Day 1: JNB – Istanbul
15:00 Meet at the International Departure Hall at O R Tambo Airport. Make sure that your luggage is already rapped before meeting the group.
15:30 Check in at the Turkish Airlines Counters. Your luggage allowance is 30 Kg, but you are restricted to 1 suitcase for checked luggage due to limited space in the cabins on the Almissa.
You may travel with one peace of cabin baggage of 7 Kg per traveller.
18:25 Depart on flight TK43 to Istanbul
Dinner on board.
Day 2: Istanbul – Plitvice – Split
05:00 Arrive early morning in Istanbul. Remain in transit. Change flights. Since you are in
transit, you need to compile and show proof of the Covid-19 regulations applicable to
your destination – Croatia.
07:00 Depart on flight TK1053 from Istanbul. Breakfast on board.
08:05 Arrive in Zagreb, Croatia. Clear passport control and customs formalities.
Meet our busdriver and load luggage.
Depart by coach to Plitvice Lakes National Park for an unforgettable experience!
15:00 Depart from Plitvice and travel 2 hours to Split, the centre of Dalmatia.
Late afternoon book in at Hotel Adriana (bed and breakfast) on the promenade, nearest to the docking place of the Almissa.
Things to see:
- Diocletian palace
- Riva promenade
- Marjan hill
Enjoy your own dinner at one of the restaurants in the ”Old City”.
Overnight.
Day 3: Split – Stomorska (Šolta)
Our journey starts in Split. Embarkation is at 1PM and as soon as we finish the check in, we will start our journey towards island Šolta, to the town Stomorska. Before we reach Stomorska we will enjoy the first swim stop of the journey. After the swim we will dock in Stomorska and explore island Šolta. We will have a welcome dinner in the evening.
Overnight in port of Stomorska.
Things to see:
- Explore local village
- Olive oil tasting
Day 4: Stomorska – Stari Grad
This morning we are leaving island Šolta to visit island Hvar, town of Stari Grad.
We will depart in the morning during breakfast and it will take us approx. 3 hours to reach our swim stop of the day. After lunch we will dock in the port and you will be able to discover town or go wine tasting (optional). We will overnight in the port.
Things to see:
- visit old Tvrdalj caste
- go to a wine tasting
- enjoy the lovely streets and bars
Day 5: Stari Grad – Hvar
After breakfast we will leave towards Hvar town. There are plenty of stunning bays along the way, so if wheather lets us, we will swim in two of them today.
After lunch time we will take you to the port to walk an explore the historical town of Hvar. The boat will have to be anchored until 7PM due to port legislation. You will have the afternoon and evening at leisure to explore.
About Hvar:
Hvar is the sunniest Adriatic island and a fashionable destination – if it is good enough for Beyonce, Prince Harry or the president of Croatia, it is good enough for us! But it’s not all about sun and party; Hvar has rich history and tradition and beautiful nature; the island is the only destination in Croatia with three sites listed on UNESCO list of protected natural and cultural heritage.
The island of Hvar is famous for its lavender fields and lavender oils or scent bags are very typical souvenirs, as well as agave lace handmade by nuns from the Benedictine convent or local honey with special taste.
Day 6: Hvar – Vis
Vis is a place to be. It is the most distant island from the coast along with Lastovo
that makes it a bit different regarding local life and beauty of the nature. Enjoy a walk through the town of Vis, try the best seafood, take a taxi and visit town of Komiža or walk to St George fortress! You will love it. In addition to all that if you want to learn more about history – do a military tour (optional)
About Vis:
The island of Vis was closed for tourists until 1990 as it was used as an army base in former Yugoslavia and therefore it has kept the charm of Mediterranean as it once was. In the town of Vis you can visit the Church or Our Lady. Walk west from ferry dock takes you to Ancient Greek Cemetery, then another 200 meters to Roman baths and Franciscan Monastery. Another 20 minute walk pass by hotel Issa, takes you to George the Third Fortress built in 1813 by British to protect the harbour of Vis (today it is a night club).
Day 7: Vis – Korčula
This will be the longest ride on our itinerary. Leaving Vis in the morning around 7AM, we will set our course towards town of Korčula (approx 6 hours). Before lunch we will stop for a swim and we should be docked right after our lunch. You will have plenty of
free time to discover this stunning town.
Things to see:
- cathedral of st. Marco
- climb on Massimo fortress and enjoy cocktails
- discover beautiful streets
About Korčula:
Korčula is the birthplace of Marko Polo and one of the best preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean, often called “miniature Dubrovnik”. It is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic Sea, with abundant vineyards and olive groves. Its southern coast is formed by small beaches and quiet coves. The Greeks, called the island Korkyra, Melaina or “black Corfu, all adjectives to define the wooded area. While strolling through the old town, you might recognize a fish bone pattern of its streets, a very smart urbanistic achievement. The streets running west are straight to let the cool western breeze in summer, those at east are curved to protect it from chilly winter Bura wind, while the street facing north allowed locals to rush and quickly defend town from attacks from the sea, from Pelješac channel.
Day 8: Korčula – Dubrovnik
Duborvnik is the most popular destination on the route due to its beauty, rich history and great offer of activities that it offers. Recently being famous for Game of Thrones series (King’s Landing), Dubrovnik has been more famous because of its’ city walls and Old town. Enjoy beer at Buža bar, stroll over Stradun and take cable car to Srđ for one of the best views on the itinerary.
