Day 1 UK to Dubrovnik to Sipan

Fly to the historic city of Dubrovnik and embark MS Providenca (4*).

In the afternoon, your voyage begins as you sail north along the stunning coast of the Dubrovnik Riviera to the peaceful island of Sipan, part of the famous Elafiti Islands. You moor in Sipanska Luka overnight. D

Day 2 Sipan to Korcula

This morning, cruise past the Peljesac Peninsula where you can view hilltops clad with vineyards and fruit trees as you journey to the island of Korcula.

Arrive around 5pm at the main town, also called Korcula. This was where the explorer Marco Polo was born and his house can be viewed among the splendid Venetian architecture. Your ship remains moored here overnight. B, L

Day 3 Korcula to Makarska to Pucisca

Your cruise continues north to Makarska, then sails to Pucisca on the island of Brac, the third largest island on the Adriatic Coast, arriving around 3.30pm.

The landscape here is dominated by a karst limestone relief, with numerous gullies, crevices, valleys and coves. A religious monument of note is the parish church – St Jerome – built in 1566. It very soon became too small so in 1750 it was enlarged and renovated in the baroque style. Entrance is free if you'd like to take a look around.

Pucisca is famed for its stone and masonry and there are numerous quarries located nearby. The stone has been used for centuries in the building of palaces and cathedrals across Dalmatia and overseas too. Enjoy an included stone carving demonstration while you are here. B, L, D

Day 4 Pucisca to Split

Continue your voyage north to Split, Croatia's second biggest city. It boasts a charming old town that contains the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diocletian's Palace.

An included guided tour of Split includes a visit to this vast Imperial Palace which owes its name to the Roman Emperor Diocletian who built it as his retirement home and spent his declining years here between the late third and early fourth centuries.

During the Middle Ages a town was constructed within the palace, before expanding beyond it and along the west walls. Much of the old Roman structure still survives, including the Mausoleum of Diocletian (now the Cathedral of St Domnius), almost completely preserved in its original octagonal form encircled by 24 columns, and the peristyle – an open courtyard surrounded by graceful columns. Opposite it, on the eastern side lies the Porta Argentea (Silver Gate).

Another ancient site in Split is the Statue of Gregory of Nin (Grgur Ninski), a Croatian religious leader from the 10th century. Look out for the shiny big toe on the statue's left foot – rubbing it is said to bring good luck. B, L

Please note: that entrance to the palace cellars is not included.

Day 5 Split to Hvar

Cruise south today, crossing the Hvar Channel and through the narrow passage that separates the islands of Brac and Solta as you make your way to Hvar.

Lavender, heather, ancient olive trees and pines characterise the flora and fauna and the coast is heavily indented with rocky coves. It also boasts 2,718 hours of sunshine each year, which makes it Croatia’s sunniest island! You'll arrive at around 3pm for a short walking tour where you will see, but not enter, the Benedictine Monastery, the cathedral and the oldest municipal theatre in Europe.

Hvar also has a Franciscan monastery which was built in the 15th century as a retreat for sailors. It's not included in the tour but you might like to take the approximately 15-minute walk along the seafront from the harbour to visit it independently. An entrance fee of 20 kuna (just over £2) is payable. A remarkable painting of the Last Supper, measuring around 24 feet by 6 feet, is the highlight of the collection here. B, L, D

Day 6 Hvar to Mljet

Today you cruise from Hvar and further south along the Adriatic coast to Mljet for a guided visit.

Much of the island is carpeted by forest and the rest is sprinkled with fields, vineyards and small villages. The western part is a national park featuring Aleppo pine and holm oak.

Within the park are two saltwater lakes, Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero. B, L, D

Day 7 Mljet to Dubrovnik

In the morning cruise from Mljet to your final port of call, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dubrovnik.

You will pass the Elafiti Islands of Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan before mooring close to Dubrovnik, where you can see the impressive medieval walls that are six metres thick in parts. Your ship moors on the outskirts of Dubrovnik, which can be reached by local bus in around 15 minutes (extra charge).

The city of Dubrovnik was badly damaged during the civil war of the 1990s, but has now been restored to its former glory. During your included guided walking tour of the city you'll be able to see Sponza Palace, constructed in 1522 and one of the few buildings to survive the 1667 earthquake that destroyed large parts of the city.

The palace has had a variety of uses over the centuries but is now part of a permanent exhibition space called 'Memorial Room of the Dubrovnik Defenders', which remembers those who lost their lives during the civil war. Other sights revealed will be the cathedral, Rector's Palace and Onoforio’s Fountain, constructed in the 15th century. B, L, D

Day 8 Dubrovnik to UK

Disembark and travel to the airport for your flight to the UK. B