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. With just 30 guests on board, 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. Explore the islands of Brač with its stunning Golden Horn beach, green Hvar, remote Vis and medieval Korčula. Tour Split and its Diocletian Palace and the old town of Trogir. Enjoy a wine tasting or e-bike tour in Jelsa (2024 only), and a visit with tasting of an olive oil museum. Sailing between the Dalmatian coast and its islands, there will be ample opportunities to swim off the ship in sheltered bays. Your ship is moored overnight in picturesque ports, allowing for evening strolls and dining at leisure in one of the charming local restaurants ashore, before returning for a nightcap on your ships terrace.

Highlights

Guided tours of Split and Emperor Diocletian’s monumental palace, medieval Korčula and picturesque Jelsa nestling in a pretty bay.
Optional e-bike tour of Jelsa (2024 only) or wine tasting.
Visit the delightful medieval harbour town of Postira, the enchanting old town of Bol and nearby Golden Horn beach, and explore Trogir with its maze of winding medieval streets.
Tour Brač's Mediterranean landscape and enjoy a visit to the Olive Oil Museum.
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 to Split from a choice of regional airports
All transfers
Daily breakfast, 5 lunches, 1 dinner plus the Captain’s Dinner
Tours and visits as per the itinerary
All port taxes
English-speaking expert guides
Services of our experienced tour manager
Please note: in the event of unsatisfactory weather conditions the captain reserves the right to alter or reschedule the itinerary.
Please note: due to the size of the ship there is no lift between decks; therefore a reasonable degree of mobility is required to negotiate the stairs and overall design.

1

Arrival in Split & Makarska Begin your journey to Split. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Makarska harbour to board your superb ship, the magnificent four-star, twin-masted MS Mendula. As you step on board, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the crew who’ll be on hand to help you settle in and familiarise yourself with this exceptional 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 elegant restaurant. Tonight, chat with your fellow guests over a digestif from the bar as the sun goes down over this historic city.

2

Bol Today we’ll sail to Bol. As we leave Split’s legendary skyline far behind our voyage begins and what an adventure we have in store! The Dalmatian coast is reputedly one of the most stunning in the world and certainly one of the most dramatic; towering walls of limestone cliff slice the sapphire depths below, interspersed with ribbons of shingle beach, pretty, secret coves and idyllic bays. You’ll soon realise why this is one of the most relaxing ways to holiday as you sit back to watch the stunning coastal views drifting by. As we arrive in Bol – a town on the Croatian island of Brač, the third largest island in the Adriatic – you’ll be welcomed by the view of a cluster of little fishing boats jostling in its picturesque harbour, fringed by characterful stone cottages. You’ll step ashore to explore the tangle of winding lanes that are unchanged by time, stopping to admire the cheerful blooms cascading from wrought-iron balconies and shuttered windowsills. There’s time for a refreshing dip too so after you’ve worked up an appetite, lunch is served on board whilst you savour the views of this spectacular archipelago, before time for a refreshing swim off the ship. Vis Our next stop is the nearby island of 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 gorgeous harbour with a quaint jumble of stone houses nestling at the calm water’s edge and a spectacular wild mountain backdrop behind. There’ll be time to wander at your own pace, soaking up the authentic ambience of this idyllic spot. Included experiences: Visits to Bol & Vis with swim stop.

3

Hvar Enjoy a leisurely breakfast whilst we sail to Hvar Island with its stunning swathes of pebble beach and coastline studded with pretty bays and coves. Fed by freshwater springs, the island is lush and green with hillsides draped in an aromatic blanket of pine and eucalyptus forest and the foothills a spectacular mosaic of ancient olive groves and lavender fields. Enjoy a walking tour around Hvar town's historic little centre – where the streets don’t even have names! See the majestic St Stephen’s Square, the largest in Dalmatia, with a 16th century fountain and lined by fine honey-coloured stone buildings and bustling cafés. Back on board soak in the spectacular views sailing through this breath-taking archipelago. After lunch back on board there’ll be another opportunity to swim in these clearest of waters. Korčula It’s not long before we arrive in the historic walled town of Korčula and moor on the picturesque 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’. The legendary explorer Marco Polo was born here, and his house can still be visited, as can the All-Saints Museum, with its unique collection of religious icons and exhibits. After our guided walking tour, there’s time to explore this delightful spot under your own steam and as evening falls take dinner at leisure in one of the island’s charming restaurants before heading back on board and finishing the evening with a glass of local rakija in the convivial bar. Included experiences: Guided walking tours of Hvar & Korčula, plus swim stop.

