Small Ship Cruises

Southern Explorer Cruise

Experience The Beautiful Dalmatian Islands And Coastline

10-Day Package Holidays

This extraordinary cruise explores a beautiful area of the Adriatic Coastline between the historic cities of Split and Dubrovnik, to the beautiful island of Mjlet with the pristine national parks Hvar and Korcula, to the coastal resorts of Makarska and sleepy Trstenik. Dubrovnik is the highlight of this cruise and this historic UNESCO World Heritage city needs no introduction. The old town within its medieval walls will enchant you and there is much to see during the afternoon, evening and morning spent here. Our cruise ends in Split, which has its own authentic old town worth exploring. The coast and islands have a rich tradition in its cuisine, influenced through the ages by an eclectic range of styles and flavours, from the Venetians, as well as Ottoman and Slavic influences, with each of the islands having its own unique signature dishes and specialities.

Your Holiday Includes:

  • ATOL Protection
  • In-destination transfers
  • Return flights from the UK
  • 7 Night Cruise on a Half-board Basis
  • 2 Night Hotel in Split on a Bed & Breakfast basis

Don’t Miss…

  • Hvar and Korcula
  • The city of Split
  • The beautiful islands of Mjlet
  • The salt lakes in Mljet national Park
  • The old city of Dubrovnik with its medieval walls

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Friday – Split

Feel free to explore the city of Split. Split is a beautiful coastal town in Croatia. Rich in history and culture, it is famous for its beaches, most notably the Bacvice beach. Split is a famous tourist destination in Croatia. It is also one of the most popular shopping destinations with numerous shops. The city has a rich history.

Meals included: Breakfast

Southern Explorer

Saturday – Split – Makarska

We will take you from your hotel to Split port for embarkment. We cruise along the Dalmatian coast towards Makarska. Spend the afternoon swimming on a beautiful beach. Optional river rafting excursion or zip line on the Cetina river. Overnight in the port of Makarska.

Embarkation Time: 12:00

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Southern Explorer

Sunday – Makarska – Mljet

Depart for Mljet in the early morning for a refreshing swim in the Peljesac peninsula. In the afternoon, visit the salt lakes of Mljet National Park (entrance fee to be paid on the spot, 25EUR). Enjoy the sea and the tranquility of the surroundings. Once inside the park, visit the monastery and church of St. Mary's Island, or cycle around the lake on an rental bike. Overnight in port.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Southern Explorer

Monday – Mljet – Dubrovnik

Depart Dubrovnik in the morning and arrive in the afternoon. Explore the city on your own or join a guided tour, then take the optional cable car up Srd Mountain for stunning views of the Old Town. Overnight at the port of this magical town.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Southern Explorer

Tuesday – Dubrovnik – Sipan/Trstenik

In the morning you are free to explore Dubrovnik with its many narrow streets, monuments and churches. In the early afternoon, continue your cruise towards Sipan isle or the small town of Trstenik. Swim there in the afternoon and spend the night. Possible visit to a local winery.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & Captain’s dinner

Southern Explorer

Wednesday – Sipan/Trstenik – Korcula

After breakfast, we depart to Korcula, the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Arrive at Korcula in the afternoon. Optional tour of Korcula and wine tasting at a local winery. Overnight at Korcula port.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Southern Explorer

Thursday  – Korcula – Hvar

Early departure to Pakleni Islands for lunch and swimming. Afternoon optional sightseeing of Hvar, the longest island in the Adriatic. Hvar is full of entertainment, great restaurants, bars and cafes. Overnight in Hvar.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Southern Explorer

Friday – Hvar – Brac – Split

Our next destination is Brac Island. Swimming is planned at Dalmatia's most famous beach, Zlatni Rat near Bol. After lunch, start the journey back to Split. On the way we will stop and swim in one of the many bays of Brac Island. Opportunity to take a guided tour of Split with its rich Roman architecture. Overnight in Split.

Meals included: Breakfast & lunch

Southern Explorer

Saturday – Split

Disembarkation after breakfast at 9am and transfer to Split airport for your return flight to the UK.

Meals included: Breakfast

Southern Explorer

  • All local transfers
  • 2 nights at Peristil hotel on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Flights from London Gatwick, Manchester or Bristol

On Board Premium Superior Vessel

Accommodation on board premium superior vessel for 7 nights in your chosen cabin grade with air conditioning, en suite bathroom and TV

  • Three guided tours
  • Croatian wine tasting
  • Complimentary wi-fi onboard
  • Water plus tea and coffee after lunch
  • Professional English speaking cruise director
  • Half board including welcome cocktail and Captain’s dinner

Below flight times are indicative and subject to availability. You will be advised exact flight details at the time of booking.

London Gatwick

  • Thursday Depart London Gatwick: 10:45 Arrive Split:14:15
  • Saturday Depart Split:16:05 Arrive London Gatwick: 17:40

Manchester 

  • Thursday Depart Manchester: 08:00 Arrive Split:11:55
  • Saturday Depart Split:13:35 Arrive Manchester: 15:35

Bristol
(please note hotel stay will be after your cruise)

  • Saturday Depart Bristol: 06:55 Arrive Split:10:30
  • Monday Depart Split:10:20 Arrive Bristol: 12:05

All local transfers are included in your package.

  • Split airport to Peristil hotel – approximately 45 min
  • Peristil hotel to Split harbour (cruise embarkation) – approximately 30 min
  • Split harbour to Split airport – approximately 45 min
  • Passenger personal expenses
  • Beverages
  • Optional excursions and national park entry fees
  • Visitors tax and port fees – EUR 60 per person per week – payable locally
  • Crew gratuities (optional – recommended amount EUR 10 – 14 per passenger per day)

Ports Of Call: Split – Makarska – Mljet – Dubrovnik – Sipan/Trstenik – Korcula – Hvar – Split

In the event of inclement weather or adverse operating conditions, the cruise itinerary may need to be altered at the discretion of the captain for the comfort and safety of our guests. The Captain and Cruise Director will will keep you fully briefed on the daily programme.

