Pearls of Dalmatia

If you would like to experience the region of South Dalmatia thoroughly, and to explore Dubrovnik and its amazing city walls, this bike and boat trip is an excellent choice.

Accompanied by our charming motor yacht, we get to know this sparsely populated part of Croatia. Breathtaking scenic experiences and cultural highlights await you! The highlights of the trip include the town centers of Dubrovnik and Split, which are listed as UNESCO’s world heritage sites. We cycle the islands of Mljet, Lastovo, Korčula, Hvar, and Brač to experience the interaction of sea and land, culture and nature up close and personal. Our proud motor yacht, Romantica, is your home for an amazing week.

The direction of this tour alternates each week from Split to Dubrovnik or reverse.

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Highlights

• Town centers of Split and Dubrovnik
• Guided tours of Split, Korčula, and Dubrovnik
• Cycling on the islands of Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Lastovo, Mljet, and Šipan

Learn More

Learn more about guided tours.

Daily program

The direction of this tour alternates each week. Both itineraries are detailed below.

Dubrovnik to Split:

Day 1: Dubrovnik (Embarkation)
Individual journey to Dubrovnik. Check-in on board starts between 2-2:30pm at Gruž, the town port. At about 4:30pm, a guided tour through Dubrovnik is offered, where you can hear some interesting details of the town’s history and visit the most impressive sites. The boat will spend the night in Gruž offering the guests an opportunity to experience Dubrovnik’s nightlife.

Day 2: Dubrovnik – Island Šipan – Island Mljet (7-18 mi/11-30 km)
In the morning you will cross over to the nearby island of Šipan. Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, yet still humble in size. A great place for your first bike tour and to get used to riding in a group. After your first tour, you will board the boat and enjoy a cruise to the green island of Mljet. Green because 70% of its landmass is covered by woodland making it the most forested island in the Mediterranean region. Homer mentioned this lovely island in his epic poem “Odyssey”. He made it a home for the Nymph Calypso and the legendary Greek king Odysseus, who could not resist Calypso and stayed on Mljet for seven years. You will arrive in the harbor of Pomena and enjoy a round tour on your bikes through the Mljet National Park. The night is spent in the harbor of Pomena.

Day 3: Islands Lastovo and Korčula: Korčula town (18 mi/28 km)
In the morning, your ship takes you to the Island of Lastovo. The island is one of the smaller 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’s cycle tour takes you across this beautiful island. The gold-colored white wine “Marastina”, known even beyond Croatia’s borders, is grown here. Back at the boat, it’s time to cast off! A crossing takes you over to Korčula Island, regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in Dalmatia. The Picturesque town of Korčula with its fishbone alleyways competes with Venice for the honor of being the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. It is here that you will spend the night and enjoy a guided city tour packed with fascinating anecdotes concerning the history of the city and the island.

Day 4: Korčula Island: Korčula town – Vela Luka (38 mi/60 km)
Today’s cycle tour leads you across the charming island of Korčula. A mild Mediterranean climate and a broad variety of different landscapes accompany you on the tour today. Take your time, and remember to take a break to enjoy the view over the deep blue sea and neighboring islands. Dinner is served on board to replenish your strength after an active day. Overnight stay in the sheltered bay of Vela Luka.

Day 5: Island Hvar: Hvar Town – Stari Grad – Jelsa – Stari Grad (13 mi/22 km)
The day starts with a relaxing cruise to Hvar town on Hvar Island. Make use of the time before the cycle tour starts and 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 high above the city. Today's bike tour takes you from the city of Hvar through small villages and lavender fields to Stari Grad on the opposite side of the island. The descent to Stari Grad offers breathtaking views. After a lunch break, you will continue on a second cycling tour through the green planes of the island to the seaside town of Jelsa. The afternoon can be used to explore the artistic seaside town and to visit the local galleries or museums, you will continue the round trip back to Stari Grad where you spend the night.

Day 6: Island Hvar: Stari Grad – Jelsa – Stari Grad – Island Brač (13 mi/22 km)
In the morning you will start on a scenic bike tour from Stari Grad to the harbor of Jelsa and back. Jelsa is the perfect place for some ice cream and a coffee and on the way back to the boat you will pass through the picturesque town of Vrboska and cycle through the ancient Greek plains which are now a protected UNESCO heritage site. On arrival in Stari Grad you will board the boat for lunch and cruise to the island of Brač. The Island is famous for its radiant, precious limestone that was, among others, used for the White House in Washington and in the construction of the German Reichstag building in Berlin. During the cruise you will stop for a refreshing swim stop directly from the boat before arriving in the harbor town of Milna. You will spend the afternoon and evening here.

