Cycle&cruise from Split South Dalmatia
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN SPLIT - ISLAND BRAČ (MILNA) (L)
Bike Course: Milna – Bobovišća NM – Milna (approx 17 km) DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Surface: Paved, gravel
Inclination: Partly hilly - partly flat
Highest point at: 175 m
Departure at 13:00h with lunch as first service. Two-hour journey to the island of Brač is the best time to meet your fellow passengers and the crew. Upon arrival in Milna you will cycle to Bobovišća. This little hamlet, set on the western side of island Brač just under the top of the mountain, seems somehow squeezed on the sunny slope, overlooking the sea. You will be able to have a swim here or just a coffee break. On returning to Milna we suggest a cycle ride along the coast. Overnight in the harbour of Milna.
DAY 2 BRAČ ISLAND (B, D)
Bike Course: Milna - Bol (approx. 43km) DIFFICULTY LEVEL 5
Surface: Paved, short part to Gažul village is gravel
Inclination: Very hilly, partly flat, last 8 km downhill
Highest point at: 570 m
After breakfast your adventure will start with a long, but even climb to the crest of a hill, past mulberry and fig trees, pine forests, olive groves and vineyards. The white marble visible here was used for, among other things, the White House in Washington and the Reichstag building in Berlin. After 35 kilometers cycling you will have an opportunity to try domestic food and vine at little shepherd's village called Gažul with stone houses situated in authentic Brač platform (lunch is optional and cost approx 16 eur). After nice and long break you still have another 10 km to get to Bol. The breathtaking panoramic views of the neighboring island of Hvar on the descent to the beach at Bol are well worth the effort of the ascent. In Bol one can see the Golden Horn beach (approx 2,5 km from the port so take a bike to get there). In Bol you can take a swim or stroll around the village. Overnight in Bol.
DAY 3 HVAR ISLAND (B, L)
Bike Course: Jelsa - Stari Grad - Hvar (approx 33 km) DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Surface: Paved, gravel
Inclination: Flat on the way to Starigrad, hilly from Stari Grad
Highest point at: 415 m
The island of Hvar is above all famous for its multicolored rosemary and lavender fields. The biking tour takes us through small island settlements, fields and vineyards from Jelsa towards Vrboska and then we descend on an old road towards Stari Grad where we have a refreshing stop. Stari Grad is one of Croatia's oldest towns, dating back to 385BC when it was a Greek colony called Faros. On the way to Hvar we are passing through villages of Grablje, a wealthy place of hardworking people who were known for their high quality wine, honey, olive oil, and lavender, and Brusje, the first village behind Hvar towards the interior of the island. The tour ends at the historical city of Hvar where you can climb up to the Španjol, a citadel built on the site of a medieval castle to defend the town from the Turks. Overnight in Hvar.
DAY 4 KORČULA ISLAND (B, D/L)
Bike Course: Vela Luka - Korčula (approx 44 km) or Račišće - Lumbarda - Korčula (approx 24 km) - to be confirmed on the spot as Vela Luka – Korčula is very demanding trail and not suitable for less fit groups. DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4/3
Surface: Paved
Inclination: Partly flat, partly hilly, last 5 km downhill
Highest point at: 500 m
Korčula is the island with the most abundant vegetation on the Adriatic. Its old Greek name Korkyra Melaina is especially due to the rich cover of pine woods. The peaceful and secluded gardens of Cypress trees here make Korčula perhaps the most beautiful of the Adriatic islands. Korčula, along with Venice, proclaims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo so you will see the name Marco Polo everywhere when you get to Korčula island. The medieval town of Korčula is constructed like a fishbone with a main “bone” (street) going from main gate to the peak of the old town. Overnight in Korčula.
DAY 5 MLJET ISLAND NATIONAL PARK (B, L)
Bike Course: National park Mljet (approx. 15 km) DIFFICULTY LEVEL 1
Surface: Paved, gravel
Inclination: Flat
Highest point at: 65 m
While we enjoy our breakfast the ship will take us to lush green island of Mljet also known as Honey-Island. Mljet National Park is a beautiful area of unique charm featuring two connected salty lakes - Great Lake, covering an area of 145 ha, with a depth up to 46 m and the Small Lake with an area of 24 ha and a maximum depth of 29m. We cycle around the saltwater-lake, in which there is actually another island where in the twelfth century Benedictine created a monastery, beautifully secluded, and surrounded by pine and oak forests. Boat ride to the monastery follows. After lunch take a swim in Small Lake or take another ride around the lakes. Overnight in Pomena (Mljet).
