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, you can go 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
Yachts offer 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 you get the best of what’s on land (historic towns, vineyards, walking tours, shopping), plus remote islands tourists can’t get to, water caves, snorkeling, your own private chef, no waiting in restaurant lines and more!
You do it all in style… on a luxury motor yacht. 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. But you can go anytime you want.
Kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skies are all part of the yacht and at our disposal. And when you 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).
Yachts and gulets come in multiple sizes. If you have a group of family or friends with 5 or more people, we can help you find the right boat and plan your full adventure.
Guest feedback…
“I loved it! I liked the smaller islands the best. The one with Marco Polo was probably my favorite. The group on this tour was wonderful and helped make it so enjoyable. This tour was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I would recommend it.”
— Marsha Wassel
“The reason I travel with FE is because your experiences are unique. Partying on the boat and getting to know our fellow travelers was the best. I loved having the water toys available to us as well and the swim stops. Being on the boat made it something unique.”
— Janet Barton
“Absolutely loved this trip!! Loved every place we went. Wished we would have had more time in Korcula. Great way to experience quaint, authentic Croatia and enjoy the beautiful clear water without having to pack and unpack. The boat experiences (food, camaraderie, water sports) add to the appeal. Great way to see Croatia.”
— Jeff and Janice Wolf
“First experience with Focused Escapes- loved it! Interesting history and making new friendships. My only regret is that I didn’t start traveling with you sooner.”
— Sue Dick
Sample itinerary you might expect…
Note: The itinerary below is a sample. We can work with you to book any changes you’d like. For this itinerary, you’d fly into DBV (Dubrovnik) and out of SPU (Split, Croatia). Other common routes are SPU to SPU.
Day 1 & 2 - On your own in Dubrovnik.
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.
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.
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.
Please note that hotel check-in typically begins at 2 or 3pm.
To make this trip cheaper, you can cut these two early arrival days.
Day 3 - Board the boat at 4PM
After settling into your luxury cabin, you’ll enjoy dinner on the boat and set sail.
Day 4 - Lopud Island/Dubrovnik. Monastery, Peaks or Sunbathing
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, hike or sun bathe.
Day 5 - 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.
Day 6 - 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.
Day 7 - Pakleni Islands to Hvar plus lavender fields
The Pakleni Islands are known for their crystal-clear snorkeling and boat rides.
Hvar is where the uber-wealthy come for vacation, shopping and vibrant social life. The island features beautiful beaches, lavender fields, and historical sites.
Lavender typically blooms between June and August so don’t expect rows of purple any other time of year. Prepare instead for dried lavender and lavender-made goods if you visit the lavender farms.
Day 8 Bol - The Golden Cape Beach
Famous for its beautiful beach and hiking opportunities including Dragon’s Cave (an underwater bar).
Day 8 - 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. Or add two days here to see more of Split and Croatia’s famous waterfalls.
Activity Level: LIGHT TO MODERATE.
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.
Port towns include uneven cobblestone streets, snorkeling and other water sports plus vineyards and hikes. Those who don’t feel like they can handle these things can sun bathe, hang out on the boat or park in restaurants/coffee shops.
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.
Please talk to us about your physical concerns before booking.
One of the boats we like…
Price:
Renting a luxury motor 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. (And wooden gullets with as few as 5 rooms can be even cheaper.)
We’ve done all the research — and have been there — so you don’t have to.
Total cost per person can be anywhere from a few thousand per person ($2,000 and up) to more than $8,000 per person. Your price depends on time of year, number of people in each cabin, the size/quality of the boat and whether or not you want to include food, activities and gratuities.
You’ll save the most by filling each cabin with two people.
Your trip could include:
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 to seven, 5-star dinners on the boat
Gratuities for your guides and boat staff including waiters and waitresses
Pre-trip guidance from us on 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
We can NOT include:
Roundtrip international flights (each person would need to book their own or we can put you in touch with an agent).
Equipment—you must bring your own camera and accessories (e.g.,memory cards, tripod, etc.)
Alcoholic beverages (unless you upgrade to an alcohol package)
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Covid-related expenses
Laundry (but we can tell you where to handle this)
Any other incidentals or purchases you may want to make along the way
Book this as a private tour here!
FAQs to keep in mind
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We suggest your cabins are determined on a first-come first-serve basis in the order that you reserved a seat on the trip.
Guests may want a room on the lowest deck if they’re prone to sea sickness. Or a room on the upper deck if they’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, pasta and steak. In addition to this, there’s usually a vegetable/fish option.
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Meals are served at set times but the crew can be quite flexible in terms of what time meals are and whether you want them taken in the main dining area or something light sent to your room.
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In advance, a lot can be arranged. But typically, a private chef is not there to cook to order.
The chef will cook for the group and make arrangements to work around whatever dietary restrictions are on board or provide those guests with separate meals that accommodate their needs.
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There is a bar on board the ship. Each boat typically has an alcohol package if you want drinks to be included.
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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, waterskies, a Ringo ride (water tube that is pulled behind the motorboat), paddleboards and kayaks, snorkels, fins, etc.
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Booking shore activities is at your own discretion and expense. We can provide 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 may bring during your 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 you 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.
Many cell phone providers offer international access on your phone for $10/day. Some are free. You’ll need to check with your provider.
