Fly to Dubrovnik, and upon arrival transfer by coach to the quayside in picturesque Zaton's small harbour to board Mendula (transfer time is approximately 40 minutes). Enjoy dinner and your first night on board, getting to know your fellow passengers and the welcoming crew, and perhaps stepping ashore for a nightcap.

Following breakfast, Mendula sails out into the blue waters, passing the tantalising Elaphiti, or 'Deer Islands', which lie offshore, and which, weather and time-permitting, provide an idyllic backdrop for a first dip. Each day, the captain will ensure that there's time to enjoy the warm sunshine for which the region is famous and the opportunity for a swim or snorkel. The cruise, which is a wonderful holiday for anyone who has ever dreamed of taking a cruise on a yacht, yet without ever venturing very far from shore, also includes five tasty lunches and two evening meals, including a Captain's Dinner prepared on board. On other evenings, there's the chance to go ashore to sample local restaurants.

This afternoon, you'll arrive at Mljet Island, legendary hiding place of Odysseus and Calypso, and where the wooded Mljet National Park can be explored after lunch on board. Mendula is tied up in the tiny port of Pomena, and there's the chance to enjoy dinner in this unspoiled haven.

This morning's first call is at the picture-postcard-perfect islet of Scedro, before Mendula sails on to nearby Hvar, the most celebrated of Croatia's offshore archipelago. A verdant paradise of lush vegetation, floral beauty, vineyards, lavender fields and hidden coves, topped by a rocky ridge, Hvar is as idyllic a spot as any in the Mediterranean. After lunch on board, enjoy the included guided tour of Hvar Town, where the Venetian arsenal, tiny harbour and Cathedral are among the highlights, and this evening soak up the atmosphere of what is one of Croatia's trendiest enclaves.

A morning's sailing - with perhaps a stop for a swim - brings Mendula to the historic Dalmatian capital city of Split - with its wondrous UNESCO-listed Old Town and palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian. Officially Croatia's second city, Split bustles with life, especially on the waterfront promenade, the Riva, and in its colourful market places, which are explored on the included tour after lunch on board.

Today is spent in lazy idyll, perhaps swimming, sunbathing or enjoying a long lunch. Mendula sails for Brac, Croatia's third largest island, with its stunning beaches, especially clear waters and sleepy main town of Supetar. This evening, enjoy the on‑board Captain's Dinner.

The last island call is verdant Korcula, settled for at least 6,000 years and birthplace, legend has it, of the explorer Marco Polo. Whether true or not, the island is worthy of any voyage of discovery. Enjoy lunch on board, then join the included tour of the main town, a medieval jewel of narrow streets - built at interlocking angles to avoid the cool winter winds off the sea - and fortifications. This evening, seek out a restaurant or taverna for dinner.

Mendula makes her way back to the tiny bay of Zaton, and after a last lunch on board, make the short journey by coach to discover and explore the extraordinary 'Pearl of the Adriatic', peerless Dubrovnik, with its red-roofed buildings and encircling fortifications. A final guided tour introduces one of the Mediterranean's greatest treasures, including the medieval Old Town, its pedestrianised central street Stradun running from the Pile Gate to busy Luza Square, overlooked by the impressive Sponza Palace and graceful Baroque St Blaise's Church. Other highlights will include the Franciscan Monastery, housing Europe's oldest pharmacy, and the Rector's Palace (entrances payable locally). Take a stroll around the walls, choose a restaurant or cafe for dinner, and return to Zaton for a last night aboard delightful Mendula.

Bid Mendula farewell and transfer to the airport and your return flight, at the end of a wonderful holiday.