South Dalmatia and Montenegro
Experience the clear bays of South Dalmatia & Montenegro!
Route Description: Dubrovnik - Slano - Korcula - Island Mljet - Cavtat - Kotor's bay (Montenegro) - Molunat - Dubrovnik
Departures for 2010:
- Kruna Mora: 16.05., 23.05., 30.05., 06.06., 20.06., 04.07., 11.07., 18.07., 25.07., 01.08., 15.08., 29.08., 05.09., 19.09., 26.09.
Itinerary
Day 1, Sunday
Boarding in Dubrovnik (port Gruz) 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. From here we shall set sail to Zaton Veliki or Slano, quaint fishing villages north of Dubrovnik situated in an isolated inlet. Before docking at Zaton Veliki or Slano, we drop anchor in a cove on the Elafitis for our first swim. Air flown guests arriving later, transfer to Zaton Veliki or Slano and they are expected to come aboard in the evening.
Day 2, Monday
We sail along the mountainous peninsula of Peljesac (the highest peak being Sveti Ilija 961m/3153 FT) and after a break for a swim, continue towards the island of Korcula. Korcula has one of the most beautiful historical spots on Dalmatia, often called “Little Dubrovnik” because of its fortresses. During ancient times the island was known as “Black Island” owing to the thick pine forests that practically cover the entire island. We have plenty of time to spend in the old city of Korcula. Next we set sail for Pomena on the isle of Mljet.
Day 3, Tuesday
One part of the island Mljet has been declared a National Park - two saltwater lakes (on the larger lakes is a small island with a structure that was formerly a monastery) that are only connected to the sea by a single narrow canal. After breakfast you are free to visit the Park (admission fee, which includes a boat ride to the monastery, is approximately € 13 and is paid on the spot). Later we set for Cavtat, a pleasant little town, 20 km / 12.4 m south from Dubrovnik.
Day 4, Wednesday
After breakfast and customs, we shall raise anchor early in the morning and leave Croatian waters in the direction of Montenegro. We shall enter Kotor Bay, which is surrounded by tall mountains and has the remarkable depth of 25 km / 15.3 m. Following passport control in Zelenika we continue entering the bay Kotors and reach the islet of Gospa od Skrpjela. This island originated from the cliffs of a sunken reef which was later artificially expanded.
Day 5, Thursday
We continue our cruise through the bay of Kotor. Kotor is celebrated for its impressive 5 km/3 m walls (sometimes as high as 20 m/66 FT!) surrounding the triangle shaped city center and mountain Sveti Ivan (260m/853 FT). A tour leader will guide us during a comprehensive full day bus tour and show us the marvels of the ‘country of black mountains’. We drive on narrow serpentines to Lovcen from where we will have a breathtaking view over the entire Kotor bay. We make a stop for brunch in the village Njegusi, known for its excellent prociutto which when accompanied with goat cheese, fresh homemade bread and the famous Vranac red wine makes a delicious regional meal. We continue the trip toward Cetinje, former capital of Monte Negro and formerly the seat of the Montenegrin kings. We visit the castle of King Nikola (currently a museum) whose influence and diplomatic relations led him to be known as ‘European son in law’ enabling him to marry his beautiful daughters into royal courts. We drive further towards the coast, make a short photo stop at Sveti Stefan island - in ancient times a pirate nest, now an exclusive hotel - reaching Budva, the most important holiday destination on the Montenegrin coast. We will take a sightseeing tour of the old town that after an earthquake in 1979, was meticulously rebuild and restored (end '80's). After we make a stop for a coffee or a swim (bring your swimsuit!) on the famous beach of Mogren at five minutes from the center of Budva. We return to the boat for dinner around 20.00 and stay the night over on board in Kotor.
Day 6, Friday
After breakfast you will have the opportunity to go for a walk along the small streets of the historical center of Kotor, a city with a long maritime tradition that once competed with Dubrovnik. Around 10.00 o’clock after passport formalities we leave Monte Negro for a fourhour sail to Cavtat. Later we will enjoy a swim in the bay before we sail ahead to the Elafiten islands. We stay the night over at one of these islands: Sipan, Kolocep or Lopud.
Day 7, Saturday
We first anchor in a bay for a last swim followed by an afternoon visit to the port of Dubrovnik, which is a 30' walk from the city, or alternatively, a few minutes by bus (every 15 min., stop next to the ship, 10 Kuna). After lunch the guide will escort you from the boat to the bus and you will take a walking tour of Dubrovnik's old historical center. The day is at your disposal to discover and enjoy this unique town. Stroll on the famous Stradun, climb the impressive city walls and see the numerous sights; all together an unique openair museum. Dinner will be on board as well as our last overnight stay.
Day 8, Sunday
After breakfast we shall disembark at approximately 9 am.
