Island Hop Around the Adriatic

Croatia is once again open to American travelers! It’s time to hop aboard your private gulet, where your skipper will take you on several days of island hopping in the Adriatic before you spend a few days in Dubrovnik.

A traditional gulet on the Adriatic (photo courtesy of Adriatic Travel Collection)

We shared the very welcome news on our Instagram last week that Croatia is once again open to American travelers. To celebrate, we have a fabulous Adriatic itinerary to share to you that we have crafted together with our trusted friends at Adriatic Travel Collection. You may remember our interview with the spectacular Vanja last year, which is worth a read if you missed it. Just like Margaret and Ellison, Vanja has just been listed amongst the Condé Nast Top Travel Specialists in the world, so you can bet that any itinerary put together with Poe Travel AND Adriatic Travel Collection is bound to be a smash hit.

Put on your lifejackets and get your sunscreen. It’s time for some Adriatic island hopping.

Day 1
Split

Welcome to Croatia! Your journey starts in Split, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your private gulet, which is a traditional masted wooden sailing vessel that is all yours for your trip. After you’re settled in, we recommend exploring Split this evening and can make sure you’ve got reservations at a fabulous spot for dinner. 

Split, Croatia (photo courtesy of Grant Ritchie)

Day 2
Hvar

Travel in style toward Hvar today. Enjoy stunning views the Pakleni Islands, a breathtaking archipelago with lush vegetation, beautiful bays, and pristine nature. A chain of eleven islets lines the entrance to Hvar port, shimmering like precious jewels. Take in azure waves, sandy coves surrounded by pine forests, endless fields of lavender, and a gentle breeze scented by aromatic herbs. If you’d like, stop for a swim in one of the hidden bays along the way or stop to try local cuisine in one of the little restaurants scattered around these islands.

Continue to Hvar, considered to be the most beautiful and the sunniest of the islands of Dalmatia. Hvar, with its wealth of wildflowers and bountiful fields of scented lavender and rosemary, is a nature lover’s paradise. Hvar Town has survived through centuries of fascinating history and is today one of the best-loved spots on the Dalmatian Riviera, its elegant marina making it one of the most chic resorts on the whole Adriatic.

Day 3
Hvar

Hvar is an island everyone dreams about, but its southern shore is a real hidden gem. The beaches on Hvar’s south side are far less crowded, the best of them only reachable by boat…good thing you’ve got a gulet at your disposal, huh?

Take an intimate look at pristine coves and exquisitely-shaped natural rock formations that can only be experienced from the sea. Swim on secluded beaches framed by lush vineyards. Discover a private sea cave and explore. Thrill in the adventure of swimming under a 200-meter giant cliff or even jumping into the sea from one of its edges, if you dare! Wine aficionados will want to venture to a tasting at Zlatan Otok, one of the most famous Croatian wineries with a stunning location that overlooks the sea to the south and the impossibly steep Plavac Mali vineyards to the north.

Hvar, Croatia (photo courtesy of Cody Black)

This evening, we suggest a picnic dinner timed to coincide with a sunset you’ll never forget. Your private table will be set at one of the most fabulous vantage points in the city, in total isolation in an olive grove. For your meal, expect vegetables freshly picked from local sources, the freshest Adriatic seafood caught that same day, and Hvar’s award-winning wines available to taste at your leisure. 

Day 4
Korcula Island

Today, set out for Korcula Island. On the way, pass by the famous Elafiti Archipelago. Korcula, which is famous for its wine production and as the birthplace of legendary explorer Marco Polo, is poised on a peninsula surrounded by 13th-century honey-colored stone. Your skipper can recommend some lovely local dining for the evening, as well as other suggestions for activities on arrival. Alternatively, you can relax onboard.

Day 5
Korcula Island

Explore Korcula on a sea kayak. This half-day tour will take you on a four- to six-nautical-mile adventure through the pearls of Korcula’s archipelago. Paddle from Korcula to the many islets around, such as Lumbarda, Orebic, Badija, Vrnik, and Majsan. The stunning Saint Ilija Mountain will serve as an unforgettable backdrop for your journey. Not only does this tour get you active, but you will also take home knowledge about the island’s local history and ways, and the incredible views you’ll come across will be burned into your memory forever.

