Special European Tour -Painting and Sailing in CROATIA –
Our 2022 tour of Holland organized by Jeanne Fontaine owner of Artful Travels was a wonderful success! For 2024 we will be painting and island hopping in Croatia on the 135′ Yacht Barbara!
2024 Dates:
June 16 departure
June 23 return
see the full itinerary below
Monica and I returned from a wonderful tour of Croatia and the surrounding regions this past September and it was amazing – beauty on every level. Join us for what will surely be a magical, artful adventure!
For more information or to register, contact Jeanne Fontaine of Artful Travels: (413) 237 – 4631
Painting & Sailing in Croatia
with Robert Masla
Day to day itinerary
& what’s included
June 16 – June 23, 2024
Experience the beauty of Croatia and plein air painting on a small group sailing tour through the breathtaking islands of Croatia with artist Robert Masla. In addition to the islands, we’ll tour ancient cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites with captivating coastlines for inspiration – all from the comfort of our private, luxury 135′ yacht Barbara. Robert will lead art demonstrations and plein air painting sessions capturing the natural beauty of these Adriatic islands surrounded by the sea, nature and centuries of history!
What’s included:
• Group transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to the ship
• Seven (7) nights on the ship
• Daily breakfast and dinners on ship
• Some lunches
• All daily transfers to scheduled sites
• Painting sessions with Robert Masla for those enrolled
• All taxes and entrance fees
• All gratuities for the ship’s crew
• Experienced travel coordinator to accompany the tour
• Group transfer from ship to Split airport
Air travel is not included, but assistance in booking air travel is available via our travel agent.
Day 1, June 16
Dubrovnik
Arrive in Dubrovnik, “the Pearl of the Adriatic, “ located on the coastline of Croatia and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. We’ll transfer as a group from the airport to our elegantly appointed floating hotel, the Barbara yacht.
Once settled on board, we’ll meet our fellow travelers, and the crew will introduce us to our accommodations and the amenities/policies on board. This afternoon, you can relax as we set sail for the Island of Šipan, only 10.5 miles (17 kilometers) north of Dubrovnik to spend our first night. “The golden island” of Šipan. is an historical location, dating as far back as the 14th Century. It was once the preferred site for the rich Dubrovnik residents in the 15th Century where they built beautiful palazzos, and holiday villas. Šipan island is the largest in the Elaphiti Islands chain. It is very much like a nature reserve, providing lush vegetation and pristine beaches – a landscape painter’s paradise. We’ll gather before dinner to discuss the itinerary with Robert Masla, then enjoy our first dinner on board the Barbara with our fellow travelers.
Day 2, June 17
Mljet Islands
This is the greenest island, thick with vegetation bordering on clear sandy beaches. The sea life surrounding this island is as abundant as the foliage covering its surface. The residents of this island are renowned for their olives, goat cheese and red and white wines. The northern side of this island is home to the world famous Mljet National Park.
Day 3, June 18
Korčula Island
Korčula is the birth island of Marco Polo, the famous explorer that ventured along the Silk Road all the way to China. The island of Korčula is built over an ancient Hellenic colony, so its history is over 2,500 years old. The island is located in the Dalmatian coast and is connected to the mainland via a frequent ferry. Korčula is renowned for its cultural heritage and birthplace of many a famous artist. The town on Korčula (aptly named Korčula) boasts an amazing red roofline and is known for its delicious local cuisine. The many small islets dotting the area provide exquisite locations to explore or setup your easel.
Day 4, June 19
Hvar Island 
Beautiful beaches, exclusive bays, and exceptional attractions make this a destination island! This amazing 299.6 square mile island is one of Croatia’s most popular sites. This island is part of the Dalmatian archipelago, and the action is all focused into the Islands namesake city, Hvar. The area around present day Stari Grad was settled by the neolithic tribes of the Hvar culture who occupied the island between 3500 and 2500 BC, and who traded with other settlements around the Mediterranean. One of many picturesque scenes in Hvar.
Day 5, June 20
Vis Island
While sailing along the Dalmatian coastline up the Adriatic sea we will encounter the ancient land of Vis, first populated back in pre-history by the Greek tyrant of Syracuse, Dionysius the Elder. Issa was the first colony on Vis and ever since then has been populated by locals. The town of Vis is found in a secluded bay and the island is one of Croatia’s best kept secrets. With its beautiful beaches and hidden coves, dotted with bays and boats. Vis provides endless views and painting inspirations.
Day Day 6, June 21
Brač Island
Brač Island is the third largest island in the Adriatic. This island provides visitors with ample local culture, gastronomy, bays and beaches. This lovely island jewel is immersed in Adriatic culture.
Day 7, June 22
Split
Split is the largest city on the Adriatic coastline. Sticking out like a protrusion into the sea, the city is surrounded on three sides by the clear waters of the Adriatic. Home to world famous Stari Grad, the old city. Founded as the Greek colony of Aspálathos (Greek) in the 3rd or 2nd century BC on the coast of the Illyrian Dalmatae, and in 305 AD, it became the site of the Palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian. This evening we’ll bid farewell to our friends with our last dinner on board the Barbara.
Day 8, June 23
Split
Following breakfast, we will transfer as a group to the Split airport for our return home.
Please note that the itinerary may be subject to slight changes. We appreciate your flexibility.
The Barbara motor sailing yacht is 41 meters, (135′) in length with spacious cabins, a large, comfortable deck and dining/lounge area. There are 6 Double cabins, 10 Twin cabins, and each cabin has a private shower and toilet. All cabins, as well as interior areas in the yacht, are air-conditioned.
On the rear deck, there is a spacious cushioned seating area, dining tables, and dining area. The salon has separate dining tables. All meals are expertly prepared on board in a fully equipped, separate kitchen by a professional chef.
Barbara is crewed by highly skilled and experienced crew members (chef, captain, sailor, stewards, mechanic) trained to meet all the needs of our travelers.
