A Tailor-Made Adriatic Island Hop to delight discerning Gastronomes, from Roundabout Experiences.
Charming villages and verdant islands; sophisticated cities and historic majesty; incredible wines and irresistible cuisine - the unique cultures that dot the Adriatic have it all. For guests yearning to soak up all the sights - and tastes - of the region in sumptuous, secluded opulence, we’ve got just the thing. Or rather, our expert DMC Roundabout Experiences have.
Specialists in creating tailor-made sailing and yachting tours, their carefully crafted itineraries will redefine your guests’ perception of luxury travel, seeing them move from overland opulence to onboard luxury, gliding glittering waters from one intimate island discovery to the next.
Catering for a range of budgets and group sizes, trips can be personalised to suit, with solutions available from mid-range discovery to lavish luxury.
And, for those who just don’t want their incredible experience to end, there are plenty of pre and post-cruise overland options available in Slovenia, Croatia and/or Montenegro.
To whet the travel tastebuds, here’s our pick of their incredible Adriatic explorations - a super-exclusive Adriatic tour that covers the jewels of land and sea in splendid style, with plenty of fine wines and excellent food thrown in for good measure.
Goriška Brda - the “Slovenian Tuscany”
A region of rolling hills and beautiful villages, where the vineyards create a pretty patchwork of green and gold across the landscape, it’s easy to see why Goriška Brda is nicknamed the Tuscany of Slovenia.
Winding through this picturesque setting in a vintage car, guests are charmed back into a bygone era as they inhale the intoxicating sights, scents and tastes, before stopping at one of the best vineyards around to enjoy a fresh local picnic in a lush private setting - washed down with something delightful, of course.
The night is spent at the Hotel Kempinski Palace Portorož, whose iconic five-star luxury is set in a heritage-protected landscaped park at the heart of Portorož overlooking the Adriatic beyond.
More local flavour pervades day two, as guests embark on a vintage gourmet tour that winds its way around some of the most spectacular views on offer across the Slovenia coast and the Istrian countryside.
A gastronomic olive oil experience with a difference, the tour follows the trail - and the tastes - of the country’s oldest and most revered indigenous olive trees, pairing the oils with delicious local Istrian fayre for a special and truly authentic culinary experience.
Spend the night at San Canzian Village & Hotel, a unique, luxe boutique hotel in the beautifully renovated 15th-century village of Marezige.
A seamless blend of historic charm and modern amenities, this exclusive property provides a tranquil escape, its limited capacity ensuring an intimate and private experience complemented by the best local wines and fine gourmet dining that emphasises local and seasonal ingredients.
For those looking for a little extra down to their downtime, the hotel has both a spa & wellness centre and a fabulous outdoor pool, surrounded by lush gardens and offering panoramic views over the surrounding vineyards to the Julian Alps beyond.
The Charming Croatian Istria
Crossing the border, Roundabout Experiences takes travellers into Croatian Istria, where the hidden gems of Grožnjan and Motovun are revealed.
These ancient hilltop towns boast cobblestone streets, art galleries and breathtaking views, offering a journey back in time that's guaranteed to captivate all the senses.
Gastronomes will love to experience a prestigious truffle hunt just outside the legendary village of Buzet.
Here, sought-after white and black truffles thrive in the alkaline soil and roots of the Istrian forests, and truffle-hunting is a deeply ingrained local tradition considered both an art and a way of life.
Joining the hunt offers a fascinating insight into this ancient local culture - an exclusive experience not to be missed for anyone who loves their cuisine!
Afterwards, guests can take in more of the stunning surroundings with an all-terrain vehicle tour that ends with a delicious picnic lunch at a local vineyard, before heading back to San Canzian for a further night of relaxation.
Outstanding Nature at Plitvice and Rastoke
Visiting Rastoke Village takes travellers into a place straight out of a storybook.
Here, guests can explore charming, traditional watermills and rustic, well-preserved wooden houses, gaining a true insight into the historical and cultural heritage of the region.
Unmissable, unparalleled, ethereal, other-worldly; the superlatives come out to play in earnest for the incredible beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park - and they still can’t do it justice! Picture sixteen crystalline, azure lakes, with some of the purest waters on Earth.
