Overview – Southern Explorer Croatia Cruise Split to Split.

Itinerary – Southern Explorer Croatia Cruise Split to Split

SPLIT – MAKARSKA – MLJET – DUBROVNIK – ŠIPAN/TRSTENIK – KORČULA – HVAR (Bol) – SPLIT

Day 1   SATURDAY:  Arrival SPLIT – MAKARSKA

Check in between 11.00 – 12.00 hours for 13.00 hrs departure from Split harbour, heading south towards Makarska. Lunch is served as we cruise along the Dalmatian coast.  There’s an afternoon swim stop in one of the bays. Enjoy Makarska in the evening. Stroll the waterfront with its lovely wide promenade, a pathway out to a lighthouse and some great bars and restaurants to explore. The main square is overlooked by the Baroque Church of St Mark and several elegant palazzi built by wealthy local merchants, recording 18th-century prosperity and refinement under Venice.
Overnight in the port of Makarska
Meals: (L)

Day 2  SUNDAY:  MAKARSKA – MLJET

Early morning departure towards the island of Mljet, known for untouched nature and mentioned in the 4^th century BC in Greek writing. On the way, we stop to swim on Pelješac. Part of Mljet island is a National Park and in the afternoon, we visit the sea-water lakes, then cross to the peaceful, tiny St Mary’s island in the middle of the large lake to visit the church and the monastery (Entrance to Mljet National Park to be paid locally in Croatian Kuna,  approx 17 EUR per person). Walk or hire a bike to continue around these stunning lakes.
Overnight in the port of Polača or Pomena
Meals: (B, L)

Day 3  MONDAY:  MLJET – DUBROVNIK

After breakfast, depart for Dubrovnik, the most famous place in Croatia and, for many, the highlight of this cruise. The Irish writer George Bernard Shaw called Dubrovnik “heaven on earth” and we pass a beautiful stretch of coast on our way there. After arrival, you can explore on your own or join our included guided city tour followed by an optional cable car ride up to Srđ mountain for spectacular views of the old town. Don’t miss STRADUN – both a street and a square in the old town and try to find time to walk at least part of the 1,940 m long city walls which have protected Dubrovnik during earthquakes and attacks!
Overnight in the port of this magical town.
Meals: (B, L)

Day 4  TUESDAY:  DUBROVNIK – ŠIPAN/TRSTENIK

Late morning departure towards the island of Šipan or the small town of Trstenik on the Pelješac peninsula. Gorgeous locations for an afternoon swim and we spend the night here. There’s usually the possibility to visit a local winery.
Later we enjoy the special Captain’s dinner on board.
Overnight in Trstenik
Meals: (B, L, CD)

Day 5  WEDNESDAY:  ŠIPAN/TRSTENIK – KORČULA

After breakfast, we depart for the island of Korčula, one of the famous islands in the Dubrovnik region. It’s the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Lunch on board in a bay near Korčula town, then we continue, arriving in the afternoon. The encircling walls and bastions of Korčula town date back to the 13th century and there are some lovely churches and museums. Join the optional sightseeing of Korčula town (included on Premium Superior cruises) with wine and local appetizer tasting at a local winery before dining in one of the numerous seafront restaurants or konobas on your own.
Overnight in the port of Korčula town.
Meals: (B, L)

Day 6  THURSDAY:  KORČULA – HVAR

Early departure towards the Paklinski Islands near Hvar (the longest island in the Adriatic) for lunch and a swimming stop. Later, there’s an optional afternoon sightseeing of Hvar Town (included on Premium Superior cruises), which resembles a film set. The Renaissance cathedral has its original tower and the oldest community theatre in Europe is here, founded in 1612. Hvar Town offers an entertainment extravaganza; clubs and bars that open well into the night, together with some excellent restaurants. Don`t forget to buy some island lavender from local stalls.
Overnight in Hvar Town.
Meals: (B, L)

