Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast
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A sailing and cycling adventure exploring Dubrovnik and the magical islands of southern Dalmatia
George Bernard Shaw said "those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik", also describing it as "the pearl of the Adriatic". With its impressive old town and dominating position on the Adriatic coast, the city is visually stunning and deserving of both Shaw's remarks and its UNESCO World Heritage status. Based on a comfortable boat, the trip begins in Dubrovnik where time is set aside to explore the narrow streets and lively town. Extending westerly into the Mediterranean the loosely connected islands of southern Dalmatia are best explored by bike where quiet roads lead to magnificent views. Visit Hvar, Korcula and Mjet to name a few and discover the unique features of each island such as the wine making traditions of the Pelješac Peninsula, the medieval town of Hvar and the historic island of Vis occupied by the Greeks more than 2000 years ago.
Highlights
- Cycling in the Southern Dalmatian islands with dramatic scenery
- Exploring the small towns and villages enroute
- Wandering through the alleyways of Dubrovnik
- The island of Mljet with its impressive national park
- Soaking up the hospitality onboard the comfortable sailing boat
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Dubrovnik. Cruise to Šipan Island and discover Dubrovnik by bike (10km)
Individual arrival at Dubrovnik. After lunch, our journey begins with a short cruise to the island of Sipan, the largest of the Elefitian islands. A pleasant bike ride takes us in the afternoon past numerous luxury villas of the rich and noble of Dubrovnik, through green forests, fertile valleys and subtropical parks. Overnight on Sipan.
Day 2 By boat to Mljet Island then cycle to Pomena (35km)
In the morning, the ship takes us on a 2-hour-crossing to the "honey island" of Mljet. Here, starting from the ferry harbor of Sobra, we bicycle to Pomena, where the ship awaits us for lunch. 90% of Mljet Island is covered by forest and thus is one of the most densely wooded islands in the entire Mediterranean. Homer also mentions it in his Odyssey, making it the home of the nymph Calypso, who kept the famous hero here for seven years. A short bike trip in the afternoon takes us to Mljet National Park. In the 12th century, Benedictine monks founded a monastery here, in a fabulous location on a small island, which you can reach by a small excursion boat.
Day 3 To Lastovo Island for a cycle before continuing by boat to Vis (30 km)
The day begins with a cruise to Lastovo Island. This island is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Adriatic. Already the emperor Augustus appreciated its mild climate and in Roman times it was even named "Augusta Insula" after him. The islanders, little more than 1000, still live today mainly off fishing the extremely rich waters, agriculture and wine culture. Here grows the yellow-golden white wine "Marastina", which is known well beyond Croatia's borders. After an extensive exploration of the island, the ship takes us on a long cruise to Vis.
Day 4 Explore Vis Island, cruise to the Hvar, explore on foot the old town centre (32km)
Vis is the Croatian island located furthest from the mainland. 2000 years ago it was already a Greek colony by the name of Issa. On account of its strategically important location, it was along with Lastovo a military zone prohibited to foreign tourists until 1995. After lunch, the ship takes us to the island of Hvar. The island capital by the same name is one of the high points of every journey to Dalmatia. On a long walk we become acquainted with the beautiful medieval town centre and the citadel rising high above it. Afterwards we may end the day at our leisure in a cozy wine bar.
Day 5 To Korcula Island by boat and cycle to Prigradica (26km + 12km)
A morning cruise takes us to Korcula Island and the well known port of Vela Luka. From here we bicycle to Prigradica, where we meet the ship for lunch. In the afternoon we explore the eastern part of the island, which is counted among the most beautiful islands of Dalmatia. Destination of the ride is the capital of the island by the same name, which vies with Venice over the honor of being the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. In the evening we have enough time for a stroll through the alleys of this fantastic town.
Day 6 By boat to Trstenik on the Pelješac Peninsula, then cycle to Prapratno (30km)
During breakfast on board, the ship takes us to the town of Trstenik on the Pelješac Peninsula. Pelješac is impressive even from a distance because of the Sv. Ilja mountain range rising almost 1000m high out of the sea. The bike tour takes us into the hinterland, past Dalmatia's most famous vineyard, where the wonderful Plavac and Dingac wines are grown, to Prapratno where the boat is waiting with a delicious lunch. From here the ship takes us to Slano on the mainland, where we stay the night.
Day 7 Cycle the town of Slano. Afternoon cruise to Dubrovnik (20km)
After breakfast and a cruise, the last bike trip of the journey begins. The town of Slano offers us either a beautiful but also somewhat strenuous tour into the hinterland or an easy promenade ride with time for swimming and relaxing until noon. After lunch, our floating abode makes fast in Dubrovnik, so that we’ll have enough time to participate in the guided tour through this town listed as a World Heritage site and for a walk to the impressive city walls. After the Captain's dinner, we say goodbye to the crew and our tour guides.
Day 8 Trip concludes
Disembark around 9 am and individual departure.
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 7 breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 dinners (does not include drinks). (7 day - 6 breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 dinners) 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 (or day 7).
- 7 (or 6) 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.
- 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
- City tour in Dubrovnik and entrance fees to historical buildings
Summary
- SAIL BOAT
Trip Main Activities
- GUIDED CYCLING
- SAILING
Group Size Min
16
Group Size Max
30
Accommodation Summary
Equipment Required
Bike helmet (compulsory), wet weather gear, sunscreen, jogging shoes and sun hat. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information given to you on booking.
What You Carry
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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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