Countless magnificent, cascading waterfalls like tall, aquatic curtains that shimmer in the sunlight. A rich, emerald-green forest that blankets more than 300 sq kilometres…
This is a place of unmatched natural beauty and cultural significance, and its preservation and protection are important on a global scale, so it’s little wonder that the park achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1979.
Here, it’s hard to beat the charming Hotel Lyra Plitvice when it comes to somewhere to stay.
This eco-friendly gem opened its doors in 2019 in the village of Licko Petrovo Selo, just 7km from the Plitvice Lakes National Park.
As well as incredible views, it offers a small range of contemporary Scandinavian-style accommodations (including suites), a farm-to-table restaurant, a fitness centre, lush gardens with native plants and eco-friendly electric bikes for guests to explore the surroundings - all while supporting the local community with a team of staff from the area.
And those views don’t stop when the sun sets.
Clear nights reveal a tapestry of stars in this pure, unpolluted setting, one which budding stargazers can explore to their heart’s content through the hotel’s powerful telescopes.
The Ancient History and Modern Luxury of Split
Split is where guests will board the luxury yacht - but it would be criminal to miss the chance of discovering more of this fascinating city first!
Diocletian's Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 4th century.
Amid its historic grandeur, travellers can easily lose a few hours investigating the intricate architecture, while a stroll through the labyrinthine streets of the old town uncovers Split’s unique mix of charm and vibrancy, influenced by its heady mix of rich Roman heritage and Dalmatian culture.
In Split, stay at the Briig Boutique Hotel, a stylish and contemporary accommodation on the picturesque island of Supetar.
This modern retreat offers a luxurious escape with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and Split itself, the hotel’s design and amenities catering to travellers seeking a blend of comfort and sophistication and its prime location providing easy access to the island's pristine beaches, historic sites and local culture.
The Island-Hopping Adventure begins…
From Split to Dubrovnik, it’s time to take the luxury to the seas with Roundabout Experiences' opulent private yachting odyssey that will see your guests sail the glittering waters of the Adriatic with the wind in their hair and sea-spray on their skin.
Accompanied by a private skipper and a skilled crew, for five nights your guests will breeze between lush islands and hidden beaches, cruising the Dalmatian Coast, savouring local gastronomy and fine wines and exploring the hidden gems of each new destination - before returning each evening to an atmosphere of absolute elegance and luxury.
Every final detail is taken care of by Roundabout. Expect beautiful, cosy cabins to ensure a good night's rest, incredible dining and cuisine delivered by professional chefs, prepared with fresh, local ingredients, tailored to your guest's personal preferences. And for the fun-loving clients, water sports equipment will be on hand such as kayaks and snorkeling gear, providing ample opportunities for guests to enjoy adventure in the crystal clear water of the Adriatic sea.
The Island Itinerary
Picturesque Hvar and Vis
The first stop is Hvar, an island with a tranquil allure all of its own.
Renowned for its sun-drenched beaches, historic old town and vibrant nightlife, this is an enchanting place for travellers seeking the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.
Here, guests can explore the island’s natural beauty in sustainable style with a private e-bike tour that culminates in fine style with a wine and olive oil tasting, before sailing on to Vis.
Vis, with its unspoiled authenticity, picturesque fishing villages, crystal-clear waters and captivating underwater world, is a paradise for nature lovers and divers alike.
Fascinatingly, it also played a significant role in military history, being a strategic naval base during World War II and the Cold War, a legacy that adds an intriguing layer to its cultural heritage.
Today, Vis welcomes visitors with its serene ambience, superb cuisine and the opportunity to explore a relatively untouched Adriatic island.
Enchanting Korčula
Another day, another island - and Korčula is undoubtedly one of Croatia’s most enchanting, even given its stiff competition!
Known as being the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korčula takes visitors a step back in time, its mediaeval Old Town encircled by impressive stone walls, its narrow, winding streets lined with historic buildings.
Renowned for its lush vineyards and high-quality white wines, the island's interior is scenic and stunning and its coastline is adorned with charming beaches and secluded coves, making it an ideal spot for a languid afternoon’s wandering…
… but, for those longing to break up the tranquillity with something a little more intrepid, it’s also the perfect place for a countryside Buggy Adventure!
