Dubrovnik - Cavtat - Mljet - Hvar - Korcula - Kotor/MONTE NEGRO- Elaphiti - Dubrovnik
Cavtat is the most southern town in Croatia. The City of Cavtat has a population of some 1,500 inhabitants, and is itself part of the Dubrovnik
The Cavtat area is most attractive because of the Mediterranean vegetation which covers the whole area; another advantage is unpolluted sea and a very attractive mixture of old and new architecture. Originally it was a Greek settlement called Epidauros. Around 228 BC it was under the Romans and later became a Roman colony.
In Cavtat there are unique bays, beaches, submarine areas and rich vegetation.
Numerous bars and restaurants line the waterfront, offering everything from cheap pizza to more expensive local specialties: the Cavtat is a good as any, with a repertoire from simple pasta dishes to succulent fresh fish.
Among the attractions of Cavtat is the Rector's Palace, the Baroque church of St. Nikola, the Franciscan monastery, Bogišić's scientific collection, the Vlaho Bukovac Art Gallery, the Račić Mausoleum, designed by the famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, archaeological sites of the pre-Slav period, city walls, the Šipun cave etc. Cavtat also offers a 7 km promenade by pine forests paths only a few meters from the sea. Cavtat is one of the rare places on the Croatian coast
Mljet. The tiny island of Mljet of an area of 100 km sq. offers a relaxing retreat from the more urbane and monument-filled Dalmatian towns. From the dock area, wander along easy-to-navigate paths through the lovely pine forests of Mljet National Park to the two jewel-like lakes. In the center of Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) is the tiny islet of St. Mary's, with its sleepy 12th-century Benedictine Abbey. There will be an opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake. Because of its thick alpine and stone pine, Karst caves, two picturesque lakes connected by the sea, many sandy and pebble beaches, many fishing-grounds rich in fish and lobsters, the western part of the island has been proclaimed a national park.
Hvar "I know paradise now, I know Hvar," goes a local saying. The island is known as the Croatian Madeira because of its lush vegetation and mild climate. A walk along the waterfront promenade and through the Old Town reveals a wealth of historic medieval and Renaissance buildings as well as lovely yachts and other private craft. Fine art, including paintings by Old Masters and ecclesiastic treasures of precious materials, can be found in the collection.
Korcula Island undoubtedly holds a privileged position among Croatian islands. Here are perhaps even more legends, tales and monuments than anywhere else. The Cathedral of St. Mark, the largest and most beautiful building in Korcula, contains a wealth of artistic masterworks including paintings by Tintoretto. Another highlight is the Treasury, with its eclectic collection of paintings, jewelry, fine furniture and historic documents. Charming views of the harbor greet visitors as they wend their way through the narrow alleyways. On one of these lanes, you'll see the Marco Polo house, where the famous explorer is said to have been born in 1254. Shop for handmade Croatian folk art near the City Gate, or relax at one of the picturesque waterfront cafés, and enjoy the breezy resort atmosphere that prevails in this medieval town.
The island has a number of famous towns including Korcula, Lumbarda and Vela Luka. The oldest written monument in Croatia, the "Lumbardska psefizma", in Greek, was found in Lumbarda. According to legend, Korcula was established by the Trojan hero Anthenor in the 12th century BCThere is much evidence of a highly-developed social life on Korcula even in the 13th century. The Statute of Korcula, signed in 1214, prohibited the slave trade for the first time in Europe. It also spoke about the order and management of the city. The famous travel writer, Marco Polo, was, according to some sources, born in Korcula. The people of Korcula were famous stonemasons, shipbuilders and seafarers. They left their mark in stone works, sculptures and buildings all over Dalmatia, but they saved their best works for their own city. In its long history, the town streets, laid out in a regular herringbone pattern, have seen many battles. Nowadays, each summer they come to life with the old.
Kotor (Monte Negro) Located along one of Montenegro's most beautiful bays is Kotor, a city of traders and famous sailors, with many stories to tell. The Old City of Kotor is a well preserved urbanization typical of the middle Ages, built between the 12th and 14th century. Medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage have made Kotor a UNESCO listed "World Natural and Historical Heritage Site".
Elaphiti Cruise to the Elafiti islands group (Kolosep,Lopud or Sipan)
SATURDAY Elafiten/Slano -Dubrovnik
Slano is a village and small harbour in the bay of the same name; 37.5 km northwest of Dubrovnik. Farming, olive-growing, viniculture, fruit-growing, fishing and tourism are chief occupations. Slano, situated at the end of a beautiful, deep, 2-km long inlet, represents an attractive resort due to its many pebble beaches, rich vegetation and mild climate
SUNDAY .Dubrovnik .Disembarkation after breakfast at 09:30.
