One way cruise for active seniors: Dubrovnik – Trogir

Itinerary ideal for active seniors

Gulet cruises can be adapted to people of all ages and this itinerary is incredibly likable by groups of active seniors with no kids around. The main reason is, this route offers a huge amount of extra activities and provides the perfect combination of hiking, swimming, sightseeing, and nature. It is a one-way cruise (Dubrovnik – Split/Trogir) for a reason.

With this concept, you get to see the most – with less traveling while enjoying a great combination of towns to check, nature parks to visit and bays to swim around.

Dubrovnik

“Those who seek paradise on Earth must come to Dubrovnik” – George Bernard Shaw.

The Old city of Dubrovnik is the most beautiful jewel of Croatia’s cultural and historical heritage for which it was included into the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Regardless of whether you are visiting Dubrovnik for the first time or the hundredth, the sense of awe never fails to descend when you set eyes on the beauty of the old town. Indeed it’s hard to imagine anyone becoming jaded by the city’s marble streets, baroque buildings and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic, or failing to be inspired by a walk along the ancient city walls that protected a civilized, sophisticated republic for centuries.

Although the shelling of Dubrovnik in 1991 horrified the world, the city has bounced back with vigor to enchant visitors again. Marvel at the interplay of light on the old stone buildings; trace the peaks and troughs of Dubrovnik’s past in museums replete with art and artifacts; take the cable car up to Mt Srđ; exhaust yourself climbing up and down narrow lanes – then plunge into the azure sea.

Extra activity:

Take a guided tour of Dubrovnik. Check out “Old City Walls” and learn all about the history and most stunning places. There are three entrances to the city ramparts: on Stradun by the Pile gate, by Fort St. Johns and by Fort St. Luke, Saint Dominik street. You can choose from different tours, according to the length and complexity.

When you say goodbye to Dubrovnik, the gulet will sail to Ploče. From there you have a 40-minute drive to Međugorje. Since 1981, it has become a popular site of religious pilgrimage due to reports of apparitions of the Virgin Mary to six local Catholics. There you have around 3 hours tour and see all the incredible sights and places that this place has to offer.

Dubrovnik - National Park Mljet

Mljet is one of the most seductive of all the Adriatic islands. Much of the island is covered by forests and the rest is dotted with fields, vineyards and small historically villages. The western tip contains Mljet National Park, where the lush vegetation, pine forests and spectacular saltwater lakes are exceptionally scenic.

Aerial view of Mljet Lake with Monastery of Saint Mary, Croatia

There are two picturesque lakes connected to the sea, in one of which there is another small island with an old monastery. It’s an unspoiled oasis of tranquility that, according to legend, captivated Odysseus for seven years. We’re sure he didn’t regret a moment. Island Mljet is a perfect combination of hiking (amazing forest), swimming (the see is super clean) and sightseeing (monastery and guided tour).

Extra activity:

There is a small lake and a large lake. Both lakes are surrounded by delightful footpaths for walking and cycling. In the center of the large lake, a Benedictine monastery stands atop St. Mary’s Island. There is a nice walk through the pine forest where you visit this historical place. Or you can request a guided tour with a long boat, that will take you to Ann Island.The guide will explain to you everything about the history fortified monastery of Benedictine monks from the 12th-century and its Church of St. Mary and all the interesting things going on there.

Mljet - Lastovo

One of the most remote and undeveloped of Croatia’s populated islands, little green Lastovo sits in quiet isolation south of Korčula and west of Mljet. Like similarly far-flung Vis, the island was used as a military base during the Yugoslav era and was closed to foreign visitors. The main attraction is Lastovo Town, a striking collection of stone houses and innumerable aged churches clinging to a hillside in the interior.

Lastovo and the dozens of islets that surround it are now protected by the Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park, home to shearwaters, sea corals, sponges, lobsters, rare sea snails, dolphins, and loggerhead and green turtles. To conclude Lastovo is a place where you just take your mind off, take a walk, have a nice dinner and forget about all your worries. Great for swimming, walking, relaxation and without mass tourism

Lastovo - Korčula town

Korčula is also called little Dubrovnik. It has stunning city walls, Marco Pollo was born there, it has full of history and it is a really nice town to check. Rich in vineyards, olive groves, and small villages, Korčula is the sixth-largest Adriatic island, stretching nearly 47km in length.

Clear water at the waterfront of Korcula town Croatia

Dense woods led the original Greek settlers to call the island Korkyra Melaina (Black Korčula). Quiet coves and small sandy beaches dot the steep southern coast while the northern shore is flatter and more pebbly. Tradition is alive and kicking on Korčula, with age-old religious ceremonies, folk music and dances still being performed to the delight of an ever-growing influx of tourists. With one of the best white wine all blends together into a beautiful symphony.

Extra activity:

Take Guided tour of Korčula or visit great cultural Moreška Evening. It is an old sword dancing with great actors and a great story. There are translations in English, Spanish, French, Italian and German. Although the dance was performed in many Mediterranean towns through the 19th century, now it is only performed in Korčula.
Near Korčula a small island called Badija, biggest and the most beautiful island in the Korcula archipelago. It has a surface of about one square kilometer and is covered by dense maquis and pine, cypresses and olive trees. Flint knives were found in the Lokve locality, proving that life existed in the caves of Badija in prehistoric times. A stone monument shows that Romans were on the island. With a great monastery and epic pine forest were talking a walk fills you up with energy and fresh air for many years to come, this is a truly great place to visit.
Feeding animals (free of charge) :). Yes, they are walking around. No, they are not dangerous. Yes, they are super cute. Sea animals are not the only animals that can be found here. Badija’s woods are home to numerous does, which were brought here a few decades ago, by former Yugoslav president Tito. It is not unusual to see does to come to the beach, very near people, to seek food. Since there are many people that want to feed them, they are very picky, and they’ll approach you only if they like the food you’re offering. As far as we know, apples are among their favorite food, so be sure to bring some apples with you if you go to Badija. This is a most precious experience, true magic if you’re an animal lover.

