Pearls of Dalmatia by Bike and Boat, Romantica

Day 1: Dubrovnik
Embarkation

Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, check-in on board takes place between 2 and 2:30 pm at Gruž, the town’s bustling port. At 4:30 pm, a guided tour of Dubrovnik is available, offering a deeper look into the city’s rich history and highlighting its most iconic landmarks, such as the ancient city walls and the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The evening will be spent in Gruž, allowing guests to explore Dubrovnik’s vibrant nightlife, from its lively cafes to its atmospheric streets illuminated at night.

Day 2: Dubrovnik – Island Šipan – Island Mljet
7-18 mi./11-30 km

The day begins with a crossing to the island of Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, though still relatively small in scale. Šipan provides an ideal location for the first group bike tour, offering a gentle introduction to the terrain. After the ride, the journey continues with a cruise to Mljet, a verdant island where 70% of the land is covered by dense forest, making it the most forested island in the Mediterranean. This island holds a special place in mythology, as it was featured in Homer’s “Odyssey” as the dwelling of the Nymph Calypso, who enchanted Odysseus for seven years. The boat will dock at Pomena, where a bike tour through Mljet National Park reveals the island’s natural splendor. The night will be spent in the peaceful harbor of Pomena.

Day 3: Islands Lastovo and Korčula: Korčula town
18 mi./28 km

In the morning, the ship sets course for Lastovo, a smaller inhabited island in the Adriatic Sea. Celebrated for its mild climate, the island was named "Augusta Insula" in Roman times in honor of Emperor Augustus. The day's bike tour will take you across this picturesque island, known for producing Marastina, a golden-hued white wine famous beyond Croatia’s borders. Afterward, the journey continues with a cruise to Korčula, often hailed as one of Dalmatia’s most beautiful islands. The charming town of Korčula, with its fishbone-patterned alleyways, vies with Venice as the possible birthplace of the legendary explorer Marco Polo. The evening is spent in Korčula, where a guided tour reveals the rich history and captivating stories of both the town and the island..

Day 4: Korčula Island: Korčula town – Vela Luka
38 mi./60 km

The cycle tour today spans the enchanting island of Korčula, known for its mild Mediterranean climate and diverse terrain. The route offers various landscapes, with opportunities to pause and take in the sweeping views of the deep blue sea and surrounding islands. After the day's ride, dinner will be served on board, offering a chance to relax and refuel. The evening will be spent anchored in the serene bay of Vela Luka, a spot favored for its natural beauty and tranquility.

Day 5: Island Hvar: Hvar Town – Stari Grad
13 mi/22 km

The day begins with a leisurely cruise to the town of Hvar on Hvar Island. Before the cycling tour, take some time to stroll through the city, where the stunning Renaissance Square offers a view of the Spanish fortress perched above. The bike tour starts in Hvar and winds through charming villages and lavender fields, leading to Stari Grad on the island's opposite side. The descent into Stari Grad provides breathtaking vistas. After a lunch break, the journey continues with a second ride through the island's lush plains, arriving at the coastal town of Jelsa. Here, the afternoon can be spent exploring local galleries and museums before completing the circuit back to Stari Grad for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Island Hvar: Stari Grad – Jelsa – Stari Grad – Island Brač
13 mi/22 km

In the morning, embark on a scenic bike tour from Stari Grad to the harbor of Jelsa and back. Jelsa is an ideal spot to enjoy some ice cream and coffee. On the return trip, cycle through the charming town of Vrboska and across the ancient Greek plains, now a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon returning to Stari Grad, board the boat for lunch and set sail for the island of Brač. Known for its distinctive white limestone, which was used in landmarks like the White House and Berlin’s Reichstag, Brač also offers a refreshing swim stop from the boat during the cruise. The day will conclude in the harbor town of Milna, where the afternoon and evening are yours to explore.

Day 7: Brač Island: Milna – Postira
18 mi/29 km

Today’s cycling route follows the northern coast of Brač, traveling from Milna to the charming harbor town of Postira. The journey offers stunning views of the Dalmatian Islands and the Croatian mainland. The afternoon and evening will be spent in Postira, where you can relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views across the channel to the mainland. Following this, embark on a final journey to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Split. A guided tour will reveal the intricacies of the former Palace of Emperor Diocletian and its evolution into the vibrant city it is today. The week concludes with a festive evening meal aboard the boat, offering a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of the journey with fellow travelers and tour guides.

Day 8: Split disembarkation

The tour concludes this morning at 9 am