Rudy’s most recent holiday took him sailing along the Dalmatian Coast of the Mediterranean, beginning in Dubrovnik and finishing in Split. Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, set the scene with its cobbled streets, medieval walls, and bustling squares. Rudy chose to stay just outside the old city, in a quiet Airbnb with a view of the harbour – a far better option than the noisy and expensive Old Town itself.
His sailing adventure was aboard a comfortable yacht with four cabins, accommodating eight passengers, a skipper, and a chef. Breakfast and lunch were served on board, while dinners were enjoyed ashore at local restaurants in each port. When the winds were right, the sails went up and the group glided between islands.
From Dubrovnik, Rudy and his fellow travelers explored Mljet, Korčula, Hvar, Vis, and finally Split. On Mljet, he biked through the national park – trying an e-bike for the first time, with a few tumbles along the way. Korčula, with its Venetian heritage, claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Hvar provided unforgettable sunsets and lively bars perched above the harbour, while Vis is now best known for its starring role in *Mamma Mia 2*. The party island of Duva contrasted with the quieter stops, buzzing with late-night bars and restaurants in its narrow lanes.
Their journey ended in Split, home to Diocletian’s Palace – a vast Roman complex where daily life continues inside the ancient walls. Exploring its courtyards and arcades offered a remarkable blend of history and modern culture.
Rudy also ventured inland. In Montenegro, he visited the Bay of Kotor, stopping at Perast to take a boat to “Our Lady of the Rocks,” a man-made island created over centuries by sailors dropping stones into the sea. Kotor itself, with its leaning clock tower and medieval streets, felt like stepping into another age.
Finally, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Rudy experienced the famous city of Mostar. Its iconic Old Bridge, destroyed during the war and rebuilt stone by stone, stands today as a symbol of resilience. Daredevil young men leap from the bridge into the Neretva River once they’ve collected enough from watching tourists. Crossing the bridge in the summer heat, with its uneven polished stones underfoot, was a challenge – but the views made it unforgettable.
Rudy’s journey through Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia-Herzegovina combined sailing, history, food, and culture.
It was a holiday filled with colour and character – one he will always remember.