Croatia Island-Hopping & Montenegro - 8-day small ship cruise from Dubrovnik aboard M/Y Callisto
Route: Dubrovnik – Elaphiti Islands – Mljet – Korčula – Lastovo – Vis – Pakleni Islands – Hvar – Kotor – Dubrovnik
Discover Croatia’s beautiful islands and Montenegro’s spectacular Bay of Kotor on a relaxed small ship cruise from Dubrovnik. Combining historic coastal towns, peaceful island villages and refreshing swim stops, this seven-night journey offers a wonderful introduction to the Adriatic. With just 34 guests aboard M/Y Callisto, enjoy a friendly atmosphere, attentive service and time to appreciate each destination. Explore the medieval streets of Korčula, discover the quieter islands of Lastovo and Vis, and wander along Hvar’s elegant waterfront before sailing into Montenegro’s breathtaking mountain scenery. Included guided walks bring the region’s history to life, while optional excursions and free time allow you to explore at your own pace. Half-board dining combines meals aboard with opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood, regional wines and traditional cooking in local restaurants ashore.
Day 1 – Friday: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Your Croatia and Montenegro cruise begins in Dubrovnik, the celebrated Pearl of the Adriatic. Board M/Y Callisto at Gruž Port at 2pm, where the captain and crew welcome you aboard. Settle into your cabin and get acquainted with your home for the week.
In the afternoon, enjoy an included guided walking tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Follow the famous Stradun through a fascinating setting of stone palaces, historic churches and elegant squares, learning about the city’s past as the maritime Republic of Ragusa.
Return aboard for a welcome cocktail reception and your first dinner, with Mediterranean flavours and regional wines providing a lovely introduction to the journey ahead.
Day 2 – Saturday: Elaphiti Islands & Mljet
Sail towards the Elaphiti Islands, a peaceful collection of wooded islands, sheltered bays and traditional stone villages. Anchor near Šipanska Luka for your first swim stop, with time to enjoy the clear Adriatic waters or relax on deck. Continue to Mljet, one of Croatia’s greenest islands. An included guided walk through Mljet National Park, with entrance fees included, introduces you to its beautiful saltwater lakes and tranquil woodland scenery. This evening, enjoy dinner independently in Pomena. Choose a welcoming local restaurant for freshly caught seafood and traditional Dalmatian dishes before returning aboard for an overnight stay in port.
Day 3 – Sunday: Korčula
Enjoy a swim stop along the scenic coastline before arriving at Korčula, an island renowned for its medieval town, maritime heritage and local wines. Often described as a smaller Dubrovnik, Korčula’s Old Town is a delightful place to explore independently. Wander through narrow stone lanes, admire its historic buildings and find a café overlooking the sea. Alternatively, join an optional wine excursion to Lumbarda, known for its indigenous Grk wine. Visit family-run wineries, meet local producers and sample four wines accompanied by Dalmatian specialities such as prosciutto, sheep’s cheese and fresh bread.
Day 4 – Monday: Lastovo
Discover a quieter side of Croatia on Lastovo, a remote island within the protected Lastovo Islands Nature Park. Forested hills, secluded coves and traditional villages create a wonderfully peaceful setting. Following a morning swim stop and lunch aboard, spend the afternoon at leisure or join an optional shore experience. Explore Lastovo village, with its stone houses and historic churches, or simply take time to appreciate the island’s unhurried atmosphere. Dinner is at your leisure this evening. The onboard team can recommend local konobas, traditional family-run taverns serving fresh seafood, regional wines and authentic island cooking.
Day 5 – Tuesday: Vis
Sail towards Vis, stopping along the way for another opportunity to swim in the clear Adriatic waters. Closed to most foreign visitors for much of the Yugoslav era, Vis retains a distinctive character, with traditional fishing communities, attractive coastal scenery and a fascinating history. Discover Komiža, a picturesque fishing village with a charming harbour and stone waterfront buildings. Enjoy time to explore independently, or choose an optional excursion focusing on the island’s military heritage, panoramic viewpoints or local wine culture. Return aboard for dinner and an overnight stay in Komiža harbour.
Day 6 – Wednesday: Pakleni Islands & Hvar
Cruise past the beautiful Pakleni Islands, where pine-covered islets and sheltered bays provide an inviting setting for a swim stop. Enjoy lunch aboard before arriving in Hvar Town. Join an included guided walking tour with a local expert to discover Hvar’s history, Venetian architecture and lively squares. Afterwards, explore at your own pace, stroll along the waterfront or find a café with views across the harbour. You may also choose an optional excursion to discover more of the island. Later, return aboard as Callisto begins her overnight voyage towards Montenegro.
Day 7 – Thursday: Kotor, Montenegro
Enjoy one of the most memorable moments of your cruise as Callisto sails into the Bay of Kotor. Mountains rise steeply above the water, framing picturesque villages and a remarkable coastal landscape. An included morning walking tour of Kotor’s UNESCO-listed Old Town introduces you to its medieval lanes, historic squares, churches and Venetian palaces. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore, browse the shops or relax in a local café. An optional afternoon excursion into the mountains offers panoramic views and an introduction to Montenegrin flavours. Following dinner aboard, depart Montenegro for your overnight voyage back to Dubrovnik.
Day 8 – Friday: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Arrive back in Dubrovnik and enjoy a final breakfast aboard before disembarking at Gruž Port at 9am. Your journey ends with memories of peaceful islands, historic harbour towns, refreshing swims and the magnificent scenery of Croatia and Montenegro.
Discover the Destinations
Vis – Traditional Island Life
Vis offers a rewarding glimpse of Croatia’s quieter island communities. Its fishing villages, sheltered coves and local wines make it an appealing destination for those who enjoy authentic places and a relaxed pace.
Kotor – Spectacular Scenery & Medieval Heritage
The approach through the Bay of Kotor is a highlight in itself, with dramatic mountains surrounding the water. Within Kotor’s old walls, a maze of stone streets and welcoming squares reveals centuries of Adriatic history.
Hvar – Historic Charm & Waterfront Life
Hvar combines elegant architecture and a lively harbour with a rich island heritage. Explore its historic centre, enjoy a drink beside the waterfront and discover the beautiful waters of the nearby Pakleni Islands.
The itinerary and swim stops are subject to weather, sea conditions and port arrangements. Optional excursions and meals ashore are payable locally unless otherwise stated.
Cruise Highlights
- Two countries in one holiday: Explore Croatia’s Adriatic islands and Montenegro’s magnificent Bay of Kotor.
- An intimate small ship experience: Cruise aboard M/Y Callisto with a maximum of 34 guests.
- Historic towns and island culture: Discover Dubrovnik, Korčula, Hvar and the quieter communities of Lastovo and Vis.
- Regular swim stops: Enjoy clear Adriatic waters directly from the yacht.
- Included guided visits: Explore Dubrovnik Old Town, Mljet National Park, Hvar Town and Kotor with knowledgeable guides.
- Local food and wine: Combine half-board meals with drinks included aboard and opportunities to dine independently in traditional waterfront restaurants.
- Freedom to explore: Choose optional excursions, visit family-run wineries or simply enjoy the relaxed pace of island life.
