It was our second Yacht Getaways journey, and it was merely as explicit as the first. Remaining summer season season, we found ourselves cruising by the Ioninan Islands of Greece in pure luxurious, and as soon as we stumbled on that Yacht Getaways had one different route by Croatia, we would have liked to go! We will share our experience of our seven days aboard the Dubrovnik Explorer as we sailed up the Dalmatia coast to find a number of of Croatia’s most gorgeous cities.
About Yacht Getaways
Yacht Getaways is a boutique cruising experience that is every luxurious and fairly priced. Sooner than taking our cruise ultimate 12 months, I believed that solely the rich and well-known would possibly sail the Mediterranean Sea. Nevertheless with cruises beginning at €1200, frequent {{couples}} like us can experience the luxurious of cruising the crystal clear waters on our private private catamaran.
We and 4 totally different {{couples}} hopped aboard our catamaran, the place we had been met by our Skipper Levi and Host Lauren, who sorted our every need as we cherished adventures from swimming on the Elaphiti Islands, e-biking by Mljet Nationwide Park and exploring the historic cities of Korcula, Hvar, and Stari Grad. On each day foundation was stuffed with journey and relaxation, starting with Lauren whipping up a delicious, hearty breakfast and getting ready a flavourful lunch as we set sail from island to island. Proper right here’s what you’ll rely on on a seven-day voyage from Dubrovnik to Reduce up.
Day 1: Departure from Dubrovnik – Setting Sail in Mannequin
Our journey began inside the stunning metropolis of Dubrovnik. We arrived a number of days early to take in city that doubled as Kings Landing in Sport of Thrones. Staying on the Dubrovnik Palace Resortwe had been away from the hustle and bustle nonetheless had a free door-to-door shuttle from our entrance door to the outdated metropolis. After completely having enjoyable with the entire Outdated Metropolis wanted to supply, we ordered an Uber to the Marina, the place we boarded our private catamaran.
This isn’t your typical crowded Mediterranean cruise—Yacht Getaways gives an intimate experience with solely a small group of pals onboard. Lucky for us, we had the right group of people to share the experience with. The worldwide customer file included {{couples}} from New Zealand, the US, Australia, and the UK. To not level out this couple from Canada. It was a multicultural experience!
We sailed away from Dubrovnik at 4 pm sharp, having enjoyable with the azure waters and delightful environment. After organising anchor, we hopped into the great and comfortable waters of the Elaphiti Islands whereas Lauren prepared our welcome dinner aboard. That’s solely a method of what’s to come back again: pristine waters, secluded coves, and a great deal of time to unwind. Inside the night time, we cherished our first dinner collectively. We relaxed onboard and watched the sunset over the Adriatic.
Mljet Nationwide Park
There’s nothing larger than waking as a lot as the sunshine sound of waves whereas anchored near the unspoiled Elaphiti Islands. These islands are acknowledged for his or her lush inexperienced environment and hidden seashores. Lauren had a latest pot of espresso on with an array of fruits, pastries, yogurt, and granola. Each morning was wonderful for a morning swim or snorkel to rise up and put together for the day ahead. We bobbed inside the calm waters as a scorching breakfast was prepared.
The great thing about Yacht Getaways is the flexibleness—there’s no rush. Some of us couldn’t wait to get inside the water, whereas others cherished basking inside the photo voltaic on deck with espresso in hand sooner than setting sail to our subsequent trip spot.
Subsequent up is Mljet, one in every of Croatia’s most gorgeous and tranquil nationwide parks. Acknowledged for its serene lakes and plush forests, Mljet is best explored by bike—and with e-bikes obtainable, even the steepest hills are a breeze. Cycle alongside quiet paths, by thick pine forests, and spherical saltwater lakes, stopping to take in the peaceful setting. We even took a ship to see the island’s Twelfth-century Benedictine Monastery, perched on a tiny island all through the lake.
It was a implausible day on land, and as quickly as we returned from our journey, we relaxed aboard with cocktails and wine as we prepared for dinner ashore. This was the correct night to sample Croatia’s well-known Beneath the Bell dish, the place we cherished freshly caught seafood slow-cooked all day over an open fireplace.
Korcula – A Journey Once more in Time
Crusing onward, one different highlight of our journey was the island of Korcula, sometimes known as “Little Dubrovnik” attributable to its medieval partitions and red-roofed buildings. It is a gorgeous walled metropolis that may be rumored to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. This little gem caught the eye of vacationers, and it buzzed with energy. Be certain that to information a desk once you arrive on the island, as consuming locations refill fast alongside the waterfront.
Meals Aboard Yacht getaways
All breakfasts and lunches are included in your Yacht Getaways cruise, along with two dinners. All through each meal, beer, wine, delicate drinks, and juices are included, and the entire water you’ll drink is aboard.
When packing, ensure that to include a refillable water bottle. We packed our private espresso mugs as successfully. If you would like totally different spirits, there are places to purchase bottles of alcohol all by means of the journey.
Hvar Metropolis – Croatia’s Glitziest Island
Hvar is known as Croatia’s social gathering island, nonetheless there’s rather a lot further to it than merely nightlife. We anchored outdoor its glamorous harbor and took a water taxi into metropolis. There’s rather a lot occurring with procuring, consuming, and comfy hours galore. You’ll stroll as a lot because the fort for sunset or make your resolution to Sunset Seaside.
