8-Day Split to Venice Luxury Croatia Yacht Charter Itinerary

Day 1 – Split to Šibenik

You depart Split and cruise north along the central Dalmatian coast, often with time for a swim stop before entering Šibenik’s sheltered bay. Šibenik is a compact stone town with two UNESCO sites – the Cathedral of St James and the sea-facing St Nicholas Fortress – and an old town that starts very close to the waterfront.

We generally suggest a simple first day: arrive, walk the lanes, visit the cathedral, and, if you have the energy, head up to one of the fortresses for a view over the channel before dinner.

Day 2 – Šibenik to Zadar

The route continues north through an island-dotted stretch towards Zadar. On arrival, you step into a walled peninsula town where Roman remains, Venetian gates and modern waterfront installations sit side by side.

The Sea Organ and Sun Salutation are both right on the promenade, so it is easy to combine them with the Roman Forum, St Donatus church and a straightforward circuit of the old streets. We usually time this so you catch sunset on the promenade, then walk to dinner.

Day 3 – Zadar to Mali Lošinj

You leave Dalmatia and cross into the Kvarner Gulf, heading for Mali Lošinj. The approach is into a long, protected harbour with pine-covered hills and a mix of older villas and modern waterfront.

This stop works well as a “reset” day: the air is noticeably clearer, there are signed walking and cycling routes, and this area is known for dolphin sightings. We typically propose a mix of light activity (short hike, e-bike, or dolphin-focused excursion with a local operator) and time in the water before or after.

Day 4 – Mali Lošinj to Pula

From Lošinj you round the southern tip of Istria and enter Pula, the region’s main city and harbour. The Roman amphitheatre (Pula Arena) dominates the waterfront and is usually the first stop, followed by the Forum and Temple of Augustus.

Everything in the old core is close together, so you can see the main points in a half day without long transfers. Depending on your preferences, we often pair this visit with a brief tasting of local olive oil and wine, or a late swim at a nearby beach before returning on board.

Day 5 – Pula to Brijuni National Park

It is a very short passage from Pula to the Brijuni islands, so this day is more about the setting than the cruising. Brijuni is a national park with 14 islands, combining rocky bays, pine woods, archaeological remains and a small “safari” area.

Because the distances are small, many guests tour the main island by bike or golf cart, stop at selected Roman and dinosaur sites, and then return to the yacht for a long, unhurried afternoon in the water. It’s one of the more flexible days of the itinerary.

Day 6 – Brijuni to Rovinj

From Brijuni you continue up the Istrian coast to Rovinj. The old town sits on a rounded peninsula with the Church of St Euphemia on the top, and narrow streets running down to the water on all sides. Venetian influence is clear in both the layout and the details.

We normally plan a simple pattern here: arrive before lunch, explore the old town and church in the early afternoon, then either return to the yacht or take a tender to a nearby islet for a late swim. Rovinj has some of the best dining in the region, so we often book a longer dinner here.

Day 7 – Rovinj to Novigrad

The coast becomes lower and more open as you head north to Novigrad (Cittanova). This is a smaller, quieter town with a car-free centre, a traditional inner harbour (Mandrač), and a relaxed seafront. It suits guests who like a slower day near the end of the charter.

The usual flow is a walk through the old streets and along parts of the walls, time at a nearby beach such as Karpinjan, and a simple dinner in town or on board. For families, this is also the most logical point for a visit to the Istralandia waterpark a short drive inland.

Day 8 – Novigrad to Venice

The final day is a longer passage across the upper Adriatic to Venice. The captain and local agents handle all clearance for leaving Croatia and entering Italy. As you enter the lagoon you move from open water into marked channels, low islands and then, gradually, the familiar Venetian skyline.

Once berthed, you have direct access to St Mark’s area and the main sights, or we can arrange a private water taxi to explore quieter districts or the islands of Murano and Burano. Many guests choose to stay on in Venice after disembarking.