Itinerary
Itinerary Note: Due to the variable weather of September this itinerary adapt to meet the interest of the guests, and conditions of sea, wind and temperature.
Day 1, 2 : Dubrovnik-.
George Bernard Shaw called Dubrovnik “Paradise on Earth” and the British poet Lord Byron named it the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Also known as the “Empress of Dalmatia,” Dubrovnik has long earned the admiration of nearly all that behold it. No autos are allowed inside the walls where polished stone streets, marble fountains, art galleries, museums and churches abound. We gather in the old town for a city walk offered by an informative local guide. We’ll learn more of the history and culture of this magnificent city and veritable open-air museum. Enjoy a gelato before climbing to the ancient city walls for an evening one mile loop along the walls. If you choose not to venture into Dubrovnik, enjoy a quiet day on the beach by the hotel, a coastal path walk along Lapad Bay, or ferry to the nearby nature preserve island or historic Cavtat. Optional kayak tour can be arranged in advance. Guided city tour and breakfast included. Overnight Dubrovnik Area Hotel for two nights. B
Day 3 - On to the Islands! Depart the meeting hotel mid-day make our way along the coast by private transfer to Gradac where we meet our boat. En-route we stop at the village of Ston to view the amazing wall of almost six kilometers. Circling Ston, the walls climb up to the hilltop Pozvizd Fortress and follow the line of the isthmus to meet up with the walls of Mali Ston. Afternoon we board our boat and sail towards Korčula. Depending on timing and weather we hope to make overnight in the small village of Loviste or town of Viganj on the Pelijesac peninsula, where we enjoy a Pivo (beer) and local culture at a cafe before our first meal on the yacht of dinner. Overnight Pelijesac peninsula or nearby. B,S,D.
Day 4 - Korčula & Orebic
Possible morning swim in the deserted cove of Luka followed by cruise and then optional walk (~9km) on the Peljesac Peninsula between the old maritime center of Orebic and the tiny town of Viganj. Visiting the historic church of Karmen surrounded by ancient Cypress Trees. We walk along the ridge to Franjevacki Samostan Monastery and the associated cemetery of the sea captains of Orebic .The walk offers excellent views across to the channel and Korčula our destination this evening. Overnight Korčula. B,L,D
Day 5 : Korčula .
Korčula is one of the most dramatic medieval walled towns of Europe. The stone palaces and churches are a magnificent display of architectural style ranging from 14th to 16th century and house excellent collections of religious art. Korčula lays claim to being the birthplace of Marco Polo and in September there is a reenactment of the famous battle between Genoa and Venice where he was taken captive, thrown in prison in Genoa and thereby wrote his now-famous Travels.
Enjoy a swim before moving on to the island of Vis (based on sailing time). Tonight we may visit our guide Miso’s wine Konoba (small wine cellar) to tastes his famous wine. Dinner on the boat. Overnight Vis or other. B,L,D.
Day 6 : Vis to Komiza
Early departure by foot for a fantastic walk on old Roman roads to the town of Komiza (~16 km). Our walk takes us past the famous vineyards of Vis and offers extraordinary vistas. Those not walking sail to Komiza.
Visit the lovely town of Komiza before sailing 30 min to the blue grotto on the island Bisevo. Tour the grotto by small boat during high season as snorkeling is not allowed. Overnight Vis/Komiza. B,L,D.
Day 7,8 Hvar: Hvar: Starigrad & Hvar Town. The ancients considered Hvar one of the “Isles of the Blessed”. Flower-filled gardens, palms, lemon and orange groves add a fragrance lovely enough to match the visual appeal of this sun-drenched island beauty. Upon arrival, explore the quiet back streets of Renaissance architecture in this captivating town. At the end of the main square is the 16th century cathedral with impressive Christian paintings of the Madonna. Optional hike to the 16th Century Venetian Citadel for fabulous views over the town and sea. The optional walk today is between the charming town of Verboska (~12 km) exploring it’s narrow streets, ancient fortified church and houses situated at the head of narrow bays surrounded by lovely pine forests and along the local road surrounded by vineyards to Sarigrad. A shorter walk between Verboska and Jalsa~4 km along the coastal path is another option.
Afternoon touring the lovely town, home of Petar Hektorovic, one of Croatia’s most loved poets. We visit his 16th century home, uniquely built within a Turkish fort and so- called “Cyclopean walls” built of gigantic blocks of stone dating from the Illyrian Period. Overnight Starigrad. Overnight in Starigrad, . B,L,D.
Note extra night is added to the itinerary here in order to be be flexible based weather and walks. This night may be on one of the smaller islands or one of the villages the group wants more time in.
Day 9 - Brac. Blaca Monastery. Our early breakfast sail to o Brac Island where the white limestone of the United States Whitehouse was quarried. The inlet of Blaca is where we begin the lovely hike to Blaca Hermitage. This is a fair ascent of approximately 2 miles offering us beautiful views and a local tour of the Hermitage which was occupied until 1963. Depending on our schedule we spend the night in the lovely historic port town of Troquir. B,L,D.
Day 10 Split - Depart from Boat in Troquir . Tour split and check into hotel in Split Time to tour historic center of Split. Overnight Split area hotel. B.
Day 11 - Departure from Split airport (~30 min. from Split, 10 min from Torgir. Suggested extension to Istria.
Leadership: Miso (pronounced Misho) Poduje, a fifth generation vintner on the island of Vis. Since then 2000 Miso has been leading this departure and consistently receives rave reviews Miso grew up in Split and on Vis and during his childhood his father worked for a large Yugoslavian wine exporter. Between the ages of 15 and 18, Miso lived in Paris where he attended a British high school, thereby learning both French and English. The penultimate host, Miso has an uncanny knack for anticipating our guests’ needs. He has a deep working knowledge of history and brings Croatian history alive to our guests in an unassuming manner. His contacts in the islands open many a door to special invitations and events. In his thirties, Miso spends much of his time with his young sons Marko and tending his vineyards and winery. His knowledge of wine is immense and anyone wanting to learn more about Croatia’s wines will be in excellent company with plenty of opportunity. We recognize the immense value of having a local guide as opposed to someone who is not from the Dalmatian coast. The experiences Miso provides for us, as well as his local knowledge are critical to the success of this journey.
Your Host:
Kathy Dragon, owner of The Dragon’s Path, will serve as the tour escort and help to anticipate and facilitate the group’s needs prior to as well as during the trip.
Weather and Climate: Our trips are timed to enjoy the finest weather of the Dalmatian Coasts while also avoiding the throngs of European tourists that come to play in August. sun heats up the water, reaching the mid 70’s in September. Evenings see moderate drops in temperature. Weather is of course variable and our packing list will help you prepare. Average daytime temperatures will range from 70-80F in June and September but recent weather patterns show the potential for very hot days. Our walks with take into consideration cooler morning temperatures. Sea temperatures are in the 60’s in May and rise as the sun heats up the water, reaching the mid 70’s in September. Evenings see moderate drops in temperature. Weather is of course variable and our packing list will help you prepare.