DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF CROATIA THIS SUMMER
This new ten-night sail and stay experience onboard an authentic Gulet Yacht unlocks Croatia's best-kept secrets, with highlights including the coves and bays of the Pakleni Islands, vineyards and pine forests of Lastovo and Roman ruins of Polace
Valid from April – October 2021
January 12thCROATIA
January 2021 – Croatian specialist R.W. Wakeley Yachts has partnered with LOPUD 1483 to curate a new and exclusive 10 night itinerary, exploring Croatia’s magnificent coastline before ending with a private take over at LOPUD 1483, a 15th Century monastery steeped in history and home to a fine selection of Renaissance and contemporary artwork from the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection.
Owner, Rupert Wakeley has personally sailed through every inch of the Croatian coastline creating an itinerary, which takes in the lesser known islands, vineyards and natural beauty spots, dropping anchor in secluded bays and lagoons as well as venturing inland to tiny medieval towns, savouring authentic cuisine and local wine at restaurants only accessible by yacht. Clients are invited to choose from a selection of Gulets, Catamarans and Motor sailors – available at a range of price points navigated by a minimum four-man crew, who will sail the turquoise waters safely with a wealth of expertise to arrange local on the ground experiences, restaurant bookings, wine tastings and cultural tours.
The journey starts with a direct flight from London to Split – a must visit town to explore before boarding your yacht, as it is home to archaeological treasures including a lively Roman Forum. Trogir too is a little known island citadel boasting small boutiques and excellent restaurants. From here, the crew will sail southwards down the coastline, dropping into Hvar – otherwise known as the St. Tropez of Croatia with thriving beach bars as well as endless lavender fields and olive trees inland, before heading to Viz, one of Croatia’s hidden gems. Only recently opened to the public in the last 30 years, guests can moor up to the harbour’s edge and hire a bike or a soft top VW Beetle to explore the forests and an 18th Century British Fort. It’s then onto the medieval town of Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo and famed for its vineyards and wine production, with the added attraction of only accessible by boat or ferry.
Highlights of the itinerary will be Lastovo, one of Croatia’s most remote islands with a pine forest National Park and a tiny population, it’s an ideal location to cycle through vineyards or anchor up and swim in complete solitude. Mljet National Park is another secret spot – just under four hours from Lastavo and a pine covered island, surrounded by crystal clear waters – ideal for swimming or paddle boarding and with many coves to explore. The small village of Polace offers a handful of restaurants next to the ruins of an old Roman palace. There are saltwater lakes to explore inland by bike and a 12th Century Benedictine monastery.
The final port of call is Lopud Island in the heart of Elaphiti islands, where the yacht will drop anchor right in front of LOPUD 1483. Guests will have the chance to spend four nights on terra firma enjoying the sprawling grounds of this 5,000 square foot fortified medieval monastery. Once home to Franciscan monks LOPUD 1483 now features five suites, which have been sensitively restored in order to retain its integrity and authentic feeling. Guests can spend their days enjoying the medicinal and sacred gardens, marvel at the one of the world’s great private Renaissance and contemporary art collections on display throughout the property, owned by three generations of the Thyssen-Bornemisza family and enjoy wellness and yoga treatments onsite. A resident chef will create a personalised menu, utilising fresh and home grown produce. The team at LOPUD 1483 will curate bespoke daily activities to explore Lopud Island – a car free destination with the majority of the local architecture dating back to Renaissance times. It’s ideal for hiking, horse riding or cycling through orange, lemon and olive groves, snorkelling in the Blue Caves of Kolcep, enjoying the glorious Sunj beach and kayaking in the clear waters. Enjoy the charms of Dubrovnik Old Town (just a short boat ride away) at sunset when the tourists leave before boarding a direct flight back to London.
Price for a ten night itinerary, including six nights charter onboard a gulet and four nights at LOPUD 1483, start from €6,370 (£5,800 approx.) per person based on 10 people sharing, full board accommodation and internal transfers.
www.lopud1483.com / www.rwwakeley.com