What’s better than touring the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia?
Touring this fantastic country by private yacht!
It’s ancient Roman civilization meets glittering cosmopolitan beach.
And instead of driving, we’re going by private yacht!!
This trip is inspired by our billionaire friend who yachts his way around the Caribbean. Only instead of palm trees and little to do but sunbathing, we’re going to Croatia where the seas are much calmer and the focus is more on historical exploration, cultural immersion, vineyards and cobblestone towns.
You’ll arrive in style, wander fortified cities, explore medieval streets, snorkel and soak up mesmerizing Adriatic sea views…
All with private chef, luxury accommodations, endless water sports and private crew.
Highlights/Trip Summary
Our yacht offers unparalleled access to secluded beaches and charming coastal towns, far from the crowded tourist trails.
Why Croatia?
Frame-worthy medieval towns. 1,244 islands. Mountain ranges as a backdrop to the deep blue sea. Great climate. Beaches are the best in the world. Mild seas. Easily accessible vineyards and sightseeing. Ten UNESCO World Heritage sites with easy access from the ports.
It’s a well-rounded trip that includes everything from history to water sports/snorkeling.
Why by boat?
Those who go by land, rate Croatia one of their top European destinations. But going by Adriatic sea is even better.
It means we get the best of what’s on land (historic towns, vineyards, walking tours, shopping), plus we also get -- remote islands tourists can’t get to, water caves, snorkeling, our own private chef, no waiting in restaurant lines and more!
We do it all in style… on a luxury motor yacht just for us. And each new day brings a different view from your cabin window, without the hassle of constant packing and unpacking.
Who will like this trip?
This trip is perfect for those who want a unique way to see a destination unlike a typical tourist. And those looking for a vacation that can include lounging on a sundeck or in a jacuzzi.
Going in September means the water is still warm enough to swim, the vineyards are preparing for harvest and all the kids and families have gone back to school.
Kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skies are all part of the yacht and at our disposal. And when we dock there are vineyards, walking tours, shopping excursions, restaurants, and more (you don’t have to eat every meal on the boat unless you want to).
Tour dates.
September 5-14, 2024
“I love Focused Escapes because they’re easy and not touristy. I don’t have time to put in the research Lori does but I need someone to do that if I want to have a good experience. I rely on Focused Escapes to build the kind of trip I want to take and then handle everything from finding good guides to tipping them. Before Focused Escapes, I only traveled for weddings and work. Now my vacation time goes toward these adventures. I’ve loved every trip I’ve been on.” — Pam T.
“My wife books these trips for us. I take the camera we share at home and she rents something new based on the destination. In Tanzania she rented an Olympus with a very long lens. In Provence, she rented a Canon with a wide angle. It’s nice because there’s always someone there to show us how to do new things with whatever gear we bring (even our phones). It’s not an official photography workshop. But it’s enough to give us something to work on. We both learn new things and we get an incredible adventure. It’s great.” — Bryan D.
Here’s what you can expect…
Note: The itinerary below is a sample itinerary. We confirm our real itinerary a week or two before setting sail due to last-minute changes for weather and sailing/docking conditions. The airport code for your arrival is DBV (Dubrovnik) and departure is: SPU (Split, Croatia).
September 5 & 6 - On your own in Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a unique blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Also famous for its significant role in the hit TV series “Game of Thrones”; where it served as the primary filming location for King’s Landing.
There’s a lot to explore here.
We put two nights here to allow for flight delays and missed luggage. Also to allow for exploration on your own in Dubrovnik which could include a Game of Thrones tour or simply a free, walk along the city walls for breathtaking views.
Other things worth seeing here include Rector’s Palace, a Cultural History Museum, cable car ride, old forts, cathedrals/monasteries, a treasury, local shopping and eateries and more.
Meals and activities are not included on these days as everyone arrives at different times.
We’ll be in touch via What’sApp and will likely form small groups to explore different things based on your jet lag and whether or not you or your bags arrive on time.
