Croatia — Eco Akamai

Hello Croatia! You are beautiful in ways that are beyond words. A last minute opportunity popped up … a cruise along the Dalmation Coast in Croatia, I texted and called many of my favorite travel buddies and was able to rally James and Julie, and our new BFF Neil, Juile’s Dad. The cruise was actually at 60th Birthday Party for Allen, full of his friends from the greater Phoenix area. We added our Oregon-Four to complete the party of 36 guests. We had an epic week on the water, made so many fun new friends along the way, swam everyday, and explored so many beautiful islands,

About our cruise … “Featuring a nice combination of lovely swim stops and walking tours, this cruise program is worth raising a glass to. Each stop along the way is a discovery itself; jewels and hideaways that make this route a delight in exploration, culture and romance. The cruise is a combination of cultural and historic sightseeing through exploration of medieval Dalmatian towns, islands and islets, with leisure time for swimming, hiking, and wine tasting. We will serve you your daily breakfast buffet and set menus for lunch on board, while each evening in a different port you may explore local restaurants at your own pace. Please note this itinerary can change due to weather and/or sea conditions.”

We landed the day before we were to board the boat in the late afternoon, so we happlly explored Dubrovnik.

Day 1: Dubrovnik
On our first full day in Croatia, we hiked the walled city and it was magnificent! Then, we made our way to the Dubrovnik harbor (the small one under the bridge), and joined everyone on board the MS Swallow. Check in started at 2:00pm, and we loved touring the boat and meeting all of our sailing companions. After settling-in, we enjoyed a welcome reception and dinner onboard. We overnighted in Dubrovnik.

And we were off to the boat!

Day 2: Dubrovnik – Elaphiti Island - Slano

We had breakfast onboard followed by a guided tour of the Old Town. After the tour of this stunningly intact walled city on the Adriatic Sea coast, we returned to the ship and continued towards Elaphiti Islands with plenty of time for swimming near one of the islands. As we continued our journey towards Slano, lunch was served onboard. From Slano, we started our gastro adventure towards Ston, the gastronomic center of the country. This is the town with the longest fortified walls in Europe is situated near Dubrovnik, and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, which, together with the picturesque city architecture, forms a harmonic entity. Once we were there, we visited a family restaurant in Ston, where we learned how oysters and mussels are cultivated in this region, and why they are so delicious. We enjoyed a rustic oyster and mussel tasting with local wines. Afterwards, we dined at Bota Šare Mali Ston Restaurant & Oyster Bar. Our waitress served us her favorite local foods … and bonus was that she was also our driver back to the boat. We Overnighted in Slano.

Tad found this amazing “beach” bar for our morning swim!

And then we set sail, at 8 knots per hour. A lovely speed for a beautiful coast line!

Day 3: Slano - Mljet

Today we sailed to Mljet - the most beautiful and most forested island in the Adriatic and one of the most beautiful pearls of the Mediterranean. Mljet is also well known for its two salted lakes - Veliko and Malo Jezero, that are located at the north end of the island. The Benedictine monastery located at one of the most beautiful locations in these areas, on the island of St. Mary on Veliko Jezero, is also the most visited location and symbol of the National Park. We joined Filipe, the cruise manager on this magnificent tour and enjoyed all the beauty Mljet has to offer. We overnight in Port Pomena and had a blast at the Captain’s Dinner!.

A reminder that nature transcends borders.

Day 4: Mljet - Korcula

Early in the morning we set sail for the island of Korcula, rich in vineyards, olive groves, and small villages with numerous bays and coves. We had a wim stop in one of the beautiful bays, perfect to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the unspoiled nature, lush vegetation and crystal-clear sea. Lunch was onboard. It was an early afternoon arrival in Korcula. This is said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo and we were taken on an interesting tour along the winding streets of this lovely town. We visited a homestead on the island for a wine tasting. And Julie booked us into another amazing meal, this one a farm to table, with our new best friends Tad and Ivy, at Konoba Skafetin. We overnighted in Korcula.

