This is not a generic island‑hopping trip or just a relaxing cruise focusing on sunbathing and swimming, like many cruises in Croatia. It’s a a carefully curated expert‑led cultural and archaeological cruise exploring UNESCO‑listed cities like Split and Dubrovnik, the historic islands of Hvar, Korčula, Brač, and Vis, and a coastline shaped by Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Byzantines, and Croats. Guests enjoy a beautifully crafted traditional gulet, wonderful swimming opportunities, superb local cuisine, and in‑depth historical insight and storytelling from specialist guides, making for an immersive and enriching experience unique to Peter Sommer Travels.
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 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 360 reviews, according to AITO reviews.
Day 1: NB: The itinerary on this cruise is likely to change slightly according to the weather conditions. Some modifications regarding the order or days of crossings, or visits may occur.
Our gulet is about 30 minutes from Split Airport at StobreÄŤ Bay. Welcome drinks and dinner on board.
Our gulet is about 30 minutes from Split Airport at StobreÄŤ Bay. 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 Cold War era 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 a Benedictine Nunnery. Hvar is also famous for its agave lace, recognised by UNESCO as intangible World Heritage. In the afternoon we head east towards the island of KorÄŤula.
Day 6: We explore the picturesque lanes and squares of Korčula Town and visit its beautiful cathedral, followed by 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: Transfers from Zaton Bay to Dubrovnik airport, about 45 minutes 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 [email protected]
Arrival Airport – Split (SPU)
Departure Airport – Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)
Arrival Location – StobreÄŤ Bay (approx. 30 mins from airport)
Departure Location – Zaton Bay (approx. 45 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:Â 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:Â 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.
The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border management system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of 29 European countries using the system. The EES will modernise border management of the Schengen countries, gradually simplify border controls and prevent identity fraud. ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for non-EU visa-free nationals.
You find out more about EES & ETIAS using the link below
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/pb
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.
Tour Includes:
Cruising aboard the 8-cabin gulet Croatia
Full board accommodation with water, tea and coffee and wine with dinner
Airport transfers on the first and last day of the tour
Travel by private minibus
Harbour fees and crew services
All entrance fees and tips on land
The services of your expert tour leader throughout the entire trip
WiFi (coverage permitting)
Not included:
Flights and airport taxes
Visas
Travel insurance
Gratuities on the gulet. It is customary to tip the crew at the end of a tour (we recommend a minimum of 30Euro per day per guest)
Tips for guides
Filip Budić
Steeped in the history and archaeology of Croatia, Filip has walked and travelled extensively across the mainland, coast and islands of his homeland. Passionate about history and archaeology since his childhood, he has worked on multiple excavations and surveys throughout Croatia as well as at sites in Kosovo, Germany, Greece, Israel and the Russian Federation. Filip holds a BA, MA and PhD. in Archaeology from the University of Zagreb, where he has won numerous awards and currently holds the post of Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Ancient History.
Filip is a man of many gifts: apart from his native Croatian, he is fluent in English and German. For many years, he has taken a hands-on interest in theatre, especially in productions of Ancient Greek plays, in which he has starred both home and abroad. A true enthusiast, persuasive public speaker and charming host, he has long expertise guiding at ancient sites both in Croatia and also abroad in Greece, Sicily and Turkey. We are truly delighted Filip is able to share his enthusiasm and knowledge of the history, culture and landscapes of the Mediterranean with our guests.
What previous guests have to say about Filip:
"Our guide, Filip, was superb. And of course the archaeology was wonderful. I've traveled to lots of sites on different tours. Filip was by far the best guide I've ever been with!" Peyton Helm
"Our guide, Filip Budic was absolutely terrific! Incredibly knowledgeable and also incredibly personable and friendly. Filip really made the trip for me, both as a perfect guide to all the sites we visited and as a great ship-board presence and friend. The BEST tour guide I've ever had! An archeologist with a PhD, Filip did a terrific job introducing things and guiding us onsite--he was also a wonderfully entertaining host and presence throughout the trip." Jeffrey Barton
"Filip our guide was fantastic - exceptional. His knowledge, presentation and interaction made our holiday even more special. He became part of the family whilst still maintaining his professionalism. Brilliant." Jacqueline Mercer
"The trip was made by the personality and informed knowledge of the on-board archaeologist, Filip Budic. He is a natural teacher, very well informed, and very good humoured.....and very efficient in the general organisation. he was outstanding in every respect." Nick Spencer
"Our archeologist guide, Dr. Filip was great. We learned so much from him. Filip is very good at making history interesting through his stories. He taught us not only ancient history but modern history. All of this while sailing on a beautiful Gulet past gorgeous waters and islands. Filip did a great job. He is very personable. He was attentive to all travelers and their needs. He is a very good history professor. I would highly recommend Filip to others look for a tour." Scott Smith
"Filip was great - knowledgeable, engaging, witty. I would happily go on another tour with him. The combination of gulet travel (new to me) and guide-led archaeological tourism was perfect." Paul Heiney
Ivana Jevtic
Ivana nurtured a passion for art and the past since her childhood. Growing up in the former Yugoslavia, she developed a particular interest for the history of the Balkans and studied art history at the University of Belgrade before receiving her doctoral degree at the University of Paris 1-Panthéon Sorbonne. A specialist in Byzantine art, architecture and history, Ivana has been teaching in Istanbul at Koç University since 2010 and is currently Assistant Professor in the Department of Archaeology and History of Art.
