Dalmatia from Dubrovnik

Croatia Bike + Boat Tour

If you would like to experience the region of South Dalmatia thoroughly, not wanting to do without Dubrovnik, this sail and bike trip would be an excellent choice. Accompanied by a charming, floating accommodation, you will get to know this sparsely populated part of Croatia including the islands of Sipan, Korcula, Hvar, Mljet, Vis, Lastovo and Peljesac. 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.

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

The brand new, MS San Snova, a Comfort Plus class ship.

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)

Tour Dates

• April 15, April 22, May 6, May 20, June 3, June 10, September 23, October 7 and October 14, 2012.

Tour Boats

• San Snova

Day-To-Day Itinerary

1. Arrival & embarkation in Dubrovnik, test-ride 6 mi. (10 km)
2. Mljet Island, 27 mi. (42 km)
3. Korcula Island, 25 mi. (40 km)
4. Island of Lastovo, 19 mi. (30 km)
5. Island of Vis, 19 mi. (30 km)
6. Korcula Island and Peljesac, 30 mi. (60 km)
7. Mainland around Slano and Dubrovnik, 17 mi. (27 km)
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.

SUNDAY: 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. 

MONDAY:  Mljet Island, 22 mi. (35 km)
In the morning, the ship sails on a 2-hour-crossing to the "honey island" of Mljet. Here, starting from the ferry harbor of Sobra, you bike to Pomena, where the ship awaits for lunch. Mljet Island is 90% covered by forest and thus is one of the most densely wooded islands in the entire Mediterranean. Homer mentions it in his Odyssey, making it the home of the nymph Calypso, who kept the famous hero here for seven years. A short bike trip in the afternoon leads to Mljet National Park. In the 12th century, Benedictine monks founded a monastery here, in a fabulous location on a small island, which you can reach by a short boat excursion. 

TUESDAY: Island of Lastovo, 19 mi. (30  km)
The day begins with a cruise to Lastovo Island. This island is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Adriatic. The emperor Augustus appreciated its mild climate and in Roman times it was even named "Augusta Insula" after him. The islands population is a little over 1000, and they mainly live from fishing the extremely rich waters, agriculture, and wine culture. The yellow-golden white wine "Marastina" is grown here, which is known well beyond Croatia's borders. After an extensive exploration of the island, the ship sets sail for a long cruise to Vis.

WEDNESDAY: Island of Vis, 20 mi. (32 km)
Vis is the Croatian island located furthest from the mainland. 2000 years ago it was already a Greek colony by the name of Issa. On account of its strategically important location, it was a military zone prohibited to foreign tourists until 1995. After lunch, the ship sails to the island of Hvar. The island capital is one of the high points of every journey to Dalmatia. On a long walk we become acquainted with the beautiful medieval town center and the Spanish Fortress rising high above it. Afterwards, you may end the day at cozy wine bar.

THURSDAY: Korcula Island, 23 mi. (38 km)
After the cruise to the Island Korčula, you first cycle from Vela Luka to Prigradica where we meet the boat for lunch. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to explore the eastern part of the island which is known as one of the most beautiful ones of Dalmatia. A short cycle tour leads from Rascice to Korcula town. The island capital vies with Venice for the honor of being the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. There will be an opportunity in the evening to discover the fantastic old town with its fishbone like alleys.

FRIDAY: Peljesac Peninsula, 30 mi. (60 km)
In the morning the ship takes you to Trstenik 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 named Plavac and Dingač originate from here and its local winegrowing area. Today's bicycle ride takes you from Trstenik to Prapratno, where the boat will wait for us with a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we sail to Slano on the Croatian mainland.

SATURDAY: 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.

SUNDAY: Departure from Dubrovnik.
Tour ends after breakfast, by 9AM.

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