Day 5: Korcula - Vis

We can say that Vis is the most mysterious island in Croatia. For many years it was the military and naval headquarters of Tito’s partisan army and was closed to the public until 1989. This meant that it escaped large commercial development and was able to retain its natural beauty. This definitely explains why we love this island so much, the island which has retained its charm, resisted development and has become the world-famous destination for real nature lovers and people seeking some new adventures. We loved walking along the water and exploring the town. And Julie picked another delicious restaurant for dinner that many of us enjoyed, Restaurant Villa Kaliopa.

Day 6: Vis – Blue Cave - Hvar

Early in the morning we set sail to Hvar. But, before Hvar we made a stop on Bsevo Island to see a stunning natural phenomenon – the Blue Cave. Blue Cave is famous all over the world for its extraordinary, magical, indescribable silver-blue light. After this extraordinary experience we continued our journey further to Hvar, the longest and the sunniest island in Croatia, definitely one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Upon arrival, we joined the guided tour of Hvar and learn why this amazing town is a must see on the historical map of Croatia.

Day 7: Hvar – Bol/Milna - Split

On our final full day on the boat, early in the morning we set sail to Brac, where swimming is planned to at Milna Afterwards we head to our final port – Split. Upon arrival join the walking tour through Split with an expert guide who will bring the past to life and also tell you a lot about Split today. Stroll the streets of Split and learn many interesting facts that make this unique town’s history so full of intrigue. Take part of a story of this more than 1700 years old town, founded by a Roman emperor Diocletian, who chose this beautiful place for his retirement residence. Let the story of who he was and why he loved Dalmatia so much amaze you! We overnight in Split.

Day 8: Split

After breakfast it’s time to disembark. Our cruise manager will be able to assist with local transfers to your next destination.

And after going to Bosnia and Herzegovina for lunch, we arrive back to Dubrovnik for Dinner.

And on our last monring, I grabbed one last photo as we walked out of the Walled City.

And a Poem written about out adventure by Bryan (More Seuss Than Shakespeare)

Together

So here we are in the Adriatic Sea

Getting to know each other with much glee

Brought together by a most special occasion

Which required very very little persuasion

The common purpose in which we were swayed

To celebrate this amazing event, Allen’s birthday

While many of us were not familiar with one another

After a week at sea we have become sisters and brothers

We have walked and swam at many beautiful places

Which has put smiles on each and everyone’s faces

Walking on the wall in Dubrovnik gazing out at the sea

An image of walls, basketball and ships as tall as the tallest trees

The ladies in particular a keen time have had

Swimming endlessly with deck hand Blow Up Chad

We have dined with the captain of this fine ship

And seen Amy’s underwear on John’s hip

While all we could do was stare

Perhaps John is onto something with his manderwear

Then there was the singing and dancing that took place

Which caused endless laughter in this sacred space

We have dined on the finest delicacies of the sea

A boat ride to the freshest oysters, muscles and sardines that can be

We consumed wines that are damn near impossible for me to pronounce

But of course, that did not stop us, we drank every ounce

We took a trip back in time with Mistress Francesca of Marco Polo fame

She toured us through Korchula showing us her ankles with little shame

Allen has taken note of now how to address his lovely wife

Please be cautious when you address mistress Rachel in front of the kids as it may cause them great strife

Each of the stops more unique and beautiful than the last

Mesmerizing, peaceful and so vast

Amidst all the excitement perhaps the best times will be

When we gathered just a few of us one two or three

To chat, think and share

Listening deeply showing how much we care

So take a moment and soak it all in

For all we have is this very second which ends as quickly as it begins

May the memories from this adventure last you a life long

And be accompanied by friendships that grow so ever strong

No piece of prose would be complete

Without a nod to the crew, Filip and this ship so sweet

So thank you all for making this adventure all so very special

And sharing with us this beautiful vessel

Filip, let us assure you that you are never an bother

We all think of you as our ship’s father

Your knowledge and experiences you have shared of this beautiful land you call home

Will forever be a part of us no matter where we roam

Finally we have to turn and toast

The host and hostess and reason we are on this coast

Thank you both for weaving the web that brought us all so far to here

Perhaps we can celebrate again soon when we are all near

So, together we we came not knowing what it would be

And together we leave, never to be the same as we flee