An unusual cruise from Split to Dubrovnik that visits Montenegro - There are only 1-2 small ships that are allowed to do this. There is also a side trip to visit Mostar and its famous bridge. Many of the small ports and harbours of Croatia's Adriatic coast and Kotor Bay are only accessible to ships of up to 50 metres long, so we are privileged to visit these smaller ports.
Kotor is a hugely dramatic bay; actually the largest fjord in southern Europe, and a spectacular inlet surrounded by granite mountains. Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful old cities in the world, and the history just oozes from Split, Hvar and Korcula. Topped off with a visit to Mljet National Park - This is one of the most unusual yet all encompassing small ship cruises in the Adriatic.
We will have the chance to swim in a small bay from the back of the ship on most days, and in the evenings you are usually free to explore the restaurants and cafes of the lovely towns where we spend each night.
Split and Dubrovnik Wonderful Kotor Bay and Mostar Hvar and Korcula Mljet NP
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
![Lower deck cabins](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/386348/MS-Stella-Maris---Double-Cabin_5u9OIxr.jpg)
![Main deck cabin](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/386349/stella_maris_main_deck_cabin_2wkAx4R.jpg)
![Main deck cabin for single occupancy](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/cabin-photos/386347/stella_maris_main_deck_cabin_2wkAx4R.jpg)
You will be transferred from Split airport to the port. Embarkation starts at 14:00h. Get settled in your cabin before attending a Welcome reception followed by dinner this evening.
Morning guided walking tour of Split shows us the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. See the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, it’s Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. Set sail towards town of Hvar on the island of Hvar a favourite vacation destination of world celebrities, but also a charming seaside town with 8thcentury architecture. Before lunch, there is time for a swim stop in the clear blue sea. Upon arrival in Hvar, you will enjoy visiting the many historical sights of the town, such as St Stephen’s Square and Cathedral, the Arsenal with the theatre built on its first floor, the first municipal theatre in Europe. Above Hvar Town is the impressive fortress Fortica offering magnificent views over the bay and Pakleni islands. Your evening is free in Hvar.
Early in the morning sail to Ploče with a stop along the way to swim and relax, if weather permits, with lunch on board. Take the coach for an excursion to Mostar with dinner included. Mostar is the city were east and west meet. Built alongside the Neretva River is known by all thanks to the image of its beautiful “Old Bridge" (Stari Most) which is the heart and symbol of the city. Since 2005 the “Old Bridge", as well as the old city of Mostar have been inscribed as a World Heritage by UNESCO. Walkthrough the streets, visit the Turkish house and the mosque. Overnight in Ploče
Leaving Ploče, we will have an early morning cruise towards the island of Korčula, with swim stop, if weather permits, in one of pristine bays, time to relax and lunch on board. Continue towards Korčula, the most preserved medieval town, thought to be the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Take a walking tour of Korčula which takes you through its narrow, cobbled streets full of history and enjoy wine tasting in one of the local wine bars. Your evening is free to discover the town and enjoy dinner on your own at one of many local restaurants. Overnight in Korčula
In the morning head further south to the Island of Mljet, with swim stop, weather permitting, in one of pristine bays, time to relax and lunch on board. Join the Cruise Manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park. Alternatively, you can rent bicycles, scooters, or kayaks to explore the National Park or island on your own. Lunch on board and departure for a small village called Slano on the mainland. Slano is a peaceful fishermen’s village, and the starting point to Ston, situated on Pelješac peninsula, fortified small village famous for its oysters. Pelješac peninsula is known as one of the best wineproducing regions in Croatia. Tonight, enjoy Captain’s dinner and overnight in Slano.
