LIFEJACKET ADVENTURES
Adriatic Expeditions
Korcula to Dubrovnik Kayak Expedition
The Adriatic Sea is at the center of Dalmatia’s identity.
From 1350 until 1806 Dubrovnik was an independent Republic and the leading merchant marine center of the eastern Mediterranean. Its boats were to be found in ports throughout Europe and were even mentioned by Shakespeare.
Dalmatian fishermen invented many of the tools, such as the purse-seine net and the powerblock, and techniques employed in the global fishing industry.
An excellent way to discover maritime culture of the Adriatic Sea is on a week-long sea-kayak expedition. The traditional support boats used on lifejacket adventures’ tours, a gajeta falkuša and a leut, add an extra dimension, providing a platform on which guests learn about the food, wine and history of the region. The boats’ decks are also the tour’s under-stars sleeping quarters.
History and culture are not the only of Dalmatia’s coast’s attractions. Its hot summers and the ‘bluest’ sea on Earth allow for a relaxing vacation.
Schedule
Day 1
9.30am - Meet in Dubrovnik. Guests board van for transfer to Mali Ston.11.30am - Arrive in Mali Ston.
The twins towns of Ston and Mali Ston are renown for three things - ancient salt fields, oyster beds and medieval walls. The walls are purported to be the 3rd longest in the world after the Great Wall of China and Hadrian's Wall.
A long seafood lunch, including oysters, mussels, shellfish and lots of wine, is taken on the waterfront. Following a short drive and ferry ride the van arrives on Korčula Island.
5pm - Visit Cebalo's Winery.
White wine is the preferred drop on Korčula, with two excellent varieties being produced. Grk is grown in the fields surrounding the town of Lumbarda and Pošip in the valleys of Smokvica and Čara.
Proceed to Korčula Town.
Korčula Town is famous as the reputed birthplace of the original travelogue writer, Marco Polo, and it was in a sea-battle between the Venetians, who controlled Dalmatia at the time, and the Genovese in 1298, off the coast of Korčula, that he was captured and taken as a POW to Genoa, where his memoirs were transcribed.
Dinner and accommodation in Korcula.
Day 2
9am - After breakfast, begin kayaking.Paddle to Trstenik, on the Peljesac Peninsula via Podobuce.
The sharp hills and rugged coast of the Peljesac Peninsula are only a short paddle across the Peljeski Channel from Korčula Town.
6pm - Visit Bartulović Winery for dinner (van transfer).
Dingač, a region midway along the Peninsula, arguably produces Croatia's best wine. The vineyards dramatically plunge down at 70 degrees straight into the water. These steep, southern-facing fields provide the Plavac grapes with maximum exposure to the already scorching summer sun, producing a very rich, complex, full bodied wine. The winery of Napa Valley expatriate, Mike Grgić, is found in the town of Trstenik.
Total paddling- 23.5 kms
Day 3
8am - The best breakfast in Dalmatia with Seka.9am - Support boat transfer to Pomena on Mljet Island and kayak to its lakes and monastery.
The remote and wild Mljet Island, containing one of Croatia's most beautiful national parks, is rumored to have been Odysseus' oasis prison for 7 years as he journeyed home from Troy. The afternoon will be spent kayaking Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero, the lakes at the northern end of the island.
Total paddling- 23 kms
Day 4
9am - Paddle to Odysseus' Cave, and then onto the sandy beaches around Saplunara.For geological reasons the southern coasts of all the Dalmatian Islands are the most dramatic. The south side of Mljet is no exception. The day is spent exploring its nooks and crannies, its bays and the caves before finishing on a secluded beach on the island’s eastern end.
Total paddling- 25 kms
Day 5
Rest Day. After several long days in the kayaks, a well-earned rest is taken on Mljet’s beaches. Lessons on various kayak handling will be given or walks to nearby towns will be organized.Day 6
9am - Paddle crossing to the Elafiti Islands. Šipan, Lopud and Koločep Islands were once the playgrounds of Dubrovnik’s nobles. They are still a nice place to sip a cocktail on the beach, or take a stroll on their promenades.Total paddling- 21.5 kms
Day 7
9am - Paddle to Dubrovnik.Approaching Dubrovnik's walls from the sea is a paddle all kayakers should do at least once in their lives. The towering limestone edifices jealously protected from maritime depredations for centuries inside a town of narrow flagged streets, tall orange-tiled houses, Baroque palaces, churches and monasteries. Sitting at a café on the main street after the August crowds have left, you feel a comfort and familiarity found only in an old friend's living room.
Dinner in Dubrovnik.
Total paddling- 16 kms
PDF Brochure and Gear List
