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Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: from Šibenik to Zadar offers an astonishing historical and cultural tour of one of Croatia’s most diverse coastal regions, an area rich in verdant landscapes and sparkling seascapes, delicious local culinary delights and breathtaking architecture. This is a very different experience, a cruise offering a quieter, more intimate and more off-the-beaten-track take on Dalmatia and its wonderful cuisine, all in the company of one of our expert guides.

The cruise features a wealth of unique natural vistas. From Šibenik’s towers, the view opens upon a forested coastline mirrored by serried tiers of islands, seemingly stretching beyond the horizon. In the Krka Valley, a river has spent eons eating its way through horizontal layers of limestone, forming a series of great waterfalls: an astonishing sight. The same can be said for the Kornati archipelago, a surreal panorama of countless tiny rock islets piercing through the shimmering surface of the Adriatic.

Quieter and less frequented than the south, the region offers a dazzling mosaic of cultural and historical attractions. Beautiful Šibenik is graced with a truly magnificent cathedral and a trio of mighty fortresses. The Venetian walls of Zadar protect a most unusual heritage of Eastern and Western architectures as well as one of the most outstanding collections of ancient glass in Europe. In Nin, a small lake island hosts one of Croatia’s medieval capitals, its belfries dreaming away in serene dignity. Magnificent Trogir offers a near-fully preserved medieval cityscape, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: from Šibenik to Zadar brings you to all these experiences in style and comfort, aboard a beautiful Turkish-built gulet, approaching the islands, coast and towns on the glittering Adriatic. Our team of expert guides will breathe life and meaning into the area’s history and the boat’s crew will make sure that your trip is memorable and idyllic from beginning to end, not least through their delicious offerings of Croatian cuisine, complemented by meals in selected restaurants ashore.

This wonderful itinerary has its own distinctive pace and character, fashioned to the region and sites it explores. Join us on this gulet cruise in Croatia and enjoy the full panorama of the beauty and fascination of this ancient land.

Our Tours receive an average rating of 5 out of 5 from 941 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 in Sibenik Harbour about 60 mins from both Split airport and Zadar airport. Welcome drinks and dinner on board.
Day 2: In the morning, we enter the vast estuary of the river Krka, mooring at the beautiful riverside town of Skradin. From there, we set out for the historic citadel of Bribir, ancient Varvaria, where a mighty Roman fortification wall surrounds the remains of many eras, including the early Middle Ages, when Bribir became a centre of nascent Croatia. Later, we admire the magnificent waterfalls near Skradin, before cruising through the Šibenik archipelago for a delightful swim and a quiet bay.
Day 3: We head north passing nearby the location of a shipwreck of a Renaissance merchant ship, named Gagiana, sank in 1583 on a voyage from Venice to Constantinople. We then cruise to Zadar, ancient Iader and Venetian Zara, a city where history abounds. We explore the Venetian fortifications, Roman walls, fascinating church of St. Donatus with its strong Byzantine and Carolingian influences and the excellent archaeological museum.
Day 4: In the morning, we visit the incredibly beautiful museum of ancient glass in Zadar, witnessing a presentation of the millennia old art of glass-blowing. We then head inland on an excursion to Nin, one of Croatia’s first medieval capitals, set on a tiny island in a serene lagoon. The local archaeological museum sets the scene for a place of immense historic depth. In the afternoon, we cruise out to a cove on one of the neighbouring islands.
Day 5: We cruise out to the fabled Kornati Islands, a fairytale scattering of innumerable rock islets set in one of the most striking maritime landscapes in the entire Mediterranean. In this National Park of crystal clear waters, glorious swim spots abound. Conditions permitting, we visit Tureta, a Byzantine beacon fortress forming part of a long string of such sites along the Dalmatian shore.
Day 6: A morning cruise south through island clusters to explore the impressive and beautiful city of Šibenik, with its crooked lanes, quaint squares and superb cathedral, a masterpiece bridging the Gothic and Renaissance styles, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. High above are grand medieval fortresses, built to secure this valuable and strategic town, which offer vast and epic views out to sea. The city’s archaeological museum is one of the best in Croatia.
Day 7: We cruise along the beautiful shores of Šibenik County, passing by countless islands, before finally making our way to Trogir. The medieval city, set on a little island, preserves its Romanesque and Gothic streetscape nearly completely. We explore its labyrinthine lanes, delightful piazzas, charming sea front and the cathedral of St. Lawrence with its magnificent portal, one of the finest works of Romanesque Art in Europe. Farewell dinner on board.
Day 8: Departures from Marina Baotić to Split airport, about 20 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 info@petersommer.com