Korčula - Hvar

Hvar was rated as one of the top 10 most beautiful islands in the World.

The main town on island Hvar (Town Hvar) is a must-see destination to visit in the late afternoon & evening. It draws around 20,000 people a day in the high season. It’s odd that they can all fit in the small bay town, where 13th-century walls surround beautifully ornamented Gothic palaces and traffic-free marble streets but fit they do. Here are all the options you have, when you come to Hvar.

Extra activity:

Swimming. You will anchor on Pakleni Islands (very close to Hvar), where you are away from heavy crowds. Amazing swimming spots all around you.
Hiking. You can take a water taxi, or the crew transfers you to land with a dinghy and you just check amazing town on your own or hike to the highest peak called St. Nicholas (626m).
Exploring. During the day you can visit a Vine Celler Plenkovič (Zlatan Otok). Not only the vine is amazing – also the scenery is out of this World!
Sightseeing-Guided Tour and a trip to the Fort.
Do you like to Party? You can go to Hula – Hula discotheque on Hvar, or you can go to Carpe Diem (Pakleni Islands) which is also one of the most famous party places in Croatia.

Hvar - Brač

Brač is famous for two things: its radiant white stone, used to build Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the White House in Washington, DC (oh, yes!), and Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape), the long pebbly beach at Bol that extends lasciviously into the Adriatic and adorns 90% of Croatia’s tourism posters.

Zlatni Rat famous turquoise beach in Bol on Brac island view Dalmatia Croatia

It’s the largest island in central Dalmatia, with several towns, sleepy villages and a dramatic Mediterranean landscape of steep cliffs, inky waters and pine forests. Gathered around a compact marina, the old town of Bol is an attractive place made up of small stone houses and winding streets dotted with pink and purple geraniums.

Extra activity:

You can visit Pučišća village with an entirely different experience. Nowhere in the system of towns and villages in Dalmatia does terrain play such a compelling role as in Pučišća with its spectacular irregularity of the steep-sided natural harbor, its authentic Mediterranean architecture and rustic ambiance. Pučišća Quarry was exploited in the Antiquity; the reopening of the quarry took place in 1455, unused since Roman times. It was from this quarry that stone was excavated to build limestone columns of the White House in Washington DC, The Parliament house in Vienna and many other famous buildings all over the world. The only Stonemasonry school in Croatia is located in Pučišća, where students carve sculptures from Brač limestone with traditional and unconventional tools that have been used here for centuries.

Brač - Šolta/Split

After that it is flexible. You can take a cruise to Šolta island, which is super easy going. No crowds. No mass tourism. You can check olive oil factory there or just take a walk around the shore. Not much going on there – and that is exactly why people like it.

Or… You can go to Split.

Croatia’s second-largest city is a great place to see real Dalmatian life. Always buzzing, this exuberant city has just the right balance of tradition and modernity. Step inside Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments) and you’ll see dozens of bars, restaurants, and shops thriving amid the atmospheric old walls where life has been humming along for thousands of years.

Trogir

Guided tour and goodbye to the best vacation ever. Trogir is a small seaside town 27 km west of Split and very close to the airport. Since 1997, Trogir’s historical city center has been included in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. The old town has retained many intact and beautiful buildings from its age of glory between the 13th and 15th centuries.

On summer nights everyone gravitates to the wide seaside promenade, lined with bars, cafes, and yachts.

Stroll around amazing knotted maze-like marble streets gleaming mysteriously under old-fashioned streetlights.

Flexibility

This itinerary is not 100% set in stone or planned for each and every minute in advance. If you wish to stay on Hvar for 2 days – why not. If you do not like Split – set sails and go to Starigrad on Hvar. If you like swimming – stay around Mljet or Lastovo longer.
We did not mention island Vis in this route. If the weather allows it and if you decide during the trip to check out Vis – why not.
One of the best parts of a gulet cruise holiday is – flexibility. And you should always leave an itinerary a bit flexible – and opened to your captain’s suggestions.

Matching this itinerary to the best possible gulets

Not a single gulet owner & captain will cruise this route the same way. Some owners prefer to stay most of the evenings on the anchor. Some of the owners will always find some small pier and tie the gulet there. Some captain prefers to arrive at ports earlier – some do it later. Some owners will show you 4 different bays and towns/day – some owners will stay in the same place for the entire day.
The most important things are to realize what YOU LIKE – and finding the gulet that can make your wishes a reality.
We can help you with this. We know how to plan and we know which owners will make each of the groups super happy.
So let us know about your wishes and keep in mind that small details (as mentioned above) – will make your cruise an incredible experience.

We offer a wide range of gulets

You can choose between different gulets in various sizes and outfits. Would you prefer more luxury gulet, with lots of amenities and maybe 8 cabins – no problem. Maybe 3 cabins, small cozy gulet? – No problem at all! It depends on everything mentioned above and your wishes.