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Service Rating 4.7 from 898 reviews

Split to Dubrovnik PLUS Bike & Boat

4.8
(5 reviews)

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 a luxurious motor yacht offering spacious, air conditioned cabins and an impressive array of on-board amenities. 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.

Flexitreks Cycling HolidayCycling 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 motor-yacht 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.

The motor-yacht 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.

The motor-yacht 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 Stari Grad where we spend the night.

Today’s ride leads us 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 motor-yacht for an afternoon cruise to the island of Vis. Time allowing we may well drop anchor somewhere for a swim stop en-route.

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.

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 motor-yacht 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.

During breakfast we cruise to the island of Mljet, mooring in the tiny port of Pomena. Covered in woodland, the western end of the island is a protected national park where the blue waters of picturesque inlets meet the verdant green of the aromatic pine forests. It is rumoured that this is the island on which Odysseus was enchanted and held captive by the Nymph Calypso in Homer’s “Odyssey”. Our scenic ride leads us along the length of the island to the tiny port of Sobra. Here we re board the motor-yacht and cruise to island of Sipan where we moor for the night.

After breakfast we disembark for a lovely circular ride around the charming and sparsely populated Sipan Island. Once we are back on board the crew cast off for a final cruise to the port of Dubrovnik. After mooring up in the town's port there’s plenty of time to explore the UNESCO world heritage city, including a guided city 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.

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 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.

If the bike has a rack then panniers are included.

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 offers guests a very high standard of comfort and facilities.She has 16 spacious guest cabins, each equipped with a small en-suite shower/wc and air conditioning. Nine of the cabins are located on the above deck. Six of these are double cabins with a small double bed (200 x 140cm) and the other three are twin cabins which feature twin beds (200 x 90cm). Another four double cabins are below deck – two with French bed and two with twin beds. Additionally there are two cabins, which are equipped with two French beds and another cabin with three separated beds.

On the above 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.

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 2 days of full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and 5 days of half board (breakfast and lunch or dinner).

Dietary requirements: If you have special dietary requirements, it is important you indicate this when you book or enquire about it before you book. Vegetarian meals are available, but we need to know in advance. In all other cases we will need to check if it is possible. In most cases a fee for preparing special meals will be charged. This mainly applies to lactose, gluten-free or vegan meals and is €70 and is to be paid when you board. The kitchen galley space is compact and so it cannot accommodate coeliacs.

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.

Belleza (superior plus)

Built in 2019 the Belleza is a stylish motor yacht with modern, elegant cabins and spacious welcoming public areas. The captain and his crew of nine work hard to ensure guests experience an unforgettable week aboard.

The 17 spacious, air-conditioned cabins are spread over the main and lower deck and are characterized by their high-end furnishings and fittings. All cabins feature air conditioning and an en suite bathroom with shower cubicle, sink and WC.

The bright and spacious salon is an inviting space for enjoying sophisticated meals and convivial company. There is also a partially-shaded aft-deck with seating and tables for enjoying al-fresco drinks and meals.

The sun deck offers comfortable seating and sun loungers with plenty of space to relax and enjoy a 360° view of the surrounding seascape. Here you will also find the on-board jacuzzi where you can relax after a day in the saddle.

The bathing platform at the stern of the ship makes swimming from the boat a real possibility for everyone

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 2 days of full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and 5 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.