The Weather

Temperatures range from the mid 20s in early and late season to the low 30s plus, in late June through September. Winds are usually predictable, moderate and occasionally fresh (force 2-5) in the afternoon.

Your Vessel: M/Y Spalato

Your cruise will be operated on one of the ships shown or in the same Katarina Line fleet, which are nearly identical in size, facilities and service. We will inform you of the vessel name at the time of booking.

Spalato is a classic Croatian coastal Premium class cruise ship; 36 metres long and with 19 cabins, she can access the smallest ports on the Dalmatian Coastline. Spalato, launched in 2012 and refurbished recently, has a huge sun deck, air conditioned lounge and dining area and a large outdoor lounge to the rear.

Spalato is equipped with a swim platform, with ladders that drop into the sea for ease of acsess.

Spend your mornings reading on the sundeck or lounge, enjoying stunning views of the Croatian coastline as you pass, or enjoying a daily swim in a secluded cove along the way.

Highlights

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the vessel
  • Swimming platform for easy access
  • Leisure equipment: tender boat (8 max), swimming, snorkelling equipment
  • Spacious restaurant and bar area
  • Exceptional personal service
  • Sun loungers on the top deck with jacuzzi

All cabins have ensuite shower and W/C, and airconditioning and a safe. Spalato has 19 cabins arranged on 3 decks.

MAIN DECK

  • There are 4 double cabins on the main deck – All cabins have ensuite shower and W/C, and air-conditioning and a safe.

UPPER DECK

  • There are 6 twin cabins and 1 double cabin on the upper deck – All cabins have ensuite shower and W/C, and air-conditioning and a safe.

LOWER DECK

  • The lower deck has 8 twin cabins – All cabins have ensuite shower and W/C, and air-conditioning and a safe.

Your Hotel: Hotel Peristil

Stay in the heart of Split

Located right next to the Silver Gates within the UNESCO-protected Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Hotel Peristil offers an a la carte restaurant. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property.

All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen satellite TV and a desk. The private bathroom comes with a shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. Some have preserved the original palace walls, and some overlooks the Peristyle and the Cathedral of St. Domnius.

The beautiful Riva Promenade is 200 yards away, while Marmontova’s shopping street is about 400 yards away. Poljud Stadium is located at a distance of 0.9 miles and the forest park of Marjan can be reached with a 10-minute walk.

Split Port with the Ferry Terminal is about 50 yards away, while the Main Bus and Train Stations are reachable within 200 yards. Split Airport is 13.7 miles away.

Facilities

  • Room service
  • Family rooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Airport shuttle

Superior Double Room (Included in your Holiday)

Room Amenities:

  • Hairdryer
  • Writing desk
  • Bathroom
  • Air condition
  • Double Bed
  • Chair
  • Shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Two night stands
  • Linen
  • Towels
  • Closet
  • Wardrobe
  • Flat screen satellite TV
  • Wi-Fi Internet
  • Armchair and coffee table
  • Seating area

We sail in and out of Split, Croatia’s second largest city. It has some wonderful history dating back to the Palace of Diocletian, built by the eponymous Roman Emperor in the 4th Century. The remains of the Palace are well worth a visit as are the sprawling streets of the old city.

Prices

Southern Explorer 2023 Flight Inclusive Package

Prices (£) per person from:

Departure datesLower deckUpper/ Main deck
13/04/2023£1,248£1,335
20/04/2023£1,248£1,335
27/04/2023£1,248£1,335
04/05/2023£1,326£1,457
11/05/2023£1,326£1,457
18/05/2023£1,326£1,457
25/05/2023£1,426£1,557
01/06/2023£1,457£1,630
08/06/2023£1,457£1,630
15/06/2023£1,543£1,717
22/06/2023£1,543£1,717
29/06/2023£1,543£1,717
06/07/2023£1,593£1,767
13/07/2023£1,593£1,767
20/07/2023£1,593£1,767
27/07/2023£1,593£1,767
03/08/2023£1,593£1,767
10/08/2023£1,593£1,767
17/08/2023£1,593£1,767
24/08/2023£1,593£1,767
31/08/2023£1,543£1,717
07/09/2023£1,543£1,717
14/09/2023£1,543£1,717
21/09/2023£1,457£1,630
28/09/2023£1,326£1,457
05/10/2023£1,241£1,372
12/10/2023£1,241£1,372

Southern Explorer 2023

Prices (£) per person:

Departure datesLower deckUpper/ Main deck
15/04/2023£696£783
22/04/2023£696£783
29/04/2023£696£783
06/05/2023£739£870
13/05/2023£739£870
20/05/2023£739£870
27/05/2023£739£870
03/06/2023£870£1,043
10/06/2023£870£1,043
17/06/2023£957£1,130
24/06/2023£957£1,130
01/07/2023£957£1,130
08/07/2023£957£1,130
15/07/2023£957£1,130
22/07/2023£957£1,130
29/07/2023£957£1,130
05/08/2023£957£1,130
12/08/2023£957£1,130
19/08/2023£957£1,130
26/08/2023£957£1,130
02/09/2023£957£1,130
09/09/2023£957£1,130
16/09/2023£957£1,130
23/09/2023£870£1,043
30/09/2023£739£870
07/10/2023£739£870
14/10/2023£739£870