3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights boat
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1750GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: UDS

Trip highlights

  • Cycling in the Southern Dalmatian islands with dramatic scenery
  • Exploring the small towns and villages en route
  • Wandering through the alleyways of the UNESCO listed cities of Dubrovnik and Split
  • The island of Mljet with its impressive national park
  • Soaking up the hospitality onboard the comfortable motor yacht

George Bernard Shaw famously said that 'those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik', also describing it as 'the pearl of the Adriatic'. With its impressive old town and dominating position on the Adriatic coast, the city is visually stunning and deserving of both Shaw's remarks and its UNESCO World Heritage status. The trip begins in either Dubrovnik or Split on alternative weeks through the season. In Dubrovnik there is time set aside to explore the narrow streets and lively town by foot, while the islands of southern Dalmatia, extending westerly into the Mediterranean, are best explored by bike and boat. Highlights include visiting the islands of Korcula and Mljet, swimming in secluded coves, discovering the UNESCO listed historic centre of Split and pedalling past small villages amongst lavender fields in Hvar. With a comfortable motor yacht as your base, you will enjoy good food in the company of your fellow cyclists and experienced crew, with ample space on board to relax and absorb the views after each cycling day

Countries:

Croatia

Starting Point:

Dubrovnik or Split

Finishing Point:

Split or Dubrovnik

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Individual arrival in Split and check-in from 2 to 2:30pm at Split harbour. A taxi transfer can be booked on request for an additional cost from Split airport or hotel to the harbour on request. Around 4:30pm a guided walking tour offers us a chance to see inside the former Palace of Emperor Diocletian and to learn about Split's history. The boat will spend the night in Split, offering you an opportunity to experience the local nightlife.

Meals:  D

We cruise to the island of Brac, famous for its radiant, precious limestone that was used for the White House in Washington and the Reichstag building in Berlin, amongst others. Once we have arrived on Brac we cycle along the picturesque northern coastline of the island from Postira to Milna. Before descending to Milna to meet the boat, we can enjoy wonderful views across the Dalmatian islands. We board the boat and enjoy a relaxing cruise and replenishing lunch on our way to the artist’s town of Stari Grad on Hvar island. On arrival we can take a second bike ride through the green plains of the island to the seaside town of Jelsa. After a break for coffee or ice cream, we continue the round trip back to Stari Grad where we spend the night.

Meals:  B,L

Today’s cycling tour leads us from Stari Grad to the capital city of Hvar on the opposite side of the Island. Our cycle tour leads us through the untamed lavender fields of the island and small villages, all the while accompanied by incredible views across the Dalmatian coastline. On arrival in Hvar town, make use of the time and go for a little stroll before boarding the boat. Standing on the magnificent Renaissance Square you can enjoy a view up to the Spanish fortress towering above the city. We board the boat for lunch and cruise to the harbour town of Vela Luka on the island of Korcula for the night.

Meals:  B,L

Today’s cycle tour leads us across the charming island of Korcula, all the way to Korcula city. A mild Mediterranean climate and a broad variety of different landscapes await us here. Take your time, and remember to take a break to enjoy the view over the deep blue sea and neighboring islands. The picturesque town of Korcula with its fishbone alleyways competes with Venice for the honour of being the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. We spend the night here and can enjoy a guided city tour packed with fascinating anecdotes of the history of the city and the island.

Meals:  B,L

In the morning we depart bustling Korcula and make our way to the tranquil island of Lastovo. On our way we enjoy a swim stop directly from the boat and a delicious lunch before we set off to explore the island by bike. Lastovo is one of the smaller inhabited islands in the Adriatic Sea. The Emperor Augustus appreciated its mild climate, and in Roman times it was even named “Augusta Insula” after him. The population of just over 800 still lives mainly from fishing, agriculture and viticulture. The gold-coloured white wine “Marastina”, known beyond Croatia’s borders, is grown here. A peaceful night in a secluded natural harbour is spent under a starry night sky.

Meals:  B,L

In the morning we enjoy breakfast during a cruise to the green island of Mljet. 70% of its land mass is covered by woodland, making it the most forested island in the Mediterranean region. Homer mentioned this lovely island in his epic poem “The Odyssey” - it was the home of the nymph Calypso whom the the legendary Odysseus could not resist and so stayed on Mljet for seven years. After a refreshing swim stop from the boat and lunch on board we arrive in the harbour of Pomena and enjoy a round tour on our bikes through the Mljet National Park in the afternoon. The night is spent in the harbour of Pomena.

