Dalmatia - Dubrovnik to Split PLUS Bike and Boat

Our very popular Dubrovnik to Split Bike and Boat holiday takes in some of Dalmatia’s most beautiful islands and two of its fascinating cities. During your week aboard a lovely motor yacht you’ll enjoy serene cycle rides around 5 beautiful islands. There will also be plenty of time for swimming from the boat and strolling around charming, island ports.

Your home for the week will be the 38 meter, motor-yacht Harmonia. Spacious, air conditioned cabins and an impressive array of on-board amenities ensure your stay onboard is comfortable and enjoyable. Each day you’ll disembark on a different island for a scenic ride on quiet roads. Knowledgeable local guides lead the rides, allowing you to enjoy the stunning scenery rather than studying maps and route notes. On most afternoons there will be opportunities to enjoy swimming from the boat using the water-level swim platform at the Harmonia’s stern. Each evening the boat moors in a different medieval port giving you somewhere new to explore on your after dinner stroll.

Korčula Town - Korčula

After a night in the historic and beautiful port of Dubrovnik, the Harmonia slips her moorings and embarks on a gentle cruise through the Dalmatian Archipelago. You’ll enjoy rides on the honey island of Mljet, and the beautiful sparsely populated island of Vis. You’ll also enjoy a day’s ride on Korčula, possibly Dalmatia’s most beautiful island and Hvar with its beautiful capital and wild lavender fields. After a final memorable ride on the island of Brač, your cycling holiday will culminate with a night in the ancient port of Split.

The daily rides cover between 23 and 60 kms each day and invariably include some climbs of one kind or another. The bikes predominantly used used on this tour are state-of-the-art e-bikes although hybrid models are also available for those that like a challenge.

Dalmatia - Dubrovnik to Split PLUS Bike and Boat

Our very popular Dubrovnik to Split Bike and Boat holiday takes in some of Dalmatia’s most beautiful islands and two of its fascinating cities. During your week aboard a lovely motor yacht you’ll enjoy serene cycle rides around 5 beautiful islands. There will also be plenty of time for swimming from the boat and strolling around charming, island ports.

Your home for the week will be the 38 meter, motor-yacht Harmonia. Spacious, air conditioned cabins and an impressive array of on-board amenities ensure your stay onboard is comfortable and enjoyable. Each day you’ll disembark on a different island for a scenic ride on quiet roads. Knowledgeable local guides lead the rides, allowing you to enjoy the stunning scenery rather than studying maps and route notes. On most afternoons there will be opportunities to enjoy swimming from the boat using the water-level swim platform at the Harmonia’s stern. Each evening the boat moors in a different medieval port giving you somewhere new to explore on your after dinner stroll.

Korčula Town - Korčula

After a night in the historic and beautiful port of Dubrovnik, the Harmonia slips her moorings and embarks on a gentle cruise through the Dalmatian Archipelago. You’ll enjoy rides on the honey island of Mljet, and the beautiful sparsely populated island of Vis. You’ll also enjoy a day’s ride on Korčula, possibly Dalmatia’s most beautiful island and Hvar with its beautiful capital and wild lavender fields. After a final memorable ride on the island of Brač, your cycling holiday will culminate with a night in the ancient port of Split.

The daily rides cover between 23 and 60 kms each day and invariably include some climbs of one kind or another. The bikes predominantly used used on this tour are state-of-the-art e-bikes although hybrid models are also available for those that like a challenge.

Itinerary

This holiday also operates in reverse, see the Split to Dubrovnik route.

The captain reserves the right to make changes to the planned route due to changing wind, tide and weather conditions, and where required by organizational necessities.

Day 1 : Dubrovnik

The boat is moored at Gruž, Dubrovnik’s town port, and check-in is between 2pm to 2.30pm. A guided walking tour of the old town takes place at about 4.30pm. The Harmonia remains moored in Gruž for the night so why not step ashore after dinner for an evening stroll through the atmospheric old town.

Day 2 : Šipan and Mljet Islands
7 and 16 miles/11 and 26 kms

After breakfast we cast off and enjoy a short cruise across to the small island of Šipan. A short ride on this quiet island is perfect for getting used to the bikes and also riding in a guided group. We then enjoy a short cruise across to the sparsely populated and verdant island of Mljet. The island is mentioned in Homer’s “Odyssey” as the home of the Nymph Calypso who used the island’s charms, along with her own, to entice King Odysseus to be her long-term guest. After disembarking in the tiny port of Pomena we begin our first ride, following quiet roads around the western end of the island. Along the way we’ll enjoy stunning sea views out over the Adriatic. We then re-board the Harmonia for dinner and spend the night at our peaceful mooring in Pomena.

Day 3 : Pelješac Peninsula: Trstenik – Orebić – Korčula Island
15.5 miles./25 kms

During breakfast we cruise across the strait to the sleepy harbour of Trstenik on the Peljeśac peninsula. Our ride takes us along the southern coast of the peninsula. The route is undulating and our elevated position offers stunning seaviews across to the islands of Mljet and Korćula. A 4km stretch is on a gravel road as this allows us to enjoy the views and avoid a busy road. The Harmonia is waiting for us in the bustling resort of Orebić. As we enjoy a lovely lunch the boat crosses the strait to the picturesque town of Korćula. The view of the old town as we approach from the sea is stunning so have the camera ready! We moor for the night in this stunning medieval port town. Like Venice, Korčula claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo and it’s not hard to imagine the great explorer striding the narrow winding streets of this atmospheric place. A guided city tour will give you an overview of the city and its features. In the evening take a wander through alleyways and soak up the vibe of this stylish town.

