5 BEST
CROATIA CRUISES If skimming the waves of the Adriatic appeals, stopping to swim by day and dine ashore by night, you’re not alone. With demand high for coastal cruising in Croatia, we seek out some of the best options APT: ISLANDS OF CROATIA CRUISE When a company quadruples capacity in just one destination, you know that it must be selling well – so it’s a sign of APT’s confidence in Croatia that it has added new dates, more itineraries and a second ship to its fleet in order to keep up with demand this summer. Custom new-build yacht Lady Eleganza is sailing nine-day voyages from May to October, stopping off to tour Dubrovnik, visit the Benedictine Convent in Hvar, explore Diocletian’s Palace in Split and see Marco Polo’s birthplace on the island of Korcula. A second ship, Princess Eleganza, is being refurbished and is due to join the fleet in spring. Prices start at £2,795 per person including flights, accommodation, some meals, beer and wine at lunch and dinner, and transfers (aptouring.co.uk).
SAIL CROATIA: DUBROVNIK RETURN This Croatia specialist started out targeting Aussie backpackers on a budget, but 17 years on, the UK makes up the majority of its market. That’s particularly true for its cycling trips, which are growing in popularity with families and active travellers, and its top-end Elegance range that offers a little bit of luxury at an affordable price. The Dubrovnik Return route, new this year, is one of 100 Elegance cruises on offer and includes excursions to Diocletian’s Palace in Split, a walk along Dubrovnik’s city walls and a stop at the mesmerising Blue Cave in Vis. A seven-night Dubrovnik Return cruise on board the 38-guest Esperanza starts at £899 per person including breakfast and three-course lunch, a captain’s dinner, local village dinner, transfers, tour manager and Wi-Fi (sail-croatia.com).
Anti-clockwise from top right (this page): Old city, Dubrovnik; The Terrace, Emerald Azzurra; a swim stop with Sail Croatia; the harbour in Dubrovnik; Lady Eleganza’s outdoor lounge
