With heaps of stunning islands dotted across the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is a stunning nation just waiting to be experienced. When you see the number of places there are to visit, no amount of time will seem to be sufficient to explore this beautiful nation.That said, if you have a week to spare for island hopping, we suggest you focus on a cruise trip to a single region, rather than moving at a fast pace trying to see more and missing out on the highlights. Here is an ideal seven day itinerary suggestion that will make your Croatia trip planning a breeze.

 

Day One: Split to Stari Grad

The beautiful cultured town of Stari Grad located on the northern coast of Hvar island is a short two-hour sailing trip from Split. Also called Pharos, this is the oldest town in Croatia and got its sustenance from the plethora of olive groves and vineyards. A walk through the Old Town and its narrow streets that wind past farmhouses and fields is the best way to experience Stari Grad. The fertile plains, surrounded by rural homes and natural settings represent a unique landscape, which has been best preserved by the locals for more than two millennia.

 

Day Two: Stari Grad to Hvar

After a refreshing early morning swim set out for Hvar town through the tunnel on the new road. Within twenty minutes you will reach Dubovica, one of the most popular beaches on the Dalmatian Coast. There is another stunning beach at Zarace with some great food outlets. Before you decend into Hvar village, the beautiful Pakleni Islands will come into view. Hvar has celebrated nearly 150 years of organised tourism and is said to be one of the top ten beautiful islands of the world.

 

Day Three: Hvar to Mljet

After a leisurely five hour cruise drop anchor in Mljet and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this picturesque island. Still devoid of mass tourism, the atmosphere is unlike any other Croatian island, not to forget the many wonders of Mljet National Park. The park takes up a large area of Mljet Island and is home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna apart from two lakes. Then you have the option to explore the untouched beaches of Saplunara or pay a visit to Odysseus Cave and hear about the legend of Odysseus and his relationship with the beautiful nymph named Calypso.

 

Day Four: Mljet to Dubrovnik

As Dubrovnik lies just across the channel, it takes about three hours to access from Mljet. Often referred to as the ' Pearl of the Adriatic', there are endless attractions for visitors to explore. Apart from being a UNESCO World Heritage site, Dubrovnik enjoys a spectacular sea front location, is home to the historic Old Town, and is venue for numerous festivals and cultural events.

 

Day Five: Dubrovnik to Korcula

Your next island destination is the birthplace of Marco Polo. Soak up the scenery as you cruise past the Elaphite Islands and the Peljesac Peninsula before you land in Korcula town. Once there walk along the old city walls and the Korcula market. See the house where Marco Polo lived, the St Anthony's Cypress Hill and Abbey Treasury in Korcula town.

 

Day Six: Korcula  to Makarska

The trip to Makarska island from Korcula will take about four hours. This once trading post is now lined with trendy cafes and fringed with palm trees. Makarska is also the ideal starting point to the famous Biokovo National Park. Though not a clubbing capital, its proximity to both Split and Dubrovnik makes young people from the neighboring villages make a beeline here during weekends on Buba Beach where DJs play throughout the day.

 

Day Seven: Makarska to Split via Omis

Less than an hour from Makarska is the seaside town of Omis. Once a stronghold of the pirates, Omis has come into its own as a tourist destination much later, as a result the beaches are uncramped. For a small place, Omis punched much above its weight with cultural offerings under the stars and canyoning and rock climbing in the Cetina River basin.

 

With guaranteed departures from April to mid-October, guests have the option to travel in a unique way by sea to see the breathtaking sights of the Adriatic Coast. Choose a cruise and reward yourself with a holiday of a lifetime.