Day 7: Brač Island: Milna – Postira (18 mi/29 km)
Today you will cruise along the northern coastline of Brač from Milna to the picturesque harbor town of Postira with beautiful views across the Dalmatian Islands and across to the mainland. You will spend the afternoon and evening here in Postira. Enjoy the serenity of the town, and the view across the channel to the mainland.

Then, for the last time in an eventful week, we enjoy the cruise to the UNESCO world heritage city of Split. A guided city tour offers us the chance to see inside the former Palace of Emperor Diocletian and to learn about its transformation into the city which it has become. A cheerful evening meal on board the boat gives you time to celebrate the success of the week with fellow travelers and tour guides.

Day 8: Split disembarkation

Split to Dubrovnik

Day 1: Embarkation in Split
Individual arrival in Split, where you will check in at Split harbor between 2:00 and 2:30pm. A guided city tour will offer the chance to see the former Palace of Emperor Diocletian at around 4:30pm. On this tour, you will learn about Split's transition into the city it is today. The boat will spend the night in Split, offering the opportunity to experience the city by night.

Day 2: Split – Island Brač: Postira – Milna – Island Hvar: Stari Grad – Jelsa – Stari Grad (18 mi/29 km + 12 mi/20km)
You will begin with a cruise to the island of Brač, known for its impressive, fine limestone that was used for the Whitehouse in Washington DC and the construction of the German Reichstag in Berlin.

Upon arrival in Brač, you will cycle along the scenic northern coastline of the island from Postira to Milna. Before you slope into Milna to meet the ship, you have the chance to take part in stunning views across the various Dalmatian Islands. You will board the boat to enjoy a renewing lunch and a pleasant cruise to the artist's town of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar. When you arrive, you can take part in another bike ride through the lush planes of the island to the seaside town of Jelsa. Here, you can take a break to enjoy some coffe and delicious ice cream, then, you will continue on the round trip back to Stari Grad, where you will spend the night.

Day 3: Hvar Island: Stari Grad – Hvar – Island Korčula (14 mi/22 km)
On your cycling tour today, you will venture from Stari Grad to the capital city of Hvar, located on the other side of the island. Your bike tour will lead you through the wild lavendar fields of the island, small villages, and spectacular views of the Dalmatian coastline. Upon arrival to Hvar, you can go on an excursion through the city. When standing on the wonderful Renaissance Square, you can enjoy a view to the monumental Spanish fortress that stands high above the city. You will board the boat to eat lunch and to enjoy a cruise to the harbor town of Vela Luka on the Island of Korčula. You will spend the night on the Island of Korčula.

Day 4: Island Korčula: Vela Luka – Korčula City (37.5 mi/60 km)
You will cycle through the enchanting island of Korčula to Korčula city. You will experience the pleasant climate of the Mediterranean and the wide variety of picturesque landscapes on your ride. During this ride, you will take a break to appreciate the breathtaking view of the neighboring islands emerging through the vast oceanscape. Upon arrival in Korčula City, you can take in the extraordinary town of Korčula, competing with Venice as the birthplace of renowned explorer, Marco Polo. The fishbone alleyways and the astounding architecture will ensure a great time in this city. You can partake in a guided tour, where you can learn about the long history of Korčula City and Island itself. You will spend the night here.

Day 5: Island Korčula – Lastovo (17 mi/28 km)
You will begin your day with a departure from the energetic Korčula City and cycle to the peaceful island of Lastovo. You will enjoy a swim stop from the boat along with a flavorful lunch before you begin your bike tour of one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Adriatic Sea. Even Roman Emperor Agustus appreciated this island for the warm climate, and a previous name of the island was "Agusta Insula", named for Emeperor Agustus.

The small population of this island still lives by fishing from the abundant waters, agriculture, and vinticulture– the cultivation and harvesting of grapes. Marastina wine is known far beyond the borders of Croatia, and it is here, on Lastovo, where the grapes are grown and this delicate wine is made. You will spend your night on this private, idyllic island under the expansive night sky, peppered with stars.

