DALMATIA, WALKING & HIKING CRUISE 2011

SPLIT – OMIS – JELSA (HVAR) – OREBIC – POMENA (MLJET) – LASTOVO (& BISEVO) – KOMIZA (VIS) – SPLIT

Cruise on vintage sailing vessels and walk/hike along the middle and southern Dalmatian coastline and islands.

Itinerary:

Our vessel will bring you to one side of the island and you can walk and/or hike (with our guide) across the island where the ship waits to take you to the next island, to be explored by foot!

DAY 1: SATURDAY - SPLIT – OMIS (walk duration 2 hours)
Departure from Split harbour at 13,00h and cruising along the Dalmatian coast. Following an afternoon swim break, we arrive at Omis, a picturesque town surrounded with steep rocky mountain cliffs, where the river Cetina flows into the Adriatic sea. We visit Fortica fortress at 17,00h (a historic strategic viewpoint point of the whole town), the canyon of Cetina river and the nearby islands and hinterland, after enjoying the day playing beach volleyball or just taking a walk through the old town of Omis and discovering the glorious and long history through the many historical monuments. Overnight on board.

DAY 2: SUNDAY - OMIS – JELSA (island HVAR)
After breakfast, we head to Cetina river for an optional rafting excursion, the favourite recreational activity of all adventurers! Moderate rapids, beautiful Mediterranean vegetation, spectacular cliffs, caves and various animal life will make this experience unforgettable. We have lunch on board while the cruise continues towards Jelsa on the island Hvar, the sunniest Adriatic island. The town of Jelsa is situated in its central part and is surrounded by the two highest peaks on the island – St Nicholas on the west and Hum on the east. Spend the afternoon hours enjoying the crystal clear sea, rich cultural and historical heritage or conversing with friendly locals. Overnight on board.

DAY 3: MONDAY - JELSA – OREBIC (PELJESAC peninsula) (walk duration 5 hours)
Following breakfast, we take a local bus to the village Svirce where we start our ascent to the highest peak of the island Hvar – St Nicholas (628m), where a large stone cross was set up in celebration of the 850th anniversary of the Diocese of Hvar, and where you can see a small chapel dedicated to the patron of sailors. From the peak, where we enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the nearby Pakleni islands and the islands of Vis, Korcula and Scedro, we continue our hike to Sv Nedjelja. This region is one of the top wine growing areas on the island and throughout the country. After lunch on board, we sail to the Peljesac peninsula and Orebic, a picturesque town situated at the foot of St Elijah's hill, whose rich tradition of sea captains and sailors is held in the Maritime museum. Option of visiting the Maritime museum. Overnight on board.

DAY 4: TUESDAY - OREBIC – POMENA (island MLJET) (walk duration 7 hours)
At dawn, after breakfast, we hike to St Elijah's peak (961m), and after six hours of hiking we return to the boat where lunch is waiting for us. We continue our trip towards Pomena on the island Mljet and the afternoon is free to enjoy the beauty of the national park – natural serenity and harmony, beautiful and lush Mediterranean vegetation, salt lakes connected by a narrow passage with the sea, and the Benedictine monastery and church from 12th Century on the small island of St Mary, located in the middle of Great lake. Overnight on board.

DAY 5: WEDNESDAY - POMENA – LASTOVO (walk duration 5 hours)
Morning visit of Montokuc, which is the most beautiful peak on the island Mljet which is only 243m high. After five hours of hiking, lunch on board is served and the cruise continues towards Lastovo, the furthest, inhabited island in Dalmatia which the Romans called the Imperial island. Anchored in the little bay Lucica, whose settlement with around 30 houses is a historically protected site, we are only 1km away from the main settlement on the island Lastovo, known for its beautifully decorated houses from the 15th and 16th Centuries. In the evening marvel at the magnificent, starry night sky. Overnight on board.

DAY 6: THURSDAY - LASTOVO – BISEVO (Blue cave) – KOMIZA (island VIS)
Morning departure to the island of Vis. This island was not accessible to tourists for many years. Because of its unique geographical position, Vis was a strategic harbour for the navy. Due to this isolation Vis has a special charm - the ‘Mediterranean as it once was’ - which makes it really interesting to see. Near Vis, there is a little island Bisevo, where the Blue cave - a stunning natural phenomenon - is situated. As sometimes weather conditions can be very unpredictable, your visit will depend on the conditions, however you will be notified by your captain/crew. We stay overnight in Komiza, a typical Mediterranean village on the western part of the island, where the fisherman tradition on the entire eastern Adriatic coast first began. Enjoy the walk through the tight alleys and rich heritage, or maybe on one of the pebble beaches with fresh water springs, that stretch along the whole eastern side of the Komiza bay.

DAY 7: FRIDAY - KOMIZA – VIS – SPLIT (walk duration 5-8 hours)
Breakfast is followed with a hike from Komiza to the town of Vis, situated on the northern side of the island. Vis was developed near the remains of the ancient Issa, the first urban centre in Croatia, formed by the Greeks in 4th century BC. After five hours of hiking, we are back on the ship for lunch and we continue our cruise by sailing to Split, the 1700 year old capital of Dalmatia and second largest city in Croatia. In Split we take a three hour walk to Marjan hill and to its highest point where alpinists from Split practice their skills. Overnight on board.

DAY 8: SATURDAY - SPLIT
After breakfast you will say goodbye to the crew and new friends, and we look forward to seeing you again on your next Croatian cruise!

NOTE: Walk & hike cruise includes a professional guide; it is recommended to bring hiking equipment (hiking shoes, backpack, extra clothes, rain/sun protection); taking part in hiking activities each individual is responsible for him/herself and agrees to abide to the decisions and instructions given by the guide who reserves the right in changing the itinerary according to weather conditions.

Walk & Hike Departures from Split:

OBLIGATORY:
 

VISITOR’S TAX & PORT FEES ARE NOT INCLUDED (to be paid on the spot) – EUR 20 - per person per week

Payment:

• 150 EUR per person upon reservation
• balance three weeks before departure

Conditions & Cancellation policy:

• The Captain reserves the right to change the route in case of bad weather conditions
• Departures are guaranteed. Sky Air Services reserves the right to cancel departures with less than 10 participants and changing vessels if need arises
• Guests must abide by the ship rules (found in written form on the ship) especially with regards to not bringing drinks on board.
• In the event of rules being compromised captain reserves the right to ask passengers to disembark

Cancellation conditions - From the day of confirmation

• Until 30 days prior to arrival – advance payment (EUR 165 per person) - non-refundable
• 29-22 days – 25% of the remaining balance
• 21-15 days – 50% of the remaining balance
• 14-0 days – 100% fee
• Name change / date change fee – EUR 20 per person (valid only if the change is done until 30 days prior booked departure, otherwise regular cancellation clause will be applied)

Sky Air Services highly recommend clients to take insurance against cancellation of reserved services

For further information or enquiries please contact us.