Pearls of Dalmatia by Bike and Boat, Romantica

Pearls of Dalmatia

If you would like to experience the region of South Dalmatia thoroughly, not wanting to do without 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 are 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 and experience the interaction of sea and land, culture and nature close up and personally. 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.

Day 1: Embarkation in Split
Individual journey to Split. Check-in on board starts between 2-2:30pm at Split harbor. At about 4:30pm, 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. The boat will spend the night in Split offering you an opportunity to experience Split’s nightlife.

Day 2: Split – Island Brač: Supetar – Milna – Island Hvar: Stari Grad – Jelsa – Stari Grad (12 mi/20 km)
We cruise to the island of Brač, 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. Once we have arrived on Brač we cycle across the width of the island from Supetar to Milna. Before descending to Milna to meet the boat, we can enjoy wonderful views across the Dalmatian
islands. We board the boat and enjoy a relaxing cruise and replenishing lunch on our way to the artist’s town of Stari Grad on the Island of Hvar. On arrival we enjoy a second bike ride through the
green planes of the island to the seaside town of Jelsa. After a break for coffee and ice cream, we continue the round trip back to Stari Grad where we spend the night.

Day 3: Hvar Island: Stari Grad - Hvar – Island Lastovo (14 mi/22 km)
Today’s cycling tour leads us from Stari Grad to the capital city of Hvar on the opposite side of the Island. Our cycle tour leads us through the untamed lavender fields of the island and small villages all
the while accompanied by incredible views across the Dalmatian coastline. On arrival, make use of the time and go for a little stroll through the city of Hvar before boarding the boat. Standing on the
magnificent Renaissance Square you can enjoy a view up to the Spanish fortress towering high above the city. We board the boat for lunch and cruise to the tranquil island of Lastovo for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Day 4: Island Lastovo – Island Korcula (17 mi/28 km)
The island is one of the smaller inhabited islands in the Adriatic Sea. The Emperor Augustus appreciated the mild climate, and in Roman times it was even named “Augusta Insula” after him. The
population of just over 800 still lives mainly from fishing in the waters rich in fish, agriculture and viticulture. Today’s cycle tour takes us around the beautiful island. The gold-coloured white wine
“Marastina”, known even beyond Croatia’s borders, is grown here. After returning back to the boat, we cruise to the harbor town of Vela Luka on the Island of Korčula for the night.

Day 5: Island Korcula: Vela Luka – Korčula City (38 mi/60 km)
Today’s cycle tour leads us across the charming island of Korčula all the way to Korčula city. A mild Mediterranean climate and a broad variety of different landscapes await us here. Take your time, and
remember to take a break to enjoy the view over the deep blue sea and neighboring islands. 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 we spend the night and enjoy a guided city tour packed with fascinating anecdotes concerning the history of the city and the island.

Day 6: Mljet Island: Mljet National Park – Island Sipan (10 mi/30 km)
In the morning we enjoy breakfast during 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. We arrive in the harbor of Pomena and enjoy a round tour on our bikes through the Mljet National Park. Our boat will wait for us in Pomena from where we will continue by boat in the afternoon to the island of Šipan.

Day 7: Šipan Island – Dubrovnik (7 mi/11 km)
Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands. Accompanied by your tour guide a pleasant cycle trip takes us past villas with exotic gardens and through a fertile valley framed by a range of limestone hills. Returning to the boat we enjoy our last crossing after an adventurous week. After arrival in Dubrovnik, there is plenty of time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city and to take part in a guided city tour. 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: Dubrovnik disembarkation

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 we 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 we 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 our first bike tour and to get used to riding in a group. After our first tour, we 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. We arrive in the harbor of Pomena and enjoy a round tour on our 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, our ship takes us 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 us 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 us 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 we 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 us across the charming island of Korčula. A mild Mediterranean climate and a broad variety of different landscapes accompany us 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 our strength after an active day. Overnight stay in the sheltered by of Vela Luka.

Day 5: Island Hvar: Hvar Town – Stari Grad – Jelsa – Stari Grad (12-14 mi/20-22 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 us 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, we continue on a second cycling tour through the green planes of the island to the seaside town of Jelsa. After a break for coffee and ice cream, we continue the round trip back to Stari Grad where we spend the night.

Day 6:Brač Island: Milna – Postira (18 mi/29 km)
We cruise to the island of Brač, 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. Once we have arrive on Brač, we start our bike tour from Milna to the picturesque harbor town of Postira. We will spend the afternoon and evening here. Enjoy the serenity of the town, and the view across the channel to the mainland.

Day 7: Brač Island: Postira - Pučišća –Postira – Split (19 mi/31 km)
Our today’s bike tour leads us along the northern coastline of Brač from Postira to Pučišća and back again to Postira over the back of the island. Then, for the last time in an eventful week, we enjoy a cruise back 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

Surface and terrain

The cycle tours require an advanced level of fitness. The tours will take us 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 below deck
• 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 €25 per adult and €15 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 hybrid 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 Hybrid 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.

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