The unique beauty of Dubrovnik makes the city a must-see for visitors to Croatia. An excellent place to embark on your luxury yacht charter, a tour can be arranged with one of the knowledgeable local guides, to explain the intriguing history of the city. Time must be taken to sample some of the many restaurants, in particular the local seafood dish ‘peka’ of octopus and potato.
Cruising southwards you will anchor in the Bay of Kotor for your first stop in Montenegro. Using a tender you can visit Our Lady of the Rocks – an artificial islet in the bay created by sinking disused ships filled with rocks, and home to a beautiful monastery. If the water is high enough the tender can take you on to Morinj, where you can dine at Catovica Mlini. In low tides it is an easy walk.
You will be welcomed into Kotor by 360° views of the mountains which surround the bay. For a relaxing day visit the peaceful village of Ljuta, or if you’re feeling active take a walk up the hill for spectacular views of the limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. Stop on the way for a coffee at Forza café and some of the local ‘krempita’ cake. When you’ve worked up an appetite visit Stari Mlini – an old mill converted into a five-star restaurant, which boasts the best local food. Be sure to try the Montenegrin wine, especially the Cabernet Sauvignon that is produced along the coast.
Few people make the drive from Croatia down to the 2,500 year old town of Budva, making it a popular destination to visit by superyacht. Stop at the ‘blue grotto’ on the way for a swim in the caves before a day of shopping and dining in the town. Have lunch at Demizana, overlooking the marina dotted with superyachts, and visit the Hotel Astoria to indulge in their famous chocolate soufflé for dessert. Before returning to your yacht stop into one of the local bars and experience the nightlife of Budva.
While your yacht refuels in Bar, visit the open-air museum of Stari Bar where you can enter an 11th century fortress and look out across the olive groves. Nature lovers can visit Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans, and one of the top five bird watching sites in Europe. Visit King Nikola’s palace where the Montenegrin crown jewels are displayed before steaming overnight into the Ionian Sea.
Wake up in the Albanian Riviera and take a walk through the attractive town of Saranda, nestled between high mountains and the Ionian Sea. The nearby town of Butrint was among the most important maritime centres of the ancient world, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After an earthquake in the Middle Ages it was mostly abandoned leaving impressive ruins, but later reinhabitation and construction makes for an interesting mix of architecture and the UNESCO World Heritage Site has become an important archeological region. Visiting the ruins of Lekursi castle is a must, where you can enjoy an aperitif. Before boarding your yacht, take a look across the water to Corfu - your next stop.
A twelve mile sail brings you to the rugged coastline of Corfu. The fine sand and crystal clear waters are perfect for watersports and swimming, and the many tavernas offer plenty of choice to relax in the evening. Previous Italian, French and British rule have led to a rich culture - and fantastic food and wine which is not to be missed!