Please note that hotel check-in on September 5th typically begins at 2 or 3pm. If your flight is scheduled to arrive early, between midnight and 9am on September 5th, you may want to consider arriving on September 6th instead. We can arrange for your hotel booking to start from the night of September 5 th so that your room is ready for early check in early on the morning of the 6th, immediately after your long journey.
September 7 - Board the boat at 4PM
At 3pm we’ll make our way to the loading dock for a 4pm boarding time. After settling into your luxury cabin, we’ll enjoy dinner on the boat and set sail.
September 8 - Lopud Island/Dubrovnik. Monastery, Peaks or Sunbathing
Our first stop includes options for sunbathing on Lopud Island or hiking the highest peaks for panorama views. The boat is outfitted with plenty of water sports from jet skis to paddle boards and there’s also an on-board jacuzzi. You can also explore the Franciscan Monastery.
September 9 - Mljet Island. Great for biking, walking, kayaking or swimming
Visit the Mljet National Park, where you can cycle, walk, kayak, swim, and snorkel in the famous saltwater lakes. You can also explore the Benedictine Monastery or relax on the boat.
September 10 - Korčula Island. The house of Marco Polo, charming streets and vineyards
Most known for its well-preserved medieval town and being the birthplace of Marco Polo, this island offers historic exploration, beautiful landscapes and also vineyards.
September 11 - Pakleni Islands to Hvar plus lavender fields
The Pakleni Islands are known for their crystal-clear snorkeling and boat rides.
Hvar is a favorite destination on this tour for its mix of serene nature, stunning beauty and vibrant social life. The island features beautiful beaches, lavender fields, and historical sites, including a well-preserved Old Town with plenty of shopping, restaurants and nightlife.
Lavendar typically blooms between June and August don’t expect rows of purple at this time. Prepare instead for dried lavender and lavender-made goods if you visit the lavender farms.
September 12 Bol - The Golden Cape Beach
Famous for its beautiful beach and hiking opportunities including Dragon’s Cave (an underwater bar).
September 13 - Brač/Split
Your last full day can be spent exploring Brač, visiting secluded bays, or experiencing the bustling town of Split with cathedrals, a waterfront promenade, and old town with narrow streets and shopping, museums, local goods and more.
September 14 - Check-out @ 9am
The itinerary concludes with check-out arrangements at 9am. You can schedule your departing flight any time after 1pm.
Activity Level
MODERATE to HIGH. This tour includes uneven cobblestone streets, boating, snorkeling and other water sports plus vineyards and hikes.
The yacht has three decks -- upper, lower and middle. Depending on where your cabin is, there may be stairs to get to meals and activities.
To some extent, your trip can be as high or low intensity as you want. Your shore excursions are at your discretion so if you can decide you’d rather relax on a beach or sundeck instead of snorkeling or taking a long hike, that’s up to you.
Price:
Renting a luxury yacht can be $80,000-$150,000 a week plus fuel, food, crew and extras. But when you split it up between 12-18 cabins (each with their own private, en suite bathroom), it becomes quite affordable.
This trip is considered an exploratory tour -- a way to rent a giant yacht for a unique experience and split up the costs between people we know and friends of friends.
This means there are no official tours on the ground at each port. The days are yours to fill with exploration and active adventures or lounging on the sundeck. It’s completely up to you.
The boat holds 36 people but we think 25 is a nice group size. It allows for smaller groups to form for outside activities like snorkeling and island tours. But small enough that we don’t feel like we’re on a cruise ship.
Room assignments are done on a first-come, first serve basis according to the date you sign up for this tour. The earliest registrations will get the best rooms so please put your deposit down as soon as you can.
Any extra activities you want to reserve ahead can be discussed at that time.
The total cost of this trip is $8,799.
But you can save BIG by inviting a friend or spouse. The cost goes all the way down to $6,999 per person in a shared cabin.
Your fee includes all your breakfasts and lunches on the boat plus three dinners, your accommodations, 2 early arrival nights in Dubrovnik, Croatia (where your food and activities are on your own but you can arrive and adapt to the time change and explore this cool town on your own), your water sports activities and all your on-board gratuities.
