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

Price

$2690USD

 
 

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.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

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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

This morning the boat takes us to the island of Brac, famous for its radiant limestone that was used for the construction of the White House in Washington and the Reichstag in Berlin, amongst others. On arrival on Brac we cycle from the picturesque harbour town of Pucišca, known for its stone masonry college, across the island to Bol. Close by lies the famous 'Golden Horn‘, a popular Croatian beach famous for its unique shape. You can take a swim here before we continue by boat to Jelsa on the island of Hvar.

Meals:  B,L

Today’s cycling tour on the island of Hvar leads us first from Jelsa to Stari Grad. After a short break we'll continue through lavender fields and small villages to the capital, Hvar town. Here there's free time to stroll and explore. Standing on the magnificent Renaissance Square you can enjoy views to the Spanish fortress towering above the city. Return to the boat for dinner and our next crossing, 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

During breakfast a short cruise brings us to the harbour of Orebic on the Pelješac Peninsula. Pelješac can be recognised from afar, with its impressive Sv. Ilija mountain range (1000m). The famous local wines Plavac and Dingac originate from this unique wine region where vineyards can be found firmly rooted into the steep mountainside. Today's ride takes us along the coastline from Orebic to Trstenik where the boat will await our arrival. A short 4km distance is on gravel roads to avoid the traffic. With lunch on board we set off towards the green island of Mljet, where we can enjoy an afternoon bike tour or a hike through the Mljet National Park with its two salt lakes. The night is spent in the harbour of Pomena.

Meals:  B,L

From Pomena, we cycle the length of the island to Sobra. With 70% of its land mass covered by woodland, Mljet is the most forested island in the Mediterranean region. In Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey”, it was the home of the nymph Calypso and the legendary Greek king Odysseus, who, unable to resist Calypso, stayed on Mljet for seven years. Boarding the boat in Sobra, we enjoy our last cruise to our final highlight of the week: the city of Dubrovnik! On arrival in Dubrovnik there is plenty of time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city and to join 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

In the morning we cross over to the nearby island of Šipan. Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, yet still humble in size. It's a great place for our first bike tour (11km/7mi) and to get used to riding in a group. We then board the boat and cruise to the green and forested island Mljet, known as the honey island. With 70% of its land mass covered by woodland, Mljet is the most forested island in the Mediterranean region. Homer mentioned it in his epic poem “The Odyssey” - it was the home of the nymph Calypso, whom Odysseus could not resist and so stayed on the island for seven years. We arrive in the harbor of Pomena and enjoy a loop cycle through the Mljet National Park (25km/15.5mi). The night is spent in the harbour of Pomena.

Meals:  B,L

During breakfast a short cruise brings us to the harbour of Trstenik on the Pelješac Peninsula. Pelješac can be recognised from afar with its impressive 1000m Sv. Ilija mountain range. The famous local wines Plavac and Dingac originate from this unique wine region, where vineyards can be found firmly rooted into the steep mountainside. Today's bicycle ride takes us along the coastline from Trstenik to Orebic where the boat will await our arrival. 4km of the tour is on gravel roads to avoid the busy main road. With lunch on board, we set off towards the picturesque island and town of Korcula. With its fishbone alleyways, Korcula competes with Venice for the honour of being the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Here we spend the night and can enjoy a guided walking tour that will reveal the history of the city and the island.

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

We start the day 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 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 Jelsa on the opposite side of the island. The descent to Jelsa offers breath-taking views. After an ice cream or coffee in Jelsa, our ride continues through the picturesque town of Vrboska and through the ancient Greek plains, now a protected UNESCO heritage site, to the artistic village of Stari Grad where our boat awaits our arrival. 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 in Berlin. Our bike tour is from Milna to the picturesque harbour town of Pucišca. Climbing over the island, we have spectacular views across the Dalmatian coast. We continue along the coast from Postira to Pucišca where our boat awaits us for lunch and the final cruise of the week to the UNESCO world heritage city of Split. On a guided walking tour, you have 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.

Meals:  B,L,D

Disembark after breakfast by 9am. A taxi transfer can be booked on request for an additional cost from the boat to Split airport or hotel.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 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. If you are travelling solo you can be matched with another passenger. 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

Cabins


Bike information


Grading

moderate  

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
IT1
Trip begins in Split.
IT2
Trip begins in Dubrovnik - refer to itinerary 2 in trip notes.
Note:
Mid season 28 Jun - 15 Aug and 4 Oct - 25 Oct. High season 10 May - 27 Jun and 16 Aug - 3 Oct. Supplement applies. Allow for drinking water and tourist taxes EUR60pp (adult) EUR30pp (child up to 16). Itinerary subject to change according to weather conditions.
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.

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Priceper person from

$2690USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount for gravel or road bikeUSD$-39
  • Bicycle insurance - gravel, road or electric bike (pp)USD$33
  • deck level twin cabin supplementUSD$290
  • single cabin supplement below deckUSD$870
  • single cabin supplement deck levelUSD$1160
  • Child under 16 sharing a twinshare cabin - season and cabin supplements extraUSD$1810
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


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Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

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Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

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With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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