Day 7  FRIDAY:  HVAR (Bol) – SPLIT

We sail to our next stop, the island of Brač. The most famous (and most photographed) beach in Dalmatia is Zlatni Rat near Bol (the Golden Horn – a shingle bar that moves and changes shape according to the wind) and it is here that we stop to swim. Bol is a typical fishermen’s village that still feels like that despite being a popular spot for visitors. After lunch, we start our journey to Split for our final overnight. We stop at one of the many bays on Brač island for more swimming. The approach to the Split Riviera is wonderful and we have the best views from on board. On arrival you can join our optional guided tour of Split (pay locally), a monumental UNESCO protected city and amazing historic town, mostly contained within the ancient walls of Diocletian’s Palace, right on the port. With a noticeable Venetian influence, the small alleyways reveal stylish bars and cafes and plenty of shopping opportunities, all wrapped up in 1700 years of history! You’ll find plenty of bistros and restaurant serving local specialties.
Overnight in Split
Meals: (B, L) 

Day 8  SATURDAY:  SPLIT (B)

An early breakfast before your final goodbyes to new friends and the crew.
Check out by 09.00 hrs for disembarkation
Meals: (B) 

This cruise may also be taken as a mini-cruise:
from Split to Dubrovnik (3 days / 2 nights)
or
Dubrovnik to Split (6 days / 5 nights)
Please see ‘Mini Cruises’ page for details

Croatia Cruise – Premium and Premium Superior Vessels

Premium superior vessels:
Recently built mini deluxe vessels featuring similar comfort, but are smaller in size – 38 to 41m in length. Air-conditioned cabins are 8 to 14m2 in size with double or twin beds, hair dryer and safety deposit box.

Seagull

Moonlight

Majestic

Dream

Amalia

Premium vessels:
Steel hulled vessels with modern traditional look offer accommodation in air-conditioned, spacious en-suite cabins with double or twin beds, hair dryer and safety deposit box. Ships are from 29 to 35m in length with cabins 8 to 14m2 in size.

Pape Prvi

Antonela

Vapor

EOS

Jadranska kraljica

Dionis

Split to Dubrovnik (3 days / 2 nights) Mini Croatia Cruise (Saturday):

Day 1   SATURDAY:  Arrival SPLIT – MAKARSKA

Check in between 11.00 – 12.00 hours for 13.00 hrs departure from Split harbour, heading south towards Makarska. Lunch is served as we cruise along the Dalmatian coast. If you are feeling adventurous, we have a swim stop in one of the bays. Then you may choose to join our river rafting or zip line excursion on the Cetina river (optional, not included). We meet back on the ship in Makarska in the evening, which is yours to enjoy the waterfront which has a lovely promenade, a path to the lighthouse and some great bars and restaurants to explore. The main square is overlooked by the Baroque Church of St Mark and several elegant palazzi built by wealthy local merchants, recording 18th-century prosperity and refinement under Venice.
Overnight in the port of Makarska
Meals: (L)

Day 2  SUNDAY:  MAKARSKA – MLJET

Early morning departure towards the island of Mljet, known for untouched nature and mentioned in the 4^th century BC in Greek writing. The Roman Palace, which is the largest after Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the Arena in Pula, is a part of the valuable heritage of the island. On the way, we stop to swim on Pelješac. Part of Mljet island is a National Park and in the afternoon, we visit the sea-water lakes, then cross to the peaceful, tiny St Mary’s island in the middle of the large lake to visit the church and the monastery (Entrance to Mljet National Park to be paid locally in Croatian Kuna approx 17 EUR per person). Walk or hire a bike to continue around these stunning lakes.
Overnight in the port of Polača/Pomena
Meals: (B, L)

Day 3  MONDAY:  MLJET – DUBROVNIK

After breakfast, depart for Dubrovnik, the most famous place in Croatia and, for many, the highlight of this cruise. The Irish writer George Bernard Shaw called Dubrovnik “heaven on earth” and we pass a beautiful stretch of coast on our way there. After arrival, you can explore on your own or join our included guided city tour followed by an optional cable car ride up to Srđ mountain for spectacular views of the old town. Don’t miss STRADUN – both a street and a square in the old town and try to find time to walk at least part of the 1,940 m long city walls which have protected Dubrovnik during earthquakes and attacks!
Check out.
Meals: (B, L)

Dubrovnik to Split (6 days / 5 nights) Mini Croatia Cruise (Monday):

Day 1  MONDAY:  DUBROVNIK

Join your vessel from 14.00 hrs* in Dubrovnik, the most famous place in Croatia and, for many, the highlight of this cruise. The Irish writer George Bernard Shaw called Dubrovnik “heaven on earth” and we pass a beautiful stretch of coast on our way there. You may explore on your own or join our included guided city tour followed by an optional cable car ride up to Srđ mountain for spectacular views of the old town. Don’t miss STRADUN – both a street and a square in the old town and try to find time to walk at least part of the 1,940 m long city walls which have protected Dubrovnik during earthquakes and attacks!