Day 6: Mljet Island: Mljet National Park – Island Sipan (10 mi/30 km)
You will enjoy a delicious breakfast while you cruise to the flourishing island of Mljet. In fact, Mljet is the most forested island in the Mediterranean, with over 70% of its landmass covered in trees. This is the island mentioned in Homer's epic poem "Odyssey", in which he made it a home for the Greek King Odysseus and the Nymph Calypso, who King Odysseus could not resist.

After a swim stop and lunch along the boat ride, you will arrive in the harbor of Pomena. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a round trip tour on your bikes throughout the Mljet National Park, and you will spend the night in the harbor of Pomena.

Day 7: Mljet Island – Dubrovnik (20 mi/33 km)
After a replenishing breakfast, you will cycle the length of this green island, enjoying the shade of the many trees. Your boat awaits your arrival in the harbor of Sobra, where you will enjoy your last cruise of the week on your way to the magnificent city of Dubrovnik. Upon arrival, you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage City and even participate in a guided tour.

You will enjoy your last dinner aboard the boat, where you can discuss the successful week of traveling with your fellow travellers and tour guides.

Day 8: Dubrovnik (disembarkation)

Surface and terrain

The cycle tours require an advanced level of fitness. The tours will take you up to a height of 200-500 m above sea-level. The day-tours up to 37mi/60km will take us through hilly and mountainous terrain and will be completed without any time constraints. Participants will also need to master long and steep climbs.

You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend time on board the boat, instead of taking a planned cycle tour.

Boats

• Romantica

How to get there

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Split or Dubrovnik, Croatia
Nearest train station: Split or Dubrovnik, Croatia

Another possibility is Zadar airport. A taxi ride from Split airport to the ship is approximately €20; a taxi from Dubrovnik airport to the ship is approximately €40.

Private transfer between Split Airport and Split harbor or Dubrovnik Airport and Gruž harbor is available for €30 per person/per direction (minimum 2 participants).

Tips on getting to and from your tour

Dates

Prices

Included services

• 7 nights in a double/twin cabin (including linens and towels)
• 2 x full board and 5 x half board
• English speaking tour guide
• Guided cycling tours as described in the itinerary
• Overview maps for the daily tours (onboard)
• City tours in Dubrovnik and Split

Please note a required visitor's tax and bottled water flat rate of approximately €60 per adult and €30 per child is not included in this tour package. These fees are paid directly to the captain upon arrival. Credit and debit cards are not accepted on board; ATMs are available at stops along the tour route.

Bike rentals

Bikes available to be rented (in advance at the time of booking) include:

• 21-speed standard touring bike
• Electrically assisted bike (CUBE)*

*More about electrically-assisted bikes >

All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:

• Ortlieb pannier

Additional specifications on the Standard touring bikes:

• 21-gear derailleur, Alivio
• Shimano V-brakes
• Comfortable Selle Royal saddles

Please note that the bikes are deliberately not equipped with water bottle holders. There is room in the saddle bag to carry a bottle of water, along with everything else you need for the daily rides.

Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE. 

Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals. The guide on board the boat can assist you in attaching them to your rental bike.

Helmets:
It is required to wear helmets on this tour. In order to guarantee optimum protection, we request that you bring your own helmet and - for your own safety - wear it on all bike tours. A limited number of helmets are available on board to rent, at the time of booking, though it is highly recommended to bring your own helmet.

Please note: Clients are more than welcome to bring their own bike along. However, be aware that we are not insured for the private bikes on board and that all maintenance of private bikes are the responsibility of the owner. Additionally, it is important for us to know if the private bikes are standard models, MTBs or e-bikes. Onboard of our boats we have a weight restriction of 22 kg for all private bikes (excluding batteries) for health and safety reasons. Bikes above this weight will not be accepted onboard.

Please note: Guests are more than welcome to bring their own bike along. However, be aware that we are not insured for the private bikes on board and that all maintenance of private bikes are the responsibility of the owner. Additionally, it is important for us to know if the private bikes are standard models, MTBs or e-bikes. Onboard of our boats we have a weight restriction of 22 kg for all private bikes (excluding batteries) for health and safety reasons. Bikes above this weight will not be accepted on board for daily use!

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