Croatia: Pearls of Dalmatia: Dubrovnik – Split or Split – Dubrovnik

Individual journey to Dubrovnik. Check-in on board starts between 2 and 2.30 pm at Gruž, the town port. At about 4.30 pm, there will be the opportunity to go on a guided tour through Dubrovnik, where we learn about the town’s history and visit the most impressive sites. The boat will spend the night in Gruž providing the opportunity to experience Dubrovnik’s nightlife.

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.

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. The 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-coloured 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 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.

Today’s cycling tour leads us across the charming island of Korčula. A mild Mediterranean climate and a vast variety of different landscapes accompany us along the tour. Take your time and don’t forget to take a break to enjoy the view over the deep blue sea and neighboring islands. Dinner is served on board to recharge after a day full of activity. Overnight stay in the sheltered bay of Vela Luka.

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 and we board the boat for lunch. The afternoon can be used to explore the artistic seaside town and to visit the local galleries or museums. The night is spent in Stari Grad.

In the morning we start on a scenic bike tour from Stari Grad to the harbor of Jelsa and back. Jelsa is the perfect place for some ice cream and a coffee and on the way back to the boat we pass through the picturesque town of Vrboska and cycle through the ancient Greek plains which are now a protected UNESCO heritage site. On arrival in Stari Grad we board the boat for lunch and cruise to the island of Brač. The Island is 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. During the cruise we can stop for a refreshing swim stop directly from the boat before arriving in the harbor town of Milna. We will spend the afternoon and evening here.

Today’s bike tour leads us along the northern coastline of Brač from Milna to Postira with beautiful views across the Dalmatian Islands and across to the mainland. Then, for the last time in an eventful week, we enjoy the cruise 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.

After breakfast disembarkation until 9 am and individual trip home or extended stay in Croatia.