Croatia & Montenegro Elite; Sailing on the Adriatic & Exploring Historical Sights

Enjoy a private transfer to Split today with a guided 4-hour stop at Plitvice Lakes.a complex of 16 lakes (also known as The Devil’s Garden) located between the mountains of Mala Kapela. The 19.5 hectares of wooden hills enclose the lakes by a series of waterfalls and cascades. Admire the landscape formed by the mineral-rich waters which carve new paths through the rock, and enjoy your time in the middle of the nature. You will meet your local guide at the park before entering. Admission included.

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a private walking tour of Split, a 1700 years old town with famous Diocletian’s Palace, included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The first inhabitant of Split was the Roman emperor Diocletian who started to build his palace in this friendly bay around 293 AD. After his abdication he withdrew to this luxurious palace to enjoy the rest of his days. Your guide will take you for a walk through this living monument and its magnificent sights. You will discover the basement halls of the Palace and their unique role in the history of Split. In Peristyle, the main square of the Palace, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Cathedral of St. Domnius, the Patron Saint of Split.

Later this morning you'll get to enjoy a private tour of the Split City Museum with the curator. Situated in the beautiful Gothic- Renaissance Palace of the noble family Papalic, whose interior walls are part of the Diocletian’s Palace, it offers a truly unique setting. The curator will regale you with the tumultuous history of the city. (incl.entrance fees for Diocletians palace, St Domnius cathedral & Split city museum).

Enjoy porter service between the Split port and your hotel.

In the late afternoon, you will meet your skipper for a private motor boat transfer to the island of Hvar. For the next four days, you will have a private motor boat at your disposal – the Jeanneau Prestige 36 – complete with  skipper services.

Stats of the Prestige Jeanneau 36;

LOA: 11.6m
Beam: 3.85m
Engines: 2 x 285 HP volvo
Cruise speed: 24 knots
Cabins: Master cabin + 1 twin cabin
Facilities: Bathroom, kitchen area, salon with LCD TV for indoor relaxing and entertaining, large flybridge and deck area for outdoor enjoyment.

Enjoy a private 3-hour guided walking tour of the historical city of Hvar. Since the island of Hvar lies in the heart of all the main sea routes since ancient times, many different cultures left their traces to the present day. Your guide will take you for a stroll through the largest square in Dalmatia. It is ringed by grand palaces and beautiful historic edifices, such as the town loggia and the Gothic and Renaissance palaces, most impressively the Cathedral of St. Stephen. Its graceful 17th century bell tower is the most beautiful element in the skyline of the town. You will continue to the mighty Arsenal, a 13th century warehouse that today houses Hvar theatre. A stroll through narrow streets of the town, along the waterfront promenade will take you to the Franciscan Monastery, a former retreat for sailors from the 15th century. After the tour of the town, you may wish to visit the Hvar Fortress, a 16th century citadel built in the time of the Venetian rule. Perched on a hill above the ramparts, it dominates over the town and offers spectacular views of Hvar and the Pakleni islands. Even though there is a 25 minute walk up to the top, the stunning views make is all worthwhile. Cost includes entrance fees.

Meet your skipper for a private cruise around Pakleni Islands, a breathtaking archipelago with lush vegetation, beautiful bays and intact nature. A chain of eleven playful islets watches over the entrance to Hvar port and shine like the jewels in the monarch’s crown. Enjoy the azure waves, sandy coves surrounded by pine forests, endless fields of lavender and gentle breeze scented by aromatic herbs. Should you wish, you can stop for a swim in one of the hidden bays you will discover along the way. The
rest of the day is at your leisure.

Meet your skipper for a private motor boat transfer to the island of Korcula. On your way, succumb to temptation and dive into the translucent waters of the Adriatic! Discover the quaint harbours and the secluded coves that will surely your breath away…

Enjoy a half day privately guided walking tour of the Old Town of Korcula today. This secluded part of the world is known as the home town of Marco Polo – the first world traveler. This is where his silk road began. With more than 2000 years of history, the former Greek colony of the “Black Korčula” (Korkyra Melaina) resisted the sieges of centuries and remained a living monument. Through the narrow cobblestone streets you will come to the Cathedral of St. Marko, an architectural masterpiece in Gothic and Renaissance style. Its construction is an admirable testimony of the artistry of the local stone masons and the excellent adamant stone of the island. The Cathedral’s abbatial collection abounds with exhibits from Greek and Roman period, as well as with peculiar artifacts of recent history.

You will also visit the Museum of Icons with the unique collection of Byzantine Icons and ceremonial pieces. The exhibits are primarily collected by 17th and 18th century Korcula sailors on their journeys around the world. Your stroll will finally take you to Marko Polo’s childhood home – a modest mediaeval house where this great Venetian merchant, writer and traveler spent his former years.

This morning meet your skipper for a full day private motor boat tour to Dubrovnik.

