Itinerary - Luxury Croatia Cruise 2026 | Small Ship Dalmatian Coast | Max 28 Guests

Places Dubrovnik, Bay of Slano, Korčula Island
Classes & Experiences n/a
Meals D

Bay of Slano (Dubrovnik) → Get Together Sailing to Korčula → Elda's Family Celebration & Live Music

We offer morning pickups from Dubrovnik city or airport.

While other cruises start with chaos and crowds, your adventure begins with immediate serenity and authentic welcome.

2:00 PM - Bay of Slano Arrival Your Croatian adventure starts perfectly—your host personally meets you at the airport for a comfortable journey to the peaceful Bay of Slano, where our stunning 160-foot ship awaits in pristine waters. You'll tender directly to your floating home and immediately feel the difference.

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM - First Family Gathering While Sailing Once you've settled in, we gather on the sun deck for orientation that feels more like a celebration. Cocktails, food, and breathtaking views set the stage as you meet your fellow travelers and crew family while we sail toward Korčula, going through the plan for an incredible week ahead.

7:00 PM - Welcome to Elda's World (Korčula, Lumbarda) Here's where you realize this isn't like any cruise experience that exists: Tonight you're welcomed into Elda's family home, just minutes from Korčula town, where absolutely no tourists have ever been invited. This isn't a tourist experience, it's a real family party where you'll drink their homemade wine and dance with three generations.This is pure local life - you'll practice soccer, collect chicken eggs, and explore their beautiful family property.

But the magic truly begins when our live band arrives to transform this into a real Dalmatian party. You'll find yourself singing International and Croatian hits, drinking local wine made by the family, dancing to traditional music, and laughing with locals who've become instant friends. This is the kind of authentic celebration that exists nowhere else. It's a genuine family party where you're not a tourist, you're family.

After the party, we head back to the ship where we are anchored overnight for the night and some cocktails & music on deck to wind down for those not ready to call it a day - no other ships, no crowds, just us.

Places Lastovo Island
Classes & Experiences n/a
Meals D

Lastovo Island → Mihajla Bay → Traditional Peka → Stargazing

Today you'll experience Croatia's most remote inhabited island, where you'll be the only visitors alongside ~400 locals who call it home.

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM - Sailing to the Edge of the World - Breakfast at your leisure as we sail toward Lastovo, starting around 7 AM. This journey takes approximately 2-3 hours to reach Croatia's most remote island with only ~400 residents, a place very few tourists have ever experienced.

11:30 AM - 6:00 PM - Mihajla Bay: Our Private Island Paradise We'll have the entire bay to ourselves for the whole day, with the local community joining us for this special experience. Meet Željko and Nataša, husband and wife from this incredible island who will prepare an authentic Croatian BBQ along with local delicacies. Feel free to help with cooking - we have aprons aboard!

You'll meet Lukša, owner of the improvised bar that normally only opens for local parties. Today it's exclusively ours. You'll also meet other local winemakers who produce GRK, one of Croatia's finest white wines from this tiny island.

While enjoying this incredible hospitality, you can play beach volleyball, water polo, swim in crystal-clear waters, or try fishing with our equipment. This is pure relaxation combined with authentic cultural immersion.

ADVENTURE: For those that would rather have a littlle hike, explore Lastovo Village We will take a 45-minute scenic walk to beautiful Lastovo town, famous for its unique rocket-shaped chimneys. Diana, our friend, will guide you through "Knežev dvor" = a duke's house untouched for centuries, showing you how island life looked in bygone eras.

6:00 PM - 10:30 PM - Traditional Peka Dinner Tonight's dinner is at a cozy, family-run restaurant... an absolutely beautiful locals' place where you'll enjoy the best peka you've ever had. Slow-cooked under the traditional iron bell with rich flavors and local ingredients, but first may even help Ante prepare it, learning the secrets of this ancient cooking method.

Ante, the owner, and his family will show you their small farm, animals, and vegetable garden. The warm, authentic atmosphere captures the island's culinary heritage perfectly.