Sea kayaking around Korcula (photo credit: Adriatic Travel Collection)

Day 6
Mljet National Park

The island of Mljet is the oldest marine-protected area in the Med, and it has delighted visitors for over 50 years with the colors and scents of untouched nature. Its national park stretches almost 5,400 hectares, spanning about a third of the island. Two deep saltwater bays known as Malo Jezero (Small Lake) and Veliko Jezero (Large Lake) are the most famous locations in this area.

Upon arrival, you will be met by your expert local guide for a private biking adventure around the lakes, taking in mesmerizing views before you take a boat to the little island within the lakes, where you can refresh in the center of the national parks.

Day 7
Elafiti Islands Archipelago

This picturesque archipelago in the vicinity of Dubrovnik is comprised of thirteen islands, islets, and rocks. Abounding in lush subtropical vegetation like laurel, cypress, and pine trees, the islands were formerly the favorite summer residence of the Dubrovnik aristocracy. On your cruise of this area, you’ll be taken to the largest islands in the group, Kolocep, Sipan, and Lopud. Take it all in: the stunning views and the fragrance of thyme and rosemary, a sensory delight.

Elafiti Islands (photo courtesy of Visit Croatia)

Day 8
Dubrovnik

You’ll sail to Dubrovnik today, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, which we can arrange for you depending on your personal tastes. The great George Bernard Shaw wrote, “Those who seek paradise on Earth must come to Dubrovnik.” He was, as many others have been, overjoyed by the beauty and rich history of this old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today is the day you become one of the witnesses to this city’s rich history and charms. Take a sunset walking tour of the city with a local expert guide. From the Onofrio Fountain to the City Bell Tower, along its main street, Stradun, and in many quiet cobblestone streets, you will get an insider’s view of Dubrovnik. Its history dates back to the 11th century, and your guide will regale you with stories from this city’s long and rich history.

Day 9
Konavle, Hinterlands of Dubrovnik

Head southeast from Dubrovnik today for a full-day tour with your guide to the border region between Croatia and Montenegro. This region has a rich cultural tradition and is famed for its wine production. Visit an art gallery and meet the artist herself, dressed in the national costume of her region and offering you a traditional welcome of dried figs and locally-produced brandy. She will show you how silk was once produced in the villages of Konavle, and you’ll learn of its importance and value.

Konalve, Croatia (photo courtesy of Visit Cavtat)

Lunch will be served in one of the best-known green restaurants, Konavoski Dvori, which is settled on the river banks of the river Ljuta. The signature dish of this region is lamb and veal prepared in the fireplace “under the iron bell.” You will be welcomed and given the chance to taste local liqueurs while you wait as your lunch is prepared.

Head on to the village of Pridvorje, where you can taste their very unique Malvasia wine. Your hosts are world champions in its production and will be happy to share their story with you. Your final stop today will be for relaxation in Cavtat, which was originally a Greek settlement called Epidauros, later becoming a Roman colony. This evening, you’ll be returned to your hotel to relax in Dubrovnik. 

Day 10
Dubrovnik at Leisure

It can be nice to enjoy your last day in Croatia at leisure, exploring Dubrovnik’s many hidden nooks and crannies on your own. We recommend possibly visiting the island of Lokrum independently. If you would prefer a guide, of course that can be arranged, but it’s an easy journey with boats leaving the Old City Harbor ever half hour.

Lokrum sits just off the coastline near Dubrovnik and is an incredible destination if you enjoy walks or hiking. Visit the Botanical Gardens, made up of native and imported tropical and temperate plants. You will also want to take time to explore the rocky beaches and salt lakes. Relax on the beach, walk around the monastery, and climb up the old fortress. The views from the top of the fortress are wonderful, including an excellent panorama of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Watch the city walls and enjoy a cocktail at the end of the afternoon, reflecting on the last ten days, before returning to the mainland.

Shores of Dubrovnik (photo courtesy of Inera Isovic)

Day 11
Departure

Today, your private driver will transfer you to Dubrovnik’s airport for your onward flight home. You may be jetting off, but Croatia will stick with you for a long time.

---

If you would like to go away to Croatia (or anywhere else in the world), simply contact us, and we will set you on your way.