ALL ABOARD we have arrived at sea portion of our adventure. We embarked the Adriatic Peal, a beautiful 42 m deluxe yacht, our home for the next seven days, and it was all for Golfaround. We were excited to be launching on a fabulous island-hopping adventure, experiencing the hidden treasures of each island. The crew were there to welcome us on board and to get our luggage stowed away. Little did they know some of us did not understand travelling light, thank goodness our golf clubs were in storage. That night we were treated to a welcome reception and cocktails.
The next morning, we were introduced to what will be our alarm clocks for the next seven days, the motor starting. I think I was right over the engine room; I almost had a heart attack LOL however those early mornings up on deck were pretty special and a great way to start the day. That morning, we cruised towards the Island of Korčula which boasts a rich cultural heritage,
stunning natural beauty and great local cuisine and of course wine. It is known as a mini-Dubrovnik with clusters of terracotta roofed housed above medieval fortified walls. It is also one of the greenest islands due to the dense forests, olive groves and vineyards. We had had awesome weather up until now when high winds and rain necessitated us staying an extra night in port. We loved the tranquility and the relaxed authentic ambiance. The stop was a blessing in disguise as we needed a bit of downtime, it had been an active couple of weeks. Some of the gals enjoyed a Michelin Star Restaurant experience, sorry I missed that. Not only did they enjoy the culinary experience, but they enjoyed some eye candy as well. Getting back on board is another story but dexterity reigned, and all was well.
When we got up the next morning, we were still docked in the harbour, but the boat was still moving pretty good. Gord’s videos of us making our way up the stairs to the dining area testing our sea legs is hilarious. Thank God for the assist from Gretchen and Mark getting our coffee to our table seat. That day we cruised to Miljet on our way to Dubrovnik, which we almost missed due to the rough seas. This island is home to an extraordinary lush and famous National Park. A beautiful place very unique and back to nature. John and Deb loved a swim in the saltwater lake fed by the canals from the Adriatic and the boat ride on St Mary’s Isle to the monastery was lovely. We almost had to miss Dubrovnik “Pearl of the Adriatic” but luckily our captain and sailors got us there. Jutting confidently into the sea and ringed by thick medieval walls you feel like you are living in a fairy tale. A bit of rescheduling but those that wanted to walk the wall did and some of us enjoyed a glass bottom boat ride outside the walls. The wall walkers saw us bobbing along the horizon, but we did not see them. We had an unforgettable day exploring Dubrovnik, starting with a thrilling cable car ride to the top of Mount Srd. The panoramic views of the Old Town, the Adriatic Sea, and surrounding islands were breathtaking. Afterward, we wandered through the historic streets of the Old Town, soaking in its medieval charm. The tour was a perfect mix of stunning landscapes, 
rich history, and unforgettable experiences.
The next day we had an early morning departure towards the Pelješac Peninsula home to Croatia ‘s best wines. On the way we stopped for a refreshing swim in the pristine waters of the Elaphiti Islands, our swim stops were fabulous, the water really is so incredibly clear, you can
see your entire body – who needs a snorkel mask. Today we moved away from the shore inland to explore the rural areas. Trstenik, a charming village on the Peninsula, a hidden gem that offers stunning views of the Adriatic and a taste of authentic Croatian life. The peaceful coastal setting, with its crystal-clear waters and quaint harbor, makes it an ideal place to relax and explore. We were transported to a local farm where we were greeted by friendly donkey’s and the owner who gave us some family history about rural life. We indulged in a heritage dinner enjoying free-flowing wine paired with delicious local meats, fresh breads, and cheeses. The jugs never seemed to empty, and the warm hospitality made it a truly memorable day in this beautiful corner of Croatia.
Our next stop was Hvar an island that seamlessly blends natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. It is known for its crystal-clear waters,
lavender fields, and a bustling Old Town. Hvar’s charm was undeniable. The sparkling Adriatic Sea, ancient stone streets, and lush hills created an almost surreal backdrop. The town center is a picturesque mix of terracotta rooftops, narrow alleyways, and charming cobblestone paths, all dotted with local cafes and shops. The Venetian-style architecture of Hvar is breathtaking; you can see layers of history through the buildings, each with its own story to tell. One of the must-see sites in Hvar is the Fortica Fortress, perched high above the town. The climb up is a bit challenging, but the view from the top is worth every step. Some of the group took the challenge. Hvar is a destination that offers a little bit of everything: rich history, stunning landscapes, incredible food, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re exploring fortresses, savoring Croatian wines, or taking in the sunset over the Adriatic, Hvar captivates you at every turn.
Milna was the perfect final stop on our island-hopping adventure. This serene village on the island of Brač offered a peaceful escape with its charming harbor, cobbled streets, and crystal-clear waters. As we wandered through the quiet town, we enjoyed the stunning views of the surrounding bays and the Mediterranean charm that Milna exudes. That night we had the Captains Dinner, and the group shakes it up good dancing to the live band. Gene and Barb celebrate their 41st wedding anniversary, and the congo line entertained the harbour dancing around the deck. After the band stopped for the night Sheila’s play list was the bomb……Girls just want to have fun!!! And that we had.
Every island had its charm, each one offering a different experience. Croatia is such a beautiful country, and we would encourage you to visit it really was amazing. Our vessel crew did an excellent a great job sailing and getting us to as many of the islands and a big thank you to Ivan for his drone that captured us and some of our journey on the water. Tanja (our Guide) was very helpful, and it was so important to her for us to enjoy everything. We appreciated her sharing her knowledge and experience and we are especially grateful of the war time stories. We sipped a lot of wine, drank a number of Croatian beers everyone claiming theirs was the best. The farm to table food experiences were fabulous as was the wine and olive oil tastings. We saw some amazing architecture and experienced some beautiful sunsets a stunning array of purples, pinks, and reds. It was an amazing trip to an amazing part of the world and we all had a wonderful time.