Arrival Airport – Split (SPU) or Zadar (ZAD)

Departure Airport – Split (SPU) or Zadar (ZAD)

Arrival Location Sibenik Harbour (approx. 1 hour from Split Airport and 50 mins from Zadar Airport)

Departure Location – Marina Baotić (approx. 20 mins from Split Airport and 1 hour 15 mins from Zadar 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 about 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.

Tour Includes:
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

View Filip Budić's Biography

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

View Ivana Jevtic's Biography

Mislav Files

We are delighted to welcome Mislav Fileš as a full-time member of the PST Team. A good number of you will already know Mislav, because he has been leading tours for us for the last 5 years – with stellar feedback. Mislav will continue to guide for us in Croatia and Montenegro as well as doing many other new and exciting things for PST.

Mislav has directed and been involved in many archaeological projects over the years and is also a licensed ski instructor and an apprentice in alpine mountaineering. With his extensive knowledge and experience, positive can-do spirit, boundless energy and ever present smile, he makes for a wonderful travelling companion and great person to work with.

After graduating from high school, Mislav enrolled in the Department of Archaeology and continued his education through graduate levels to PhD studies, which he is currently attending at the University of Zagreb. He received Excellence Awards from the Faculty of Humanities and Social sciences for his accomplishments in both undergraduate and graduate studies, and was awarded a scholarship of excellence from the City of Zagreb for his undergraduate and postgraduate studies, and from the Department of Archaeology for his PhD studies.

Mislav has participated in numerous excavations in both Croatia and abroad (Israel and Austria) and, after graduating, started leading some of the excavations independently. While studying, Mislav became a licenced ski-instructor as well as an alpine mountaineer apprentice.

What previous guests have to say about Mislav:

"Being guided by Mislav with his upbeat personality, knowledge of local history and sites, and general enthusiasm throughout the trip was definitely a highlight. He worked well with local guides, to give us a comprehensive understanding of the location." Rebecca Dillon

"Mislav Files was an outstanding guide, knowledgeable, friendly, humble, enthusiastic and consistently professional. Notably, he did not look after us as a group, he looked after us as individuals." Helen Curran

"Mislav was the best tour guide I've ever had (and I've traveled quite a bit). I'd love to have him on all my tours. Full of zest and knowledge, fun and charming. Perfect English. His enthusiasm made all the trips fun, educational and informative. The trip was such a great learning experience, the most unique of any trip I've taken. I highly recommend!" Kathy Robbins

"Our superior guide, Mislav, added immensely to every place we visited. It was ‘great fun was had by all’! I would consider Mislav a Guide’s Guide… who is THE guide that all others look up to as the standard to strive to meet. Our guide, Mislav, aside from being the consummate knowledgeable ‘Guide Supreme’,was constantly focused on the comfort & inclusion of all of his ‘guests’." Ruthie and James Henderson

"The knowledge of our guide was topnotch. This is probably the best tour I have ever taken. Mislav gave it his all. Mislav, had a depth and breadth of knowledge that made our discussions exciting and engaging, his patience and expertise were remarkable." Karen Tarapata

View Mislav Files's Biography

Accreditations

Tour Operator of the Year 2015 Gold Award AITO logo Tour Operator of the Year 2017 Gold Award AITO logo Tour Operator of the Year 2018 Silver Award AITO logo Tour Operator of the Year 2019 Silver Award AITO logo Tour Operator of the year Gold Award 2022 AITO logo Tour Operator of the year Silver Award 2023 AITO logo British Travel Awards Best Travel Company for Arts and Culture Holidays Silver 2022 logo 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