DAY 6 PELJEŠAC PENINSULA & MAKARSKA RIVIERA (B, L)
Bike Course: Kučište - Orebić - Lovište (approx 30 km) DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Surface: Paved
Inclination: Partly flat, party hilly to very hilly, last 6 km downhill
Highest point at: 270 m
After breakfast enjoy the sail towards Pelješac Peninsula where life is very much like that on an island. The climb ahead of us is not an easy one, but we will enjoy the landscape, which will help us get through the difficult part. The cycle-tour leads you into the backcountry and past the most famous wine growing area. Once we reach a viewpoint an extraordinary sight over Korčula's old town on the other side opens. Those who feel tired can join the ship in Orebić, the town of sea captains and sailors. Rest of the group can continue the 18 km long road towards Lovište where lunch will be served on board. In the afternoon our boat brings us to the popular holiday resort on Makarska Riviera at the base of the 5,500 ft high Biokovo mountain range. Overnight in Baška Voda or Makarska.
DAY 7 OMIŠ & SPLIT (B, L)
Bike Course: Omiš – Radmanove Mlinice - Omiš (approx 12 km) DIFFICULTY LEVEL 1
Surface: Paved
Inclination: Partly flat, partly hilly
Highest point at: 160 m
After breakfast take the last ride of our Dalmatian adventure, this time to Radman’s Mills, a popular resort, to enjoy the beauty of a natural park and canyon of the Cetina river where you can also see stone mill wheels dating from the 17th century. On return to Omiš visit the Mirabella fortress which provided safety from the enemy to the local inhabitants during the period of the infamous pirates of Omiš. The view from the fortress of Mirabella stretches over the entire Channel of Brač island. After lunch the ship leads us back to the monumental city of Split which is under UNESCO protection and it is a part of the world heritage. Here we find an abundance of Roman architecture - of special interest is the Diocletian palace. Overnight in Split.
DAY 8 DISEMBARKATION SPLIT (B)
Breakfast followed by check out at 9:00 am.
SWIMMING BREAKS: In good weather and depending on timing we will have regular swim stops for while the ship anchors in secluded bays or after the cycling before departure to next island.
CYCLING ROUTE: The length of the daily cycling routes is estimated and informative and depends of various detours or short cuts that can be done on route. Sailing and cycling routes may be changed on the spot due to weather conditions and capability of the respective cyclists on board. Departure is during morning hours, mostly after breakfast.
FOOD: Half board is served with continental breakfast and either lunch or dinner. During our cycling routes we recommend stops at local restaurants where you can sample the local specialties. These meals are not included in the price of the trip but are paid by the customers. There is a possibility to book a captain's dinner, which is paid directly on the spot and is offered by the captain and your tour guide.
BICYCLES: bike rental possible on request;
CABIN TYPE DESCRIPTIONS:
A CATEGORY: air-conditioned salon, traditional wooden ships, cabins with private shower/toilet (3rd bed possible on request), mostly bunk beds.
ALL DECK CABINS ARE SITUATED ON MAIN AND TOP DECK! Under deck cabins are in the hull of the ship below the main deck.
REDUCTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS:
adult on 3rd bed in a triple cabin – 30%
children under 10 years – 50%
single use of cabin +50% (except for departures on Oct 03, 10, 17 in 2015 and April 16, 23, 30; Oct 01, 08, 15 in 2016 - limited number of single cabins without supplement available)
OBLIGATORY SUPPLEMENT:
VISITOR’S TAX & PORT FEES ARE NOT INCLUDED (to be paid on the spot) EUR 25.- per person per week
Guaranteed departures from Split harbour Saturdays at 13.00 h (check in from 11.00 till 12:00h).
Bike cruise with professional guide. Biking recommended equipment biking shoes, backpack, extra clothes, rain/sun protection.
Participant agrees to abide to the decisions and instructions given by the guide who reserves the right in changing the itinerary according to weather conditions.
Cruise price includes 7 night cruise with half board service (breakfast & 3 course lunch or dinner – according to daily activities), 1 L of water daily, professional bike guide.
Reservation fee of 150 EUR per person
Remainder latest one month prior to arrival
The Captain reserves the right in changing the route in case of bad weather conditions
All cruise Line departures are guaranteed, however if less than 10 participants are booked, Cruise line reserves the right in cancelling the departure and changing the ship name if the need arises.
Guests are obliged to follow the ship rules and regulations found in written form onboard especially in regards to bringing drinks on board.
In case of inappropriate behaviorCruise Line/captain reserves the right in asking clients to disembark.
From the day of confirmation up till 30 days prior to arrival – advance payment (EUR 150 per person) - non-refundable
29-22 days – 25% of the remaining balance
21-15 days – 50% of the remaining balance
14-0 days – 100% fee
Name change / date change fee – EUR 20 per person (valid only if the change is done up till 30 days prior booked departure, otherwise regular cancellation clause will be applied)