*Cabins ready from 16.00 hrs
Overnight in the port of this magical town.
No meals included

Day 2  TUESDAY:  DUBROVNIK – ŠIPAN/TRSTENIK

Late morning departure towards the island of Šipan or the small town of Trstenik on the Pelješac peninsula. Gorgeous locations for an afternoon swim and we spend the night here. There’s usually the possibility to visit a local winery.
Later we enjoy the special Captain’s dinner on board.
Overnight in Trstenik 
Meals: (B, L, CD)

Day 3  WEDNESDAY:  ŠIPAN/TRSTENIK – KORČULA

After breakfast, we depart for the island of Korčula, one of the famous islands in the Dubrovnik region. It’s the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Lunch on board in a bay near Korčula town, then we continue, arriving in the afternoon. The encircling walls and bastions of Korčula town date back to the 13th century and there are some lovely churches and museums. Join the optional sightseeing of Korčula town (included on Prem.Sup.) with wine and local appetizer tasting at a local winery before dining in one of the numerous seafront restaurants or konobas on your own.
Overnight in the port of Korčula town
Meals: (B, L)

Day 4  THURSDAY:  KORČULA – HVAR

Early departure towards the Paklinski Islands near Hvar (the longest island in the Adriatic) for lunch and a swimming stop. Later, there’s an optional afternoon sightseeing of Hvar Town (included on Premium Superior cruises), which resembles a film set. The Renaissance cathedral has its original tower and the oldest community theatre in Europe is here, founded in 1612. Hvar Town offers an entertainment extravaganza; clubs and bars that open well into the night, together with some excellent restaurants. Don`t forget to buy some island lavender from local stalls.
Overnight in Hvar Town
Meals: (B, L)

Day 5  FRIDAY:  HVAR (Bol) – SPLIT

We sail to our next stop, the island of Brač. The most famous (and most photographed) beach in Dalmatia is Zlatni Rat near Bol (the Golden Horn – a shingle bar that moves and changes shape according to the wind) and it is here that we stop to swim. Bol is a typical fishermen’s village that still feels like that despite being a popular spot for visitors. After lunch, we start our journey to Split for our final overnight. We stop at one of the many bays on Brač island for more swimming. The approach to the Split Riviera is wonderful and we have the best views from on board. On arrival you can join our optional guided tour of Split (pay locally), a monumental UNESCO protected city and amazing historic town, mostly contained within the ancient walls of Diocletian’s Palace, right on the port. With a noticeable Venetian influence, the small alleyways reveal stylish bars and cafes and plenty of shopping opportunities, all wrapped up in 1700 years of history! You’ll find plenty of bistros and restaurant serving local specialties.
Overnight in Split
Meals: (B, L) 

Day 6  SATURDAY:  SPLIT 

An early breakfast before your final goodbyes to new friends and the crew.
Check out by 09.00 hrs for disembarkation
Meals: (B) 

3 Days mini Croatia cruise 2024:
Split to Dubrovnik (3 days / 2 nights) Saturdays:

Premium vessel, Lower Deck only:
2024 – €440 per person all dates

Premium Superior vessel, Lower Deck only:
2024 – €500 per person all dates

Port tax €18 per person pay locally
Subject to availability

Saturday check in Split Harbour from 11.00 – 12.00 hrs for departure at 13.00 hrs
Monday arrive to Dubrovnik in the afternoon (around 14.00 hrs) followed by check-out and disembarkation.
Price includes sightseeing of Dubrovnik and meals including lunch on Day 3.

Prices for 6 Days mini Croatia cruise 2024:
Dubrovnik to Split (6 days / 5 nights) Mondays :

Premium and Premium Superior:
10% reduction on 8 day prices – see price table for 2024

Port tax €45 per person pay locally
Subject to availability

Monday check in Dubrovnik from 14.00 hrs
Cabins ready from 16.00 hrs
Price includes sightseeing of Dubrovnik on Monday (at approx 17.00 hrs) and meals from breakfast on Tuesday.

