to the size of The MS Mendula there is no lift between decks; therefore a reasonable degree of mobility is required to negotiate the stairs and overall design.

1

You’ll arrive at the airport to fly to Split. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Makarska Port to board your ship, the magnificent four-star, twin-masted MS Mendula. As you step on board, you’ll be welcomed by the crew who’ll be on hand to help you settle in and familiarise yourself with the vessel. You’ll have the rest of the day to unpack and unwind – perhaps taking a stroll ashore before it’s time to enjoy dinner in the ship’s restaurant. Tonight, chat with your fellow guests over a digestif from the bar as the sun goes down.

2

Dawn breaks as our voyage begins and what an adventure we have in store! The Dalmatian coast is reputedly one of the most stunning in the world with shingle beaches, secret coves and idyllic bays. After breakfast take to the deck for a spot of reading as our captain skilfully navigates our vessel through the waters. You’ll soon realise why this is one of the most relaxing ways to holiday as you sit back to watch the coastal views drifting by. We arrive in Bol, with a cluster of little fishing boats jostling in its harbour, fringed by stone cottages. A short visit will enable you to explore the winding lanes unchanged by time, stopping to admire the blooms cascading from balconies and windowsills. Return to the ship for lunch whilst you savour the views of this archipelago. Later we arrive in Jelsa, nestled on the edge of a pretty bay on the island of Hvar, situated between the island’s highest peaks, St Nikola and Hum, and we moor in its harbour fringed with palms and pavements cafés. With its freshwater springs the island is lush and green, its hillsides draped in thick forest and its foothills perfumed with lavender and fruit orchards. Inhabited since Neolithic times, the Greeks then founded a colony here, becoming a major naval base during the 14th-century as the Venetian Empire extended its reach. We enjoy a guided tour, stopping to admire the historic stonework of the typical Dalmatian houses, and the church encircled by a web of terracotta roofs and cobbled alleys. We remain moored here overnight so this evening hop ashore to dine in one of the restaurants serving local Mediterranean inspired menus: grilled fresh fish, pasta with seafood or hearty meat dishes - look out for dishes cooked peka, very slowly under a bell.

3

A leisurely breakfast awaits in the ship’s restaurant and as you sit back savouring that second cup, soak up the dazzling seascapes in this archipelago as our vessel cuts effortlessly through the waves. There’ll be opportunity to swim in the waters too - nothing beats the experience of swimming off the platform at the back of the ship as if it were your own! Having worked up an appetite, lunch is served and it’s not long before we arrive in the historic walled town of Korčula and moor on the little quayside. Known as Black Korčula by the Greeks due to its thickly forested interior, the island was ruled by the Venetians for 800 years and was famed for supplying timber to build Venice’s legendary wooden walls. It also provided a major shelter for the Venetian fleet and its Italianate atmosphere is evident as you explore its characterful lattice of winding streets and cool, shaded alleys. There’s a view to capture around every corner in its exquisite old town - no wonder it’s affectionately termed ‘Little Dubrovnik’. After our guided walking tour, there’s time to explore this spot under your own steam and as evening falls take dinner at leisure in one of the island’s restaurants before heading back on board and finishing the evening with a glass of local rakija in the convivial bar.

4

A chorus of circling gulls overhead signals daybreak as the sun rises over the fine Venetian facades fringing the quayside as we head north to Vis, the most remote of Croatia’s inhabited islands. Take to the deck to enjoy the warm breeze and watch our impressive vessel slice through the waves before we drop anchor to swim at Scedro Island and have lunch before arriving in Vis. An Allied Forces base during World War II, the island was also used as a Yugoslavian naval base and closed to visitors until 1989. Step ashore into its harbour with a quaint jumble of stone houses nestling at the water’s edge and a spectacular wild mountain backdrop behind. There’ll be time to wander at your own pace, soaking up the ambience of this idyllic spot and as evening falls, wander back through the little streets in Vis’s old town and enjoy dinner at leisure. Why not sample a hearty bowl of gregada, fish and potato stew, with some crusty bread a glass of local white wine – life doesn’t get much better!