En-route to Dubrovnik, stop to visit Mljet – one of the greenest and most beautiful islands in the Adriatic. A Greek settlement of Melita (honey) got its “sweet” name after the bees that lived in the vast forests of the island when the ancient Greeks first discovered it. Mljet is believed to be the island of Ogygia mentioned in the famous epic poem ‘Odyssey’ as the paradise island where the Calypso nymph detained Odysseus for seven years. True or not, this legend celebrates the luxurious beauty of Mljet which you will get a chance to discover on a self-guided exploration of the island. You will surely be fascinated by the untouched nature and the beauty of the Great and Small Lakes connected with the open sea by a narrow channel. In the heart of the Great Lake stands the Isle of St Mary with the sleepy 12th century Benedictine Monastery that can easily be reached by a small boat. Do not miss the walks along the lovely wooded paths by the lake, along the ancient pine forest.

Later this afternoon, your skipper will take you to Dubrovnik.

Enjoy a private port transfer with vehicle and English speaking driver.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in the upscale resort of Villa Dubrovnik which offers spectacular views and utmost privacy. Sit back and take in the stunning coastal views and the azure water below your deck, take in the rays on the private beach, or relax in one of the lounge areas. Alternatively, if you feel more energetic, you may like to consider taking a stroll into town - it is only a fifteen minute walk to the Eastern Gates of the Old City or, simply avail of the Venetian Vaporetto speedboat to take you to the Old City. 

Dining options at the Villa Dubrovnik include sampling some Mediterranean cuisine which has a tapas (small bites) philosophy at the Pjerin restaurant as well as are and undiscovered fusions of fresh food available at the outdoors Giardino bistro. Stunning vistas of Dubrovnik and the sea can be had from the open SkyBar rooftop lounge.

Meet your local guide for a private 3 hour walking tour of Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful stone-built cities in the world. As one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Dubrovnik owes its special charm to the historic monuments which testify to its rich history. While strolling with your guide down Stradun, the main street, you will get to stop and visit the Franciscan monastery of the “Order of Friars Minors” that preserves one of the three oldest pharmacies in Europe.

Continue down to Orlando Column and the Sponza Palace and visit the Church of St. Blasius, the patron-saint of the town. Discover Rector’s Palace, and the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary and its treasury.

The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore this stunning town on your own. We recommend you to take a walk along the city walls (2500m around the old town), visit one of the numerous museums or take a funicular ride to the top of the Srđ hill. Return transfers to/from your hotel are included as well as entrance fees to Franciscan Monastery, Rectors Palace and Cathedral.

What better way to get into vacation mode than by enjoying a complimentary Diamond Bed Spa Treatment at the Villa Dubrovnik’s luxurious spa! Restore the freedom of beauty and wellbeing by lying on a bubble of warm water immersed in colored lights and sounds.

This morning meet your driver in the hotel lobby for a private transfer to Montenegro – a mystical land of wild beauty. Your local guide will welcome you at the border of Croatia and Montenegro. In Boka Bay, the only fiord in the Mediterranean, mountains sink in the crystal-clear sea in front of your eyes in the unique harmony of intact nature and cultural heritage, that is today yours to discover.

Your first destination is the old town of Perast, a sleepy baroque place on the seashore. The strong merchant navy tradition represents the best preserved baroque entity in the Adriatic. The most beautiful buildings of this small town were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. At that time seafaring was growing and captains built magnificent villas that even today capture you with their beauty. Perast also abounds in sacred monuments, such as the Church Sveti Nikola and Our Lady of the rocks, built on the artificial island just opposite Perast.

Following your visit to Perast, your guide and driver will take you to Kotor, home-town of the famous sailors and traders of Boka Bay. Kotor’s architecture, a post-modern mix of the various epochs and its position at the bottom of the sharp cliffs of the Lovcen Mountain, makes it different from any other Mediterranean town. Your guide will take you to the Cathedral of St. Trifun, a monument of Roman culture and one of the most recognizable symbols of the town. You will also visit the Maritime Museum, the custodian of Boka navy fame. Here, among other things, you can admire portraits of the famous captains, models of old galleys and sail boats and other very valuable exponents of the rich heritage of Kotor.

Continue onwards to Budva, considered to be one of the oldest settlements in the Balkans. This ancient town lies on a little island that was linked to land by a sandbar and in time became a peninsula. Your guide will take you for a walk around the 15th century ramparts and medieval fortifications. Inside the walls, you will find the town to be a combination of narrow streets and little squares, with superb monuments of the different Mediterranean
cultures. From here, you will be transfered to your hotel in the area.

Enjoy a private welcome dinner at the hotel’s private beach - what a nice start to your stay! (includes 4 course menu, bottle of wine and mineral water).

Come back from dinner to a romantic setting of flower petals on your bed and candles lighting up the room - romance is in the air!

