Croatia Bike & Sail
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Cycle and sail to explore the charming islands of Southern Dalmatia
Southern Dalmatia is the smallest and most sparsely populated region in Croatia. Encompassing a stunning chain of islands stretching from Solta in the north to Mljet in the south this unique cycling trip captures the highlights with an ideal balance of activity, culture and relaxation. Experience the beautiful island of Korcula with its interesting old town, the wine growing peninsula of Pelješac and the natural beauty of Mljet with its impressive national park. In the company of a cycling guide, this stimulating journey explores towns and landscapes, many of which are on UNESCO’s world heritage list. Aboard a comfortably appointed motor yacht, there is ample time between cycles to swim in the azure waters and soak up the ambiance of seaside towns.
Highlights
- Cycling in the Southern Dalmatian islands with dramatic scenery
- Exploring the small towns and villages enroute
- Korcula with its beautiful old township and the wine growing peninsula of Pelješac
- The island of Mljet with its impressive national park
- Soaking up the hospitality onboard the comfortable sailing boat
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Split, board the boat at Trogir, cycle to the Marjan Mountain & visit Split (20km)
Individual arrival by car to Trogir or by plane to Split airport, which is about 5km away from the boarding harbour of Trogir. After check in on the motor yacht the first small cruise begins at 1pm from Trogir to Split. Here you will undertake your first cycle to the Marjan mountain, a popular relaxation destination for the inhabitants of Split. Following this your guide will accompany you on a walk through the old town of Split, which is built into the famous palace of the Roman Caesar Diocletian and is a world heritage site. Overnight stay in Split.
Day 2 Cycle Cetina Canyon on the mainland then cross to Brac Island for a swim (43km)
After a short crossing to Omis the cycle for today takes you into the valley of the Cetina River, buried deep into the cliff faces. Return cycle to Omis with its pirate castles by way of small side roads through a diverse landscape. You also have the option of taking part in a 4 hour rafting tour on the Cetina River. In the afternoon we cross over to the largest island in Central Dalmatia, Brac and have a swim. Brac is famous for its lustrous white marble which has been used for the White House in Washington and in the Reichstag in Berlin.
Day 3 Cycle Brac Island (22km)
Today’s route begins in Povlja with a long but moderate ascent to the mountain ridge of the island, past mulberry, kiwi and fig trees, olive groves and vineyards. The following descent to Bol rewards you for your steep climb with amazing panoramic views of the neighbouring island Hvar. After lunch we cross over to the island of Korcula, whose capital town vies with Venice for the title of the birth place of Marco Polo. This evening we will moor in the picturesque harbour of Racisce.
Day 4 Cycle Mljet Island and overnight Korcula Island (12km)
This morning we cross over to the green, wooded island of Mljet, which is also known as the honey island. In the 12th century Benedictine monks founded a beautifully situated monastery, which you will see on your short cycle trip. The local pine forest is one of the most beautiful of its kind in the entire Mediterranean region – Odysseus is said to have spent 7 years here. Today this region is a national park and the highlight of every Dalmatian journey. We have enough time to explore the national park on a small cycle tour, as well as to the "Monastery Island of the Holy Maria" and finally you can take a swim. In the afternoon the ship awaits is to cruise to Korcula town where we have time to take an exciting walk through the wonderful old town with its narrow "fish-bone-like" alleys.
Day 5 Cycle Korcula Island (55km)
Today we will explore the island of Korcula by bicycle. The peacefulness and remoteness of luscious gardens with large cypresses dominate the appearance of perhaps the most beautiful Dalmatian island. We will set out along the coastal road. After a short period of pushing your bike to Pupnat you will reach the old 200m high pass road above the magnificent bay of Pupnat and later the village of Blato, which like Rome, was built on 7 hills. Overnight stay in the harbour of Vela Luka which is surrounded by hills covered with olive groves producing the famed olive oil of Korcula.
Day 6 Two cycle trips on Hvar Island, overnight Stari Grad (20 & 25km)
After arriving in Hvar we take an interesting tour around the town, across the large Renaissance square, which is lined with the cathedral and many late gothic palaces. Your first cycle tour for today leads you along the almost traffic free pass road through small villages. After lunch in Stari Grad we take a second cycle tour. The destinations for the tour are the harbours of Jelsa and Vrboska, which invite you to have an extended break there. Tonight will be spent in Stari Grad, which has become a Mecca for artists and art lovers in the past few years.
Day 7 Cycle from Stormorska to Maslinica on the island of Solta (19km)
After crossing over to Stomorska on the island of Solta you will commence your last cycle tour. Walled fields, numerous olive groves, locust bean and fig trees line the roads. The herby smells of lavender and rosemary will accompany you along your tour of this island. In Maslinica you can load the bikes onto the ship and enjoy your last crossing back to Trogir, where if time permits, you can take a tour of the old town which is a world heritage site.
Day 8 Arrive Trogir (close to Split), trip concludes
Disembark around 9am and individual departure.
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners (does not include drinks). The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and two warm meals a day. The meals begin with dinner on day 1 and ends with breakfast on day 8.
- 7 nights accommodation in a double cabin below deck with private bathroom (small supplement applies for above deck or single cabin). If you are travelling by yourself you will be matched with another passenger. The compact cabins are configured with a combination of bunk beds (upper and lower) or two lower beds. Excellent discounts apply to a third person sharing a triple cabin, with a configuration of a French bed (quite cosy for two people as it is a little smaller than a double) and a single bunk bed above. Note that the lower deck cabins by their very nature will be marginally noisier and less ventilated due to their proximity to the engine and working part of the boat.
- 21 speed trekking bike rental with bike bag (or 24 speed hard tail mountain bike if applicable (note: 27 speed full suspension MTB available on Mountainbike option - supplement applies)
- Experienced crew of 4 including cycle guide
- Bed linen and towels
- Entrance fee for National Park of Mljet (where visited – see itinerary)
- Overview maps for daily cycle tours
Summary
- BOAT
Trip Main Activities
- GUIDED CYCLING
- SAILING
Group Size Min
16
Group Size Max
36
Accommodation Summary
Equipment Required
Bike helmet, wet weather gear, sunscreen, jogging shoes and sun hat. A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information provided on booking. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
What You Carry
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Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site
from
USD$1,790
Why we recommend World Expeditions
- Pioneers in responsible travel.
- No local payments.
- True adventures in every sense.
- Expert guides and support.
- Quality facilities and transport.
Customer care
World Expeditions is a global company with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada, all staffed with experienced adventure travellers.
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