You’ll arrive at the airport to fly to Split. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Makarska Port to board your ship, the magnificent four-star, twin-masted MS Mendula. As you step on board, you’ll be welcomed by the crew who’ll be on hand to help you settle in and familiarise yourself with the vessel. You’ll have the rest of the day to unpack and unwind – perhaps taking a stroll ashore before it’s time to enjoy dinner in the ship’s restaurant. Tonight, chat with your fellow guests over a digestif from the bar as the sun goes down.
Dawn breaks as our voyage begins and what an adventure we have in store! The Dalmatian coast is reputedly one of the most stunning in the world with shingle beaches, secret coves and idyllic bays. After breakfast take to the deck for a spot of reading as our captain skilfully navigates our vessel through the waters. You’ll soon realise why this is one of the most relaxing ways to holiday as you sit back to watch the coastal views drifting by. We arrive in Bol, with a cluster of little fishing boats jostling in its harbour, fringed by stone cottages. A short visit will enable you to explore the winding lanes unchanged by time, stopping to admire the blooms cascading from balconies and windowsills. Return to the ship for lunch whilst you savour the views of this archipelago. Later we arrive in Jelsa, nestled on the edge of a pretty bay on the island of Hvar, situated between the island’s highest peaks, St Nikola and Hum, and we moor in its harbour fringed with palms and pavements cafés. With its freshwater springs the island is lush and green, its hillsides draped in thick forest and its foothills perfumed with lavender and fruit orchards. Inhabited since Neolithic times, the Greeks then founded a colony here, becoming a major naval base during the 14th-century as the Venetian Empire extended its reach. We enjoy a guided tour, stopping to admire the historic stonework of the typical Dalmatian houses, and the church encircled by a web of terracotta roofs and cobbled alleys. We remain moored here overnight so this evening hop ashore to dine in one of the restaurants serving local Mediterranean inspired menus: grilled fresh fish, pasta with seafood or hearty meat dishes - look out for dishes cooked peka, very slowly under a bell.
A very special cruise awaits in 2022 as we are thrilled to be able to bring you our latest addition to the Riviera fleet, the magnificent MS Mendula. This spectacular twin-masted yacht, at a stately 36 metres, can easily access the wonderfully picturesque little ports along the Dalmatian coast so when you drop anchor and hop ashore, immediately you’ll be fully immersed in every destination we visit with no time wasted. Launched in 2012, this exquisite vessel offers a thrilling and authentic experience on a classic sailing ship yet with all the comfort and glamour of a modern-day private yacht. With just 15 cabins available for 30 guests, the atmosphere on board is convivial and relaxed with a touch of exclusivity – and you’re assured a first-class service throughout.
Instantly recognisable and causing quite a stir on the quayside, as you are welcomed aboard by our dedicated crew, you’ll be made to feel completely at home in your elegant surroundings. Delight in the ample and stylish sun deck where you can sit and unwind over a long cold drink and catch up on some reading or chat with your fellow sailors and take in the panoramic vistas as you glide through the glistening water. When it’s time to cool off, take a dip off the ship’s platform straight into the Adriatic’s crystal waters then back on board to dry off in the sun – once you’ve discovered this way to holiday, you won’t look back! Enjoy delicious, locally inspired menus in the informal ambience of the ship’s restaurant whilst savouring the views and nothing beats your favourite cocktail or an after-dinner coffee on the smart terrace area with plenty of chairs and tables as the sun sets.
Your comfort is assured in fully air-conditioned cabins, with stylish furniture and contemporary lighting. Wooden flooring and a gleaming superbly appointed bathroom provide a touch of glamour and a home from home experience without compromise. All cabins feature either a double bed or twin beds and are equipped with dressing table and chair, wardrobe, hairdryer and bathroom with shower, plus free Wi-Fi on board. Lower and main deck cabins feature two fixed porthole windows, whilst cabins on the upper decks have one fixed porthole and one opening window.