2024 Prices Per Person in Euros (based on twin cabin) 8 Days Cruise
Saturday Departures Split to Split

SPECIAL EARLY BOOKING OFFER!:
Book April or May 2024 cruise now for a 10% discount
Subject to availability – limited offer – BOOK 2024 NOW!

SPECIAL EARLY BOOKING OFFER!:
Book April or May 2024 cruise now for a 10% discount
Subject to availability – limited offer – BOOK 2024 NOW!

Port tax & Visitors’ fee €60 per person – pay locally in cash

8 Day Cruise Discounts and Supplements:

• Triple Share Cabin: 3^rd Adult in a triple cabin 30% discount
• Child Discount: Child under 10 years 50% discount
• Single Use Cabin: 50 % supplement for twin for sole use

8 Days Prices Includes:

• Buffet Breakfast daily
• Meals as per itinerary – B = Breakfast, L = 3 course lunch,
• Captain’s dinner (CD)
• Olive oil and wine tasting on board
• Afternoon tea and coffee
• Unlimited drinking water (please bring your own water bottle)
• English speaking tour manager on board
• Three guided tours (Premium superior only)
• One guided tour (Premium only)
• Daily cabin service
• Mid-week fresh set of towels and bed linen
• Luggage handling
• Free Wi-Fi

Not Included:

• Flights
• Transfers
• Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Entrance to Mljet National Park to be paid locally in Croatian Kuna cash (approximately 20 EUR per person)
• Gratuities for crew
• Travel Insurance
• Visa Costs (if applicable)
• Port tax €60 per person per cruise (pay locally in cash)

PRE or POST CRUISE TOURS:

Coast Express (2 nts Zagreb + 1 nt Split)
2024 rates tbc
Available Wednesdays and Sundays from 5th April to 4th October

Venice Coast Express (2 nts Opatija + 1 nt Split)
2024 rates tbc
Available Wednesdays and Sundays from 5th April to 4th October

Slovenia Coast Express (2 nts Ljubljana + 1 nt Split)
2024 rates tbc
Available Wednesdays and Sundays from 5th April to 4th October

Medugorje Pilgrimage (3 nights Medugorje, start and end in Split)
2024 rates tbc
Available Wednesdays and Saturdays from 22rd April to 07th October

Includes:
3 nights in 4* hotels
Breakfast daily
Visitors taxes
Transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
Medugorje Pilgrimage includes 1 dinner

Please ask for more details

See ‘Mini Cruise’ tab for details of this cruise from:

Split to Dubrovnik – 3 days / 2 nights departing Saturdays
Dubrovnik to Split – 6 days / 5 nights departing Mondays

Notes – Croatia Cruise Dalmatian coast

• The Captain reserves the right to change the route in case of adverse weather conditions
• All cruise departures are guaranteed, however if fewer than 10 participants are booked, Katarina line reserves the right to cancel the departure and change the ship name if the need arises.
• Guests are obliged to follow the ship’s rules and regulations, found in written form on board, especially in regard to bringing drinks on board (prohibited).
• In case of inappropriate behaviour the captain reserves the right to ask guests to disembark.
• Airport Information SPLIT (SPU)
• Airport Information DUBROVNIK (DBV)
• Cruise Code STACKL2

Due to specific mooring conditions and requirements in some Croatian ports, ships are moored side by side, making it necessary for guests to cross from one ship to another, with gaps in between ships, in order to get to the shore.  In such cases guests need to take special care when crossing and do this at their own risk. Crew assistance will be given to those requesting it.
The Cruise is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.

How to Book and Pay

• Please complete the booking form adding your credit card details via our secure system.
• We will respond by email with confirmation of your cruise.
• Upon confirmation we will collect the non-refundable deposit of  EUR 300 per person price from the credit card provided.
• The balance payment will be collected 10 weeks prior to departure date.
• If you book within 10 weeks of departure date we will collect the full amount due from the credit card provided.
• If your selected date is not available we will offer you an alternative.
• Your card will not be charged until you accept the alternative offered.
• If you have any special requirements please add details in the notes section.
• After you have paid in full, you will receive a voucher and joining details for the tour