If 2026 is the year you plan to follow the sunshine, Diamond Star Experience has a collection of carefully curated holidays designed to help you do just that.
From laid-back cruises along turquoise coastlines to culture-rich destinations and private villa escapes, these sun-soaked experiences are all about slowing down, exploring beautifully, and travelling in comfort.
Whether you prefer sailing between hidden bays, hopping from island to island, or relaxing by your private pool, here are Diamond Star Experience’s top holidays in the sun for 2026 with tips to help you choose the one that suits you best.
Gulet Cruise Holidays in Turkey: Sun, Sea and Relaxation
A gulet cruise is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the Turkish coastline.
Gulets are traditional wooden sailing yachts, handcrafted for comfort and designed to glide gently along the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
Unlike large cruise ships or fast-paced itineraries, gulet cruising is all about slowing down and enjoying life on the water.
Days unfold at an easy rhythm. You’ll wake up to calm seas and sunlit views, spend your mornings swimming straight from the boat in secluded bays, and enjoy freshly prepared meals on deck using local ingredients.
Afternoons might be spent sunbathing, reading, paddleboarding, or stepping ashore to explore fishing villages and historic harbour towns. Evenings are relaxed and atmospheric, with dinner under the stars or a stroll along the waterfront.
What makes a gulet cruise so special is the balance it offers: the freedom of sailing, the comfort of a boutique hotel, and the intimacy of a small group experience.
With a professional crew taking care of everything, from navigation to cooking, guests are free to fully unwind and enjoy the journey.
Gulet Cruise Highlights:
Sailing through clear waters and hidden bays.
Swimming stops in quiet coves only accessible by boat.
Relaxed itineraries with no fixed schedules.
Spacious decks for sunbathing and shaded lounging.
Fresh, locally inspired meals served on board.
A laid-back atmosphere that encourages connection and calm.
Diamond Star Experience has a range of options, including private gulet charters for complete privacy, cabin charters for a more social experience, and gulet & stay holidays for travellers who want to combine sailing with time in a hotel or resort.
Best for:
Couples, families, or groups wanting a relaxed holiday.
Travellers who love the sea but prefer comfort over large cruise ships.
Anyone wanting to disconnect, relax, and enjoy simple pleasures.
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Top tips:
Greek Islands and Small Ship Cruises: Island Hopping with Style
The Greek Islands remain a timeless choice for a sunny escape, and small ship cruising offers an intimate way to explore them.
These cruises visit both iconic islands and lesser-known gems, combining beautiful beaches, whitewashed villages, and fascinating history.
Unlike larger cruise ships, small ships can access quieter ports and anchor closer to shore, which gives you more time to explore Greece and swim in Aegean waters.
Each day brings a new island or coastal stop, from iconic destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos to quieter islands where life moves gently to the rhythm of the sea.
Mornings might begin with a swim in clear waters and time ashore exploring villages, ancient ruins, or relaxed seaside cafés. Afternoons are spent cruising between islands, giving you uninterrupted views and time to unwind on deck.
What sets small ship cruising apart is the sense of connection to the places you visit, the sea around you, and the fellow travellers on board.
With fewer guests, the atmosphere is relaxed and sociable, service feels personal, and the experience is immersive.
Small Ship Cruise Highlights:
Island hopping without the need to constantly pack and unpack.
Access to smaller ports, hidden bays, and quieter islands.
A relaxed onboard atmosphere with personalised service.
A balance of guided exploration and free time at each stop.
Scenic sailing through some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful waters.
Diamond Star Experience carefully selects itineraries that showcase the very best of the Greek Islands, blending well-known favourites with emerging destinations.
Many cruises can also be combined with pre- or post-stay accommodation on an island or in Athens, creating a personalized holiday.
Best for:
Island lovers who want variety without constant packing.
Travellers who want culture, scenery, and sunshine in equal measure.
Top tips:
Croatia Small Ship Cruises: Adriatic Sun & Historic Shores
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is ideal for a sun-drenched cruise. Picture medieval towns, lush islands, and sun-washed promenades (all experienced at a slow pace).
Small ship cruises here strike a balance between sightseeing and downtime, giving you the freedom to swim from the boat or wander through historic streets in the afternoon sunshine.
The ship cruises gently through calm waters and pauses for swim stops in secluded bays where the sea is clear and inviting. Evenings are usually spent in charming ports, so you can dine ashore and soak up the atmosphere as the sun sets.
For those looking for an even more luxurious way to sail Croatia, Diamond Star Experience also offers cabin sales and private hire on the new Catamaran Naya, a Lagoon 46 catamaran based in Dubrovnik.
What makes small ship cruising in Croatia so appealing is the blend of culture, scenery, and downtime. We explore famous destinations such as Dubrovnik and Splik alongside islands that are rarely crowded. And, with fewer passengers on board, the experience feels personal and unhurried.