Day 4 : Korčula Island: Korčula Town – Vela Luka
37.5 miles/60 kms

Many consider the island of Korčula to be the prettiest of the Dalmatian Islands and today you can form your own opinion as you cycle from one end of it to the other. Remember to stop and take in the stunning views of the surrounding blue seas and neighbouring islands as you wend your way westwards. The views from the south coast road midway through the ride are particularly jaw-dropping and you’ll also find opportunities to stop for a refreshing swim along the way if it’s hot. The Harmonia is waiting for you in the pleasant sheltered port of Vela Luka where she remains moored for the night.

Day 5 : Vis Island
20 miles/32 kms

During breakfast we slip our moorings and enjoy a morning cruise along the coast of Korčula. Our destination today is the island of Vis, the outermost of the Dalmatian islands and until 1995 closed to tourists due to it’s strategic location. You’ll really enjoy exploring this quiet and beautiful island by bike. The route leads us across the island on a gently ascending road that then descends quickly, via a series of exhilarating switchbacks, to the charming village of Komiza on the west coast.

After exploring the village and enjoying a refreshment at one of the relaxed quayside bars we mount up and leave the village, this time following a quiet coastal road with jaw-dropping sea views off to the right. The road then winds inland through a peaceful fertile valley covered in vineyards before descending back down to Vis. We overnight in this pleasant little port town.

Day 6 : Hvar Island: Hvar Town – Jelsa – Stari Grad
24 miles/40 kms

During breakfast the Harmonia cruises across to the island of Hvar, mooring in the island’s beautiful capital, Hvar Town. The Renaissance Square is magnificent as is the view from the Spanish fortress that overlooks the town. The latter can only be savoured if you’re prepared to invest in a bit of climb on foot but it really is worth the effort. Today’s ride leads us up out of Hvar Town and over a headland past small villages and lavender fields. The views are incredible and the fragrant air often attracts kaleidoscopes of butterflies. An exhilarating descent delivers us to the pretty port of Jelsa where it's hard to ignore the perfect ice cream parlour in the picturesque square. From here we enjoy a pleasant ride along a coastal lane to the pretty town of Vrboska. Then we cross some ancient, fertile plains to the artists' port of Stari Grad where the Harmonia is waiting for us. We remain moored in this picturesque natural harbour overnight.

Day 7 : Brač Island: Milna – Pučišća
24 miles/40 kms

This morning the Harmonia crosses the narrow strait separating Hvar from its neighbour Brač, the largest of the Dalmatian Islands. We moor in Milna, a pretty harbour town and disembark with our bikes. On today’s ride across the island to the idyllic port of Pučisća we’ll enjoy panoramic seascape views and pass quarries where the island's white marble comes from. This highly prized marble has been used to build some very famous buildings, including 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C and the Reichstag in Berlin.

While we enjoy our well earned lunch on board the Harmonia begins her final cruise across the strait to ancient town of Split. Once at our mooring we are invited to join a qualified guide on a fascinating walking tour around the beautiful old town, including Roman Emperor Diocletian’s incredible palace. A farewell meal on board is always an event and if you still have the energy we recommend a late night stroll through the atmospheric old town where you will find some lovely bars and cafes.

Day 8 : Split - end of trip

After breakfast it is time to disembark and head for home or your next adventure.

Bikes

On this tour you can choose to rent either a gravel bike, a road bike or an e-bike. Unless you are a regular cyclist, used to taking on regular climbs, we highly recommend opting for the e-bike which is the most popular option.

The e-bikes and gravel bikes come with panniers but if you opt for a road bike you will need to bring a small back pack for your personal items.

We suggest you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons. A very limited number of helmets are available on board and must be pre-booked at the time of booking. It is mandatory to wear a helmet.

Accommodation

Harmonia (superior plus)

The Harmonia was launched in 2013 and offers guests a very high standard of comfort and facilities.She has 16 spacious guest cabins, each equipped with an en-suite shower/wc and air conditioning. Nine of the cabins are located on the upper deck. Six of these are double cabins with a small double bed and the other three are twin cabins which feature twin beds. The remaining 7 cabins are located on the lower deck. Two of these are doubles and two are twins. There are also two quad cabin, consisting of two double beds, and a triple cabin with 3 single beds.

On the upper deck there is a light and airy saloon as well as a canopied quarterdeck with comfortable seating – great for al-fresco dining. On the wide sun deck there are mats providing complete comfort for sunbathing and a swimming platform at the stern ensures everyone can enjoy a cooling dip in the Adriatic. The Harmonia exudes elegance and quality and makes a very fine base for a cycling holiday in Dalmatia.

Cabin share option for single travellers, subject to availability.

Meals

A buffet breakfast and one or two warm meals are provided daily. The meals are prepared by the on-board cook who uses locally sourced fresh ingredients. The catering consists of 4 days of full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and 3 days of half board (breakfast and lunch or dinner).

On-board payments: Cash only accepted, no debit/credit cards.

The captain reserves the right to make changes to the planned route due to changing wind, tide and weather conditions, and where required by organizational necessities.

Getting there

The tour starts in Dubrovnik and finishes in Split.

Dubrovnik

Fly to Dubrovnik airport. Research flights here

A regular shuttle bus links Dubrovnik airport with the main bus station in Gruž Port – more details here. The bus station is adjacent to where the Harmonia is moored.

Split

Fly home from Split airport. Research flights here

Shuttle busses run to the airport (24 kms from the port) or a taxi will cost around 25 euros.

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