Split, Hvar and the Delights of Dalmatia yacht cruise

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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, 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’.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.