After Dinner - Stargazing Paradise Dijana brings professional telescopes for an unforgettable evening under the night sky. Lastovo has the second-least light pollution in all of Europe, making this one of the continent's premier stargazing locations. You'll see constellations, planets, and cosmic wonders with stunning clarity.

As the night goes on, music and dancing in this beautiful spot with the local islanders. You will be one of the very few people that they have ever shared their paradise with, because they are so protective of their lifestyle that they don't allow the other ships to come. Just us, because they know how respectful we are of their culture and traditions.

Places Vela Luka Bay & Prigradica, Korčula Island
Classes & Experiences
Meals

Vela Luka Bay → Fishing and Biking → Prigradica Family Dinner & Live Music

Today combines pure relaxation with one of the most spectacular family dinner experiences in Croatia.

7:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Morning Sail with Swim Stop in a breathtaking private coce Breakfast at your leisure as we leave Lastovo around 8 AM and sail toward Vela Luka on Korčula Island, with a refreshing swim stop along the way - Stand Up Paddle Boards, other water gear and even a Jet Ski are all at our disposal.

10:30 AM - 5:00 PM - Vela Luka Bay: Our Floating Paradise Today we anchor in the beautiful bay of Vela Luka for a perfect day of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy all the ship's amenities - sun loungers, jacuzzi, sauna, mini gym -while surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Join one of our crew members for a fishing expedition using professional equipment. If you catch something, we'll grill it tonight! For those wanting exploration, our crew will tender you to Vela Luka town, or join our electric bike tour for more active adventure - whatever you desire, all included.

6:00 PM - 11:00 PM - Prigradica: The Hidden Beach Paradise After our relaxing day, we head to Blato, then to one of Croatia's best-kept secrets: the small, beautiful village of Prigradica, where we'll meet Petar and Nina... dear friends and wonderful young people who run a tiny family restaurant right on the beach.

This hidden gem sits directly on the beach with a spacious terrace offering incredible views of the sea and nearby Hvar Island. The restaurant is a true family affair, run with love by Petar, Nina, and Petar's entire family... his mother, sister, and father, who welcome you like long-lost relatives.

The swimming here is extraordinary! Crystal-clear, calm waters so pure you can see fish swimming below, surrounded by rugged cliffs and untouched nature that creates complete serenity. Whether you float lazily, dive into the refreshing Adriatic, or wade along the pebbled shore, you're in paradise.

Petar and his family will teach you to prepare local specialties using the finest regional ingredients - perhaps fresh fish caught that day, traditional local dishes, homemade pasta, and Petar's grandfather's legendary wine.

The evening gets magical when the local band "Blatski Veseljaci" arrives... Petar's grandfather is part of the group! They'll bring authentic Dalmatian music and tradition to life, creating a celebration filled with singing, playing, dancing, and laughter.

11:00 PM - Return to Ship (Vela Luka) After an unforgettable evening, we return to our floating home.

Places Vis & Podhumje, Vis Island
Classes & Experiences
Meals

Vis Island → Sviličić Family Farm, Olive Oil → Sunset Sailing → White Night Party

Today you'll experience an island with fascinating military history and meet a family whose warmth will touch your heart.

7:30 AM - 10:30 AM - Sailing to Vis with Swim Stop in another private cove with all the works - Breakfast at your leisure as we sail toward Vis, the second-farthest inhabited island from the Croatian mainland. A refreshing swim stop along the way prepares you for a day of cultural immersion.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Vis Town Discovery Casual exploration of charming Vis town, located on an island with fascinating history. Closed to foreign visitors until 1989 when it served as Yugoslavia's military base, this isolation preserved its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Today, Vis is famous for pristine beaches and historical sites.

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM - The Sviličić Family Home (Podhumje, Vis) This is where authentic Croatia truly comes alive. You'll join Vinko and Katarina Sviličić, known for their incredible warmth and genuine hospitality, at their humble farm where they grow and produce fresh, organic products, including their own exceptional olive oil.

A special treat awaits: Komiška pogača, traditional oven-baked bread filled with tomatoes, anchovies, onions, and Dalmatian spices - a regional delicacy you can't find elsewhere. From their peaceful ranch, on clear days you can actually see Italy across the Adriatic.

