Dalmatia from Dubrovnik
Croatia Bike + Boat Tour
If you would like to experience the region of South Dalmatia thoroughly, this bike and boat vacation is an excellent choice. Accompanied by our charming, floating accommodation, you get to know this sparsely populated part of Croatia including the islands of Šipan, Korčula, Hvar, Mljet, Lastovo and Pelješac. The highlight of the trip is the town center of Dubrovnik that is listed on UNESCO’s world heritage list with its imposing city wall and its narrow alleys. Another special highlight is the excursion to Mostar, widely known by the bridge that was destroyed during the Balkan war, which has since been restored and is today the symbol of peaceful coexistence of different ethnic groups.
Skill Level
Moderate to difficult guided bike tour. The bike routes require a considerate level of fitness from participants, ideally acquired from steady cycling. Daily biking distances range from 13 to 38 miles (20 to 60 km) and will take you through hilly and mountainous terrain, but may be completed without any time restraints. Participants will also need to master long and steep climbs during which they are, however, also permitted to push their bikes. 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 traveled on outside the holiday seasons. Each day you can either decide to bike alone (or with other individuals), using the information and maps provided, or join the two tour guides.
Where You’ll Stay
Aboard the Comfort Plus class ship, the San Snova
What’s Included
- 8 day trip on a motor yacht with crew
- 7 nights in a double cabin with private shower & toilet
- Breakfasts, lunches, & dinners
- English-speaking tour guide
- 21-speed trekking bike with bicycle bag
- 7 guided cycling tours as described in itinerary
- Bed linen & towels
- Overview-maps for the daily tours, on board
- City tour in Dubrovnik and entrance charges to historical buildings
What’s Not Included
- Visitor’s tax and local charges, €20 (to be paid to the captain)
- Drinks on board (tally sheet)
- Bicycle Protection: €10 (hybrid bike) to €20 (e bike)
- Unlimited water on board and during cycling: €40/adult
| Tour | Bike + Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Guided |
| Skill | Moderate–Difficult |
| Length | 8 days |
| From | €1110 |
| Print Tour |
Tour Dates
June 2, June 9,June 16, June 23,June 30, July 21,August 18,August 25, September 1,September 15,September 29, October 6, and October 13, 2013
Tour Boats
Day-To-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & embarkation in Dubrovnik, test-ride 6 mi. (10 km)
Day 2: Pelješac Peninsula, 22 mi. (36 km)
Day 3: Ploče – Mostar – Ploče, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 4: Island of Korčula and Lastovo, 13 mi. (20 km)
Day 5: Islands of Lastovo and Korčula, 37 mi. (61 km)
Day 6: Island of Mljet, 27 mi. (42 km)
Day 7: Mainland around Slano and Dubrovnik, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 8: Disembarkation from Dubrovnik
*All distances are approximate. The above planned itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.
Day 1: Arrival & embarkation in Dubrovnik, test-ride 6 mi. (10 km)
Individual arrival on the ship. After lunch, your journey begins with a short cruise to the island of Sipan, the largest of the Elefitian islands. A pleasant bike ride in the afternoon takes you past numerous luxury villas of the rich and noble of Dubrovnik, through green forests, fertile valleys and subtropical parks.
Day 2: Pelješac Peninsula , 22 mi. (36 km)
In the morning, the ship sails to the ferry harbour Prapratno on the Peninsula of Pelješac. Pelješac is already impressive from far away with the 3280 ft./ 1.000m high Sv. Ilja massif. The lovely wines, Plavac and Dingač, originate from here and its local winegrowing area. Today's bicycle ride takes you from Prapratno to Trstenik, where the boat awaits with a delicious lunch. For your overnight stay, the boat motors from Trstenik to Sučuraj at the eastern point of Hvar Island.
Day 3: Ploče – Mostar – Ploče, 16 mi. (25 km)
After a short boat passage to Ploče, at the delta of the Neretva River, a bus transfer will take you across the Bosnian border to Počitelj. The town’s world-famous landmark is the bridge across the River Neretva, which was destroyed in 1993 through heavy shelling and reopened in 2004. The bridge and the Old Town have been a part of the UNESCO World Heritage. at the end of today's excursion, you are free to cycle the last miles along the Neretva river back to the ship.
