History Awaits | Montenegro to Dubrovnik

The tiny country of Montenegro is the perfect gateway to Croatian waters. The pristine, developing Balkan destination is regaining favor among an international elite that values privacy over glitz. Spend a few days exploring the naturally gorgeous landscape, which ranges from gorges, glacial lakes and hiking country, before embarking on your yacht charter in the dazzling Porto Montenegro. Cruise through the shimmering Adriatic, clearing customs into Croatian at Cavtat, to the old town of Dubrovnik.

Stroll around Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls for an overview of the Old Town and discover the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise to the island of Mljet for a peaceful anchorage near the village of Polače. The island is a national park of forested hills (Mljet is the most forested island in the Adriatic) and two inland lakes that can be reached by tree-shaded cycle and walking trails.

Explore the isolated bays that dot the coastline as you cruise toward Korčula. Flanked with palaces of old nobility, Korčula is said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Take time to explore its crooked medieval streets and elegant squares dating back to the 13^th century, or venture further inland to stroll through olive groves and vineyards. Every Monday and Thursday during the summer, the island hosts performances at the Festival of the Knightly Games.

Hvar is the most sophisticated of Croatia’s islands and has become the island of choice for the yachting crowd. A wide promenade runs around Hvar’s horseshoe-shaped harbor dotted with palm trees and fringed with bars that open out of elegant mansions. In the early evening, dine at one of the many seafood restaurants that line the port before heading to the island’s exclusive nightspot, Carpe Diem. The following day, party at its sister venue Carpe Diem Beach, located on the neighboring island of Stipanska. Spread over a huge area of pine forest and beach, the club has a number of bars, terraces and restaurants.

Hvar may have the best party scene, but anchoring off a quieter island, such as Brač, and mingling with the locals is equally appealing to many. Anchor to the south of the island and swim ashore to the picturesque beach of Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) near the seaside town of Bol. The narrow strip of sand is Croatia’s most famous beach and is an ideal location for an afternoon of watersports.

Cruise to the old town of Split and spend the day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will find the stunning Diocletian’s Palace around which the city grew. The waterfront residence is the largest and best-preserved late-antique palace in the world. Made up of towers, fortifications, vaults and apartments that have been turned into a warren of boutiques, cafes, bars and restaurants, Split is a blend of ancient and new.

Spend the next few days cruising around the Kornati archipelago. Comprising some 152 islands and islets, the waters are generally deserted and provide some of the most beautiful anchorages in the Mediterranean. A protected national park area, anchor outside the archipelago at Telašćica Bay on Dugi Otok, renowned for being one of the most beautiful anchorages in Croatia. Spend the next few days basking on board and taking the tender to explore the park’s stunning waters.

Wind your way towards Montenegro, cruising south for a stunning anchorage off the remote island of Vis. Often likened to Capri, complete with its own blue grotto (but without the crowds), the island has a dense interior of vines and olive groves, while much of the coastline is made up of beautiful white sand beaches. Spend your day exploring the island and its famous vineyards.

Rediscover your favorite anchorages as you continue to Dubrovnik for one last dose of Croatian culture. If you didn’t manage to see the walled-cities major attractions first time round, then be sure not to miss the Rector’s Palace, the Romanesque-Gothic Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries and Sponza Palace.

Clear out of Croatia at Cavtat and cruise into Montenegro. Spend the day anchored off Boka Kortoska before coming in to disembark at Porto Montenegro.