En route to their beautiful property, we'll stop at fascinating former military sites so you understand how dramatically the island has changed since opening to tourists. Vinko, a war veteran, will share stories of the homeland war, offering perspectives on Croatian history that you'll never hear from guidebooks.

The combination of authentic family hospitality, incredible food, historical education, and stunning views creates an experience that perfectly captures the depth only possible on our cruise.

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Sunset Sailing to Hvar After our visit with the Sviličić family, we head back to Vis and start sailing toward Hvar Island while enjoying cocktails, gourmet food, and great music. Watch the sunset paint the crystal-clear Adriatic in golden hues.

8:00 PM - Late Night - White Night Party in Paradise Tonight's dinner is served aboard our ship as we anchor in a beautiful private bay on Hvar Island. But dinner is just the beginning... tonight is our legendary White Night Party!

Everything is dressed in white - the ship's setup, the decorations, and all of us. We anchor in a secluded bay with no other boats in sight, just our intimate group under a canopy of stars so bright they seem within reach.

We'll be listening to the best hits all night long, enjoying the warm summer breeze, and celebrating in a setting that our guests consistently tell us was the most fun of their lives. Get ready for pure magic with unforgettable music, flowing drinks, and the best company imaginable.

Places Stari Grad, Jelsa & Humac, Hvar Island
Classes & Experiences
Meals

Jelsa → Cooking Class While Sailing → Humac Shepherd Village → Sunset Peka

Today combines culinary mastery with a journey back in time to an abandoned village that feels like stepping into another century.

7:00 AM - 9:30 AM - Sailing from Stari Grad Breakfast at your leisure as we sail from Stari Grad toward Jelsa around 7 AM.

10:30 AM - 1:00 PM - Jelsa Exploration + Cooking Class While Sailing We'll stop in one of the beautiful hidden coves for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear Adriatic waters (as usual, Jet Ski and other water gear is ready for us). But here's something truly special: while the boat glides over the sea, you'll participate in a cooking class led by our talented chef.

Learn to prepare authentic Dalmatian specialties using fresh, local ingredients that we picked up on the island - an experience that combines the best of sailing, cooking, and dining in one unforgettable journey.

Upon arriving in Jelsa, we'll have time to explore this charming seaside town. Known for its picturesque waterfront, stone-paved streets, and vibrant squares lined with cafés and shops, Jelsa is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Whether you wander through charming alleys, enjoy coffee by the harbor, or soak in the local culture, Jelsa offers the perfect blend of relaxation and authentic Croatian coastal living.

1:00 PM - 5:30 PM - Afternoon Paradise Time to relax, swim in clear Adriatic waters, or explore more of Jelsa town. This is a perfect laid-back afternoon after a morning of culinary education.

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Journey to Humac: The Village Time Forgot Now for something truly extraordinary: We'll journey to Humac, a small, abandoned shepherd village that feels like stepping back in time. Here you'll meet Jakov and Mate, whose parents still worked in this village, keeping its traditions alive.

They'll guide you through the old stone houses and simple ways of life still preserved in this peaceful, untouched place. At the edge of the village, they'll take you to their family's house where they grow their own vegetables and produce wine from their small vineyard.

As the sun sets, we'll settle in to enjoy stunning views over the western part of Hvar and the island of Brač, sipping cocktails and savoring delicious, locally sourced food. The combination of candlelit setting, serene village atmosphere, and breathtaking sunset creates a truly unforgettable experience.

8:30 PM - 10:00 PM - Candlelit Peka Dinner While you we aperitifs and one of Croatia's most spectacular sunsets, Jakov and Mate prepare dinner! Yet another style of Peka, slow-cooked under an iron bell in their outdoor greill ,using fresh local ingredients and methods unchanged for generations.

The combination of candlelight, the rustic stone village setting, the breathtaking views, and incredible food creates a magical, timeless experience that connects you deeply to Croatian heritage.

