Mission Trip or Pilgrimage to Croatia: An Adriatic Sailing Adventure

"...the sailing voyage of a lifetime."

VOYAGE TYPE

Classic Pilgrimage
Historical Site
Outdoor Adventure

Prepare yourself for the sailing voyage of a lifetime as you travel to the central Dalmatian region for an adventure like nothing you have ever experienced in your lifetime. For the next week, you will travel up and down the coast of Croatia in some of the world’s most stunning waters. Each day will be filled with amazing ports, absorbing exploration and the calming rhythms of the Adriatic Sea.

Engage the Croatian culture as a pilgrim, and learn about this unique region, its place in Christian and world history, and the people who thrive along the coastal lands. Mingle with the local inhabitants as you seek to see the face of Christ in their faces. Join us for a sailing pilgrimage to this spectacular location.

Overview

Visit aCroatian church planted by one of our own Wonder Voyage Board members.
Engage in a sea deck Lectio Divina contemplation.
Learn how to sail on the azure Adriatic Sea.
Swim and snorkel in a crystal sea.
Whitewater raft on the Cetina River.
Work with a local organization that serves the needy in this historic region.

Itinerary

Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.

Day 1 – Your Seaside Home
For the next week you will enjoy a seaside view of one of the most stunning coasts in the world. Your sailboat is your calming home. You will quickly adapt to the gentle rock, clearing breezes and delicious fare. Croatia was the historic borderland between the western and eastern worlds. We begin in thriving city of Split, as we prepare our heads and hearts. A hearty Croatian meal will send you off to sleep peacefully. Get ready to experience Croatia!.
Day 2- Pirate Town
Well known as an ancient pirate town, Omiš is a picturesque town surrounded by steep Rocky mountain cliffs where the Cetina River flows to the sea. Spend the morning exploring the town. The afternoon brings a rousing rafting adventure. Later, we continue on to Makarska where you will find beautiful beaches, perfect for an afternoon siesta, and an exciting town waiting to be discovered.
Day 3- Monastic Rhythms
We begin on the town of Pomena island of Mljet and the town of Pomena. Once merely a small pier for fishing boats of the fishermen from Govedari, Pomena is today the centre of the island of Mljet with its spacious National Park. Visit the saltwater lakes – one warm and the other cold – and spend time exploring this beautiful reserve. We will have a chance to visit the monastery of St. Mary Island and learn about Croatian monastic life.
Day 4- Dubrovnik
An early departure will allow us to sail through the Elafiti Islands. The gorgeous scenery and long, sandy beaches are our guideposts to Dubrovnik, Croatia’s primary southern city. In the afternoon, we’ll take a guided storytelling tour of the city then give you time to explore your favorite sections of this endlessly interesting town.
Day 5 – Marco Polo
As we head toward Korčula, we will stop in Trstenik where we will tour the famous Dingać vineyards and sample some wines famous to the region. After a special lunch on board, we will dock in Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo where you will spend time wandering the narrow streets and visit the house where Marco Polo was born. Here we will discover legends, tales and monuments galore.
Day 6- Hvar
Get ready for a breakfast sail for the town of Hvar. In Hvar, we will scale the imposing hilltop fort with an expansive sea view. After lunch we sail on to Stari Grad. Dating back to 384BC, Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns in Croatia and the historical heart of the island of Hvar. Tonight, we dance the night away with a traditional Croatian dinner and party on board.
Day 7- Best of Three: Corinth
Our day begins in the Adriatic city of Trogir where we will walk through 2300 years of tradition. Its rich culture is a product of influence from the Ancient Greeks, the Romans, and the Venetians. Trogir has a concentration of palaces, churches, and towers. A fortress on a small island deserves its nickname “The Stone Beauty”. In the afternoon we’ll visit Salona, the ancient capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Many a Christian was killed in Salona for their faith in Christ.
Day 8- Blagoslov iz Hrvatske (Blessing from Croatia)
You have had an incredible week sailing along Europe’s hidden jewel, the Adriatic paradise of Croatia. The food has been rich, the spiritual exploration deep, the exploration intriguing and the friendships enriching. Our prayer at Wonder Voyage is that as you leave this pilgrimage you remember that your life continues on pilgrimage as long as your heart longs after the Lord. Blagoslov iz Hrvatske (Blessing from Croatia).