Split, Rab & Undiscovered Islands of the North Yacht Cruise On the MS Il Mare

SPLIT, TROGIR & VODICE

As the mellow morning sun peeks above the northern hills and casts its sleepy early shadows over this intriguing city, you rise refreshed and ready for a first fortifying breakfast on board. Expectation mounts as we cast off and our adventure begins! Head up on deck and take in the glorious views; the Dalmatian coastline is said to be one of the most spectacular in Europe with its vast stretches of deserted beach, secret coves and pretty, secluded bays. We soon arrive in Trogir where we head ashore to enjoy a guided tour of this delightful city; behind its classic waterfront, an intriguing maze of winding medieval streets is revealed, tightly clasped by the imposing 15th-century city walls. At the heart of the old town you’ll find the majestic cathedral, a Venetian masterpiece with its richly decorated chapel. We return to the ship where a lovely buffet lunch awaits!

Relax in your cabin this afternoon or enjoy a refreshing cup of tea on the terrace as the MS Il Mare gracefully enters the picturesque harbour at Vodice. Once a fishing village, this bustling town offers a good choice of restaurants and cafés, so wander ashore this evening and take dinner perhaps on the waterfront, before watching the sun go down over a glass of fiery locally distilled brandy.

VODICE & ZADAR

We spend a leisurely day on board today; during breakfast we cast off once more heading out into the glistening Adriatic. This magnificent coast is littered with idyllic bays where the calm water is perfect for swimming, so during our cruising this morning we’ll make time for a refreshing swim stop, allowing you to work up an appetite for our on-board lunch! Later, venture up on deck and absorb the best panoramic views from the comfort of a sun lounger. As we sail northwards, there’s chance for a spot of reading perhaps or simply unwind to the sound of gulls soaring high above, with a long refreshing drink from the bar whilst the coastal views drifts by, and the mesmerising waters of the Adriatic dazzle under the warm rays of a hazy afternoon sun – now you’re really on holiday!

Later we arrive in the ancient capital of Dalmatia, Zadar. This bustling coastal town with the style and charm of the Italian Riviera, was for centuries ruled by the Venetians. There’s time for a fascinating guided tour around its marble streets, discovering Roman ruins and lovely medieval churches before you are free to explore under your own steam. Dinner is at leisure tonight so why not try one of the many cosy restaurants with simple appetising menus of grilled meats or freshly caught fish. Perhaps end the evening with a glass of maraschino, a local cherry liqueur produced here since the 16th century.

ZADAR & RAB

This morning we continue our smooth passage northwards as the passing seascapes continue to enchant; we sail past the fascinatingly barren rocky island of Pag, its desolate landscape defined by its stark steely mountain backdrop. There’s time for a refreshing swim stop before a delicious lunch on board.

Later we arrive in Rab, a real gem and one of the most alluring islands along this stretch of the Dalmatian coast. Sheltered against its sturdy mountainous spine, a verdant landscape of lush fragrant pine forest and a fertile patchwork of vine and olive groves gives way to golden ribbons of deserted beach and picturesque coves along this strikingly beautiful peninsula. Four colourful lofty bell towers rise up from the blaze of terracotta rooftops below.

Spend some free time wandering in the cool shadows of Rab’s ancient stone buildings, admiring the Romanesque architecture, the grand Italianate houses - a legacy of Venetian rule, and absorbing the magical atmosphere of this charming town. Dinner is at leisure again this evening so you might opt to try one of the stylish seafood restaurants tucked away in the old town, serving the catch of the day - simply fried with white wine, garlic and herbs and washed down with a glass of local chilled white wine. What could be better!

RAB, SILBA OR OLIB & SALI

After a relaxed breakfast, we commence our southerly course into the crystal waters of the Kvarner Gulf. Up on deck take in yet more spectacular vistas as we drift between these romantically desolate islands. We drop anchor at Silba or Olib, to enjoy a refreshing swim stop in one of these islands’ pretty little bays and then it’s time for lunch on board. This afternoon take to the deck once more for a lazy afternoon’s cruising – perhaps indulge in a little nap, lulled by the soft breezes of the maestral.