If you’re a solo traveler, don’t worry. We keep in touch on WhatsApp. There should be plenty of other single travelers looking to explore in small pairs or triples.
Your registration includes:
Seven nights in a luxury room on the yacht with en suite bathroom
Two early arrival nights at a hotel in Dubrovnik to allow for flight delays, acclimation, and missed bags
Breakfast, lunch, coffee, tea, water daily (except on your arrival and departure days which are on your own)
Three, 5-star dinners on the boat
Gratuities for your guides and boat staff including waiters and waitresses
Pre-trip guidance including what to expect, what to pack, travel tips, and more
Relaxed pace and a more serene way of travel, away from the hustle of road journeys
Access to remote locations including secluded beaches and coves that are only accessible by water
Airport transfers are included if you stick to the itinerary but if you arrive early or stay late, you’ll need to arrange your own transfers and any extra nights through the hotel
Your registration fee does NOT include:
Your roundtrip international flight. The airport code for your arrival is DBV (Dubrovnik) and departure is: SPU (Split, Croatia).
Equipment—you must bring your own camera and accessories (e.g.,memory cards, tripod, etc.)
Alcoholic beverages (except where stated)
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Covid-related expenses
Laundry
Any other incidentals or purchases you may want to make along the way
Join this tour!
We guarantee: You’ll never find a better tour at any price.
FAQs to keep in mind
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Cabins are determined on a first-come first-serve basis in the order that you reserved a seat on this tour.
You may want a room on the lowest deck if you’re prone to sea sickness. Or a room on the upper deck if you’re a light sleeper and want to be away from the motor or socializing downstairs.
Middle decks are great for those who don’t want to walk or climb stairs in order to get to their meals, activities. -
If you make your dietary restrictions known in advance, we can most likely accommodate them (within reason). It’s Croatia so there are almost always. seafood choices and salads. In addition to this, there’s usually a meat option and vegetables.
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Meals are served at set times but the crew can be quite flexible in terms of what time meals areand whether you want them taken in the main dining area or something light sent to your room.
Breakfast and lunch each day as well as 3 dinners are provided. -
No. While we have a private chef, they are not there to cook to order. The. chef will cook for our group and make arrangements to work around
whatever dietary restrictions are on board or provide those guests with separate meals that accommodate their needs. -
There is a bar on board the ship. All drinks aside from water, coffee and tea are the responsibility of each guest. You can add beer and wine to your entire stay for 500 euros for the week or buy them a la carte at the bar.
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On the yacht there is a tender boat that is used to bring guests to shore when direct docking is not available. There is also a jet ski, wateskis, a
Ringo ride (water tube that is pulled behind the motorboat), paddleboards and kayaks. These are available for our guests at no additional cost. -
Booking shore activities is at your own discretion and expense. We canprovide some options closer to the sailing dates but they’re really not
necessary. There is plenty of stuff to do that’s easy and free. -
As with all of our trips, we highly recommend you purchase your own travel insurance based on your own needs and situation. See this page on our website.
Basic first aid is available on the yacht however it will be limited to accidents that normally happen while cruising – bruises, cuts, inflammation.
You may wish to consider medical evacuation insurance for anything major. All guests are responsible for their own wellbeing and safety. -
Weather is unpredictable. We have no way to know in advance what the weather gods may deliver during our time at sea.
The first priority of the ship crew is always safety and we will defer to their judgement when it comes to weather related issues.
It is always possible that we may not be able to dock at a stop, need to change course, or stop sailing.
Again, we defer to the captain’s judgment for these things. -
Wi-Fi is available onboard however we make no guarantee as to how well it will work especially when many people are attempting to access the
network. If you require a stable and consistent network, we encourage you to look at options for eSIMS or portable wifi networks during your trip.On this same note, we will communicate clearly the information you need each day. We also create a WhatsApp group for this trip and encourage
each person to have a consistent wifi connection so that you can send and receive information at all times.Many cell phone providers offer international access on your phone for $10/day. Some are free. You’ll need to check with your provider.
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Our standard cancellation policy applies to this trip. See this page for details.
