Painting & Sailing in Croatia with David Dunlop

                       June 23 – June 30, 2024

Travel and paint with landscape artist David Dunlop, the engaging host and writer of two seasons of the Emmy Award winning, national PBS television series, Landscapes Through Time with David Dunlop.  SimmonsArt, Inc. Productions with David Dunlop.

Join David Dunlop, modern day, old master whose luminous landscapes draw from both renaissance techniques and contemporary science on an exciting small group plein air painting and sailing tour through the breathtaking islands of Croatia. From the comfort of our 41 meter (134.5’) yacht MS Barbara, David Dunlop will lead plein air painting sessions capturing the unique landscapes and seascapes of these Adriatic islands.

Ports on this tour include UNESCO World Heritage cities within the Islands of Solta, Brač, Hvar, Korčula Island and Trogir set within medieval walls on a tiny island linked by bridges to both the mainland and to the far larger Čiovo Island. We’ll explore the magnificent waterfalls in the Krka National Park, including the famous Skradinski Buk falls, one of Croatia’s most famous sights.

Sunday, June 23 – Arrival Split airport. We’ll transfer as a group from the airport to our elegantly appointed floating hotel, the Barbara yacht waiting for us in Trogir.  Once settled on board, the captain and crew will introduce us to our accommodations and the amenities/policies on board. This afternoon, we will begin our painting and sailing adventure as the crew sets sail for the Island of Solta. Later in the day, we’ll gather with our fellow travelers to discuss the itinerary with artist David Dunlop. Then, enjoy our first dinner on board the Barbara.

Monday, June 24 – The Island of Solta. Enjoy views of the picturesque waterfront, stunning beaches and fishermen selling their catch in the early morning on the Island of Solta.  Following breakfast on board, we’ll head out for our first painting session with David. Old stone houses, sailing boats and ‘kaići’ (small wooden fishing boats) docked nearby, as well as beaches stretching along both the left and right side of the bay will provide endless artistic inspiration for our first day of painting. 

Tuesday, June 25 – Brač Island is the third largest island in the Adriatic. Immersed in Adriatic culture, this island jewel offers ample local scenery for painting, as well as bays and beaches.  After a rich and full day of painting, we’ll relax on board as the crew sets sail to the island of Hvar later in the day. Overnight in Stari Grad, Hvar.

Wednesday, June 26 – Hvar Island. This island is part of the Dalmatian archipelago.  We’ll paint in Stari Grad on the north side of the island of 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. Later in the day, we’ll sail to the quiet and picturesque town of Jelsa located in the heart of Hvar. 

Thursday, June 27 – Korčula Island. The Peninsula of Peljesac offers another magnificent opportunity for exciting paintings. Later in the day, sail to the island of KORCULA, overnight in Korcula town. 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. 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. Additionally, there are many small islets dotting the area, featuring  stunning views waiting to be captured on canvas. 

Friday, June 28 –  Trogir. We’ll stay on the Island of Korčula and begin our last full day of plein air painting with David. Later in the day, we’ll sail to the Bay of Trogir.

Saturday, June 29 – Trogir & Krka Waterfalls. Following breakfast, enjoy the opportunity to explore the magnificent waterfalls in the Krka National Park, including the famous Skradinski Buk falls which are one of Croatia’s most famous sights. Located an hour drive from Trogir, we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of the falls and area.  The afternoon is free to explore Trogir. This evening, we’ll celebrate a week of painting as we bid farewell to our friends at our last dinner on board the Barbara.

Sunday, June 30 – Following breakfast, we will transfer as a group to the Split Airport for our return home.

Itinerary may be subject to change.