Dalmatia - Split to Dubrovnik PLUS Bike and Boat

Our Split to Dubrovnik 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.

Cycling on Korčula

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.

After a night in the historic and beautiful port of Split, the Harmonia slips her moorings and embarks on a gentle cruise through the Dalmatian Archipelago. You’ll enjoy a memorable ride to the Golden Cape beach on Brač and a scenic cycle through lavender fields on Hvar. The breathtaking views on your ride across Korčula will live long in the memory as will the serene splendour of Vis and the vivid colours of Mljet. A final night in historic Dubrovnik is the perfect finale to this highly enjoyable cycling holiday.

The daily rides cover between 22 and 45 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 - Split to Dubrovnik PLUS Bike and Boat

Our Split to Dubrovnik 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.

Cycling on Korčula

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.

After a night in the historic and beautiful port of Split, the Harmonia slips her moorings and embarks on a gentle cruise through the Dalmatian Archipelago. You’ll enjoy a memorable ride to the Golden Cape beach on Brač and a scenic cycle through lavender fields on Hvar. The breathtaking views on your ride across Korčula will live long in the memory as will the serene splendour of Vis and the vivid colours of Mljet. A final night in historic Dubrovnik is the perfect finale to this highly enjoyable cycling holiday.

The daily rides cover between 22 and 45 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 Dubrovnik to Split 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 : Arrive Split

The Harmonia is moored in Split harbour and boarding is between 2pm to 2.30pm. At 4.30pm you are invited to join us for a guided walking tour of the fascinating and beautiful old town of Split. The core area of the old town was once the huge palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian and our guide does a wonderful job of breathing life into the the ancient buildings. The boat remains at her mooring overnight so why not step ashore after dinner for another stroll through the old town to experience Split’s nightlife.

Day 2 : Brač Island: Pučišća – Bol. Hvar Island: Jelsa
14 miles/23 kms

The Harmonia slips her moorings early and we enjoy a breakfast cruise across the strait to the island of Brač. This is one of Dalmatia’s larger islands and the white limestone quarried here is revered throughout the world – it was used to build Diocletian’s Palace in Split and, some maintain, the White House in Washington DC. Our first ride leads us from the pleasant port of Pučišća, on the island’s north coast to the charming resort of Bol on the south coast. We follow an elevated road alcross the island’s spine enjoying some wonderful views across to the mainland and the neighbouring island of Hvar. On the descent to Bol we are treated to some great views of the famous Golden Cape, a white-pebble, horn shaped beach that protrudes out into the Adriatic close to the town. We then enjoy an afternoon cruise across to to the island of Hvar, mooring in charming harbour of Jelsa where we spend the night.

Day 3 : Hvar Island: Jelsa – Stari Grad – Hvar Town. Vis Island: Vis
22 miles/35 kms

Today’s ride leads us first along a coastal path and then through some vineyards to the natural harbour of Stari Grad, a very picturesque little place where we stop for a break. We then embark on a climb out of the village and up a winding road that offers ever more impressive views of the surrounding islands. We cycle past lavender fields and small villages before enjoying an exhilarating descent to the islands capital, Hvar town. Enjoy the beautiful old renaissance square and perhaps invest in the climb up to the Spanish fortress to admire the view before boarding the Harmonia for an afternoon cruise to the island of Vis. Time allowing we may well drop anchor somewhere for a swim stop en-route.

Day 4 : Vis Island: Vis - Komiza - Vis – Korčula Island: Vela Luka
20 miles/32 kms

Vis is the outermost of the Dalmatian islands and until 1995 it was 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. We then return to Vis Town by an equally scenic route.

In the afternoon we cast-off once moor and enjoy an afternoon cruise to the island of Korčula, mooring in the natural harbour of Vela Luka.

Day 5 : Korčula Island: Vela Luka - Korčula town
37.5 miles/60 kms

Today’s ride is pretty special. Many consider Korčula to be the most beautiful island in Dalmatia and today you’ll be cycling from one end of it to the other. The scenery is ever-changing but invariably breathtaking as you wend your way eastwards through tiny villages, past pleasant beaches and hidden coves. The views south, around Prizba, to the tiny islands off-shore are truly magical and here you may also be tempted to stop for a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters? Shortly after passing the idyllic Pupnat Bay the route crosses the island and offers more stunning views as it descends towards Kneza on the north coast. Windsurfers and kitesurfers create a colourful spectacle flitting to and fro on the narrow strait between the island and mainland. Eventually you reach Korčula town where the Harmonia is waiting for you. A guided walking tour of the old town is both fascinating and entertaining at the same time. After dinner step ashore once more to enjoy the vibrant nightlife in one of Dalmatia's most beautiful medieval towns.

Day 6 : Pelješac Peninsula: Orebić – Trstenik: Mljet Island 16 miles/25 kms + up to 18 miles/30 kms

During breakfast we cruise across the strait to the bustling resort of Orebić 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 sleepy harbour of Trstenik. After delicious lunch we cruise to the island of Mljet, mooring in the tiny port of Pomena. An afternoon ride leads us around the beautiful Mljet National Park with its two salt lakes. The Harmonia remains moored in Pomena overnight

Day 7 : Mljet Island: Pomena - Sobra. Dubrovnik
18 miles/29 kms

After breakfast we disembark for a beautiful ride along the length 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. Our route leads us on quiet roads to Sobra on the north coast. Once again the sea-views are amazing and the shady pines offer welcome protection from the sun. The Harmonia then transports us the short distance to the port of Dubrovnik where there’s plenty of time to explore the UNESCO world heritage city, including a guided walking tour. In the evening a farewell dinner on board is always a lively and enjoyable affair to perfectly round-off our cycling cruise through the Dalmatian Islands.

Day 8 : Dubrovnik - end of trip

After breakfast it’s time to disembark, by 9am, 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 Split and ends in Dubrovnik.

Split

Fly to Split airport. Research flights here

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

Dubrovnik

Fly home from Dubrovnik airport. Research flights here

A regular shuttle bus links the main bus station in Gruž Port with Dubrovnik Airport – more details here. The bus station is adjacent to where the Harmonia is moored. A taxi from the boat to the airport will cost approximately 40 euros.

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