Two countries, one easy rhythm. You get Montenegro’s dramatic Bay of Kotor and Riviera coastline first—then slip back into the gentler island pace of southern Croatia.
It’s a satisfying contrast: fortress views and UNESCO streets one day, swim stops and quiet bays the next, with Mljet and Korčula as the Croatian highlights on the way home.
Key Points
- A 14-day itinerary beginning and ending in Dubrovnik.
- Highlights include Kotor & Perast, Budva and Sveti Stefan, Elaphiti Islands, Mljet National Park, Korčula, and Ston.
- The route can be adapted (including reversing the order) depending on weather, berth availability, and your preferred pace.
Who is it Suitable For?
Best for travellers who like a bit of culture with their cruising.
- If you enjoy historic towns and big scenery, Kotor/Perast delivers.
- If you still want the classic island feel, the return via Mljet and Korčula keeps the week beautifully balanced.
Not your priority? If you’d rather avoid formalities and stick entirely to Croatia, a Dubrovnik-only route may feel simpler.
Practical Details
- Duration: 14 days / 14 nights
- Embarkation/Disembarkation: Dubrovnik
- Best time: May–October
- Flexibility: This is a sample itinerary — the final routing depends on weather and berth availability.
- Border formalities: Entry/exit clearances for Montenegro and Croatia are handled by the skipper. During clearance legs, local rules require sailing directly between ports without stops.
- Onboard services: What’s included is defined once a specific yacht is selected.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Dubrovnik → Cavtat
- Enjoy a calm first cruise with Dubrovnik’s city walls from the sea.
- Optional swim stop at Lokrum, then continue via the small islets of Mrkan and Bobara.
- Evening in Cavtat for a relaxed promenade and dinner.
Day 2 — Cavtat → Kotor
- Morning checkout in Croatia, then continue directly to Montenegro for arrival formalities.
- Afternoon in Kotor: Old Town walk and views from the fortress (time and heat permitting).
Day 3 — Kotor → Budva
- Stop in Perast and visit Our Lady of the Rocks.
- Continue toward Budva for an evening on the Riviera.
Day 4 — Budva → Herceg Novi / Tivat
- Morning sightseeing in Budva, then a swim stop by Sveti Stefan and Miločer.
- Optional afternoon stop at Jaz Beach before settling into Herceg Novi or Tivat.
Day 5 — Montenegro → Lopud → Šipan (Suđurađ)
- Morning clearance in Montenegro, then sail directly to Croatia for entry formalities.
- Spend the afternoon on Lopud (Šunj Beach) and enjoy an easy dinner ashore.
- Continue to Suđurađ for the night.
Day 6 — Šipan → Mljet (Saplunara)
- Settle into a slower pace with a beach-focused day.
- Swim at Limuni and nearby coves; evening in Saplunara.
Day 7 — Saplunara → Mljet (Pomena)
- Explore Odysseus Cave (conditions permitting) and the bays around Soline.
- Continue to Pomena for a quiet night beside the National Park.
Day 8 — Pomena → Korčula (Brna)
- Morning in Mljet National Park — the lakes are best explored by bike.
- Depart in time to arrive in Brna by daylight for a relaxed evening.
Day 9 — Brna → Lumbarda
- Swim stop at Istruga (a favourite for an easy dip).
- Continue to Lumbarda for vineyards, calm bays, and a quieter overnight.
Day 10 — Lumbarda → Korčula Town
- Swim and snorkel at Badija before arriving in Korčula.
- Evening in Korčula Old Town: a gentle stroll, excellent dining, and wine bars.
Day 11 — Korčula Town → Pelješac (Žuljana)
- A scenic cruise toward Pelješac with time for swimming.
- If you’d like a stop en route, Trstenik is a pleasant pause before Žuljana.
- Enjoy Vučine (“Secret Beach”) and a relaxed night in the bay.
Day 12 — Žuljana → Ston
- Swim stop at a nearby bay (Marčuleti is a good option in calm conditions).
- Afternoon in Ston for the walls, saltworks, and local oysters in season.
Day 13 — Ston → Kobaš / Jakljan → Šipan
- Cruise toward Šipan with flexible swimming stops.
- Pause in Kobaš for lunch (excellent family-run restaurants), and enjoy a quiet bay at Jakljan.
- Overnight on Šipan.
Day 14 — Šipan → Dubrovnik
- Save the last morning for a final swim near Šekirica by the mainland.
- Optional lunch at Bowa before returning to Dubrovnik.
Distances (approx. miles)
- Dubrovnik → Cavtat: 11
- Cavtat → Kotor: 32
- Kotor → Budva: 18
- Budva → Herceg Novi / Tivat: 18–24
- Zelenika / Tivat → Šipan (Suđurađ) (via Lopud): 35–40
- Šipan (Suđurađ) → Mljet (Saplunara): 25
- Saplunara → Pomena: 19
- Pomena → Brna: 20
- Brna → Lumbarda: 15
- Lumbarda → Korčula Town (via Badija): 6
- Korčula Town → Žuljana: 13
- Žuljana → Ston: 18
- Ston → Šipan: 20
- Šipan → Dubrovnik: 15