Enjoy a wonderfully relaxing day on the beach today. Your sun beds and sun umbrellas will be waiting for you…

Meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby for a private tour of Skadar Lake. The peacefulness of the lake, with its jagged coastline of many bays, islands and peninsulas would enchant even the most experienced traveler.

In the small fishing village of Virpazar you will be welcomed by a local family Uksanovic that will prepare a private wine tasting for you. Among others, you will taste the famous red vine Vranac, a product Montenegrins are extremely proud of.

From here, you'll be taken on a private traditional boat that will reveal the lake’s opulent beauty in the most distinctive way. While cruising along the lake, enjoy the views: extraordinary birds, water lilies in bloom, secluded beaches...

You will first come to the small island of Grmozur that used to house a prison for the political captives (the Montenegrin "Alcatraz").

Continue to the mouth of the Moraca River and the picturesque sandbar that is home to numerous shell species.

Back on board, your host will prepare a light snack of home-made prosciutto, cheese, bread and olive oil.

The beauty of the Skadar Lake and its numerous islands led medieval feudal lords to erect fortifications and monasteries on them whose architecture is a true rarity today. Pass by the Vranjina peninsula that hides the Monastery of St. Nicholas; and the Lesendro fortress that represents the eternal torch of Montenegrin freedom. Many other fortifications can be found upon the islands, built by the Turks and later by the Montenegrins, bearing witness to the frequent battles fought here between these sworn enemies. At the end of your tour your guide and driver will take you back to your hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Leaving the island and returning to the mainland, one finds a number of different dining options – all part of Aman Sveti Stefan. Invoking the ambience of a beachside churrasqueria, the Olive Tree is open for lunch and dinner, and specialises in regional and local Montenegrin cuisine. The restaurant offers a bar and two signature charcoal-fired grills, as well as views of Sveti Stefan Island and its beaches.

The Beach Café is located in a secluded spot and provides informal dining throughout the day. Shaded by cypress and olive trees, the al fresco setting is ideal for a selection of light snacks and a simple café menu.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Loggia features a wisteria covered colonnade which provides a shady retreat and views of the bay.

Serving a variety of classic and contemporary dishes from the Adriatic region for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Villa Milo'cer Dining Room is an elegant and intimate dining space.

Perched atop a rocky precipice, Queen’s Chair offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Budva. Open from 6pm, the restaurant specialises in Pan-Adriatic fare with a distinctive Italian feel. Local cheeses, garden-fresh salads and homemade pastas are served on the expansive terrace along with hand-selected local wines.

Suffice to say that you will be spoiled for choice for dining options while you are here!

Enjoy the morning at leisure and perhaps take a stroll along the pink sandy beach of Sveti Stefan, overlooking a postcard-perfect stretch of the Adriatic Coast. Consider having a treatment from the range of massage and body treatments on offer in the property's spa which are located in six cottages scattered over the island. There is also a fully equipped gym if you feel so inclined.

Meet your guide and driver for a private half day tour of Cetinje town – the one-time center of Montenegrin rule. With the breathtaking scenery of mountains behind you, you’ll head towards Montenegro’s inland beauty. Situated beneath the summit of Lovcen which towers to 590 meters above sea level, Cetinje is a blend of natural beauty and impressive cultural heritage. This historical town offers an insight to the history of Montenegro. The Old Royal Capital of Cetinje is today a centre of historical and national identity; the memory and continuity of Montenegrin people.

Your guide will take you for a walk through the UNESCO site of Cetinje. Visit the historical St. Peter’s Monastery, founded between 1701 and 1704 by Prince-Bishop Danilo I on the site of the former court of Ivan Crnojevic. The block of monasteries became the center of spiritual, cultural and political life of Montenegro. It was destroyed several times by the Turks and consequently restored. The monastery hides one of the greatest relics – “right hand with three fingers of St. John Baptist”. However, in the unbreakable unity of traditional and eclectic architecture of the 19th century, the central part is the richness in numerous art collections of Cetinje Museums.

Today you will be treated with a VIP tour of the National Museum of Cetinje after opening hours. The curator will take you through the Museum of King Nikola, once a royal residence dominated by a luxurious Art-Nouveau style.

After the tour, enjoy the scenic ride back to your hotel.

Enjoy a complimentary farewell dinner this evening - try the exquisite cuisine of Aman’s upscale restaurant “Queen’s Chair” that serves Pan-Adriatic fare with a distinctive Italian flavour. Perched atop a rocky precipice, Queen’s Chair offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Budva. (includes 4-course menu, bottle of wine, mineral water).

Take a private transfer from Sveti Stefan in Montenegro to Dubrovnik airport today in time for your flight. The transfer should take approx. 2hrs 15 mins.

Enjoy VIP treatment for your departure in Dubrovnik airport with a separate check in and passport control and use of a VIP lounge before you board your flight.