At each stop, our host, Lauren, gave us information on what to do, what to see, and the place to eat. We didn’t should do an oz of planning. She instructed us the place the right snug hour was, the right place for sunset, and the right meals. It is a one-stop retailer when reserving this cruise.
Inside the night time, the choice is yours: profit from the colourful nightlife in Hvar’s trendy bars or retreat to the yacht for a quiet night time under the celebs. With Yacht Getaways, the tempo is as a lot as you.
Stari Grad – Discovering Croatia’s Oldest Metropolis
Our favourite stop on our cruise was Stari Grad, one in every of Europe’s oldest cities. Stari Grad dates once more to 384 BC. No matter its age, Stari Grad is way much less crowded than the alternative cities we visited. It supplied a peaceful retreat with its slim alleyways, quiet cafes, and charming native retailers.
We took a stroll by the UNESCO-listed outdated metropolis and bought misplaced in its alleyways. We had been shocked by the number of native art work galleries and quiet consuming locations the place we had the chance to sample Dalmatian delicacies. This stop is a perfect distinction to the fun of Hvar, offering a serene and cultural experience sooner than your final day at sea.
All through this stop, Yacht Getaways moreover gives a wine-tasting tour. It is your various if you happen to want to be a part of or you’ll merely take inside the metropolis. We moored correct in town and had been inside strolling distance of the entire consuming locations and excessive sights.
Day 7: Crusing into Reduce up – The Grand Finale
As you sail in direction of Reduce up, have the benefit of your final breakfast on deck, taking inside the ultimate breathtaking views of the Dalmatian Coast. The journey could also be coming to an end, nonetheless the reminiscences of the turquoise waters, historic cities, and unforgettable moments will ultimate prolonged after you disembark.
Reduce up is Croatia’s second-largest metropolis, acknowledged for the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace and its vibrant coastal vibe. We didn’t moor in Reduce up, nonetheless we really led to Trojir. Dave and I booked a lodge to experience this beautiful metropolis and very advocate a night proper right here sooner than heading on the Reduce up.
It’s the correct place to proceed your journey, whether or not or not you intend to find further of Croatia or head off to your subsequent trip spot.
What to Pack
- As we talked about above, it’s best to pack a refillable water bottle and a thermos-style espresso mug.
- A transportable USB vitality present to price your phone and electronics when not on shore vitality
- A transportable rechargeable fan as if you end up not on shore vitality, the air-con would not run. There are followers inside the cabins, nonetheless an extra makes for a extremely comfortable sleep.
- Within the occasion you get seasickness, ensure that to pack drugs
- Pack in delicate, collapsible baggage like duffel baggage for easy storage.
- Cabins are small, so to stay organized, we extraordinarily advocate packing your clothes in packing cubes.
- For telephones, we advise a water-proof phone holder or a GoPro so you’ll take snapshots when swimming.
- Water sneakers are a very good suggestion for going onto the seashore. The seashores of Croatia are rocky, so if you happen to want to go ashore whereas swimming, you’ll want a very good pair of water sneakers. Some of us on our journey wore keens and felt them to be too heavy to swim in. We use water sneakers by Physique Glove, and so they’re fantastic.
- A photo voltaic hat will help maintain your face from burning.
- A protracted-sleeved shirt and a snorkeling or surf shirt are good ideas to take care of from sunburn when swimming.
- Sunglasses, chapstick, and sunscreen are a ought to.
- No should pack a lot of clothes, it is a easy going ambiance. Aside from a number of sharp button-down shirts for males and sundresses for women, you’ll be in your bathing swimsuit for lots of the journey.
- Some shorts and sneakers for climbing and biking. The climbing isn’t overly strenuous, so trainers will do the trick.
- We moreover suggest packing a few bathing matches. You might be swimming masses so it is good to have a dry bathing swimsuit to change into.
The Yacht Getaways Distinction: Luxurious and Journey Blended
What items Yacht Getaways apart is the combination of journey and opulent. You’ll uncover Croatia’s most gorgeous islands, all whereas having enjoyable with the perks of a private yacht. Listed below are a few highlights that make this cruise so explicit:
- Private Host: Your onboard host prepares latest breakfasts and lunches on daily basis, using native elements to give you a method of Croatia’s delicious delicacies.
- Beer and Wine Included: Benefit from complimentary drinks all by means of the cruise, whether or not or not you’re pleasant on deck or having enjoyable with a meal.
- Private Skipper: An professional skipper sails the boat, so all it’s advisable to do is sit once more, settle down, and take inside the stunning views.
- Paddle Boards, Snorkeling Gear and Floaties – No should pack your masks and snorkeling gear, all of the items it’s advisable to have pleasant on the water is on board to utilize at your leisure.
On each day foundation on the cruise consists of swimming and snorkeling in a secluded spot and stopping at a trip spot. We docked correct downtown virtually every night, making going out on the town easy. Each half is taken care of, so all it’s advisable to do is cope with making your dream journey of a lifetime.
Should You Information a Yacht Getaways Cruise?
Within the occasion you’re looking out for the correct steadiness of relaxation, journey, and opulent, a Yacht Getaways cruise from Dubrovnik to Reduce up is the ultimate phrase Croatian experience. From secluded swims inside the Elaphiti Islands to biking by Mljet Nationwide Park and from the historic streets of Korcula to the nightlife of Hvar, every day gives one factor new and thrilling.
Correct now, Yacht Getaways is having an early rooster explicit for the 2025 season. Cruises begin at €1258. You’ll strive itineraries and prices proper right here.
