CRUISING CROATIA'S ADRIATIC COAST in 8 days
Croatia boasts a rich history and culture that has evolved over millennia. This eight-day cruise along Croatia’s Adriatic coast features a luxury yacht that will exceed expectations. Fast and versatile, our ship will take you where the bigger vessels can’t go, from historic towns to secluded beaches. This itinerary, combined with David McGuffin’s expertise, is the perfect island-hopping cruise in Croatia.
Your Adventure Starts Here!
| PRICE FROM | DATES | |
|---|---|---|
| $3489 to $3710 + air | July 24-31, 2027 |  |
ONLY THREE STATEROOMS REMAINING! BOOK NOW!
Base Prices vary depending on cabin location and number of people in a cabin. Cabins on the lower deck are listed at $3489 for two people sharing. A single lower deck cabin is $5085. An upper deck cabin lists at $3710 for two people sharing, and $5304 for a upper deck single cabin.
ITINERARY
DAY 1- SATURDAY: DUBROVNIK
Your Croatian adventure begins with a transfer from Dubrovnik airport to the Gruž (Dubrovnik) harbor, where you’ll check in from 14:00 onwards.
Once you’ve settled into your cabin, we’ll head to the city gates for a guided tour of the Dubrovnik Old Town. Then, for a different perspective, we’ll take the cable car up Srđ mountain, where the views open up over the city’s ramparts and the scattered green Elaphiti Islands beyond — a great spot for photos and for viewing the full circuit of the walls.
After the tour, we’ll transfer back to our ship, The MV Seagull, to meet your crew and raise a glass over cocktails and dinner on board. Overnight in or near Dubrovnik. Dinner included tonight. Airport transfer included on your day of arrival.
DAY 2- SUNDAY: SLANO – STON
This morning we depart Dubrovnik by sea, and there’s no better way to say goodbye to the city than watching its walls slide past from the water. We’ll anchor at one of the Elaphiti Islands for a swimming stop.
By afternoon, we arrive in Slano, a peaceful fishing village that serves as our gateway to Ston. Ston is famous for its long medieval ramparts — sometimes called the “European Wall of China” — and for its oysters, farmed in these waters since Roman times. We’ll wander the walls before heading to a nearby village to taste the fresh oysters. You’ll have time at leisure before we transfer back to the vessel. Overnight in Slano. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included today.
DAY 3- MONDAY: MLJET NATIONAL PARK
This morning we continue north to the island of Mljet, the greenest island in the Adriatic and, according to legend, the spot where Odysseus was held captive for seven years by the nymph Calypso.
Join your a local guide for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in Mljet National Park, then take the short boat ride out to St Mary’s Isle to visit a Benedictine monastery and church dating back to the 12th century. If you’d rather explore on your own, you can rent kayaks, bicycles, scooters, or a convertible car to roam the park at your own pace — worth booking early in the day, as rentals near the entrance can run out. Bring good walking shoes and a swimsuit, since the lakes are perfect for a dip.
This evening, get ready for the Captain’s Dinner, complete with live entertainment on board — a proper Adriatic celebration. Overnight in port Polača or Pomena. Breakfast, Lunch, and Captain’s Dinner included today.
DAY 4- TUESDAY: KORČULA
Early this morning we set sail for the island of Korčula, locally famous as the birthplace of Marco Polo. We’ll stop for lunch in a secluded bay along the way before arriving in Korčula Town for a guided walking tour of one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean — its Old Town is laid out in a clever fishbone street pattern designed to catch the sea breeze and keep things cool, so it’s a pleasant place to walk even on a hot afternoon.
Korčula has no shortage of restaurants for a gourmet evening or bars for something livelier — this is a good night to book a table ahead if you have a particular restaurant in mind, as the good ones fill up. Overnight in one of the ports of Korčula. Breakfast and Lunch included today.
DAY 5- WEDNESDAY: VIS-KOMIŽA
Today we continue on to Vis, a Greek colony dating back to the 4th century BC that spent decades as a closed Yugoslav military base, only opening up to visitors in 1991. That isolation is part of why it feels so unspoiled today — less built up, and less crowded, than the more touristy islands.
Take some time to try the excellent local wines, and if you’re up for exploring, visit the remains of the Roman thermal baths or the City Museum. A stroll along the waterfront is easy and flat, good for an evening walk before dinner. Overnight stay is planned in Vis or Komiža, depending on berth availability, both offering a genuine taste of island character. Breakfast and Lunch included today.
