September 2010, I spent 8 days and 7 nights aboard a sailing boat travelling along the Adriatic Sea with a Contiki tour, it was a fantastic experience. As a solo traveller I had the opportunity to meet so many lovely people on this journey.
We sailed along The Dalmatian Coastline in a comfortable air-conditioned boat with twin share accommodation. Some breakfast, lunch and dinners were included.
https://www.contiki.com/au/en/destinations/europe/tours/croatia-island-escape-plus-2046
Day 1.
The tour started in Split and the group were really good with people from America, Canada, South Africa, England and a lot of Australians.
Our first stop was Hvar an island in the Adriatic sea with a stunning coastline. We visited this charming town’s 13th century walls, a hilltop Venetian fortress with arsenal and the main square with the Cathedral of St. Stephen.
Later in the evening, we enjoyed drinks at Flako Beach Bar recommended by a local. The bar was open til 9 pm.
http://www.hvarlights.com/hot-spots/bar/falko-beach-bar.php
The night continued with drinks at Wine bar. The bar was so packed that patrons were hanging outside in the alleyway. It was pretty cool and something I had not seen before.
Day 2.
The following day we sailed into the old town of Korcula. Korcula is known for the medieval towers and walls surrounding its harbor. Here you will see the Cathedral of St. Mark a 15th-century Cathedral located in the centre square.
A tour to explore the old town of Korcula was included then in our free time I shopped.
Day 3.
We sailed into the Bay of Kotor where we were visiting Dubrovnik for 2 nights. The Bay of Kotor was magnificent to sail into.
Dubrovnik is a spectacular city surrounded by a fortress. The present shape of the wall was done in the 14th century.
We entered the fortress via Pila gates. Christine and I walked the fortress walls and around the city, I was mesmerized by this awesome city. The walk around the fortress walls is worthwhile and the view is breathtaking. From the forts, you can see Lokrum island. If you have time, head down to Sulic Beach.
After a full day exploring, Christine and I relaxed in City harbour also known as the old port and enjoyed a meal. Here you can watch the boats or take a boat excursion. There are plenty of little cafes and restaurants to get some food.
Day 4.
Early morning, we drove through the border crossing between Croatia and Montenegro and made our way to Budva in Montenegro. Here in Budva, we admired the island of Sveti Stefan a town in Montenegro. In the 1970’s, this town was inhabited by the rich and famous.
Next stop was Kotor, a fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. The first thing that you see on arriving at Kotor is the Kampana Tower, part of the old town.
Our tour guide took us to St Tryphon Cathedral, this 12th century Catholic Cathedral is open from 8 am – 7 pm. A 2.50 Euro admission fee is payable.
In our free time, a few of us grouped together and explored the alleyways of Kotor then enjoyed sunset drinks at The Cocktail bar with panoramic views of the sea.
After sunset, we sailed from the Bay of Kotor back to the Dubrovnik port where we docked for our last evening. A few of the girls and I headed into Dubrovnik for late night drinks. The fortress city is still very much alive at night.
Day 5.
We said goodbye to Dubrovnik and sailed onto Trstenik for the 1 night, sailing past the Elaphite Islands. Approaching Trstenik, you could see a quaint town ahead with lots of olive trees and cypresses.
Here we had free time, my roomie Christine and I strolled through the vineyards and stopped at Grgić Vina winery. We also enjoyed a lovely afternoon at Trstenica Beach and spent the remainder of the afternoon with our American friends then sunbaking on our boat’s top deck with the rest of the group.
http://www.grgic-vina.com/welcome
Later that evening, the Contiki group were invited to the Captain’s dinner on board the boat and the evening continued with a pirate dress up party.
Day 6.
Next stop was Makarska for a night, a quaint town buzzing with a lot of tourists. Here you can experience this historical city through the famous Franciscan monastery, the cathedral church of St. Marko, the churches of St. Filip and Jakov, the shrine of Vepric, Kačić square, many museums and galleries, squares, beaches and mountains.
Makarska has a nice 2 km beach, restaurants, discotheques and I love the beautiful backdrop of Mt Biokovo in the foreground.
The day was spent exploring this historical island and the markets. The church of St. Marko is located on the Kacic square. And the city museum can be found on the waterfront, as well as the church of St. Filip. The renovated church of St. Petar is located in the St. Petar park, a spot with a beautiful view of the city, the sea and magnificent Mount Biokovo.
I loved the markets, I bought a cute lavender pouch to help me sleep and I still use it every day.
Later in the evening, the group and I danced at Deep Nightclub located in a cave. It was one of my favourite nights out.
https://www.facebook.com/deepmakarska
Day 7.
Our final day we arrived back in Split, a big and very busy city where we visited the Diocletian Palace, an ancient palace of Roman architecture. Take some time to visit this well-preserved palace.
There are many markets in Split, make sure to wander the Green Markets. Here you will find everything from clothes, shoes, fruits and vegetables, flowers and souvenirs.
Our final evening, Contiki arranged dinner at a local restaurant and the tour exchanged contact details.
http://www.diocletianspalace.org/
Day 8.
After breakfast, it was time to say goodbye to everyone and say farewell to a fabulous trip.
My final day was spent relaxing at Le Meridian Resort with Christine from New York City. I loved this resort, it was a great way to complete my time in Croatia.
http://www.lemeridienlavsplit.com/?&EM=EM_YEXT_GLOBAL_WEBSITE_LM_1956_AP_&SWAQ=953P
If you have an opportunity to do a sailing trip, I highly recommend sailing the Adriatic Sea. The view is amazing and the Croatian towns spectacular and it is a holiday I will always remember.
christinetravels 