In the morning we set sail to Kotor. After lunch on board, we are going to visit Lovćen Mountain, Njeguši Village and Budva. Encounter Montenegro’s rich culture, historical heritage and natural beauty as you travel by bus up the serpentine Lovćen Hills. A beautiful view of Kotor Bay and lovely mountain scenery accompany you en route to Njeguši, where you will visit the village smokehouse. Stop for a snack of smoked ham and cheese, brandy and wine—all local specialties. Then, head down the mountains towards the city of Budva—believed to be one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast. It is more than 2,000 years old. After panoramic stop above Budva you will drive back to Kotor to explore the city that is known as the jewel of Montenegro. Your guide will take you on a walking tour that will include a visit to St Tryphon’s Cathedral, and you will see the Orthodox Church of St Luka from the outside. Your evening is free in Kotor.
Morning departure for Dubrovnik with lunch on board. Upon arrival in Dubrovnik the “Pearl of Adriatic”, you will enjoy a guided tour at the historical centre of Dubrovnik, walk through STRADUN – both a street and a square, the most famous place inside the town walls, the famous city enlisted as UNESCO’s World Heritage site, where your guide will show you the most interesting sights of Dubrovnik and you will visit the Franciscan Monastery with the second oldest pharmacy in Europe. After city tour, you will be left on your own to explore the city, visit City Walls, the Rector's Palace and the Cathedral, take a boat ride to Lokrum island or take the cable car to the top of the Mount Srđ. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
After breakfast it’s time to disembark. You will be transferred to Dubrovnik Airport. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner, WR-Welcome Reception, CD-Captain’s dinner, T-Tasting
Stella Maris
![](/get-image-version/medium/uploads/kompas/ms-stella-maris-luxury-small-cruise-ship-coast.jpg)
M/S Stella Maris is a deluxe vessel, with maximum capacity of 36 passengers in 18 twin and double cabins. All cabins are modern and fully equipped with A/C, LCD TV, safe deposit box, fire alarm, internal communication system between room and bar. Bathrooms are equipped with toilet, shower, wash basin, hair dryer, slippers, bathrobe, and for added convenience cosmetic package. All cabins are sound-proof and each cabin comes with the fire-proof doors.
A fully air-conditioned upper deck dining room can accommodate all passengers at once, yet offer a great degree of privacy for each guest. There is free wireless internet (Wi-Fi), loudspeakers, audiosystem, and a direct telephone communication cabin-bar on board. The kitchen is made in line with the latest HACCP standards.
An extension of the restaurant is outdoors, on the covered part of the upper deck, spacious enough for all passengers and tables, chairs and including a public lavatory. To make the most of every swimming opportunity, there is a platform with a ladder for easy access to the water.
Ship Amenities:
Salon/restaurant, bar, outdoor showers, swimming platform, PA system, complimentary Wi-Fi.
Cabins include:
LCD TV (satellite system), safe box, bathrooms - toilet, shower, wash basin, hair dryer, slippers, bathrobe.
![Cabin layout for Stella Maris](/get-image-version/big/uploads/ships/cabin/stella_maris_deckplan.png)
Includes
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
• 7 nights cruise from Split to Kotor and Dubrovnik
• Supreme category ship in a cabin with private facilities, A/C & TV
• Arrival shared transfer from Split airport to port on the first day of the program
• Departure shared transfer from port to Dubrovnik airport on the last day of the program
• Daily buffet breakfast
• 6 lunches (3 course meal with salad bar)
• Welcome dinner and Captain's dinner & live music at the Captain's dinner
• Water dispenser
• Complimentary coffee, tea, and fresh fruits available daily
• Professional English-speaking Cruise Manager throughout
• Whisper technology
• Daily cabin servicing, fresh bed linen and towels midweek
• Luggage handling
• One beach towel per person per week
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
SIGHTSEEING TOURS INCLUDED:
• Professional English-speaking guide for city tours of Split, Hvar, Mostar, Korčula, Kotor and Dubrovnik
• Entrance fees to the Franciscan Monastery’s Pharmacy
• Dinner in Mostar
• Wine tasting in Korčula
• Lovćen/Njeguši/Budva excursion – ride by bus, snack in Njeguši (smoked ham and cheese, brandy and wine)
Excludes
Drinks on board (except water), extra meals, Entrance fees not mentioned in the program