5

Enjoy another morning’s sailing through this breath-taking archipelago before arriving on the northern side of Hvar Island with its swathes of pebble beach and coastline studded with bays and coves. Fed by freshwater springs, the island is lush and green with hillsides draped in a blanket of pine and eucalyptus forest. Once moored, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Hvar town and then you’ll be able to take an e-bike tour around its historic centre – where the streets don’t even have names! See St Stephen’s Square, the largest in Dalmatia, with a 16th century fountain and lined by honey-coloured stone buildings and bustling cafés or visit St Stephen’s Cathedral, rebuilt in 1560, to admire the treasures within, the sculptured stonework and 13th century paintings. Or stroll the harbour area to visit the renaissance monastery. Head inside to find renaissance artworks including an exceptional depiction of The Last Supper. Or perhaps the more energetic will venture to the Spanjola Fortress perched high on a hill overlooking the town. Dating from the early 16th century, this preserved building with its mighty walls, towers, and tunnels to explore, also houses a collection of historic artefacts including ancient amphorae dating from the Bronze Age. After lunch back on board, the ship will drop anchor for another swim stop before arriving in the historic city of Trogir. Tucked behind a waterfront and imposing 15th-century walls you’ll find a web of little streets and cobbled alleys to explore, and at its heart the cathedral, a mix of architectural styles dating from the 12th century. Step inside to admire its ornately sculptured ceiling in the chapel and a Romanesque portal. You are free to enjoy dinner independently ashore here this evening.

6

Take to the deck to take in the panoramic views or just lie back in the sun. Enjoy a swim stop around Fumija followed by lunch on board as we sail on to Split. You’ll get the best views up on deck as we make our approach towards this historic capital and Croatia’s second city. Whilst you may have been here before, there’s always something new to discover, and we disembark for a guided tour discovering more about this city’s eventful past through the insightful eyes of our local guide. At its core lie s the ancient ruins of the Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, recently used as the setting for Game of Thrones, but undoubtedly one of the most exceptional Roman legacies on earth. Constructed from the finest materials, Italian marble, local limestone and even sphinxes from Egypt, the entire complex surrounded by gigantic stone walls, occupied over 30,000 square metres. During medieval times, other buildings were grafted on to this immense structure and as you wander under the huge, vaulted ceilings and amongst the quirky jumble of houses, churches, and chapels, where medieval stonework juxtaposes Roman columns, you’ll be transported back in time on a fascinating historical journey. Dinner is at your leisure tonight so why not choose to return to the old town to savour some local fare before returning to our ship for a nightcap on the deck, against the backdrop of this city’s legendary skyline.

7

Our final day’s sailing arrives but there’s still so much to enjoy as this morning. With sunshine glinting on the azure water, we slip our moorings once again, sailing towards the island of Brač, the third largest in the Adriatic. We arrive in the fishing port of Postira to spend the afternoon exploring more of this island. The landscape here is typically Mediterranean - pine-scented uplands with vineyards and citrus groves tumble down to deserted beaches. Take in a panorama from Vidova Gora, the islands highest peak before we enjoy a visit to the Olive Oil Museum Škrip, to sample the excellent produce. The olive oil here is renowned with olive cultivation dating back to the Venetian years. Back on board, relax with an aperitif in the bar before we enjoy the Captain’s Dinner, with a delicious locally inspired menu.

8

Today you’ll disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Cruise Overview

A very special cruise awaits in 2022 as we are thrilled to be able to bring you our latest addition to the Riviera fleet, the magnificent MS Mendula. This spectacular twin-masted yacht, at a stately 36 metres, can easily access the wonderfully picturesque little ports along the Dalmatian coast so when you drop anchor and hop ashore, immediately you’ll be fully immersed in every destination we visit with no time wasted. Launched in 2012, this exquisite vessel offers a thrilling and authentic experience on a classic sailing ship yet with all the comfort and glamour of a modern-day private yacht. With just 15 cabins available for 30 guests, the atmosphere on board is convivial and relaxed with a touch of exclusivity – and you’re assured a first-class service throughout. Instantly recognisable and causing quite a stir on the quayside, as you are welcomed aboard by our dedicated crew, you’ll be made to feel completely at home in your elegant surroundings. Delight in the ample and stylish sun deck where you can sit and unwind over a long cold drink and catch up on some reading or chat with your fellow sailors and take in the panoramic vistas as you glide through the glistening water. When it’s time to cool off, take a dip off the ship’s platform straight into the Adriatic’s crystal waters then back on board to dry off in the sun – once you’ve discovered this way to holiday, you won’t look back! Enjoy delicious, locally inspired menus in the informal ambience of the ship’s restaurant whilst savouring the views and nothing beats your favourite cocktail or an after-dinner coffee on the smart terrace area with plenty of chairs and tables as the sun sets. Your comfort is assured in fully air-conditioned cabins, with stylish furniture and contemporary lighting. Wooden flooring and a gleaming superbly appointed bathroom provide a touch of glamour and a home from home experience without compromise. All cabins feature either a double bed or twin beds and are equipped with dressing table and chair, wardrobe, hairdryer and bathroom with shower, plus free Wi-Fi on board. Lower and main deck cabins feature two fixed porthole windows, whilst cabins on the upper decks have one fixed porthole and one opening window.

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