Reverse Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: from Dubrovnik to Split - Fascinating Historical Sites, Wonderful Maritime Landscape, Delicious Food & Wine

Reverse Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: from Dubrovnik to Split - Fascinating Historical Sites, Wonderful Maritime Landscape, Delicious Food & Wine BY PETER SOMMER TRAVELS www.petersommer.com

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UPDATED 3 months ago DURATION 8 Days SEASON May 25 - June 1, 2019 RATES GBP 3,395.00 per person EXPIRES May 22, 2019
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DESCRIPTION

Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: from Dubrovnik to Split is a spectacular tour, offering the same combination of experiences that has become the hallmark of Peter Sommer Travels’ gulet cruises elsewhere: a beautiful, traditional Turkish gulet, fascinating archaeological and historical sites explored in the company of dedicated experts, a wonderful maritime landscape and – of course – delicious local food and wine.

Dalmatia, the southern part of Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, is a region of immense natural beauty and historical significance, an area where many fascinating strands in the story of human struggle and achievement are woven together into an extraordinary tapestry of culture. Even a casual glance at the map reveals much about this unusual place: while Croatia as a whole is set between the Mediterranean, the Balkans and Central Europe, Dalmatia itself is a country of mountains, sea and islands – important for ancient travellers and traders and perfect for a gulet cruise!

Over the centuries, many peoples have passed through Dalmatia, settled, competed, fought and interacted. From Dalmatian and Illyrian tribesmen via Greek colonists, Roman and Byzantine soldiers and emperors, to Croat warriors, Venetian traders, Ottoman and Italian fleets and French and Austro-Hungarian governors and engineers, they have left behind a unique cultural heritage, waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

It is almost impossible to describe the splendour of the miraculously well-preserved Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian at Split, repurposed as a medieval city centre, or the grandeur of Dubrovnik, heart of the thriving Renaissance trading republic of Ragusa, with her broad streets, fine monuments and mighty walls. Both are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage and the tiny and intimate walled town of Korcula on the island of that name, a true Adriatic gem is on the tentative list for World Heritage status. Alongside these, there is much more to be discovered: the lofty slopes of Brac with grand views over the surrounding islands, the theatre-like harbour town of Hvar, its monuments and traditions revealed by a leisurely stroll through lanes and squares, the vineyards of remote Vis, first planted by ancient Greeks from Sicily, engulfed in the scent of wild herbs…

All of these joys await you, along with many opportunities to swim in azure waters, to relax on your elegant gulet, to sample the delicious Croatian cuisine – uniting all the cultural influences that have affected the region with the high-quality meats and fish it produces – and to try the islands’ fine wines. Cruising the Coast of Dalmatia is an unforgettable experience, a holiday of great beauty and a voyage of discovery.

ADDITION RATE INFORMATION

Single Supplement: £925

ITINERARY

Day 1:

Our gulet is in Slano Harbour about 40 minutes from Dubrovnik airport. Welcome drinks and dinner on board.

Day 2:

In the morning we visit Dubrovnik, once better known as Ragusa, Venice’s chief rival in the Adriatic. We tour its remarkable walls, which protected the city from attack for many centuries, explore the grand streets and elaborate monuments of its historic centre and pay a visit to the superb maritime museum. In the afternoon, we set out for our first crossing, to a quiet cove off the island off Mljet.

Day 3:

We continue to the verdant island of Korkula. After lunch, we explore the picturesque lanes and squares of Korkula Town and visit its beautiful cathedral, followed by the ecclesiastical museum, a veritable cabinet of curiosities, and the city museum with its archaeological exhibit.

Day 4:

We make the long westward voyage to Vis, the most remote island on our itinerary. In the afternoon, we go ashore to view the ancient remains of Issa, a Greek colony and later a Roman city, located in the same place as modern Vis Town, a place of serenity and joy. We visit the local archaeological museum with its surprisingly rich collections, before enjoying a delicious traditional dinner of local seafood.

Day 5:

We cruise to the island of Hvar where we explore Hvar town, a labyrinth of stone houses set between slopes and sea, including the archaeological collections housed in the castle overlooking the port and in the seaside Franciscan monastery, which reveal the island’s past identity as the ancient Greek city of Pharos. Later, we cruise to the nearby Pakleni islets to spend the night in a quiet cove.

Day 6:

We continue to the lovely port of Milna on the island of Brac. From here, we set out inland to the charming village of Skrip with its local archaeological museum. Later, we ascend the summit of Vidova Gora, the tallest Mountain in the Adriatic islands, to enjoy the splendid view over the Dalmatian coast. We re-join our boat in the picturesque port of Pucisca.

Day 7:

We begin the day with a visit to the stonemasonry school of Pucisca, where the island’s ancient tradition of working and producing high-quality stonework continues to this day. Brac stone was used not only in the construction of the Palace of Diocletian, but also in Berlin’s Reichstag and Washington’s White House. Then, we set out for the mainland, where we enter the harbour of Split, ancient Spalatum. The medieval heart of this lively city sits within the towering remains of the Palace of Diocletian, built for the Roman emperor’s retirement in AD 305 and the best-preserved structure of its kind. We explore its underground vaults, its walls and gates, the wonderful domed cathedral – originally built as Diocletian’s mausoleum – and the Temple of Jupiter. There is also time to take in the place’s unique atmosphere – and perhaps engage in a little shopping. In the late afternoon we cross to our final mooring near the historic town of Trogir. Farewell dinner on the gulet.

Day 8:

Departure transfers to Split Airport approx. 10 minutes away.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Full board accommodation on traditional gulet
• Airport transfers on first and last day of tour
• All crew services on gulet
• Entrance fees and tips on land
• Expert-led excursions
• WiFi on board (when coverage permits)