mediterranean odyssey
the route
Exploring the Adriatic Sea from north to south on a one-way sailing cruise finishing at the luxurious Porto Montenegro marina in Tivat.
The Unscripted Adriatic: Venice to Porto Montenegro
To call this voyage unique is an understatement. Unless you helm your own private vessel, the opportunity to explore the vast reaches of the Adriatic Sea on a single, extended expedition is an experience that rarely exists.
Our journey charts a sophisticated course from the historic canals of Venice to the world-class berths of Porto Montenegro. However, on Destination Unknown, the map is merely an invitation. While we provide a guiding framework and a season of milestones, we do not follow a rigid itinerary. This is true expedition-style yachting: the wind, the tides, and the curiosities of our guests dictate our daily path.
Embrace the Unknown
We are Destination Unknown by name and by nature. To journey with us is to embrace a degree of elegant flexibility. This fluid approach allows us to linger in a secluded Croatian bay for an extra sunset or pivot toward a hidden Istrian village when the weather offers a perfect window. The dates and destinations published here provide a guide to what we might do, not neccesarily what we will do.
Seamless Transitions
While we prioritize the freedom of the sea, we understand the importance of your travel logistics. Throughout the eight-week voyage, we have identified key stopovers with convenient airport and ferry connections. These "ports of call" serve as elegant transition points for guests joining or departing the yacht. While our timing is expertly planned, we ask our guests to adopt the sailor’s mindset—allowing for minor shifts in the schedule as we navigate the natural elements. This is the essence of life on the water: refined, adventurous, and entirely unhurried.
Week 1: The Venetian Launch
(Aug 1 – Aug 7)Transitioning from Baroque splendor to emerald waters.
- Route: Venice – Grado – Trieste – Piran.
- The Captain’s Play: Spend the first 48 hours anchored off the Venice Lido for a front-row seat to the sunrise over St. Mark’s. Visit the Piazza Unità d’Italia in Trieste - the largest sea-facing square in Europe. Enjoy a sunset dinner in the medieval square of Piran.
Dining: Agli Amici Dopolavoro (Venice/Rovinj region).
Week 2: The Istrian Peninsula
(Aug 8 – Aug 14)Roman ruins, truffle country, and "The Tuscany of the Sea."
- Route: Rovinj – Brijuni Islands – Pula.
- The Captain’s Play: A deep dive into Brijuni National Park. Use the tender to locate private swimming lagoons away from the crowds. Conclude the week in Pula, anchoring beneath the Roman Arena for a private evening on deck.
Dining: Cap Aureo (Rovinj) for a panoramic view of the archipelago.
Week 3: The Island of Vitality
(Aug 15 – Aug 21)Scents of wild sage, pine forests, and restorative waters.
- Route: Unije – Mali Lošinj – Ilovik.
- The Captain’s Play: Spend extra time in the world-renowned Čikat Bay. Navigate to the "Flower Island" of Ilovik, where the Privilege's shallow draft allows you to tuck into secret bays inaccessible to larger motor yachts.
Dining: Alfred Keller (Michelin-starred) at the Boutique Hotel Alhambra.
Week 4: The Silent Labyrinth
(Aug 22 – Aug 28)Pure sailing. Uninhabited islands and raw, lunar landscapes.
- Route: Dugi Otok – Kornati National Park – Žut.
- The Captain’s Play: Visit the Telascica Salt Lake, then enter the Kornati Archipelago. Explore the vertical "Crown" cliffs and anchor in the Mana Lagoon for a night under the stars with zero light pollution.
Dining: Konoba Opat—legendary seafood accessible only by boat.
Week 5: The Outlier Islands
(Aug 29 – Sept 4)Deep-sea mystery and mid-century history.
- Route: Šibenik – Vis – Biševo.
- The Captain’s Play: Navigate the St. Anthony Channel into Šibenik. Afterward, head offshore to Vis to explore hidden submarine pens and the Blue Cave on Biševo before the morning tourist boats arrive.
Dining: Konoba Magić (Vis)—set in the heart of a lush vineyard.
Week 6: Central Dalmatian Glamour
(Sept 5 – Sept 11)High-end beach clubs, lavender fields, and historic yachting hubs.
- Route: Hvar Town – Pakleni Islands – Brač (Bol).
- The Captain’s Play: Avoid the Hvar harbor noise by anchoring in Taršće Bay. Use the tender for a grand entrance to the Hvar waterfront. Spend a day at the Golden Horn on Brač, arriving via yacht to enjoy the views in total privacy.
Dining: Zori Timeless at Palmižana.
Week 7: The Southward Drift
(Sept 12 – Sept 18)Walled cities, lush greenery, and soft autumnal light.
- Route: Korčula – Mljet National Park – Šipan.
- The Captain’s Play: Stop in Lumbarda for a private tasting of the rare Grk wine. Dedicate two days to the inland salt lakes of Mljet, cycling the shores and visiting the 12th-century island monastery.
Dining: LD Restaurant (Korčula) and Bowa (Šipan) for a private cabana lunch.
Week 8: The Montenegrin Finale
(Sept 19 – Sept 26)Dramatic fjords, super-yacht marinas, and the "Monaco of the East."
- Route: Dubrovnik – Cavtat – Perast – Kotor – Tivat.
- The Captain’s Play: Sail past the Dubrovnik Walls at sunset for the ultimate photo opportunity. Cross into Montenegro and sail deep into the Bay of Kotor. Conclude the voyage with a gala stay at Porto Montenegro.
Dining: Restaurant 360 (Dubrovnik) and Tapasake (Portonovi).
