Trying to plan that trip of a lifetime? Then Rail & Sail Croatia is for you! Travel all the way from London to Dubrovnik by train for two weeks before taking a yacht to explore Croatia’s incredible islands and inlets. Then, head back to London, passing through 3 amazing European cities on the way.
This is a two-in-one trip, you’ll explore big European cities independently for three weeks, but you’ll also be guided through Croatian islands as part of a like-minded group of adventure seekers. What’s more, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in incredible activities such as paddleboarding, biking or snorkelling, surrounded by breath-taking landscapes!
Start your trip in London with the Eurostar from St Pancras. If you’re travelling on an Interrail pass for the trip, you can use this to get from your hometown to London for free, as long as it’s on the same day as your departure! This does not apply if you have individual tickets in PDF form.
Train to Amsterdam – 6 hours
Despite being credited with certain recreational pastimes, there is actually a lot more to the city than the stereotypical picture, with its abundance of engaging museums, beautiful townhouses and canals. Find out what makes Amsterdam the beating heart of the Netherlands.
Highlights
Visit the Van Gogh Museum
Discover Europe’s biggest historic centre by pedal
Take a tour of the red light district
Train to Berlin – 7 hours
Berlin is the alternative, cool kid of Europe and a pro at being edgy. It’s how people dress, their liberal attitudes, the graffiti, the skaters and BMXers, the art, the clubs and the food. Berlin is also crammed full of fascinating WWII history around every corner.
Highlights
See a section of the old Berlin Wall
Climb the dome of the renovated Reichstag
Discover the nightlife of Schoneberg and Kreuzberg
Train to Prague – 5 hours
Prague is stunning, there’s no better word to describe it. On any side street or square you’ll find unique buildings full of colourful detail. The Czech Republic is also the home of Pilsner beer, with no lack of establishments to sample it.
Highlights
Cross the enchanting Charles Bridge
Marvel at the curvy design of the Dancing Building
Try all the Czech Pilsner beers in the Old Town pub
Train to Vienna – 4 hours
Vienna is crisp, clean and chic with its biggest draw being the multitude of classical palaces and grand imperial buildings. Whether you’re into your royal history or not, the sheer scale of it here will be encapsulating for all, whilst not forgetting the great bars and eateries.
Highlights
Visit the Spanish riding school of Vienna
Eat real Apple Strudel and Wiener Schnitzel
Go to a classical concert in a city renowned for music
Train to Budapest – 3 hours
Proudly guarding the Danube, the once twin cities of Buda and Pest show off every architectural style from Baroque to Art Nouveau. With its rickety trams and turn-of-the-century feel you’ll be charmed by its past while you cure your hangover at the multitude of hot baths.
Highlights
Relax in the 15th Century thermal spas
Take panoramic photos from the scenic Buda castle
Go to Sziget rock and indie festival in August
Bus to Zagreb – 6 hours
A city of flowers and fountains with a curious Mediterranean feel, Zagreb is a year-round destination with a museum-café-theatre culture by day and a lakeside party by night. In winter, a tram ride out of the city provides scenic hiking and skiing opportunities.
Highlights
Catch a 360-view from the Lotrščak Tower
Stroll through the beautiful Mirogoj cemetery
Have a coffee in Kino Europa, Zagreb’s oldest cinema
Bus to Dubrovnik – 10 hours
Dubrovnik is a pearl with its wonderful marble streets and Baroque buildings. You won’t be anything but awe-struck at its beauty, a medieval city perched against the Adriatic and positively beaming with charm.
Highlights
Wander the streets of the walled Old Town
Take a day trip to beautiful Mostar in Bosnia
Sip cocktails at the Troubadour Jazz Café as the sun sets
Sail from Dubrovnik to Split in a yacht and discover both popular and secluded islands. From the small fishing town of Vrboka, on the Hvar Island, to the Mljet National Park, you will be going back home with a lot of breath-taking memories!
Itinerary
Day 1 – Dubrovnik to Sipan
Before setting sail, you’ll have time to spend the morning walking the walls of old town to capture all of the iconic sites and film locations. Or simply wander the cobblestone streets to take in the sights, smells & sounds of this small city before checking in at the marina. As we take off, we’ll sail by the infamous Dubrovnik walls for the best views. Then get to know your new family as we we set sail for Sipan, the largest of the Elaphiti islands. The short sail means you’ll have plenty of time to explore secluded bays, go paddleboarding, or laze in the sun on deck. In the evening we’ll have sunset drinks and dinner at a local Konoba.
