3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

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

8 Days£2290GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: UDD

Trip highlights

  • Cycling in the Southern Dalmatian islands with dramatic scenery
  • Exploring the small towns and villages en route
  • Wandering through the alleyways of Dubrovnik
  • The island of Mljet with its impressive national park
  • Soaking up the hospitality onboard the deluxe 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 deluxe 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 from Split airport or hotel to the harbour (additional cost). Around 4:30pm a guided walking tour offers the opportunity to see inside the former Palace of Emperor Diocletian and to learn about Split's history. The boat will spend the night in Split, allowing you to experience the local nightlife.

Meals:  D

In the morning we cruise to the island of Brac, famous for its radiant, precious limestone that was used in part for the White House in Washington as well as for the construction of the German Reichstag building in Berlin. Once on Brac, we cycle from the picturesque harbour town of Pucišca, known internationally for its stone masonry college, across the island to Bol. In Bol we board the boat and navigate to the city of Stari Grad on the Island of Hvar where we spend the night.

Meals:  B,L

Today’s cycling tour on the Island of Hvar leads us from Stari Grad through lavender fields and small villages to the island’s capital, Hvar, on the opposite side of the island. Marvel at the magnificent Renaissance Square and enjoy a view up to the Spanish Fortress, towering high above the town. Make sure to take the time to go for a little stroll through Hvar town before boarding the boat for the next crossing. From Hvar we continue by boat to the island of Vis where we spend the night.

Meals:  B,L

Vis is the furthermost inhabited island from mainland Croatia. A Greek colony called Issa settled on the island 2300 years ago. Due to its strategic location it was a military zone until 1995 and prohibited for foreign tourists. Today we have the opportunity to explore the lovely island by bike. From the town of Vis we cycle around the entire island, with a coffee stop in the harbour of Komiža and the possibility of a traditional lunch along the way, before returning to the boat. After our cycling tour the boat takes us to the harbour of Vela Luka on the island of Korcula, where we spend the night.

Meals:  B,L

Today’s cycle tour leads us across the charming island of Korcula. A mild Mediterranean climate and a vast variety of different landscapes await us on this spectacular island. Take your time and don’t forget to take a break to enjoy the views over the deep blue sea and neighbouring islands. The picturesque town of Korcula competes with Venice for the honour of being the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Spend the evening wandering through the fishbone alleyways and soak up the atmosphere of this stylish town. A guided walking tour this evening gives an overview of the city and its history.

Meals:  B,L

A relaxing morning cruise brings us to the harbour of Pomena on the Island of Mljet. With 70% of its landmass being covered by woodland it is the most forested island in the Mediterranean region. Homer mentioned this lovely island in his epic poem the “Odyssey”, making it the home of the Nymph Calypso and the legendary Greek king Odysseus, who, unable to resist Calypso, stayed on Mljet for seven years. Today’s ride takes place in the afternoon and stretches almost the entire length of the Island. We meet the boat in Sobra and cruise to the island of Sipan for the night.

Meals:  B,L

Sipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, yet still humble in size. What it lacks in size, it compensates in charm. A great place for our last bike tour of the week. After returning to the boat we can look back on an eventful week whilst enjoying our last cruise to our final highlight of the week: the city of Dubrovnik! After our arrival in Dubrovnik there is plenty of time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city and to take part on a guided city tour. A cheerful evening meal on board the boat provides plenty of time to celebrate the wonderful week with fellow travellers and tour guides.

Meals:  B,L,D

Disembark after breakfast around 9am and individual departure, or 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 in Gruz, the town's 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's nightlife.

Meals:  D

Today is the ideal day to ease into your holiday. After breakfast, we set sail towards the charming Island of Šipan. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim directly from the boat. Though Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, it remains modest in size, offering a quaint and welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect setting for our first bike tour, allowing you to get comfortable with riding in a group. After a day filled with new experiences, unwind and soak in the tranquil island ambiance. We’ll spend the night on Šipan, embracing its peaceful surroundings.

Meals:  B,L

We begin the day with a short morning cruise to Sobra on the lush Island of Mljet, renowned for being the most forested island in the Mediterranean, with 70% of its landmass covered in woodland. Homer immortalized this beautiful island in his epic "Odyssey," making it the home of the nymph Calypso and the legendary Greek king Odysseus, who stayed on Mljet for seven years, captivated by her charm. Our bike tour takes us nearly the entire length of the island, from Sobra to Pomena, where our ship awaits. From there, we embark on a leisurely cruise to the picturesque town of Korcula, famous for its fishbone-patterned alleyways. This charming town rivals Venice as the birthplace of the legendary explorer Marco Polo. We’ll spend the night in Korcula, where a guided city tour will reveal fascinating stories about the town’s and island’s rich history.

Meals:  B,L

Today’s cycling tour leads us across the charming island of Korcula. A mild Mediterranean climate and a vast variety of different landscapes accompany us along the route. Take your time and don’t forget to take a break to enjoy the views over the deep blue sea and neighbouring islands. Dinner is served on board to recharge after a day full of activity. Overnight stay in the sheltered bay of Vela Luka.

Meals:  B,L

In the morning we leave the island of Korcula behind and enjoy a breakfast cruise to the island of Vis, with a possible swim stop from the boat before arrival. Vis is the furthermost inhabited island from mainland Croatia. A Greek colony called Issa settled on the island 2,300 years ago. Due to its strategic location it was a military zone until 1995 and prohibited for foreign tourists. In the afternoon we have the opportunity to explore the lovely island by bicycle. From the town of Vis we cycle once around the entire island, with a coffee stop in the harbour of Komiža. The night is spent in the harbour of Vis.