DAY 6- THURSDAY: BIŠEVO – HVAR
Early this morning we cruise to the tiny island of Biševo to visit the Blue Cave, where sunlight through an underwater opening bathes the cave in a brilliant blue glow (entrance fee paid on the spot). Weather can be unpredictable here, so the visit depends on conditions.
From there, we continue toward Hvar, with a swimming stop and lunch on board at the Pakleni Islands. Hvar is the sunniest island in the Adriatic, known for its lavender fields. We’ll arrive in the afternoon for a guided tour of Hvar Town, visiting the Renaissance cathedral and the town theatre, founded in 1612 — one of the oldest in Europe.
For a proper workout with a payoff, hike the zig-zag path up to the town fort for sweeping views over the harbour and the Pakleni Islands. Come evening, Hvar is one of the liveliest spots on the Dalmatian coast, with restaurants, bars, and clubs running long into the night, so it’s a fun place to linger over dinner. Overnight stay is planned in Hvar or Stari Grad, depending on berth availability. Breakfast and Lunch included today.
DAY 7- FRIDAY: BRAČ – TROGIR
This morning we sail for the island of Brač and the town of Bol, home to the famous Zlatni Rat — the “Golden Horn” — one of the most photographed beaches in Croatia. Its shape shifts with the wind and current, so it looks a little different every time you visit. Good spot for a swim and some photos before we move on.
In the afternoon, we sail on to Marina Baotić, arriving in time for a transfer into Trogir. This UNESCO World Heritage town is a dense little maze of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance buildings packed onto a tiny island. We’ll take a guided tour through its picturesque streets, then you’ll have some free time to poke around on your own. Enjoy the Trogir Old Town or the Marina Baotić area tonight for dinner. Marina Baotić for the overnight. Breakfast and Lunch included today.
DAY 8- SATURDAY: TROGIR – MARINA BAOTIĆ
Gather for one final breakfast, followed by goodbyes with the new friends you’ve made and the crew who looked after you all week. Check-out at 9:00 in Marina Baotić, Trogir. Breakfast included today.
Itinerary specifics are subject to change.
THE PARADIS - our private yacht
**Follow this link to full details about the MV PARADIS**
The Paradis, a premium superior motor vessel reconstructed in 2014, offers a delightful cruising experience along the stunning Adriatic coast. Its comfortable, air-conditioned cabins, each featuring a private en-suite bathroom, provide a peaceful retreat for guests after a day of exploration. The ship’s expansive sun deck, complete with loungers, allows guests to relax while taking in the spectacular views of the Croatian islands and crystal-clear waters.
Onboard dining is a treat, with fresh, locally inspired dishes served in the inviting dining area, offering a true taste of the region.
The Paradis’ professional crew is dedicated to deliveringexceptional service, ensuring that each guest’s journey is memorable and seamless. Whether discovering charming coastal towns or relaxing in hidden bays, the Paradis promises an unforgettable adventure on the Adriatic Sea.
Itinerary specifics are subject to change.
INCLUSIONS
An English-speaking cruise manager on board
A full-time Exploring Europe guide on board
8 crew members on the MV Seagull
7 nights cruise in preferred category cabin (on deck or below deck)
Welcome reception and welcome dinner with three courses meals.
Buffet breakfast daily
6 lunches with three courses
Captain’s dinner with live music
Water is included with all group meals. Sodas, wine, beer, and other drinks are your responsibility.
Water dispenser on board MV Seagull
Guided tours in English of Korčula, Hvar Mlet, and other destinations,
Mid-week fresh set of towels and bed linen,
Luggage handling,
Afternoon tea and coffee with biscuits
Free Wi-Fi on board
Time on your own, during the afternoon and evening in Trogir, Vis, Hvar, Korčula, and other overnight destinations,
City taxes and port fees.
Tips for cruise manager and local guides.
David’s destination guides and tour information are electronically delivered daily.
Free luggage tags and David’s custom-designed drawstring backpacks.
Our unconditional tour price guarantee, that once locked in, it will never change.
$50 Tour Alumni discount for each David McGuffin tour you’ve taken prior to this travel year.
EXCLUSIONS
Comprehensive Trip insurance. We strongly recommend comprehensive insurance for this tour. Consider insuring your flights and your Exploring Europe tour.