Day 2 – Mljet
Today we are headed to the green island of Mljet, the most unspoilt of Croatia’s Islands. Explore the National Park by bike and the translucent salt lakes by kayak, home to the Mediterranean’s largest coral reef. Don’t miss out on the Benedictine Monastery in the middle of the lakes or the hidden caves on its shores.
Day 3 – Korčula
After a morning of swin stops and sailing, we arrive at the old fishing town of Lumbarda on the island of Korčula. Make your way into Korčula old town to meander the maze-like backstreets & discover where famous explorer Marco Polo was born. Then climb the ladder to Massimo’s rooftop bar for epic views and sunset cocktails.
Day 4 – Lovište
Discover a hidden treasure in the Peljesac Peninsula, hand-picked for you to laze away the day. Enjoy the crystal-clear water in the wide lagoon and unwind on-board your yacht or floaty. Tan, salty and calm, leave the ocean to tuck into a Croatian meal and enjoy a superb sunset followed by an evening under the stars.
Day 5 – Vrbroska, Hvar
We arrive this afternoon in this peaceful old 15th century fishing town, relaxing and exploring before our evening begins. Hvar boasts ancient ruins, medieval churches, poet Petar Hektorovic’s 16th-century Tvrdalj castle – and fantastic nightlife. Start the evening at the top of the Hvar Fortress then wander into town for a night to remember!
Day 6 – Stari Grad, Hvar
After breakfast and a morning swim, we set sail for one of the oldest towns in Europe, Stari Grad. We’ll head to an organic farm and winery, Hora Farm, where everything is grown and produced on the farm. Enjoy sampling some of the best local wine varieties as you watch the sun go down in this idyllic and UNESCO listed countryside.
Day 7 – Split
After a final swim we’ll sail back to our marina located in Trogir. Arriving by afternoon you’ll have plenty of time to explore more of the historic architecture of Croatia. Discover nearby old town Trogir or jump on our transfer into Split Old Town to stroll along tree-lined streets, get lost in the cobblestone alleys and wander Diocletian’s Palace. Or meet up with the your crew from the week in the thriving restaurant and bar scene.
Even though Split is a port for many Croatian islands, sitting elegantly between the Adriatic and the mountains, the country’s second city has two UNESCO World Heritage sites within its walls, a marble waterfront walkway, and a buzzing atmosphere around its bars and pubs.
Highlights
See the amazing ruin of Diocletian’s Palace
Admire the city as you approach it from the sea
Stroll along the glittering waterfront
Bus to Ljubljana – 10 hours
Ljubljana is a colourful chocolate box city with a café culture that brings to it a festival atmosphere all summer long. See the castle perched above the city or take a day trip out by train to the picturesque Lake Bled, where you can hire a rowing boat and visit the island in the middle.
Highlights
See the 16th Century castle on the hill
Wander through the colourful streets
Take in 360 views from an art-deco skyscraper terrace
Trains to Venice – 8 hours
Venice is nothing short of unique, built on mudbanks in the lagoon, having forgone the convenience of cars for the charisma of canals. Getting lost in Venice is part of the fun, and if you’re on foot you’ll only find small backstreets or large piazzas, not a single road in sight.
Highlights
Cross the iconic St Mark’s Square
Wander through the colourful streets
Ride the vaporetto down the grand canal
Trains to Paris – 13 hours
Paris is a byword for romance, a synonym for style, and the epitome of elegance. The pride of France and one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Paris needs little introduction, from the Eiffel Tower to the Pont Neuf, it bedazzles visitors and oozes charisma at every turn.
Highlights
See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre
Watch a cabaret act at the famous Moulin Rouge
Experience the colourful nightlife of the Marais
Train to London – 4 hours
End your trip in London or use your Interrail pass to travel for free back to your nearest station on your day of arrival.
Your return transport from London is covered by the Eurostar, and you can also use your Interrail pass to travel for free from your nearest station to and from London on the same day as departure and arrival.