Reviews

Trefor Williams - September, 27 Sep 2022
Service
4
Considering we booked the holiday in 2019 for 2020 we have been satisfied with the communications during the multiple rescheduling due to Covid cancellations.
Andy - October, 22 Oct 2022
Thank you, we're glad you were able to get you away in the end.
Service
4
Accommodation and food was beyond our expectations. The single beds were very comfortable even for a tall person. Surprising amount of storage under the beds. Sound insulation between the cabins on the upper deck could have been better - however, we did sleep well. The boat crew provided excellent service especially the cooks and the bar staff - always polite and willing to help. Disappointed with the attitude of the Captain, although he spoke good English he was very uncommunicative. The cycling itself was very good despite the lack of team work between the two cycling leaders. The junior member of the Team, Aleksa was a very capable person and really should have been the Cycling Team Leader. Kreso was not very capable as the Leader. He did not spend sufficient time in organising the cycling itineraries and did not manage the trips by having a front leader and back sweeper. He was basically interested in his own cycling jaunts before and after our cycling trips and this reflected in errors in the briefings. Kreso also created some bad feeling when he miss communicated the issue regarding "corkage" at the wine distillery (there would not be any corkage as he recommended we went there as the boat was late meeting us) and later on the boat indicated that we needed to pay corkage as the "bar staff" were only paid on a commission basis on what they sold over the bar. He also spoke quite inappropriately to our friends who were on the boat. On one of the island stops we had a morning ride and our friends Liz and Kevin completed 90% but turned around due to Liz's painful ankle and carried on cycling on flat roads close to the mooring of the boat. We were all informed that the boat would leave at 13:00, However, the Captain decided to leave early and Liz and Kevin's bikes were counted as be back when they were still cycling and the boat left the harbour without them. Luckily one of the other cyclists on the top deck noticed two cyclists waving frantically to the boat and raised the alarm. Gain, lack of attention to detail and communications between the cycling Team and the Captain. An additional comment on the bar. The beer was good and good value. The white wine however, even at more than 300 Kuna (£30 plus) was really poor. For 300 to 350 Kuna one was able to buy very drinkable wine in Split or Dubrovnik restaurants. The wine selection apparently was organised by the boat owners. In general, the reds were slightly better than the white wine selection. This wine issue did mean that we drank less wine with meals, than we normally do and drank more beer. On the final day, when we arrived at Dubrovnik we moored 3 Kilometres from the old city. To attend the organised Dubrovnik city tour we walked to a bus stop and where given tickets for the bus to the city gate and the return to the boat. Some of the boats that there moored with us provided a mini bus. We had to stand on an overloaded bus on our return from the Old City to the boat. Not a pleasant experience or Covid safe experience on our "Deluxe package".
Andy - October, 22 Oct 2022
Thank you Trefor for the extremely detailed review. It is unusual to read critical comments about the bike guides as usually they are highly praised. Rest assured we are addressing the points raised with our local operator.
Anonymous - July, 04 Jul 2022
Service
5
Very responsive and personable firm with Ally available to answer all queries.
Andy - August, 25 Aug 2022
Thank you, we really appreciate the review.
Service
5
Very good company and excellent facilities on the Harmonia. Guides earned their corn and helped the group to gel.
Andy - August, 25 Aug 2022
Yes the guides really work hard on these boats and the Harmonia is a particularly lovely vessel.
Marion - August, 11 Aug 2019
Service
5
Very helpful on the other end of the line. Ally was simply lovely.
Andy - September, 04 Sep 2019
Ally's blushing - thanks Marion.
Service
5
What an amazing holiday. We loved every minute. The boat was fab - very spacious. The cabins were great and came with a large shower . Our two guides Mikale and Dini were brilliant, very knowledgable and just great tour guides, nothing was too much trouble. The food on board was very good, 2 course lunches followed by 3 course dinners. We definitely didn’t lose any weight!! The cycling was lovely although hillier than we thought. There was an option to switch to E-bikes for a day / rest of the week if needed which made a huge difference. Our group of people were fantastic, from New Zealand, Hong Kong, America and Canada. We have made friends for life. Would definitely recommend this tour, truly amazing.
Andy - September, 04 Sep 2019
Superb, thank you so much for submitting this positive and informative review. The e-bike recommendation will hopefully help future customers with their bike choices.
Denise Rogers - August, 06 Aug 2019
Service
5
Best holiday ever! Such a lovely crew and group, 100% perfect. Will be going again and recommending to all my friends and family. Thank you, I now have a new family of friends and in tend to keep in touch.
Andy - September, 04 Sep 2019
That's exactly how we feel after we've been on one of these fabulous bike and boat holidays - thank you for the lovely review Denise.
Service
5
Best holiday ever. It was a a perfect trip. The food was excellent, the guides were outstanding and I would recommend to anyone, as with an Electric bike the cycling was easy even though there are lots of hills and mountains- the down hills rides were the most amazing rides ever!
Andy - September, 04 Sep 2019
We wholeheartedly agree with the e-bike recommendation as these islands are beautiful but hilly! Thanks Denise.
Anonymous - July, 19 Jul 2019
Service
5
I found Ally and the team at Flexitreks to be incredibly responsive and helpful. They accommodated a bike request change quickly and easily.
Andy - September, 04 Sep 2019
You're welcome, we aim to please.
Service
5
The holiday truly exceeded our expectations. - The boat was an ideal size, clean, comfortable and well fitted. We absolutely loved swimming off the back of the boat in beautiful clear azure waters. - The crew was fabulous. Monika looked after our eating and drinking needs beautifully. Carlo and Michel, our guides, were exceptional. Attentive, fun, well organised, adaptable and they cared for us. We really appreciated Michel's history knowledge and lesson - fantastic. - The itinerary was well planned. Truly lovely destinations. - Our fellow passengers were wonderful. We all got on well and have made new friendships. Not many suggestions for improvements but perhaps a few minor things: - ice tea to be available from the bar - although the meals were delicious, the fish could have been better - it seemed to be frozen, not fresh. Overall a fantastic experience that we will recommend to others. Thank you!
Andy - September, 04 Sep 2019
Thanks you so much for taking the time to submit this lovely review. Rest assured, your minor suggestions for improvements will be fed back to the boat.