Meals:  B,L

The day starts with a relaxing cruise to Hvar town on the island of the same name. Make use of the time before the bike tour begins to go for a little stroll through the city. Standing on the magnificent Renaissance Square you can enjoy a view up to the Spanish Fortress towering high above the city. Today's bike tour takes us from the Hvar town up a steady climb through small villages and lavender fields to the harbour town of Stari Grad on the opposite side of the island. The descent down to Stari Grad offers breath-taking views. After Lunch on the boat, we have the opportunity for a second, more leisurely ride to the town of Jelsa and back. Here we have time for an Ice cream and coffee before our ride continues through the picturesque town of Vrboska and through the ancient Greek plains, now a protected UNESCO heritage site, back to the artistic village of Stari Grad. The night is spent in Stari Grad.

Meals:  B,L

In the morning we cruise to the island of Brac, famous for its radiant, precious limestone that was used in part for the White House in Washington as well as for the construction of the German Reichstag building in Berlin. Once on Brac, we start our bike tour from Milna to the picturesque harbour town of Postira. Our boat awaits us for lunch and the final cruise of the week to the UNESCO world heritage city of Split. On a guided city tour, we get the opportunity to see inside the former Palace of Emperor Diocletian and learn about its transformation into the city it is today. A cheerful evening meal on board the boat gives us plenty of time to celebrate the wonderful week with fellow travellers and tour guides.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast disembarkation until 9 am and individual trip home or extended stay in Croatia.

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, 5 lunches, 2 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/twin cabin below deck with ensuite facilities on board a deluxe boat (supplement applies for above deck or single cabin). The cabins are configured with double beds, two lower beds, a double bed with a single bunk, or bunk beds 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.
  • E-Bike hire is included. If you prefer a Road or Gravel bike please advise at the time of booking - discount applies - suitable cycling ability required.
  • The guides will carry bike locks for the group when cycling, or individual locks can be provided on request if you decide to bike alone (limited supply).
  • Experienced crew including English speaking cycle guide
  • Information pack including overview maps per cabin
  • Bed linen and towels
  • City walking tours in Dubrovnik, Korcula and Split
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Tourist taxes
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Dubrovnik (Gruz) / Split
  • Upgrade to a cabin on deck or single cabin - supplements apply
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Water flat rate & Tourist Tax EUR60pp (adult) and EUR30pp (child up to 16) to be paid to the captain
  • Tips for crew and tour guides (see pre departure information provided on booking)
  • Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
  • Entrance fees
  • 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 Bicycle insurance - payable in cash locally. 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.
  • Taxi transfer from the airport or your hotel to the boat (allow approx EUR40) - or reservation on request for an additional cost on embarkation and disembarkation days only, please ask our office for details
  • Any additional taxi or bus transfers taken during the trip
  • Items of a personal nature
  • 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.

Cabins

Harmonia

Below Deck Cabins

Below deck there are seven cabins, four are twin share cabins - two of them are equipped with double beds and the other two with separated beds. Additionally there are two quad cabins, which are equipped with two double beds and another triple cabin with three separated beds.

Harmonia

Above Deck Cabins

Above deck there are nine cabins - six of them with double beds and three with twin beds. A supplement applies for the above deck cabins, see below.

Bike information

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. Please note that the minimum height for a rental e-bike is 1.50m (4.9 ft).

Road or Gravel Bike

You have the option to hire either a road or gravel bike. (request at time of booking). These are 21 speed bikes with hand brakes. You will be provided with a pannier to carry your gear during the day. 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.

Suitability

moderate

3

Grade 3 - This is an e-bike tour. For cyclists using road or gravel 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 we recommend an e-bike. The trip requires a good level of fitness to fully participate in the cycling. The tours will take you up to a height of between 200 and 500m/656 to 1640ft above sea-level. The day-tours (up to 60km) are through hilly and mountainous terrain and will be completed without any time-constraints. There are some long and steep climbs, during which you may need to push your hybrid bike. Guided group pace: the riding pace is determined by the cyclists on e-bikes. Guests who choose a gravel or road bicycle should have the necessary physical condition to keep up with this pace. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike-tour. We will traverse mostly asphalted roads, which are rarely travelled on outside the holiday seasons. It is considered suitable for fit beginners and active children (minimum 10 years, height minimum is 150cm/4.9ft for e-bikes). *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 & 26 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 beings in Dubrovnik - refer to itinerary 2 in trip notes.
Note:
On this tour the cycling pace is determined by the e-bike riders who tend to take half the time to ascend hills with a limited amount of recovery time at the top. 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, we recommend you book an e-bike.

Priceper person from

£2290GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • discount for gravel or road bikeGBP£-29
  • Bicycle insurance - gravel, road or electric bike (pp)GBP£30
  • Deck level twin cabin supplementGBP£220
  • Deck level single cabin additional supplementGBP£330
  • Single cabin supplement below deck - low seasonGBP£800
  • Single cabin supplement below deck - mid season - season supp appliesGBP£880
  • Single cabin supplement below deck - high season - season supp appliesGBP£970
  • Child under 16 sharing a twinshare cabin - season and cabin supplements extraGBP£1660
*Prices listed are per person

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