Meals:  B,L

From Pomena, we cycle the length of the island, enjoying the shade of the trees along the way. Our boat waits for us in the harbour of Sobra where we embark and enjoy the last cruise of the week to the grand city of Dubrovnik. After arrival in Dubrovnik there is plenty of time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city and to take part in a guided city tour. A cheerful evening meal on board the boat gives you time to celebrate the week with fellow travellers and tour guides.

Meals:  B,D

Disembark after breakfast by 9am and individual departure, or a taxi transfer can be booked on request for an additional cost from the boat to Dubrovnik airport or hotel.

Meals:  B

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Individual arrival in Dubrovnik and check-in from 2 to 2:30pm at Gruz, the town port. A private taxi transfer (min 2 people) can be booked on request for an additional cost from Dubrovnik airport or your hotel to the boat in Gruz. At around 4:30pm there will be a guided walking tour within the impressive city walls of the old town. As the boat stays tonight in Gruz you can experience Dubrovnik at night.

Meals:  D

In the morning we cross over to the nearby island of Šipan. Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, yet still humble in size. It's a great place for our first bike tour and to get used to riding in a group. After our first tour we board the boat and enjoy a cruise to the green island of Mljet. Green because 70% of its land mass is covered by woodland, making it the most forested island in the Mediterranean region. Homer mentioned this lovely island in his epic poem “The Odyssey”, as the home for the nymph Calypso, whom the legendary Greek king Odysseus could not resist and so he stayed here for seven years. We arrive in the harbour of Pomena and enjoy a round cycle tour through the Mljet National Park. The night is spent in the harbour of Pomena.

Meals:  B,L

In the morning we cruise to the island of Lastovo, one of the smaller inhabited islands in the Adriatic Sea. The Emperor Augustus appreciated its mild climate, and in Roman times it was even named “Augusta Insula” after him. Today’s cycle tour takes us across this beautiful island. The gold-coloured wine grape “Marastina” is grown here. Back on the boat we cross to Korcula Island, one of the most beautiful islands in Dalmatia. The picturesque town of Korcula competes with Venice for the honour of being the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. It is here that we spend the night and enjoy a guided walking tour packed with fascinating anecdotes concerning the history of the city and the island.

Meals:  B,L

This morning we cycle across the charming island of Korcula. A mild Mediterranean climate and a broad variety of different landscapes accompany us on the way. Take your time and remember to have a break to enjoy the views over the deep blue sea and neighboring islands. Dinner is served on board to replenish our strength after an active day. Overnight stay in the sheltered bay of Vela Luka.

Meals:  B,D

The day starts with a relaxing cruise to Hvar town on Hvar Island. Make use of the time before the cycle tour starts and enjoy a stroll through the city. Standing on the magnificent Renaissance Square you can enjoy a view up to the Spanish fortress towering above the city. Today's bike tour takes us from Hvar town through small villages and lavender fields to Stari Grad on the opposite side of the island. The descent to Stari Grad offers breathtaking views and we board the boat for lunch. The afternoon can be used to explore the artistic seaside town and visit the local galleries or museums. The night is spent in Stari Grad.

Meals:  B,L

In the morning we start on a scenic circular ride from Stari Grad to the harbour of Jelsa. Jelsa is the perfect place for some ice cream or coffee and on the way back to the boat we pass through the picturesque town of Vrboska and cycle through the ancient Greek plains which are now a protected UNESCO heritage site. Back in Stari Grad we board the boat for lunch and cruise to the island of Brac. Brac is famous for its radiant, precious limestone that was, among others, used for the White House in Washington and in the construction of the German Reichstag building in Berlin. During the cruise we can stop for a refreshing swim stop directly from the boat before arriving in the harbour town of Milna, where we spend the afternoon and evening.

Meals:  B,L

Today’s cycle leads us along the northern coastline of Brac from Milna to Postira, with beautiful views across the Dalmatian Islands and to the mainland. Then, for the last time, we enjoy the cruise to UNESCO World Heritage city Split. A guided city tour offers us the chance to see inside the former Palace of Emperor Diocletian and to learn about the city's history. A cheerful evening meal is served on board as we celebrate the week with fellow travellers and tour guides.

