Sail Croatia’s “Taste of Croatia Cruise” is a new seven-night small ship itinerary designed for refined travelers who want to experience the country’s coastal culture through its exceptional cuisine. Sailing between Split and Dubrovnik aboard the exquisite ship of Queen Jelena, guests explore the flavors, landscapes, and history of the Dalmatian coast through guided tastings, regional dishes, and exclusive dining experiences, making an excellent choice for a Croatia luxury food tour.
The Queen Jelena, one of the most elegant vessels in Sail Croatia’s fleet, accommodates up to 38 guests and will debut a refreshed interior ahead of the 2026 season. The design combines a modern aesthetic with traditional Croatian craftsmanship, reflecting the understated luxury that defines the itinerary. Life on board is relaxed but polished, with opportunities to swim directly from the ship, unwind in a state-of-the-art cabin, and discover a new island or stunning harbor each day.
The journey begins in Split, where ancient architecture and contemporary dining exist simultaneously. Guests join a “Walk and Taste Tour” through the city’s lively market, sampling local specialties while learning how Split’s superb culinary scene reflects centuries of Roman and Venetian influence. Lunch is meticulously served on board as the ship departs the harbor, sailing toward the Makarska Riviera, a coastline of pine-fringed beaches and quaint small towns, framed by the striking Biokovo mountains.
The first evening introduces Dalmatia’s seafood tradition, with splendid dishes such as fresh grilled fish, octopus salad, and black risotto, highlighting the region’s loyal reliance on the sea. For those who prefer heartier fare, Cevapi, a hand-shaped grilled minced meat, and exclusive local cheeses, provide a glimpse into Croatia’s inland flavors. Makarska’s sublime waterfront offers a serene setting for a sunset dinner or a refreshing beverage before returning to the ship.
The following day brings the island of Hvar, docking in Stari Grad, one of Europe’s oldest and most historic towns. The itinerary includes a visit to the Stari Grad Plain, a universally recognized cultural landmark where stone walls still divide vineyards first cultivated in the fourth century BC. Guests visit the Hora farm for a traditional peka dinner, prepared slowly beneath hot embers, and paired with four exclusively Croatian wines, including Bogdanuša, Prč, Rosé, and Plavac Mali. The experience captures the connection between local agriculture and divine cuisine that has shaped island life for countless generations.
In Hvar Town, a visit to a boutique olive oil producer showcases another cornerstone of Croatian gastronomy. Guests sample oils made with native olives and learn about the traditional cold pressing process still used today. The timeless afternoon allows time to explore the island’s lavish Renaissance streets, its hilltop fortress, and the lively cafés that line the harbor. Weather permitting, the Queen Jelena continues to Vis, one of Croatia’s most private and remote islands. Once a strategic military base, Vis now offers tranquil beaches, secluded coves, and a slower, unhurried rhythm of life. Optional excursions include a visit to the famous Blue Cave, where sunlight filters through the sparkling waters to illuminate the cavern in vivid blue, or a guided island tour that traces its complex history through World War II sites and coastal villages.
Korčula, the ship’s next stop, introduces eager voyagers to one of the Adriatic’s most charming fortified towns. Here, a local wine bar hosts a tasting of Korčula varietals paired with freshly shucked oysters from the nearby Pelješac Peninsula. The pairing reflects the island’s growing, well-deserved reputation for first-rate wine and quality seafood. Afterward, guests can stroll the beautifully crafted marble lanes of the old town, where Venetian architecture and modest restaurants create an atmosphere of quiet sophistication.
Guests then venture on to Mljet, an “Adriatic oasis getaway,” an island known for its distinguished National Park and saltwater lakes. Passengers may explore the park by bicycle or kayak before visiting the renowned Benedictine monastery on St Mary’s Isle, dating all the way back to the twelfth century. In the evening, the ship’s chef presents the “Taste of the Adriatic” dinner, a curated menu featuring appetizing regional specialties prepared with featured local ingredients. In fact, the captain himself joins in on the meal, offering an informal yet elegant close to the voyage’s culinary experiences.
The final destination, Dubrovnik, provides a fitting conclusion for this enchanting Croatian getaway. Travelers arrive in the early afternoon with time to explore the city’s thirteenth-century walls, mysterious baroque churches, and ancient marble streets. Cafés overlooking the Adriatic offer a peaceful place to reflect on the week’s opulent endeavors, while evening brings the glow of the old city across the harbor. Overnighting in port allows for one last unabridged nightfall before disembarkation the following morning.
For travelers beginning in the south, an alternate route sails in reverse, journeying from Dubrovnik to Split. This itinerary mirrors the same extraordinary culinary and cultural experiences, visiting Mljet, Korčula, Vela Luka, Vis, Hvar, and Stari Grad, before concluding amid Split’s ancient stone streets. Whether sailing north or south, each voyage offers a distinct view of the Dalmatian coast and a deeper understanding of Croatia’s emerging food and wine culture.
Whether sailing from Split or Dubrovnik, the entire “Taste of Croatia Cruise” itinerary highlights the connection between the Croatian landscape, history, and authentic cuisine that define life along the Adriatic. This Croatia luxury food tour has two sailings next year. The Queen Jelena departs from Split to Dubrovnik on July 26, 2026, and August 16, 2026, and from Dubrovnik to Split on August 2, 2026.
Based on double occupancy, prices begin at $2,849 per person. For more information about “Taste of Croatia Cruise”, visit sailcroatia.com.