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Explore the serene and charming Dalmatian islands between Split and Dubrovnik by bike and boat. Enjoy guided daily bike rides on 5 different islands each with its own unique flavour and appeal. Stay aboard a comfortable motor yacht, mooring in charming little ports each evening.
From the historic port of Split, the comfortable motor yacht Romantica wends her way through the Dalmatian archipelago, stopping at the islands of Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Lastovo and Mljet before finishing off in the medieval port of Dubrovnik. Each day you'll moor somewhere new and disembark with the on-board bike guides for scenic cycling forays designed to reveal each island's highlights.
On some afternoons the Romantica drops anchor in a secluded bay for a swim stop. The aft swim-deck provides easy access to/from the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic allowing everyone to enjoy this unique experience.
The daily, guided rides are at a leisurely pace with the emphasis on enjoying the scenery. Frequent stops for refreshments also provide the guides with an opportunity to provide a little background on local culture and history.
Each island has it's own unique character but all offer gorgeous scenery, pretty little historic ports and idyllic cycling on quiet lanes.
On a scenic ride across the peaceful island of Brač you'll learn about the famous local limestone, that has been used in many iconic buildings around the world, before descending to the picture-perfect port of Milna
In the charming artists' port of Stari Grad on Hvar you can opt to join the easy afternoon loop ride to the picturesque port of Jelsa and back or just relax and head to the nearby beach for a swim in the clear waters. In the evening, take a stroll along the town's bustling quayside lined with bars and restaurants.
And so it continues... each day providing more memorable sights and experiences.
An exhilarating descent, past wild rosemary and lavender fields on Hvar delivers you to the busy, historic port of Hvar Town with it's imposing fortress and ancient sandstone buildings.
The island of Korčula is perhaps the gem in Dalmatia's crown and the stunning ride along the island's length to Korčula Town is brimful of jaw dropping views.
The serenity of wild and remote Lastovo makes a lasting impression as does the stunning, verdant beauty of the national park on the island of Mljet.
Finally, the Romantica moors in Gruz, Dubrovnik's port, and in the afternoon you are invited to join a guided tour of the old town itself. Afterwards, there is time to walk the famous walls of the old town and drink in the views before returning to the Romantica for a final dinner on board
The daily rides on this trip cover between 20 and 60 kms each day and invariably include climbs of one kind or another. Most guests tend to opt for e-bikes to take the sting out of the climbs but regular hybrid bikes are also available for strong riders who like a challenge.
This holiday also operates in reverse, see the Dubrovnik to Split route.
The daily rides cover between 23 and 60 kms each day and invariably include some climbs of one kind or another. The bikes used used on this tour are comfortable hybrid models although e-bikes are also available albeit in limited numbers.
The captain reserves the right to make changes to the planned route due to changing wind, tide and weather conditions, and where required by organisational necessities.
On arrival in Split, make your way to the harbour where the Romantica is moored. Check-in is between 2pm to 2.30pm and at 4.30pm you are invited to join a guided walking tour of the Split’s historic old town, half of which is actually the impressive former palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. The Romantica remains at her mooring overnight and we therefore highly recommend returning to the old town for an evening stroll when all the cosy pubs are bars come to life.
Whilst we are enjoying our first breakfast, the crew cast off and the Romantica cruises across the strait to Brač, the largest of the Dalmatian islands. We moor in the picturesque little port of Postira and disembark with our bikes for the first ride of the holiday. Today’s route traverses the western end of the island and concludes with an exhilarating and scenic descent to the pretty little harbour town of Milna. We re-board the Romantica and embark on an afternoon cruise across to the neighbouring island of Hvar. We disembark for the second ride of the day in Stari Grad. It's an easy and pleasant ride to the tiny port of Jelsa where there is a hard-to-resist ice-cream parlour in the main square. We return by a peaceful coastal path to Stari Grad and spend the night moored in this idyllic little place.
After breakfast we disembark with the bikes for our second ride on Hvar. The scenery is fabulous as we follow a quiet road that winds its way inland and uphill. The views become ever more impressive and eventually we reach the summit where a small cafe/restaurant is a welcome sight. Wild lavender and rosemary grow in abundance up here and it’s not uncommon to see clouds of colourful butterflies flitting between the plants. Our uphill efforts are now rewarded with a long and scenic descent to the town of Hvar. If you can summon the energy we recommend investing in a short additional climb up to the Spanish Fortress that offers stunning views over the town. The 13th century town is stunning and be sure to take in the beautiful Renaissance square before pedalling along the bustling quayside to the Romantica. Once we’re all aboard the crew cast off and we embark on an afternoon cruise across to the island of Korčula where we moor for the night in the port of Vela Luka.
Korčula is widely considered to be the most beautiful island in the Dalmatian archipelago and today’s route traverses the length of this little paradise. Along the winding lanes we are treated to some amazing sea views and pedal through some charming little villages. Time and weather allowing, we may stop for a swim on the south shore. The route then leads up onto the spine of the island and after a while we say goodbye to the heavenly views over the south shore and descend to the stunning blue waters of the north shore near Kneza. We then follow a road along the undulating coastline to the fortified medieval town of Korčula. After relaxing on board following our ride, we are invited to join a fascinating guided walking tour of the old town. The Romantica remains moored here for the night so there's plenty of time to explore the atmospheric winding streets at your leisure.
While we are enjoying breakfast the Romantica cruises south to the Island of Lastovo. One of the outermost islands, Lastovo has a remote and wild air about it and the inhabitants still make their living from fishing, agriculture and wine (the famous Maraština grape is cultivated here). Our ride from Pasadur to the town of Lastovo follows a winding road that leads us past vineyards and through shady forests. Lastovo Town is set on a hillside and the houses, many with ornate chimneys, create an amphitheater effect. The Romantica remains moored in Lastovo overnight.
A morning breakfast cruise, delivers us to the port of Pomena on the island of Mljet. 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 through this little paradise and along a route that provides a wonderful combination of sea and forest views. The Romantica remains moored in the tiny port of Pomena overnight.
Our final ride leads us along the length of the green and beautiful island of Mljet. At Sobra we re-board the Romantica for a final cruise to Dubrovnik.
In the afternoon we are invited to join a guided walking tour of the old town where we will learn more about this city’s eventful history. A final farewell dinner aboard the Romantica is always an enjoyable affair and afterwards you may be tempted to step ashore for a nightcap in one of the atmospheric bars in the old port to reflect on your cycling adventure in the Dalmatian islands.
After breakfast it is time to disembark and head for home or your next adventure.
Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed hybrid models with 21-24 speeds. The bikes come equipped with a pannier.
Electric bikes with a pannier are also available. Minimum height is 150cm.
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.
The Romantica is a very elegant 2 masted motor yacht that can accommodate 32 guests.
She has 16 cabins, 9 of which are on the above deck and 7 cabins are on the lower deck. The above deck cabins consist of five double cabins with a small double bed (200 x 160cm) and four twin cabins with two single beds (200 x 80cm). On the the lower deck there are three twin cabins with single beds, two double cabins with a small double bed and 2 triple cabins with small double bed and a single bed (usually a bunk). All cabins feature en-suite shower/wc and are equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning, mirror and hair dryer.
Other facilities on board include a spacious sun-deck and comfortable saloon and bar.
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.
The tour starts in Split and finishes in Dubrovnik.
Fly to Split airport. Shuttle buses run to the port (24 kms from the airport) or a taxi will cost around 25 euros.
Dubrovnik
Fly home from Dubrovnik airport.
A regular shuttle bus links Dubrovnik airport with the main bus station in Gruž Port. Alternatively, a taxi will cost approximately €40
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