Day 4: Island of Korčula and Lastovo , 13 mi. (20 km)
After the crossing to Korčula Island, you will cycle to Brna, where you will meet up with the ship for lunch and sail to the island of Lastovo. There will be plenty of opportunities to go for a refreshing swim off the boat. The island of Lastovo is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Adriatic Sea. Emperor Augustus appreciated the mild climate, and in Roman times it was even named “Augusta Insula” after him. Today, there are around 1,000 inhabitants that make their living from fishing the extremely rich waters, agriculture, and viticulture. The white wine “Marastina”, known even beyond Croatia’s borders, is grown here.
Day 5: Islands of Lastovo and Korčula , 37 mi. (61 km)
After visiting the island of Lastovo by bike, the ship takes you back to Brna on Korčula Island. In the afternoon, you can explore the eastern part of Korčula which is said to bet he most beautiful Dalmatian island. In the late afternoon, you reach the island’s capital which competes with Venice for the honor of being the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. There is ample time in the evening to wander through the fabulous old town.
Day 6: Island of Mljet, 27 mi. (42 km)
Early in the morning, the boat will cruise to the green and forested island, Mljet, known as the honey island. During the 12th Century, Benedictines established a monastery on this island. The pine forest is one of the most impressive of the whole Mediterranean and t is said that Odysseus stayed there for seven years. Today, the area is a national park and a highlight of every Dalmatian trip. There will be enough time to explore the national park on a small cycle tour, and of course, take a swim. In the afternoon, you will cycle across the island from Pomena to the ferry harbor of Sobra. From here, the ship will sail to the Island of Šipan.
Day 7: Mainland around Slano and Dubrovnik, 12 mi. (20 km)
After breakfast, you cycle from Slano to Trsteno, where the boat awaits for the last cruise to Dubrovnik. After lunch, the ship docks quickly in Dubrovnik, to give enough time to participate in the guided tour through this town, which is listed as a World Heritage site. There will also time to walk to the impressive city walls. The last evening aboard includes a traditional and customary dinner and a last get-together in a cozy atmosphere with crew and tour guides.
Day 8: Departure from Dubrovnik.
Tour ends after breakfast, by 9AM.
Dalmatia from Dubrovnik Boats + Barges
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San Snova Croatia, Montenegro Comfort Plus Class Boat This ship, constructed entirely of oak, took 3 years to build by the Scherka familiy in their own carpentry workshop as a family project. The ship, 31m long and 8m wide, meets the highest expectations in regard to comfort, elegance and style, combining romantic seafaring with modernity and functionality.
















Customer Feedback
Posted by Cynthia Adams on 01/14/13
My husband, I and two friends did the island hopping tour along the southern coast of Croatia in Sept 2012. The San Snova is a beautiful boat with a friendly very helpful crew. Sailing between islands was lovely. Our guides were always encouraging even on the steeper hills. Never have I seen such a beautiful country and crystal clear water as in Croatia. Each island was unique, the people friendly, the small towns charming and Dubrovnik a gem.
Posted by Vivian and Dennis Williams on 05/29/11
This was such an amazing adventure. We have done several bike and barge tours down rivers and canals but this is the first ocean island hopping trip and won't be the last. Everything about it was perfect: the beautiful scenery, the San Snova and it's crew, the bike riding and the food and great hospitality. Highly recommend it! Thanks Pack and Pedal for organizing it. Croatia: Southern Dalmation coast and the old walled city of Dubrovnik is a must. Dennis rode each day but I chose not too and the guides were so helpful to me in arranging things I could see and do as a non-rider. Loved it all!!!!
Posted by Jan VandenHengel on 09/25/10
I just completed this tour and can't say enough good things about it. Cycling the Dalmatians and boating through the Adriatic is simply stunning. The crew and guides on our boat--the San Snova--were fantastic! Having personally travelled the world wide and far, I can say you won't regret this adventure.
Cheers,
Jan
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