Later, we idle into port at Sali, on Dugi Otek, (literally Long Island). Fringed by ancient olive groves, this Croatian fishing town boasts a thousand-year history and will be our mooring for tonight. 

As the sun begins to cast its rosy glow, thoughts turn to tonight’s special Captain’s Dinner, during which a selection of regional specialities will be served. Later, sink into a comfy armchair on the terrace, sipping your favourite digestif, and reflect on all that you have seen so far and what’s still to come.

TELAŠČICA, KORNATI & ŠIBENIK

Another day dawns and you rise refreshed as we continue our southerly course, firstly calling at Telašćica, one of the largest and most beautiful natural harbours in the Adriatic - largely uninhabited, this is a stunningly rugged stretch of coastline backed by sheer limestone cliffs that plummet into the sea, flanked by a scattering of pretty islets and islands, home to numerous plant and bird species such as rare peregrine falcons. During our stop here, you’ll have opportunity to wander to the shores of Lake Mir, a natural salt lake, with its warm, supposedly therapeutic water that channels through the limestone on its way out to sea.

Later this morning, have your camera at the ready as we are soon entering the waters of the breathtaking Kornati archipelago; an explosion of numerous fascinating desert-like islands lie scattered around the central island of Kornat. George Bernard Shaw wrote that [God] ‘created the Kornati Islands out of tears, stars and breath' and there is certainly something ethereal about their distinctive barren beauty. In fact, this remarkable region was designated a National Park in 1980, in celebration of its extraordinarily unusual and desolate charm. The Kornati Islands hide a multitude of secret caves and grottoes amongst the rugged cliffs. Our Captain will drop anchor to allow a swim stop this morning, so enjoy a cooling dip before lunch again on board.

Later we arrive at the little port of Šibenik, where our guided tour reveals more about the history of this delightful town as we wander its medieval streets, seeing the beautifully restored Renaissance town hall and remarkable Gothic cathedral, thought to be the world’s largest church built without brick or wood supports. This evening the MS Il Mare remains moored in Šibenik. Dinner is at leisure tonight so wander ashore and seek out some traditional Croatian fare: hearty fish stew or mouth-wateringly tender slow cooked beef, simmered with wine and prunes, with fresh crusty bread baked ‘under the lid’ – a typical Croatian style of cooking. Sit back and soak in the magical ambience of historic Šibenik.

ŠIBENIK & SPLIT

The end of our cruise is in sight so make sure you make the most of our last scenic morning on board, whilst watching the coastal views float by. We enjoy one last swim stop before commencing our journey to Split once again. Later after a final lunch on board, the stunning city skyline appears and we begin our final approach into this unique historic capital.

Croatia’s second city, Split, is one of its most vibrant and alluring. At its core lie the huge ancient ruins of the Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, undoubtedly one of the most exceptional legacies from the city’s Roman past and more recently used as the setting for the globally successful television drama ‘Game of Thrones’. A building constructed with the finest materials, Italian marble, lustrous local limestone, even sphinxes from Egypt, the whole palace complex occupied over 30,000 square metres, surrounded by towering walls, two metres thick and over 25 metres in places! During medieval times, other buildings were grafted on to it, integrating the palace with the rest of the town and creating the quirky jumble of houses, churches, chapels and other buildings seen today. We will have a guided walking tour, seeing all the major sights and learning more about this city’s glorious past before you have some free time to wander.

Dinner is at leisure tonight so you might choose to return to the alluring tangle of streets in the old town for some delicious local cuisine whilst absorbing the magical ambience of this beguiling

DISEMBARK IN SPLIT

After breakfast, the crew bid you farewell as you disembark in Split.