Southern Pearls Cruise Split to Dubrovnik 7nts (Saturdays)

Check-in from 11:00 in the Trogir harbour, departing at 13:00 south towards Makarska; late arrivals can join there. Lunch is served as the ship runs down the Dalmatian coast, with an afternoon swim stop in a secluded bay. A zipline over the Cetina River canyon is available for anyone who wants it. Evening in Makarska, a lively coastal town with a palm-lined promenade, busy cafes and a mountain wall behind it. Stroll the waterfront or walk the old town streets and their churches. Overnight in the port of Makarska.

A morning crossing to the island of Brac and the town of Bol, known for Zlatni Rat, the shingle spit whose shape shifts with the wind. Swimming break at the horn, then lunch and on to Stari Grad on Hvar, the sunniest island in the Adriatic. Free afternoon to explore. The Stari Grad Field is the oldest in Croatia and the best-preserved example of an ancient Greek agricultural system; together with the old town it is UNESCO-listed. Overnight in one of the ports of Stari Grad, the main port or the ferry port 2 km away, depending on availability.

Breakfast and lunch onboard, with a swim stop along the way. On to Hvar town, arriving in the afternoon for a guided tour. Hvar holds a Renaissance cathedral with its original tower, the oldest communal theatre in Europe founded in 1612, a Franciscan monastery, the Benedictine convent whose lace is on the UNESCO list, and the Spanjola fortress high above the rooftops. Restaurants and bars run late into the night. Overnight in Hvar, or at Stari Grad if berths at Hvar are full.

Breakfast and lunch onboard, with a swim stop along the way. An early cruise to the small island of Bisevo for the Blue Cave, a natural phenomenon known for its luminous blue glow. Entry is paid on the spot and the visit depends on weather and sea conditions. On to Vis, once a strategic naval harbour and closed to the public for decades; that isolation left it with the rare charm of the Mediterranean as it once was. Overnight in Vis or Komiza, depending on berth availability. Vis sits near the remains of ancient Issa, the first urban centre in Croatia, with Roman thermal baths, a city museum, and a shore walk past the villae rusticae. Overnight in Vis town, or at Komiza on the west of the island if berths at Vis are full.

Departure over breakfast for Korcula, birthplace of Marco Polo. Ringed by medieval walls, it looks like a miniature Dubrovnik from the water, and it holds more legends and monuments than anywhere of its size. It is the only place in the world where the Moreska, a Spanish medieval knights' sword dance, is still performed. A guided walking tour runs through the fishbone street plan of the old town. Konobas, restaurants, cocktail bars and clubs fill the lanes inside and around the walls. 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).

Breakfast and lunch onboard, with a swim stop along the way. On to Mljet, one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic, where the national park covers the western end. Entry is paid on the spot. Free time at the two salt lakes, joined to the sea by a narrow channel, with a boat across to St Mary Isle and its old church and monastery. Cycle, canoe or swim in the lakes. The cruise continues to Sipan in the Elaphiti islands or to Slano on the coast, both small fishing villages, and the Captain's Dinner is served on board. Overnight in port.

An early departure for the final destination, a true pearl of the Adriatic. Morning swim stop and lunch on board along the way. On arrival, a guided tour of Dubrovnik, with an optional cable car up to Srd for the view over the old town. The walk around the walls runs 1,940 m with views over the old town and the islands offshore. Overnight in Gruz harbour.

Check-out after breakfast, and time to say goodbye to the Crew and to new friends.