Fee for passports.
Beer, wine, spirits, and soda during the tour.
Laundry, phone, internet, and personal items.
Tips for MV Seagull Captain and Crew. Suggested €175 (~$200) per person.
Extras and optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
The following payment terms and conditions are added in addition to our standard terms and conditions.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Because this is a chartered cruise, our standard Exploring Europe terms have been adjusted to match the policies of the cruise organizer, ship, and Captain.
- Deposit: $400, due at sign-up.
- Second payment: $1,000, due January 15, 2027.
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure (by April 25, 2027).
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Deposit ($400):
- Cancel on or before August 15, 2026 → full refund.
- Cancel after August 15, 2026 → refundable for 7 days from your booking date; non-refundable after that.
Cancelling 91+ days before departure (on or before April 24, 2027), after the deposit refund window has closed:
- All payments made beyond the deposit are refunded in full.
- The $400 deposit is forfeited.
Bookings made within 90 days of departure:
- Full tour price is due immediately at booking.
- That payment is refundable for 7 days from your booking date; non-refundable after that.
CANCELLING AFTER THE 90-DAY DEADLINE
Penalties below are calculated on the total tour price paid, and are in addition to forfeiting the $400 deposit:
- 89–36 days before departure: $1,400 retained (deposit + second payment). The final payment amount is refunded.
- 35–22 days before departure: 35% penalty.
- 21–15 days before departure: 50% penalty.
- 14–0 days before departure: 100% penalty (no refund).
PAYMENT METHODS
We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and PayPal for all tour deposits and payments. We also accept ACH payment, personal checks, bank drafts, and money orders made payable to David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe (in US dollars).
SIGN UP BY EMAIL OR POST
If you do not want to sign up online:
Give us a call at 800-570-1351 and we will help you with registration.
KEY TO WALKING & ACTIVITY
Light – Walking done on level surfaces with some hills and elevation gains. Two miles or less of required walking during the day.
Moderate – Walking done on paved and gravel paths and cobbled city sidewalks. To enjoy the full tour experience, some uphill and downhill walking is expected, as is standing while viewing sights or museums. Four to six miles of walking per day.
Strenuous – Walking done on rugged and rocky paths and city-cobbled sidewalks. There will be steps and stairs. Up to three hours standing in museums or experience sites. Up to eight miles of walking per day.
Your Choice – No matter what your walking ability, we will help you find alternative ways to enjoy and experience all Europe has to offer. To get the most out of our tours, you should be able to operate at the light level every day with spurts of moderate and strenuous.
PRE-TOUR RESOURCES
Now that you’ve decided to join this tour, we are sure you’ll have some questions. Don’t worry. We are here to help you through each aspect of your tour from start to finish.
DAVID’S 60 SECONDS DESTINATION VIDEOS
Join David as he shares impromptu moments from his travels in the United Kingdom. Watching these short 60-second segments are a great way to experience David’s travel style and adventures. Watch David Explores Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and David Explores Central Europe.
David’s TRAVEL TALK TUESDAY almost-weekly broadcast and Video Series Blog.
Every week, when David is not traveling in Europe, he presents a LIVE broadcast on Zoom and Facebook. Check it out on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM Eastern Time.
Each Travel Talk Tuesday session is recorded. Watch them here.
DAVID’S BLOG ARTICLES
David and his team have answered many travel-related questions, and they are all tucked away on his blog. But, no need to go there. Just type in a keyword in the search box at the top or bottom of this page (it’s the gray rectangle with a small magnifying glass icon), and you will get results for your query.
PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL OR GIVE US A CALL.
We are happy to answer your travel questions and give advice and suggestions. tours@davidmcguffin.com or 800-570-1351.
PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL OR GIVE US A CALL.
We are happy to answer your travel questions and give advice and suggestions. tours@davidmcguffin.com or 800-570-1351.
Testimonials & Reviews of our Tours
The Scotland /Wales trip was wonderful. Scotland is so beautiful, and we loved the small towns where we stayed. Dave was a great guide and so willing to help us in whatever we needed. Ian was a great driver and so nice. His van was super comfortable. We really enjoyed getting to meet Jan and Bobby on the trip and finding out that they had known you for years. They are special people, and we hope they had an enjoyable time in London.
Thanks for doing the trip for such a small group, and I know we all felt that we were very blessed because of it.
