Dalmatian Pearls Cruise Split Round-Trip 7nts (Saturdays)

Check-in from 11:00 in Trogir harbour, departing at 13:00 south towards Makarska; late arrivals can join there. Lunch is served as the ship cruises along the Dalmatian coast, with an afternoon swim stop in a secluded bay. Evening in Makarska, with a lively waterfront promenade lined with cafes and bars, and a main square holding an imposing church and historic buildings. Overnight in the port of Makarska.

An early departure for Mljet, with a swim stop off the Peljesac Peninsula on the way. Part of the island is a national park and entry is paid on the spot. The afternoon is free for the seawater lakes, the small St Mary's Island in the middle of the large lake, and its church and monastery. Walk the shore paths or hire a bike. Overnight in the port of Polace or Pomena.

After breakfast the ship runs down to Dubrovnik, the best-known town in Croatia and for many the high point of the week. George Bernard Shaw called it heaven on earth. The coast on the approach is worth being on deck for. On arrival there is a guided city tour, with an optional cable car up to Srd for the view over the old town. Stradun is both the main street and the square of the old town, and the 1,940 m circuit of the walls that carried the city through earthquakes and attacks is open to walk. Overnight in port.

A morning departure for the island of Sipan or the small town of Trstenik on the Peljesac Peninsula. Both are good spots for an afternoon swim, with time at leisure and the chance to visit a local winery. The Captain's Dinner is served on board in the evening. Overnight in port.

After breakfast, on to Korcula, one of the best-known islands in the Dubrovnik region and the birthplace of Marco Polo. Lunch on board in a bay near the town. The encircling walls and bastions date from the 13th century, and there are churches and museums worth an hour. A guided tour of the town is included, and there is an optional wine and local appetiser tasting at a winery before dinner ashore in one of the seafront restaurants or konobas. Overnight in one of the ports of Korcula Town, depending on availability (port in the town center, or the port of Domince 3 km away).

An early departure for the Pakleni Islands off Hvar, the longest island in the Adriatic, for lunch and a swim stop. An afternoon guided tour of Hvar town follows, a place that resembles a film set. The Renaissance cathedral keeps its original tower, and the community theatre founded in 1612 is the oldest in Europe. The Spanjola fortress on the hill above the town rewards the climb. Restaurants and bars run late, and the local stalls sell island lavender. Overnight in Hvar, or at Stari Grad if berths at Hvar are full.

The next stop is the island of Brac and the town of Bol, a fishing village that is also a busy resort. Zlatni Rat is renowned for its ever-changing shape; walk to it through the pine woods or take the tourist train. After lunch the ship turns for Trogir, and the approach by sea gives fine views of the medieval skyline rising above the waterfront. Early afternoon arrival, then free time to explore the narrow marble streets, historic squares and the promenade. Overnight in Trogir.

Early breakfast, then check-out and farewell to the Crew. Trogir sits a short drive from Split Airport for onward travel.