After Dinner - Return to Ship (Stari Grad) After this unforgettable evening, we return to our floating home where the night continues with fine Croatian chocolates paired with local wines, smooth music, and relaxed conversation under the stars.

Places Golden Horn Beach (Zlatni Rat), Bol, Brač Island
Classes & Experiences
Meals

Bol → Golden Horn Beach → Water Sports → Pajama & Rakija Party

Today combines Croatia's most famous beach with the most fun party you'll ever have.

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM - Sailing to Bol Breakfast at your leisure on the deck while sailing to Bol. We will start sailing around 7 AM.

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Golden Horn Beach Paradise Upon arriving at Bol, we will drop anchor close to the most famous Croatian beach, The Golden Horn, which has some of the most spectacular water on the entire Adriatic! We will be welcomed by our friends Hanni and Tonći who will take us on many of their fun aqua sport activities, including parasailing if weather permits. While enjoying time on the beach, food and cocktails will be served in a private cozy place only for us on the beach just steps away from the sea.

1:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Yacht Life on the Adriatic Lunch aboard our ship while sailing toward our private cove in tiny Šolta Island, but this isn't just any lunch - it's a gourmet experience served while gliding across some of the most beautiful waters in the world.

This afternoon is pure freedom to enjoy everything our floating paradise offers. Want to feel the rush of our jet ski cutting through crystal-clear waters? It's yours. Prefer to float peacefully on a SUP while soaking in the Mediterranean sun? Perfect. Feel like diving off the ship into water so clear you can see the bottom? Go for it.

Our ship becomes our personal playground - relax in the jacuzzi on the sun deck with a cocktail in hand, work out in the mini gym if you're feeling energetic, unwind in the sauna, or simply stretch out on the comfortable loungers and let the warm Adriatic breeze wash over you.

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Gourmet Dinner with a View As the golden hour approaches, we gather for dinner aboard our floating home. Our talented chef prepares another exceptional meal featuring fresh, local ingredients and both Croatian specialties and international favorites, all while we're anchored in a secluded spot with views that restaurants could never offer.

This isn't just dinner—it's a celebration of the day's adventures shared with people who started as strangers and have become family. Stories flow as freely as the premium wine, laughter echoes across the water, and everyone's excited anticipation builds for tonight's legendary Pajama & Rakija Mixology Party.

Dine under the stars with gentle waves lapping against the hull, surrounded by the kind of natural beauty that makes you understand why this experience changes people forever.

9:00 PM - Late Night - Pajama & Rakija Mixology Party Tonight, we will have our Pajama & Rakija Mixology Party – Get your PJ's on for dinner tonight, and we will have a hands-on experience where everyone will get the chance to become a cocktail master, using authentic rakija as the star ingredient. With a selection of different rakijas and all the necessary tools at their disposal, our guests will shake, stir, and mix their way to the most creative (or questionable) cocktails imaginable. Of course, music, dancing and fun!

And expect us to make it into a contest! The CDV Team and ship crew will have the honorable (and slightly risky) task of judging the creations. The challenge? To impress us with flavor, presentation, and originality - while ensuring we survive the tasting process. The top three cocktails will win special prizes, but more importantly, everyone will walk away with a newfound appreciation for this iconic Dalmatian spirit.

Expect a lot of laughter, some wild flavor combinations, and maybe even a few surprises, as we put rakija to the ultimate test in the world of mixology!

Places Primošten, Krka Waterfalls, Šibenik
Classes & Experiences
Meals

Primošten → Krka Waterfalls → Šibenik → Sunset Prosecco Farewell

Your final day combines natural wonder with heartfelt goodbyes celebrating an unforgettable week.

7:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Final Sail to Primošten Breakfast at your leisure during our sail to Primošten, with a refreshing swim stop along the way.

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM - Krka National Park: Nature's Masterpiece From Primošten, we journey to Krka National Park, a stunning natural gem that showcases Croatia's incredible beauty. Known for breathtaking waterfalls, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters, the park offers the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure.

We'll explore picturesque walking trails, visit historical landmarks like the Visovac Monastery, and experience the famous Skradinski Buk waterfall. This is where nature's beauty truly comes alive.

