Flotilla sailing Dubrovnik | Croatia

Take it easy and spend your first day exploring the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik. The old town is just a 10-minute taxi ride from the base at the mouth of the Ombla River. Here you will see Renaissance palaces and ancient citadels surrounded by a labyrinth of marble streets brimming with restaurants, cafés and shops.

A short cruise along the Dalmatian coast will take you from Dubrovnik to Slano. Let your keel cut through the warm, clear waters of the Adriatic until the sheltered natural harbour of Slano comes into view. Anchor en route for lunch on Lopud Island, swimming and snorkelling from the wide coast of Misty Beach. While in Slano, sample the excellent local wine and olives.

From the sheltered harbour of Slano, sail across the glassy, mill-pond surface of the Adriatic to the island of Mljet. You will pass a small gorge between the tree-covered islets of Otok Olipa and Otok Jakljan before entering the sheltered bay of Okuklje. Swim and snorkel in the bay's shallows before spending an evening in a quiet konoba (restaurant) with your newfound flotilla friends.

Sail along the forested island of Mljet, along the craggy coastline on your way to Polače. Protected from the elements by a group of small islands, Polače is built around a corner of the coastline, providing access to the beautiful Mljet National Park. Buy a ticket to the national park and head to the two beautiful saltwater lakes the area is known for.

Enjoy a spot of blue water sailing from Mljet to Korčula Island, where you will visit the traditional fishing village of Lumbarda. With a wide bay that offers plenty of moorings, Lumbarda boasts some excellent beaches where you can laze in the sun for a relaxing afternoon. Lumbarda is also known for its Grk Bijeli wine, so treat yourself to a glass or three while you're here.

Leave Korčula behind and head to the island of Lastovo, passing between the groups of small islands that guard the island's eastern coast. One of Dalmatia's more western islands, it takes exhilarating open water sailing to reach Lastovo from Korčula. Skrivena Luka is the 'hidden harbour' of Lastovo, so named because it is completely screened from view and sheltered from the open sea. Skrivena Luka is a haven for wildlife, with peregrine falcons nesting in the cliffs of Lastovo and diverse marine life beneath the waves.

From the 'hidden harbour' of Skrivena Luka to the 'big harbour' of Vela Luka, the next part of your journey will once again take you to the island of Korčula. Vela Luka is a great place to soak up some Croatian culture, with the city's fine art galleries and museums well worth a visit. In the bay, the uninhabited island of Osjak is a natural paradise where you can walk and swim in perfect isolation.

By now you are confident enough to explore the Dalmatian coast on your own. Your two free sailing days will give you the chance to satisfy your curiosity and set your own schedule, independently or in small groups with your new friends to new destinations. Venture further seaward and into the Adriatic - if you don't have fixed destinations in mind, your lead crew is on hand with recommendations and the latest weather forecasts to ensure you make the most of your time.

With the Dalmatian coast at your feet, your two free sailing days can take you to Vis in the west or the large islands of Hvar, Brač and Šolta further up the coast. You can even go to Split and visit the ruins of Diocletian's Palace, wander the city's excellent markets or relax in a cocktail bar with your new friends and watch the world go by. The boating days are yours to do as you please, so make the most of it.

The Dubrovnik fleet reunites in Lovište on the Pelješac peninsula. Lovište is known for its water sports, with diving and windsurfing both being popular in the region. If you prefer to kick back on the land, Lovište's relaxed and tranquil atmosphere is a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of city life. Enjoy a meal and a drink with your flotilla mates in one of Lovište's many fine restaurants.

Cruise the narrow channel that separates Korčula Island from Pelješac Peninsula as you make your way from Lovište to the fortified town of Korčula. Cruise between the spectacular, hilly outcroppings of Pelješac and Korčula, visiting one of the island's many small villages for a lunch break along the way. The historic fortified town of Korčula is a hotbed of history and culture, with the town's narrow cobbled streets lined with palaces and churches many hundreds of years old. Korčula town is also a fantastic wine region, and it is possible to arrange tours to visit the many vineyards carved into the nearby hills.

Bypass the islets and atolls off the eastern coast of Korčula and point your bow at Mljet. A few hours of sailing on the blue waters will take you to Pomena in the island's national park region. It's another chance to visit the beautiful saltwater lakes of Malo Jezero and Veleko Jezero, but if you've already hiked the national park, you can always kick back and laze on one of Pomena's white-sand beaches.

Sail along the length of Mljet and cross the narrow channel to Šipan, counting yet another beautiful Dalmatian island on your list. The town of Suđurađ is located in a small natural cove on the east coast of the island and offers a perfect sheltered mooring for an overnight stay. Šipan is an Eden-like island where olives, figs, grapes, almonds and citrus fruits spring up from the fertile soil. Make sure to try some of the island's excellent local produce before you go.

From Suđurađ the journey is a short return to our base in Komolac. A shorter trip means you have plenty of time to further explore the Dalmatian Coast before heading home. Stop for lunch on one of the beautiful Elaphite Islands, or take the time to visit Dubrovnik and lose yourself in the irresistible old town. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you make the most of the last day of your flotilla adventure in Dubrovnik.