About Dubrovnik:
Dubrovnik’s proud and turbulent history goes back to 6th century and there is an abundance of reasons why the city is known as “the pearl of Adriatic”. The city suffered great damage during the Croatian war of Independence (1991-1995) but proudly managed to rise and restore its greatness.
Stroll along Stradun, favourite promenade and meeting place, the main street going mid Old Town from Pile to Ploče Gate and do not miss out on the walk along the awesome fortified walls of Dubrovnik. It is one of the best preserved fortification complexes in Europe. The 1940-metre long walls encompass five forts and sixteen towers and bastions so give yourself at least an hour to walk its full length. DO NOT MISS a Cable car ride to Srđ Hill (413 m) for spectacular view, photo ops and visit to fort.
Day 9: Dubrovnik – Šipan
Visit Dubrovnik and not spending a day at one of the Elaphite islands would be a big mistake.Šipan is perfect for those who want to feel the real Mediterranean and travel back in time. It is in many ways definition of paradise – perfect nature, away from crowds, quiet and warm local people. We believe that today you will enjoy mesmerizing bays and lovely beaches on island Šipan. Stroll over the island and enjoy scents of fresh lemons, tangerines and oranges.
About island Šipan:
Šipan belongs to a group of Elaphiti Islands, which were a part of a glorious Dubrovnik Republic through centuries and therefore shared its wealth. After the Republic lost its significance, the residents left the Elaphiti and now only three of the islands are inhabited, but they are almost car-free. With its quietness and calmness, lush vegetation and romantic atmosphere, they are a perfect getaway from Dubrovnik rush. There is not much to do here but to enjoy the tranquillity of the island.
Walk to the inland of island by following the main road. You will find delightful combination of craggy hills and long, fertile plain dotted with occasional hamlets, vineyards, olive groves, ruined summer houses of Dubrovnik nobility, rosemary and other herbs.
Day 10: Šipan – Trstenik (peninsula Pelješac)
This morning we will depart around 7:30, just after fresh bread is being delievered. We have 4 hours of cruising towards our next destination. Village Trstenik is situated on southern hills of Pelješac peninsula, that is known as best red wine region in Croatia due to the perfect geographical position.We will stop on another swim stop before we reach the port of Trstenik and we should dock around 14h.
You will have free afternoon & evening to explore and taste some wines and enjoy stunning nature.
About Trstenik:
Trstenik is a small fisherman village set tight amongst the hills of Pelješac peninsula. This is one of the most famous areas for vineyards and wineries in Croatia, and some of Croatia’s most renowned top quality wines are produced here. Pelješac is also a home of the famous Zinfandel sort taken from this area to Napa Valley.
One of the most famous Californian winemakers Grgich was born in this village. When his daughter returned from the USA she started running a winery in his home village. Follow the road up the hill to visit it and taste some marvellous wines from this area. There is another small wine cellar in the village owned by Family Živkušić, who will be happy to welcome you and show
Day 11: Trstenik – Makarska
Makarska is famous due to its’ vibrant local life, filled with bars and restaurants. In addition to that, it is home to the one of the nicest pebble beaches along the coast (famous Makarska riviera). This famous coastal town has breathtaking scenery, with the Biokovo Mountain triomf above it. We will leave Trstenik early in the morning and head to this beautiful coastal town. Long sail is ahead of us, so we will leave a bit earlier.
We will dock after lunch. You will love it!
Tonight we will have a farewell dinner!!!
About Makarska:
Makarska is a port town on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, known for its Makarska Riviera beaches, seafront promenade and nightlife. On a small bay between wooded headlands, the old town centers on Kačić Square. Ferries connect the port to nearby Brač island. To the east towers the rugged Mt. Biokovo, a nature reserve home to golden eagles and Balkan chamois, with hairpin roads up to Sveti Jure’s summit.
Day 12: Makarska – Split – Zagreb – Istanbul
We will reach Split around 9AM and our check-out will be around 9:30AM, after
breakfast. This is where our journey ends. Farewell 🙂
We will meet our busdriver and load our coach.
10:00 Depart to Zagreb for our late afternoon flight to Istanbul. We will have comfort stops en-route and for own lunch.
17:00 Check in at the Turkish Airlines counter at Zagreb Airport.
20:15 Depart on flight TK1056 from Zagreb. Dinner on board.
23:30 Arrive in Istanbul. Remain in transit. Change flights.
Day 13 : Istanbul – Johannesburg
01:45 Depart from Istanbul on flight TK042.
10:20 Arrive in Johannesburg after breakfast on board.
Tour price per person sharing a cabin On request.
Included:
- Airfare: JNB – IST – DBV – IST – JNB
- Travel Insurance
- Coach transfer from airport to Lake Plitvice and on to your hotel in Split.
- One night’s stay at Hotel Adriana including breakfast.
- 9 Nights – 10 Days on board the Almissa in private cabin with en-suite bathroom
- All cabins have their own air-conditioning
- Half board – breakfast & lunch
- 2 Dinners – first night & last night
- Local Tour guides in 2 places (walking tours of towns from a local perspective)
- Drinking water on board
- Gas
- Port fees and Visitors tax
- €35 pp tips for bus drivers and crew
Not included:
- Drinks (alcoholic and soft drinks)
- Meals not included as per itinerary
- Shore excursions not included in the itinerary
- Visa fees and biometric charges
- Covid-19 regulations as applicable at the date of departure (PCR Test)
Maximum Capacity – 38 persons
*Regarding the route, we will see if the weather is good like always so far. In case if it is, we will try to sleep in secluded bays on the anchor one or two nights. (from Pavé the owner)