Meals:  B,D

Disembark after breakfast by 9am. A taxi transfer can be booked on request for an additional cost from the boat to Split airport or hotel.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners (does not include drinks)*
  • *the included lunches and dinners may be swapped as they depend on sailing conditions on the day, your tour guide will inform you locally when these will be included.
  • 7 nights accommodation in a double cabin below deck with ensuite facilities on board a premium motorised yacht (supplement applies for above deck or single cabin). The compact cabins are configured with double beds, two lower beds (twin) and a single bed. Excellent discounts apply to a third person sharing a triple cabin, with a configuration of a French bed (quite cosy for two people as it is a little smaller than a double) and a single bunk bed above, or two lower beds + single bunk bed. Note that the lower deck cabins by their very nature will be marginally noisier and less ventilated due to their proximity to the engine and working part of the boat.
  • 21 speed hybrid bike rental with pannier (electric bikes available on request - supplement applies). The guides will carry bike locks for the group when cycling, or individual locks can be provided on request if you decide to cycle alone (limited supply).
  • Experienced crew including English speaking cycle guide
  • Bed linen and towels
  • Information pack including overview maps per cabin
  • City tours in Dubrovnik and Split
  • Tourist taxes
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Dubrovnik (Gruz) / Split
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Special diets including lactose free / gluten free / vegan require payment of a supplement of 70 euro - must be requested in advance and paid on board.
  • Water flat rate & tourist tax EUR60pp (adult) and EUR30pp (child up to 16) to be paid to the captain
  • Upgrade to a cabin on deck or single cabin - supplements apply
  • Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
  • Tips for crew and tour guides (see pre departure information provided on booking)
  • Taxi transfer from the airport or your hotel to the boat (allow approx EUR40) - or we can assist with a private transfer on embarkation and disembarkation days only (min 2 people), please ask our office for details
  • Any additional taxi or bus transfers taken during the trip
  • Helmets - mandatory on all bike tours, you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available on board (reservation essential), however we cannot guarantee their suitability.
  • Optional Bicyle insurance - payable in cash locally. EUR10 per person for hybrid bike, EUR25 per person for electric bike. Please note that normal travel insurance often does not cover loss or damage to rental bikes. If you do not take out bike insurance you will need to pay for the cost of the bike or repair of damages.
  • Entrance fees
  • Items of a personal nature

Cabins

Romantica

Below Deck Cabin

There are 7 below deck cabins. 4 with twin beds and 3 with double beds. Two of these cabins can be equipped with a third bed (above one of the others). All cabins are air conditioned with a private toilet and shower, and are 9-10 square metres in size.

Romantica

Above Deck Cabin

Above deck there are 9 cabins. 4 with twin beds, and 5 with double beds. A supplement applies for above deck cabins.

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 21 speed bike with hand brakes. You will be provided with a pannier to carry your gear during the day. The bikes do not have water bottle holders. Helmets are not supplied but are mandatory on all bike tours - you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available on board (reservation essential), however we cannot guarantee their suitability.

Electric Bike

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedalling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists

Suitability

moderate

3

GRADE 3 - The trip requires a good level of fitness to fully participate in the cycling. The daily tours will take us up to a height of 200 - 500m/656 -1640ft above sea-level. The day-tours up to 60km/37mi will take us through hilly and mountainous terrain and will be completed without any time-constraints. Participants will also need to master long and steep climbs, during which you may need to push the bike. If you are unsure of your fitness for this trip we recommend you consider an e-bike - available for a supplement (limited supply). You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned cycle tour. We will traverse mostly asphalted roads, which are rarely traveled on outside the holiday seasons. The trip is considered suitable for fit and active children (minimum 10 years, height minimum is 1.2m/4ft for hybrid bike and 1.5m/4.9ft for e-bike). *For safety reasons, cycle helmets are compulsory during the cycle stages.

Departure dates


Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
DN1
High season departures: 30 May, 6,13, 20 & 27 Jun, 4 Jul, 22 & 29 Aug, 5,12, & 19 Sep, Mid season departures: 2,9,16 & 23 May, 11 Jul, 15 Aug, 3,10 & 17 Oct. Supplement applies to high and mid season departures. Allow for drinking water and tourist taxes EUR60pp (adult) EUR30pp (child up to 16). Itinerary subject to change according to weather conditions.
IT1
Trip begins in Split.
IT2
Trip begins in Dubrovnik - refer to itinerary 2 in trip notes.
Note:
For cyclists using regular bikes, we recommend that you are fit and comfortably able to cycle around 20kmph on the flat and 10kmph on the ascents. If you are unsure, book an e-bike (limited availability). The cyclists on regular bicycles determine the pace. Those who have reserved an e-bike to be mindful of this and acknowledge that the regular cyclists need time to rest and take longer to hill climb.

Priceper person from

£1750GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Bicycle insurance - standard bike (pp)GBP£20
  • Bicycle insurance - electric or mountain bike (pp)GBP£30
  • E-bike SupplementGBP£170
  • Deck level twin cabin supplementGBP£220
  • Deck level single cabin additional supplementGBP£330
  • Single cabin supplement below deck - low seasonGBP£660
  • single cabin supplement below deck - mid season - season supp appliesGBP£770
  • Single cabin supplement below deck - high season - season supp appliesGBP£880
  • child under 16 sharing a twinshare cabin - season and cabin supplements extraGBP£1150
*Prices listed are per person

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