4

Sailing with swim stop Take to the deck once more to watch the stunning coastal views slipping by. We’ll stop once more for an invigorating swim before in one of the many sheltered bays in this breath-taking archipelago, before sailing along the northern shores of the island of Hvar to our next port of call. Jelsa After lunch on board, we’ll 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. We’ll moor in its smart harbour fringed with palms and bustling pavements cafés. With its freshwater springs, the island is lush and green, its verdant hillsides draped in thick forest and its foothills perfumed with lavender and delicately scented 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’ll enjoy a guided tour, stopping to admire the historic stonework of the typical Dalmatian houses, and the fine church encircled by a web of terracotta roofs and cool cobbled alleys. Afterwards, you may opt for a non-guided e-bike exploration or alternatively join a wine tasting. We remain moored here overnight so this evening hop ashore to dine in one of the characterful restaurants serving local Mediterranean inspired menus: simply grilled fresh fish, pasta with seafood or hearty meat dishes - look out for dishes cooked peka, very slowly under a ‘bell’. Included experiences: Guided tour of Jelsa, e-bike* tour or wine tasting. *Please note: the e-bike tour is for 2024 departures only.

5

Milna Rise refreshed and as you sit back savouring that second cup, soak up the dazzling seascapes in this spectacular archipelago as our superb vessel cuts effortlessly through the waves. We arrive at Milna on the island of Brač for some free time to enjoy lunch. Another swim stop is planned this afternoon before arriving at Trogir. Trogir A historic coastal gem with its imposing city walls, a wealth of ancient sights and classic waterfront neatly fringed with glossy palms, it was founded by the Greeks. There followed a succession of rulers who all left their mark here amongst the stately Romanesque and Renaissance buildings. At the heart of the old town, you’ll find the majestic cathedral, one of the most impressive in the Adriatic. Trogir’s lanes are tucked behind an attractive waterfront and imposing 15th-century walls and is a delightful place for an explore independently. This evening, we’ll enjoy the Captain’s Dinner with a delicious locally inspired menu. Included experiences: Visits to Milna & Trogir & swim stop.

6

Sailing with swim stop We enjoy a leisurely start this morning and after breakfast we continue our journey south. Make sure you make the most of this final morning on board, soaking up the sun on deck or enjoying a drink with newly made friends in the bar. We stop at the island of Ciovo for our final swim stop, before lunch on board en route to Split. Split On arrival, join your knowledgeable guide for a walking tour of the sights including the huge Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, one of the greatest structures of the Roman Empire and recently used as the setting of the TV spectacular Game of Thrones. No expense was spared in its construction – the best Italian marble, with columns and sphinxes from Egypt. But what makes this palace so astonishing is that during medieval times it was fully integrated into the town’s fabric with a jumble of buildings grafted onto and inside it. This means for example, the Temple of Jupiter became a baptistry. It’s all the more fascinating that today 3,000 people still live here. You will find surprises at every turn: there are tall medieval buildings lining the streets, buttressed by unmistakably Roman columns. Later perhaps choose the old town for dinner before returning for a nightcap on deck, against the backdrop of Split’s beautiful skyline. Included experiences: Swim stop & walking tour of Split and Emperor Diocletian's Palace.

7

Postira 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 back 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. Makarska After a late lunch back on board, we'll sail back to Makarska from where you can marvel at the rocky splendour of Mount Biokovo, nearly 1,828 metres above sea level, which shelters the coast from less temperate climates further inland. During the 10th century this region was bedevilled by fearsome pirates preying on passing ships. A slightly raffish atmosphere still prevails but piracy has long since been replaced by more peaceful activities such as fishing, and the production of olive oil and wine. St Mark’s Baroque church and some palatial 18th-century Venetian style houses stand guard over Makarska’s main square. We moor overnight for our final evening on board, enjoy dinner at leisure. Included experiences: Visits to Postira & the Olive Oil Museum.

8

Return home It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home.

Cruise Overview

A very special cruise awaits in 2024 as we are thrilled to be able to bring you our recent 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. 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! Dine in the air-conditioned restaurant where the attentive crew serves daily breakfast with hot and cold options and either lunch or dinner featuring local dishes, from salads to hot Mediterranean specialities, meats and fish. At the ‘Captain’s Dinner’ celebrate food from throughout the Adriatic. Moored in delightful ports overnight, on the remainder of the evenings you are free to dine where you wish. Cabins are comfortably furnished and feature individually controlled air-conditioning, safe, wardrobe, dressing table, hairdryer, and bathroom with shower and toiletries. Free Wi-Fi is available on board.