Taking to the trails with Roundabout Experiences' guides allows travellers to go deeper, exploring Korčula’s fabulous scenery, hidden coves and beautiful beaches under the expert direction of the people who know it best.
Serenity and Seafood in Mljet and Pelješac
On next to Mljet, a tiny landscape of lush forests and pristine saltwater lakes at whose heart guests will find the Mljet National Park.
Here, where the iconic Veliko and Malo lakes lie within breathtaking surroundings of pine-covered hills, visitors can explore by hiking, cycling or kayaking, taking in the abundant wildlife and St. Mary's Island with its historic Benedictine monastery.
The island's rich history is also on display in the old fishing village of Polače and the charming town of Pomena, both of which offer glimpses into the island's past.
Seafood-lovers will love to stop off at Pelješac, a stunning peninsula in southern Croatia famous for the exceptional Ston oyster farms acclaimed far and wide for their delectable produce.
Oysters thrive in the clean, nutrient-rich waters of the Mali Ston Bay.
Taking a boat across, guests will arrive for a tasting, where they’ll learn more about the centuries-old traditions of oyster cultivation in a tour guided by expert oyster farmers - an authentic maritime experience that showcases the synergy between nature, local traditions and culinary excellence.
After, guests can savour for themselves the ocean-fresh flavour of oysters served on the half shell, all paired with local wines that perfectly complement the briny notes.
The Elephites and the unique BOWA (Best of What’s Around) restaurant
The Elaphiti (Elafiti) Islands are a small archipelago situated just off the coast of Dubrovnik. Made up of six main islands and several smaller islets, all are known for their untouched natural beauty and calm, peaceful feel.
Featuring crystal-clear waters, lush green landscapes and a variety of native flora and fauna, guests will find abundant opportunities for hiking, swimming and snorkelling in unspoiled serenity wherever they land among the Elaphiti - before spending unhurried hours strolling the picturesque villages on these islands, revelling in the local culture and mooching between quaint restaurants and cafes for delicious sustenance.
At BOWA, everything is caught, farmed or produced “within a radius of 50km from your chair” - think fresh Adriatic fish and seafood, Mali Ston oysters, organic fruit and veg handpicked from their own gardens and homemade olive oil from groves within walking distance.
But BOWA is more than just a restaurant - this is high-end cuisine turned barefoot luxe experience.
The owners invite visitors to imagine their stunning location as a “Robinson Crusoe getaway, with a touch of fine dining in the jungle”.
BOWA is an all-day escape that sees diners punctuate dishes with dips in the shimmering sea for the ultimate mid-course refreshment - a gastronomic escapade whose memories will last a lifetime.
Disembark in Glorious Dubrovnik
There are few better places to disembark from a bespoke sailing trip that oozes opulence than Dubrovnik.
Guaranteed to cheer even the sorriest of returning landlubbers, the Pearl of the Adriatic is so captivating, so vibrant, so rich in culture and history that no-one could fail to fall for its charms.
Under the expert wing of the most knowledgeable local guides, guests can enjoy a thrilling exploration of this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its enchanting labyrinth of narrow streets, vibrant squares and historic landmarks.
After, travellers can head to the iconic landmark Excelsior Hotel in its incredible position overlooking the city walls, tranquil gardens and glamourous spa facilities. Or perhaps your guests would love the five-star boutique luxury of the Villa Dubrovnik for for their first night back on dry land.
Renowned for its contemporary elegance, unparalleled views of the Adriatic Sea and a location that provides an intimate and serene escape, Villa Dubrovnik is still a mere 15-minute walk from the historic Old Town of Dubrovnik - plus it boasts an award-winning restaurant, Pjerin, a stunning rooftop bar and a private beach and sundeck.
And now… home?
Well… maybe!
For guests who want to extend their post-cruise stay on the Adriatic a little longer, there are plenty of choices on offer.
From spending more time exploring the beauty of Dubrovnik and the surrounding region to going on to Montenegro, Roundabout Experiences can tweak their tailor-made itineraries to meet the desires of the most discerning of travellers.
Have we tempted your guests?
We hope so! If you’d like to learn more about Roundabout Experiences’ incredible bespoke tours of Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro, get in touch with the team today.