Elaphiti Islands luxury private boat tour with optional pickup

Blue Cave by night

As you cruise around the wild green island of Kolocep in the Adriatic Sea, you'll catch a glimpse of traditional Croatian life, with its peaceful fishing villages, sprawling Mediterranean landscapes and mesmerising caves. You'll gather at the dock for a quick safety briefing before setting sail on an evening adventure that takes you to the island's famous caves that have been carefully carved by the sea over thousands of years. Local guide, Mia, says "I love asking guests which cave is their favourite because they're so different. The Green Caves feel rejuvenating and full of life, while the Blue Cave has a more mysterious feel."After a cruise across the calm waters of the Adriatic, you'll approach the lesser-known but utterly magical Three Green Caves, affectionately known as the ‘Three Sisters'. The captain will drop anchor, giving you around half an hour to swim around and explore. To see the emerald-green reflections that give them their name, head to the largest green cave. And, if you're feeling adventurous, swim through the narrow passage of the Canyon Cave to see the light and shadows dance on the cliff walls. Hop back onboard, where there's plenty of soft drinks, beer and wine, and head to the south of the island and the famous Blue Cave. Mia adds “in the evening light, the tunnels and caverns take on a whole new level of beauty.” You'll have time to take in the peaceful atmosphere and vivid blues for yourself as you moor up for around 30 minutes here. Then, it's back on the boat for a few drinks and some music as you return to the dock with a new appreciation for nature's masterpieces.

Dubrovnik catamaran to Kalamota island with Villa Ruža feast & drinks

On this indulgent catamaran trip from Dubrovnik, you'll head over to one of the nearby islands for a lengthy stop at the TUI BLUE Kalamota Resort where you can make the most of the beach location and tuck into a generous buffet lunch. Kalamota Island may be the largest of the three inhabited Elafiti Islands, but that doesn't mean you should expect hustle and bustle – only around 200 people call this place home, and its a car-free island. Ema, one of our expert local guides, says "TUI BLUE Kalamota Resort offers up the ideal blend of laidback island vibes and luxurious All Inclusive treatment, so be sure to do as much relaxing as you can during the three hours you'll have here."Start with a laidback sailing from Gruz Harbour to Kalamota Island, across a smooth patch of the Adriatic Sea. When you arrive, you'll follow your guide on a stroll across the island that takes you along lanes lined with fig trees and past vineyards. Your finish line is the TUI BLUE Kalamota Resort, where a buffet lunch in Villa Ruža beachfront restaurant is the highlight. Fresh fish, barbecued meats, seasonal veg – it's all on the table here, accompanied by a selection of unlimited drinks. You'll have around three hours of free time here, so make sure to relax and enjoy the seaside scenery - don't forget your swimsuit.

Half-day Adriatic catamaran cruise from Dubrovnik

You'll cruise along a patch of the Adriatic Sea on this half-day catamaran trip ideal for soaking up the sun and enjoying the sea breeze. There'll be lots of time for some R&R aboard the boat as you drift past the iconic city walls of Dubrovnik's old town, famous for its Medieval buildings, striking coastline and starring role as King's Landing in Game of Thrones television series. Jakov, one of our expert local guides, says "Lokrum is the polar opposite of Dubrovnik. Instead of bustling city vibes, this place is so much more relaxing and quiet. A lot of people like to come here during their Dubrovnik city break just to have a break from the noise. Trust me, watching groups of peacocks in the wild or just swimmig in the sea here does wonders for the soul."You'll sail near Lokrum Island, a nature reserve known for its free-roaming peacocks, exotic plants and its Benedictine Monastery dating back to 1023. You'll have some time to top up your tan, cool off with a swim, paddleboard on the calm waters or explore the abundant marine life beneath the surface with the snorkelling gear provided. Equally, you can kick back with a refreshing drink whilst taking in the view. If the weather doesn't play ball on the day, you might head towards the Elaphiti Islands instead, offering an equally enjoyable coastal experience.

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.