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Traditional Dalmatian Lunch Enjoy a final traditional Dalmatian lunch in the countryside, featuring local specialties and regional wines that capture the authentic flavors of this incredible region.

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Šibenik and Final Preparations While we were in Krka, this ship will have moved to Šibenik. This is important timing, because this is the only day we are required to dock because of morning departures. But while most ships here arrive in the morning, ours arrives late in the afternoon. This is by design to almost guarantee that we will not be forced to be sandwiched between other ships that are stacked.

Upon returning to the ship, you'll have time to pack, rest, or explore the historic center of Šibenik and its beautiful old town. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers the perfect final glimpse of Croatian culture.

8:00 PM - Farewell Dinner Aboard Our Home Our final dinner together aboard the ship that's been your floating home for the week. Share stories, exchange contact information, and celebrate the friendships that will last a lifetime.

Evening - Sunset Prosecco Party: The Perfect Farewell As the sun sets over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the shimmering waves, we gather for our final celebration. Raise glasses of chilled Prosecco as the last rays melt into the sea, creating a breathtaking backdrop for our final evening together.

This isn't just the end of a voyage... it's a celebration of the memories we've made, the laughter we've shared, and the bonds that have been formed. Let's enjoy the music, sparkling wine, and warmth of this magical moment as we bid farewell to the open seas and embrace the joy of one last night with our Croatian family.

Places Split Airport / Split City
Classes & Experiences
Meals

Departures and Transfers to Split Airport And City

While our incredible week ends, the memories and friendships last forever.

You're leaving with genuine friendships with Croatian families who will welcome you back, crew members who stay in touch, and fellow travelers who've become extended family.

CDV provides comfortable transfers back to Split Airport or Split city.

We'll be looking forward to seeing you again - because once you're family, you're always family!


The Not So Fine Print:

This is the northbound itinerary from Dubrovnik to Šibenik. (Split)

Some of our cruises run southbound, following nearly the identical experience but in reverse. On southbound itineraries, guests fly into Split and we'll pick you up in Split city or Split Airport. The ship departs from Primošten, and we don't have the Krka Falls excursion (though we're happy to arrange this as a pre-cruise add-on if you'd like). The final day ends in the Bay of Slano with a unique and special day exploring Dubrovnik.

Itinerary Subject to Change

This is a base itinerary, which is subject to minor changes before the vacation begins. Changes may include reorganization of days due to local festivals, sea conditions affecting our ability to anchor in certain bays, weather requiring us to adjust outdoor activities, or seasonal variations in local experiences. Additionally, these itineraries are prepared well in advance, and at times there are unexpected circumstances - from local celebrations that we can incorporate into your experience to weather patterns that require us to showcase alternative hidden gems. In the end, our goal is always to make it better for our guests, and when substitutions happen, they are always wonderful and often become the most memorable parts of the trip.

Menu Variations

The menus listed on the itineraries are subject to change depending on season and what our local family friends are preparing. We use only the freshest local ingredients and traditional recipes shared by Croatian families, so if a particular specialty isn't available, it will be substituted with another authentic regional dish. Occasionally we make changes as certain experiences prove to be so popular that our local hosts want to share additional family recipes and traditions.

Weather and Sea Conditions

Croatia's beautiful Adriatic setting means weather can affect our plans in wonderful ways. Some of our outdoor celebrations (like the White Night Party) may need to move to covered areas of the ship, and our stargazing experience on Lastovo depends on clear skies. Sea conditions may occasionally require us to dock instead of anchoring in secluded bays, or might mean we use alternative tender routes to reach our private beach experiences. Our captain and crew have decades of experience navigating these waters and always prioritize both safety and ensuring you still have an incredible experience. When weather requires adjustments, we often discover even more magical alternatives that become the highlight of the trip.

Local Experiences

Our authentic family experiences depend on real Croatian families who welcome us into their homes and hearts. Occasionally, family circumstances or local events may require us to substitute one family experience for another equally authentic one. Since these are genuine relationships rather than commercial arrangements, we maintain the flexibility to ensure every experience feels personal and real.