Island hopping, swim stops and overnight stays – discover a yacht cruise with Riviera Travel

Author: Lucy Abbott

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Live the life of the rich and famous by opting for a yacht cruise with Riviera Travel. Think sun, sea and fabulous company

Forget mega-ships, small ship cruising should be at the top of your bucket-list.

Just picture it – drifting through countless quaint islands and ports, while enjoying a view that is only available by an exclusive yacht.

If you thrive when receiving personalised service from an attentive onboard team, surrounded by a maximum of 40 guests who share your love for exploration, this is the cruise for you.

We’ve handpicked three amazing itineraries just for you, the temptation to book has never been stronger…

Split, Hvar and the Delights of Dalmatia
Yacht cruising brings countless extra perks, such as a plethora of swim stops in remote bays and coves that each hold a staggering amount of natural beauty.

These fun pit stops are only a small part of Riviera Travel’s ‘Split, Hvar and the Delights of Dalmatia’ itinerary.

You’ll experience seven-nights on a four-star yacht. MS Mendula, with 10 guided tours and visits, as well as the expertise of an omnipotent tour manager.

Speaking of tours, you’ll get to know each area properly, such as a guided tour of Split and Emperor Diocletian’s monumental palace, Korčula and the pretty Jelsa nestling in a bay.

A visit to the Olive Oil Museum is a highlight, in the fishing port of Postira, where you’ll sample brilliantly fresh produce – with olive cultivation dating back to the Venetian years.

We love how you have breakfast included every day, with five lunches and one dinner, plus the Captain's dinner.

Korcula is Croatia's lesser-known island. Credit: Shutterstock

Venice, Split and Treasures of the NorthDive into charming northern Croatia, combined with a two-night stay in the iconic Venice with this clever ‘Venice, Split and Treasures of the North’ itinerary with Riviera Travel.

Wander around Šibenik, a medieval town boasting not one, but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Navigate the narrow, characterful streets with your tour guide to admire St James Cathedral which is the perfect fusion of Gothic and Renaissance style.

Of course, you must sample some pivo and posip (beer and wine) – especially due to the long history of winemaking and viticulture in the Šibenik region.

Another highlight of this itinerary is your visit to Zadar, you’ll pull into port just after a relaxing morning swimming in the glimmering waters of the island of Murter.

In Zadar, you can expect an intriguing mix of Roman ruins, medieval architecture and modern sights. Go beyond the typical attractions to discover the 1,000-year-old chapel which is tucked away at the back of Kavana Lovre – after enjoying a cup of coffee, which is a Croatian essential.

Venice is a standout port, and you’ll have the luxury of staying here for two nights. There are countless things to do in Venice, including taking a trip to St Mark’s Square where you can gaze up at the ornate Campanile Tower and the Basilica.

You’ll travel onboard MS Stella Maris, which holds 36 guests with eight crew members to look after you. Relax on the Sun Deck with an iced drink from the bar, make new friends over breakfast and celebrate local cuisine at the captain’s dinner, it’s safe to say this will be a cruise you’ll remember for a lifetime.

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Split, Zadar and Secrets of the NorthSharing a selection of beautiful ports with the previous itineraries, the ‘Split, Zadar and Secrets of the North’ itinerary with Riviera Travel also visits plenty of unique points of interest.

Take Krka Valley National Park for example, with the mesmerising River Krka flowing through lakes, gorges and rapids before heading out to sea – it’s no surprise that the entire valley has been awarded national park status.

Be sure to take a video of perhaps one of the most dramatic stretches of river you’ll ever witness – several tiers of waterfall which fall gracefully and amazingly into a broad pool.

On this itinerary, you’ll also visit Trogir, which is a coastal gem. Start by admiring the glossy palms that line the waterfront and move into the heart of the town where a majestic cathedral will reveal itself.

You’ll overnight in Trogir too, meaning you can have a peaceful evening stroll by the harbour – without having to worry about your ship leaving you behind. No pier runners here.

Like the other yacht cruises, you’ll embark on seven tours plus swim stops across seven-nights onboard MS Adriatic Sky, which is a swift yacht built in 2021.

And once you return home from any of these three itineraries, not only will you have topped up your tan, but you’ll have a group of fabulous new friends and plenty of memories.

Tiny Trogir is a Unesco-listed island town west of Split. Credit: Shutterstock

About Lucy Abbott

Lucy is a cruise journalist who has sailed on a variety of ships, from expedition to river – with her favourite being expedition cruising.

Lucy is interested in new sustainable ways to cruise as well as how cruising is becoming accessible for all.

She works together with Kaye Holland to keep the World of Cruising website up to date with all the latest cruise news.