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Cruising the Dalmatian Coast is a spectacular tour, offering the same combination of experiences that has become the hallmark of Peter Sommer Travels’ gulet cruises in Croatia: 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 Korčula 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 Brač 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. This trip is unforgettable, a holiday of great beauty and a voyage of discovery.

Our tours receive an average rating of 5 out of 5 from 754 reviews, according to AITO reviews.

Day 1: Our gulet is about 20 minutes from Split Airport at the Marina Baotić near Trogir. Welcome drinks and dinner on board.
Day 2: In the morning, we enter the harbour of Split. 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, as well as the wonderful domed cathedral – originally built as Diocletian’s mausoleum. In the afternoon we cruise to a pretty bay on the island of Brač, for a swim.
Day 3: We begin the day ascending the summit of Vidova Gora, the tallest Mountain in the Adriatic islands, to enjoy the splendid view over the Dalmatian coast and islands we’ll be exploring over the coming week. We then visit the stonemasonry school of Pučišća, where the island’s ancient tradition of working and producing high-quality stonework continues to this day. Brač stone was used not only in the construction of the Palace of Diocletian but also in a number of other famous buildings like Berlin’s Reichstag. After a visit to the archaeological museum and restored olive oil mill in the charming village of Škrip and a delightful lunch we rejoin our gulet and cruise south.
Day 4: On to beautiful Vis, the most remote island on our itinerary. In the afternoon, we go ashore to explore the beautiful medieval harbour of Komiža, before a wine tasting at a unique and excellent local winery set in a World War Two bunker. We’ll then stroll around the charming town of Vis and enjoying a sumptuous dinner of local seafood at one of the best restaurants in the region.
Day 5: A short cruise to 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. In the afternoon we head east towards the island of Korčula.
Day 6: We explore the picturesque lanes and squares of Korčula Town and visit its beautiful cathedral, followed by the ecclesiastical museum, a veritable cabinet of curiosities and the city museum with its archaeological exhibit. After a delicious lunch we’ll cruise east for a swim off the verdant island of Mljet. We spend the evening in a pretty cove.
Day 7: Time for the tour’s final highlight. After a leisurely morning and a final swim, we visit Dubrovnik, once better known as Ragusa, Venice’s chief rival in the Adriatic. We take time to absorb its unique atmosphere, touring its remarkable walls, which protected the city from attack for many centuries and explore the grand streets and elaborate monuments of its historic centre. Farewell dinner on the gulet.
Day 8: Departure transfers from Slano Bay to Dubrovnik airport, about 1 hour away.

I would like to book, what else do I need to know?

For information not covered below please refer to our FAQ’s or contact us directly on info@petersommer.com

Arrival and Departure Information

Arrival Airport – Split (SPU)

Departure Airport – Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

Arrival Location Marina Baotić (approx. 20 mins from airport)

Departure Location Slano Bay (approx. 60 mins from airport)

 

Embarkation and departure is planned for approx.17:00. You are more than welcome to arrive earlier to drop off your bags, but please be aware that the crew will be busy cleaning and tidying making everything ready for your group so you will not be able to settle into your cabin.

If your travel plans or flights do not allow you to arrive before 17:00 we recommend arriving the day before the tour starts. This would also allow time to relax, recover from any jet lag and arrive at the boat on time for embarkation and departure.

If you arrive at the gulet after 17:00, we will do our best to enable you to join the tour at a later time and place.

Please Note: Departure time is subject to change depending on weather, harbour, or other conditions.

Disembarkation is around 09:00. We will arrange local transfers on the first and last day of the tour.

 

Booking Flights: If you are staying in or connecting via Zagreb then the easiest way to get to and from the gulet is to fly. The main domestic airline in Croatia, Croatia Airlines, has a wide selection of flights .

Please note: Flights are subject to change. Please contact the airline for exact details.

If you prefer to book with a travel agent, we are happy to recommend specialists in a number of countries around the world, please contact our office for more details.

Travel Insurance:We consider adequate travel insurance to be essential. You should ensure that you take out a suitable policy, to make sure that your trip is properly covered.

Visas: Citizens of the U.K., EU countries, the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not need visas to visit Croatia. Visitors can visit Croatia for up to 90 days in any 180 day period. For more details, please visit the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Custom tours or additional travel in Croatia: If you are planning to spend any additional time in Croatia before or after your gulet trip, we are happy to assist you either directly or via our trusted family-run partner agency in Croatia. In addition to our gulet trips, we also offer personalised tours and travel arrangements throughout Croatia. Whether you’re seeking a bespoke tour or simply need recommendations on things to see and do, we’re dedicated to making your Croatian experience unforgettable. Please contact us, we’ll be delighted to help.

Maximum 12 Guests

Full board accommodation on a traditional gulet

Airport transfers on first and last day of tour

All crew services on gulet

Entrance fees and tips on land

Excursions with expert guides

WiFi on our scheduled gulet cruises (when coverage permits)

Mislav Files

Mislav Fileš is currently finishing his PhD. in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Zagreb, where he also completed his graduate studies. He has received a series of scholarships and Excellence Awards for his academic achievements to date. Mislav has extensive experience in archaeological excavations, having participated in numerous projects in Croatia and abroad and has directed a number of them personally. For three years Mislav worked on the Living Danube Limes project, researching, preserving and promoting this Roman frontier in Europe. He was one of the lead organisers and participants in the reconstruction of a classic Danube Roman boat and its journey under oars down the Danube. Recently, Mislav has set up his own company, providing consulting services for the preservation and management of cultural heritage sites. In addition to his archaeological pursuits, Mislav is a licensed ski instructor and an apprentice in alpine mountaineering.

View Mislav Files's Biography

Accreditations

AITO Tour Operator of the Year 2015 Gold Award AITO Tour Operator of the Year 2017 Gold Award AITO Tour Operator of the Year 2018 Silver Award AITO Tour Operator of the Year 2019 Silver Award Best Travel Company for Arts and Culture Holidays Silver British Travel Award 2022 Member of AITO The Specialist Travel Association Member of ABTA the Association of British Travel Agents Member of ASTA The American Society of Travel Advisors Member of ABTOI the Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy

Rated as Excellent on Aito Reviews with over 500 reviews