We participated in the Best of Italy tour in June of 2026. This was our first David McGuffin tour, and certainly not our last. We were blessed to have an exceptional tour manager throughout our trip. Ilaria Mercuri was a gem! Not only did she provided insightful information about the places we visited, but she was also very flexible and accommodating to our needs and preferences. She became family! We can't imagine having this unique experience without her. Transportation between and within the cities was flawlessly arranged. We had two drivers in particular that really stood out (Angelo and Enzo). They were very personable and courteous. Each destination we visited was unique and had its own charm. Our accommodations were excellent! The dining experiences were carefully curated to showcase the local cuisine of each region. It took the pressure of "guessing" off, and enriched our experience. Our experience with the local guides began with Giulia, who was truly a wealth of knowledge, as she showed us around the Vatican. This was followed by Annie in Volterra who gave us an unbelievable historical presentation of this unique Tuscan city, culminating in a delightful wine tasting in a local tavern. Our final interaction with local guides was with Paola in Florence, who introduced us to so many incredible facts and nuances of the culture, including our first "wine window" experience. These local experts enriched our visits to this beautiful country. Every time we encountered a new location, it was definitely a "wow" moment for us. David gave us valuable information prior to and throughout our trip. This helped us prepare for what to expect on our trip. It also included important reminders to include when packing. We couldn't have asked for a better experience to commemorate our 32 wedding anniversary! Bucket list... CHECKED!!
We had an amazing time on this tour of London, Paris, and Rome! My husband, our grown daughter, and I loved the combination of guided sightseeing and free time to explore on our own.
The walking tours covered all of the must-see sites in each city, and we learned so much from the guides. A special thank you to our tour directors, Jamie and Leslie, who were absolutely wonderful. They were organized, knowledgeable, friendly, and always attentive to everyone in the group. They made the trip run smoothly and helped create such a fun, welcoming atmosphere. The local guides in each city were also excellent and shared fascinating history and stories that made every stop more meaningful.
We enjoyed delicious meals throughout the trip and appreciated having enough free time to wander, shop, and discover places on our own. We also had the pleasure of traveling with two other families, and getting to know them made the experience even more enjoyable.
The only minor disappointment was that our hotel in Paris wasn’t quite as nice as the accommodations in London and Rome. Even so, it was a small part of an otherwise fantastic experience.
This tour exceeded our expectations, and we came home with wonderful memories of three incredible cities. We would happily recommend it to anyone looking for a well-organized, enjoyable, and memorable European vacation. Thank you, Jamie and Leslie, for making our trip so special!
I can't thank David enough for an amazing trip! His knowledge of everywhere we went was terrific. He also had locals to do various tours and driving either around the island or Pompeii and Amalfi coast. The group was fun and easy going. I think that was my favorite part, we had a schedule, but we weren't over scheduled. It was a great mix of planned activities and time to explore, rest or whatever on our own. David helped to make this a fantastic trip! The best part was I didn't have to plan it or figure out how to get around. Will I use David's company, absolutely!
We took the Sicily and Amalfi/Islands tours back-to-back. Both were outstanding. Every time we saw a line of visitors with headphones following a guide with a flag on a stick we were reminded just how different the experience with David McGuffin's Exploring Europe (DMEE) is from other tours. Our travels with DMEE were very personal. The pace was comfortable and we were able to pause where we wanted to linger, plus we had plenty of time to wander about on our own.
Sicily was Italian, yet different. It seemed each city or area we visited had its own charm. The architecture, customs, people, and cuisine were so lovely. From the backstreet ristorante David knew about in Palermo to the views from Erice, the Dorian Temples in Agrigento, the passiggiata in Taormina, our Sicilian experience was outstanding!
Amalfi/Islands was very interesting too! Ischia has a beautiful castle and gardens to explore. Our group enjoyed a stunning view from the rooftop terrace, where we gathered for some relaxation time together. Procida was packed with stunning vistas, cultural uniqueness, and incredibly talented drivers, navigating the insanely narrow streets. Our favorite memory of Capri was boat ride that circled the island. Just beautiful.
The time in Sorrento included a drive along the world-famous Amalfi Coast Road…which was a great experience. But the best experience we had on the entire trip was our pizza cooking class.
Thank you DMEE for making this a truly once in a lifetime experience. If you’re thinking about a trip to Europe, you must contact DMEE! They treat you like family every step of the way! Ciao!
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