A wonderfully enthusiastic and inspiring guide, Ivana has escorted many of our guests in Istanbul over the years and received high praise. Not only has she led numerous tours in Turkey, she is internationally accomplished having led tours throughout mainland Greece and the Greek Islands, across the Balkans including Serbia, Kosovo and Macedonia, as well as Rome and Ravenna for the New York School of Visual Arts.
What previous guests have to say about Ivana:
"Ivana was outstanding in every way. Her knowledge was deep and impressive, she offered insight into modern day Croatia as well as historical, she was thoughtful and delightful and felt like a member of the family. We still miss her!" Gillian Kohli
"Ivana was an excellent guide; knowledgeable, enthusiastic and very engaging. She was very good company too and we laughed a lot on this trip. Her delight in her subject was infectious. This was our fourth Peter Sommer trip (we just have to keep coming back) and this one certainly did not disappoint. As before, we found the combination of beautiful scenery, history, culture, good food and good company impossible to resist! Our lovely guide, Ivana, made everything come alive for us." Simon Tompsett
"Ivana was extremely engaging and passionate about sites/adventures and very willing to make small changes to please the group. Ivana’s passion for her subject area is amazing! Extremely articulate. Ivana was on top of everything at all times! Very open and flexible within reason! Can’t speak more highly of her performance as our leader! Can only hope to do more tours in the future. Have recommended you to many!" Shannon Rogalski
"Excellent. Delightful and thoughtful. A very pleasant and sociable person with a great sense of humour. Impeccable! thanks Ivana." Jillian Mears
"Ivana did a wonderful job. Our guide Ivana was great - she kept us well organized, quickly resolved any issues, and was always excellent company." Joan Bennett
What makes this Dalmatia cruise different from standard cruises in Croatia?
What is life like on the gulet during this Dalmatian Coast cruise?
Your gulet is a traditional wooden vessel, elegantly restored and designed for comfort: ensuite cabins, spacious decks, shaded dining areas, and a friendly, professional crew. Days blend short coastal cruises, swimming in clear Adriatic bays, leisurely meals, and time to unwind between visits to historic towns and islands. Many guests say the gulet becomes a highlight in its own right.
Who leads this tour?
Your journey along the Dalmatian Coast is led by one of our expert guides, a specialist in the history, archaeology, and culture of Croatia and the wider Adriatic world. All of our tour leaders are not only academically trained—often archaeologists, historians, or researchers with years of field experience, but also gifted communicators who bring the region’s stories vividly to life. They accompany you throughout the cruise, offering in‑depth explanations at sites and are always on hand on board to answer questions, share insights, and help you understand the layers of Greek, Roman, Venetian, and Croatian heritage that shape Dalmatia. Guests often tell us that travelling with a knowledgeable, passionate guide is one of the most memorable aspects of a Peter Sommer Travels’ cultural cruise. Please click on the tour experts’ names under the tour dates to read full bios and testimonials.
Will there be opportunities to swim?
Absolutely, yes — and they are one of the great pleasures of this journey. Depending on the day’s schedule, the gulet will anchor in a quiet bay or cove in the morning or afternoon, giving you time for a refreshing swim before or after one of the site visits. On some days, according to where we overnight, you can also choose to swim first thing in the morning before breakfast. As well as cabin towels, swimming towels are also provided, together with floats, kayaks and paddle boards ladders.
How much walking does this tour involve?
Our Split to Dubrovnik trip includes regular walks through archaeological sites, historic towns, and natural landscapes. Distances vary, but you can expect some uneven and broken ground, some inclines and declines, and occasional longer site visits. We take everything at a measured pace, with time to pause, absorb the atmosphere, and enjoy expert commentary. Good walking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness will ensure you get the most from the experience. The tour is rated 2 out of 5 on our intensity scale, meaning it is classed as moderate. You can find out more by visiting the fitness levels page on our website.
What kind of food and wine can I expect on board and ashore?
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is renowned for fresh seafood, excellent meats, seasonal vegetables, wonderful olive oils, and superb wines produced both on the mainland and on the islands. Meals on board are prepared by the gulet’s cook, while selected meals ashore introduce you to local dishes and regional specialities. Dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. Food and wine lovers often describe our gulet cruises as gastronomic journeys in their own right.