Croatia Small Ship Cruise Highlights:
Sailing through calm, turquoise waters.
Daily stops at historic towns, islands, and hidden coves.
Swim breaks directly from the ship in sheltered bays.
Overnight stays in picturesque ports rather than open sea.
A relaxed onboard atmosphere with attentive service.
Diamond Star Experience creates itineraries that balance Croatia’s most celebrated highlights with time to slow down and enjoy the journey.
Best for:
Travellers who love culture alongside beach time.
Couples and friends seeking scenic cruising without crowds.
Those who enjoy walkable towns and calm seas.
Top tips:
Kalkan Villa Holidays: Private Luxury in the Turkish Sun
Kalkan is a standout destination for travellers seeking privacy, space, and sunshine.
Villa holidays here offer panoramic sea views, private pools, and a peaceful atmosphere, all within easy reach of local restaurants and beaches.
Staying in a private villa means your days are entirely your own. Mornings begin with breakfast overlooking the sea, followed by swims in your private pool or trips into town.
Kalkan’s charming centre is home to rooftop restaurants, boutique shops, and a beautiful harbour. There are also nearby beaches and beach clubs you can go to during the day. In the evenings, villas become peaceful retreats, perfect for watching the sunset and dining outside in the fresh air.
What truly sets a Kalkan villa holiday apart is the freedom you have. There are no set schedules or shared spaces, just the comfort of a beautifully designed and luxurious home. Many villas feature spacious terraces and infinity pools.
Kalkan Villa Holiday Highlights:
Complete privacy with your own pool and outdoor space.
Stunning sea and sunset views from hillside locations.
Flexible days with no timetables or fixed plans.
Easy access to beaches, beach clubs, and boat trips.
Diamond Star Experience offers a carefully selected portfolio of villas in and around Kalkan, ranging from contemporary designs to larger family-friendly properties. Villa holidays can be enjoyed as a standalone escape or combined with other Turkish experiences.
Best for:
Families and groups wanting space and flexibility.
Couples seeking a peaceful, romantic escape.
Travellers who enjoy slow mornings, private pools, and relaxed evenings.
Top tips:
Choose hillside villas for the best views (but be prepared for steps).
Rent a car to explore local beaches and markets.
Stock up on food at local markets.
Montenegro Gulet Cruises: Luxury Sailing in the Adriatic
Montenegro’s Adriatic coast offers an unforgettable backdrop for a luxury gulet cruise, where dramatic mountains meet sapphire waters and medieval towns line the shore.
Diamond Star Experience offers both private gulet hire and cabin charter cruises in Montenegro, ideal for travellers who want to explore this beautiful region by sea, with comfort, privacy, and style
Montenegro gulet cruises sail through the Bay of Kotor and along the scenic coastline, combining relaxing swim stops, historic seaside towns, and panoramic views at every turn. The pace is unhurried and the atmosphere onboard is peaceful, making it easy to unwind and soak up the sunshine.
Each day brings something new: mornings spent swimming in quiet bays, afternoons exploring old towns like Kotor and Perast, and evenings dining on deck or enjoying a stroll along the waterfront.
With a small number of guests on board and a dedicated crew taking care of everything, this is a cruising experience designed for connection, comfort, and calm.
Montenegro Gulet Cruise Highlights:
Luxurious wooden gulets with private or cabin charter options
Scenic sailing through the Bay of Kotor and Adriatic coastline
Swim stops in quiet bays and time ashore in medieval towns
Intimate onboard atmosphere with professional service
A slower, more personal way to explore Montenegro
Diamond Star Experience’s gulet cruises in Montenegro can also be combined with time on land or multi-country itineraries, offering the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration.
Best for:
Couples and groups seeking a luxurious, slower-paced holiday
Travellers who want to explore Montenegro’s coast from the sea
Anyone looking for a more intimate alternative to large cruises
Top tips:
Choose a private gulet charter for full flexibility and privacy
Cabin charters are great for solo travellers or couples
Bring comfortable shoes. Montenegro’s towns are made for wandering
Which Sun Holiday Is Right for You?
Variety and exploration: Small ship cruises in the Greek Islands or along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast are perfect for travellers who like island hopping, historic towns, and sailing without constant packing.
Culture with sunshine: Montenegro holidays or Croatia small ship cruises, combining medieval towns, beautiful coastlines, and sightseeing at an easy pace.
Privacy and flexibility: Kalkan villa holidays or private gulet charters, ideal for travellers who value space, freedom, and tailor-made experiences.
Plan Your 2026 Escape with Diamond Star Experience
With expert knowledge and carefully crafted itineraries, Diamond Star Experience makes it easy to find your perfect holiday in the sun.
Whether you dream of sailing calm seas, exploring historic towns, or simply relaxing under cloudless skies, 2026 is the perfect year to make it happen.
Get in touch with our travel specialists today and start planning your holiday.
