Erinnerungen in Dubrovnik, private Führung

Dubrovnik catamaran cruise with swim stops

Just off the coast of Dubrovnik, the Elaphite Islands are an oasis of olive groves, pine-clad hills and sandy beaches. See these Instagrammable isles aboard a 3-hour catamaran cruise complete with all-inclusive drinks, snacks and swim stops. It's a top way to spend the day in Croatia. Jakov, one of our expert local guides, says, "they may only be a short hop from busy Dubrovnik, but these 13 islands are a world away. Only three are inhabited, and the total population is less than 1,000 people. They are as beautiful as they are peaceful."After pick-up at your hotel, we'll head for the port of Gruz and cast off on our island-hopping adventure. There are more than 1,000 islands in Croatia – but few are more alluring than the 13 Elaphite Islands. Rugged rocky shores are softened by the aromatic Mediterranean vegetation and dimpled with pretty inlets. We'll sail into a selection of the best bays as you indulge in free-flowing beer, wine and soft drinks from the bar. There'll be fresh fruit and snacks, too.Top up your tan on deck as we weave through the string of islands, and we'll drop anchor in coves that beckon you into the water for a cooling swim. Will you opt for a refreshing dip, or simply stay on board for a snooze in the sunshine? The choice is yours. After a few hours at sea, you'll be suitably relaxed as we bob back to port.

Konavle Valley Wine-tasting Tour with Scenic Train

Konavle valley's distinctive culture and cuisine are revealed in all their glory during this half-day tour. You'll sample locally grown wines at family-run vineyards, ride a train from village to village and tuck into some traditional food, all in the scenic surroundings of the Konavle valley. Antun, one of our local guides, says, ‘Dubrovačka Malvasija is the renowned grape variety unique to this region. Local winemakers managed to save the species, even though there were only three healthy vines remaining in the post-war period.'Located near the border with Montenegro, between mountains and the Adriatic Sea, the valley is a sun-drenched countryside escape from Dubrovnik. You'll arrive in the village of Zastolje to visit the historic Brajković winery, then it's all aboard to ride to Ljuta by train. Here, you'll see how the 500-year-old Đivanović water mill had dual purposes – since medieval times it was used to produce flour and process wool into fabric.After this visit, we'll continue to a different vineyard and wine cellar for more tasting. You'll sample some local culture when you try a typical ploughman's lunch, just as the farmers would eat during a hard day in the fields. The final stop is a third winery. Antun says, ‘You'll relish a cold glass of Konavle rosé alongside a slice of typical pandišpanj sponge cake at this vineyard. Pandišpanj is traditionally made for special occasions, like this tour, when we welcome our guests to our beautiful Konavle valley.'

Dubrovnik Sunset Catamaran Cruise

The sight of Old Town Dubrovnik is stunning enough, but this catamaran cruise lets you experience it at golden hour, when the last sun rays light everything up. And there are a few added bonuses on board, including an open bar, music and nets for complete relaxation.

Best of the Elaphites Catamaran Cruise

Just offshore from the bustle and buzz of Dubrovnik lie the Elaphite islands, a tranquil contrast to the city. This idyllic sailing getaway takes you to discover two different Islands in the archipelago, Šipan and Lopud. Lucija, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘There are less than 1000 permanent inhabitants living in the Elaphite islands, giving you an idea of just how peaceful and rustic they are. Some of the islands are car-free, so you'll really feel you're in a different world if you arrive straight from busy Dubrovnik'As soon as you're settled on board, you'll set sail towards Šipan, the largest island in the archipelago. Steeped in history, it's dotted with numerous old churches and noblemen's villas. Enjoy free time to explore and swim with the island as your backdrop. If you are feeling energetic, take a hike up to the Holy Trinity church, sitting on a hilltop just behind the port. The trail weaves through classic Mediterranean vegetation en route to the top, from where the views are fabulous.Next, your captain will cruise towards Lopud to the south. It's much smaller and car-free, too, so you can expect complete serenity as you meander around on its footpaths. Lopud is known for its pretty beaches, making it a perfect place for a dip and a spot of sunbathing. The scenery unfurling as you weave through the islands on this cruise is all part of the appeal, as well as drinks on tap from the onboard bar.

Bay of Kotor Cruise with Our Lady of the Rocks

Montenegro's Bay of Kotor is the stuff of legends. Dramatic mountain scenery, shimmering blue waters and the walled town of Kotor make this fjord-like landscape a showstopper. You'll visit the famous Our Lady of the Rocks islet during a boat trip in the bay, before heading on to Kotor town. Ivana, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Affectionately known as Boka by locals, they're proud the bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its natural, cultural and historical importance. There's a strong artisan tradition in the area, and the towns are recognised for their fine architecture.'After a drive along the Dalmatian coast, you'll board your boat and set sail towards the narrow strait of Verige, where the whole bay opens up, and you'll see why the Bay of Kotor is Montenegro's most famous destination. After passing by Perast, Stoliv and Prčanj, the first stop is the fairytale islet of Our Lady of the Rocks, somewhere Ivana loves. ‘Of all museums in the region, the one on the islet is my favourite to guide,' she says. ‘The church is like an art gallery, and the museum contains gems such as the Jacinta Kunić embroidery.'Back on board, we'll tuck into a tasty lunch on board en route to Kotor town. Here, you'll have free time to explore this fortified medieval pearl packed with Venetian palaces. Visit the Cathedral of St Tryphon and its treasury, climb the city walls or browse the local market, where you can sample and buy local specialities such as smoked ham, sheep's cheese and brandy.

Dubrovnik sunset dinner cruise

Hop aboard for a scenic evening dinner cruise around Lokrum Island and Dubrovnik's historic city walls. Get things started with an aperitif and nibbles, including roasted almonds, candied orange peel, and dried figs, before tucking into the main event. Your three-course-dinner will feature a cold platter with anchovies, the freshest catch of the day, plus seasonal fruit for dessert – all accompanied with wine and water. This two-and-a-half-hour cruise is set against a backdrop of sunset views over the natural beauty of the Adriatic and Dubrovnik's impressive coastline.

Adults-only sunset boat trip from Dubrovnik with cocktails & canapes

Set sail on a traditional wooden boat from Old Town port, with the golden sunset as your backdrop. From your spot on deck, enjoy the views of Lokrum island and Dubrovnik's ancient city walls. As you cruise, sip two expertly crafted signature cocktails, accompanied by cold canapés and fresh fruit. The excursion concludes back at Old City port, leaving you with unforgettable memories of scenic views and carefully mixed cocktails.

Kayaking trip through Croatia’s Neretva Valley with lunch

Sprawling across Bosnia and Herzegovina, before pouring into the Adriatic Sea from Croatia, the Neretva Delta makes for a peaceful place to pick up a paddle. On this kayaking trip, you'll spend the day navigating the maze of canals and lagoons that peel off from the Neretva River.Your guide will set a leisurely pace along the protected waterways, allowing you to fully embrace this quiet slice of Croatia's great outdoors, with stops for swimming, too. There's plenty of wildlife to look out for, with herons, kingfishers and eagles making the waterways their home and hunting ground. Plus, being in a kayak gives you a stealthy advantage over noisier boats for capturing the best photos of the local birdlife.It's not just what's above the water that's of interest, though. You'll paddle to Kuti Lake, where local legends suggest that the ancient city of Troy lies beneath– your guide will fill you in on the full story surrounding this mysterious myth. As lunchtime approaches, you'll hang up your paddles and head to Lopoc for a hearty Croatian meal. There are plenty of options on the menu and, depending on how adventurous you're feeling, you could even try local delicacies like frogs or eels.