This is an unconventional cycling tour combined with sailing on a yacht around the Dalmatian archipelago. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Solta, Hvar, Mijet islands and Peljeseac Peninsula on the bike and lying on the sun chair on the deck of the ship. Most of the islands have been populated from antic times and altogether with their pristine nature have also rich history and numerous monuments from the past to explore. We go on land with the bikes on different harbors and towns and while we cycle enjoying wonderful views the ship sails to the next harbor.
After the cycling we go on pleasant walks in the towns and visit restaurants with local traditional Mediterranean cuisine. The cycling is organized in a way that you can choose between shorter cycling on mountainous terrain or longer ride without big uphills and downhills. You can also skip the cycling and choose to explore the variety and natural world of the islands at your pace. It is a perfect holiday for families or friends with different level of cycling experience. There are also a great number of various activities for those who don’t feel like cycling.
Departure dates: 17 May 2008 and 11 October 2008.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Split. Transfer to the ship Aloha and accommodation in the cabins. We sail towards the closest island Solta famous for its untouched nature, Mediterranean vegetation, herbs, olives, wine yards and typical Dalmatuian architecture. On the harbor in Rogac we go off board and start cycling. The route passes through some small towns and villages and ends in Stromska (the oldest village on the island) where the ship is waiting for us. Visit a restaurant, tavern or take a walk in the peaceful and romantic Dalmatian scenery.
Day 2: We sail off early in the morning in direction to the famous and filled with pleasant aromas Hvar island. The island is famous for the numerous stone walled in markets for herbs. From Starigrad (the oldest town of the island) we set off cycling along the coast in direction to the main city Hvar. In the late afternoon we anchor in Hvar harbor. According to some archaeologists, Hvar is a place of enigmatic antic Heraclea. Take a walk to the one of the oldest bathing resort in Europe and visit the oldest public theatre in Europe founded in 1612. In the evenings relax in famous Hvar cafés and restaurants by the sea.
Day 3: We head towards Korcula island – The Black Corfu as the greek has named it because of the thick forests of Mediterranean fir. It is also the bitrthplace of the famous seaman and voyager Marco Polo.The coastline is highly indented with nice small bays and rocks cut into the sea. We will stop for a swim in the crystal water of The Adriatic and sail on to the cycling start points. The bikers who want to choose the longer and harder route go off board in Prigradica and cycle through through the middle of the island, from Blato along olive trees, forest and wine yards and pass through the villages of Smokvica, Cara, Pupnat, Zrnovo to the town of Korcula. The ones who prefer the shorter ride get off in Racisce and cycle through Pupnat and Zrnovo to Korcula. Take a walk through the old middle-aged fortified town of Korcula.
Day 4: Day for rest. We sail to Mljet island (proclaimed for National park), where as the legend says the antic hero Ulysses has shipwrecked and was that warmly welcomed by the nymph Kalipso that he stayed in the island for seven years. The island has a lot to offer: sightseeing, swimming in the clear waters, visit and swim of The Big and Small lake Saline (unique salty lakes), guided scuba-diving for search for the treasure in the wrecks of sunken boats from ages ago or exploring the area with a bike or on foot. A classic Captian’s dinner on board.
Day 5: From Mljet we sail on towards Peljesac peninsula. We go off board in Trstenik and start cycling on a nice panoramic road with view to Korcula island through Orebic to Viganj. In the afternoon we go on board and sail to the eastern parts of Hvar island and the town of Sucuraj.
Day 6: After breakfast and a refreshing swim we start cycling toward the small town of Jelsa. The route climbs up to the village of Ublina and continues on nice winding road through the villages of Jerkovi, Bogomolje, Gdinj, Dugi Dolac, Grudac, Kumac, Humac and end up in Jelsa. After some rest time for exploring the town.
Day 7: We start cycling from Jelsa to the coast town of Omis. We pass through the picturesque rocky Cetina valley and cycle through many small typical Dalmatian villages and towns. In Middle Ages Omis was hard base of Neretvan Pirates that will „give headache” to all Adriatic cities. Visit to Radmanove mlinice and famous restaurant, where you can taste Omiš delicacy on the terrace near to Cetina canyon is more than recommended. Try Plavac mali and Moraština, as well as famous Soparnik of Poljice.After a rest and short walk in Omis we go on the boat and sail back in direction to Split. Free time for sightseeing and shopping in Split.
Day 8: After breakfast transfer to the airport for departure.
Accommodation and food: You stay in double bedded cabins with AC and private WC/shower. Boarding is on 7 half board (breakfast and lunch included).
Practical information: Cycling remarks: - The cycling is made on lower altitude (335m max) mainly on coastal roads going from time to time inland. - Be sure to take enough water and sun protecting items during the cycling. - Road conditions in the regions of cycling are good. However some stages of the cycling routes are on macadam roads. M/B Aloha is a nice comfortable sailing ship made in 1951 and reconstructed in 1988 and 2006 perfect for exploring the beauties of The Dalmatian coast. It has 100sq.m. sun deck with sunshades, chairs and tables.
The boat also has common toilettes and 2 showers on the main deck. The ship has an authentic restaurant where the meals will be served, bar with TV, HI-FI stereo, DVD, CD. All cabins have toilet, shower, sink, locker, power supply, wardrobe, pillows, blankets and 3 towels per person. All cabins have single air condition unit also adjustable for heating. Safety according to world safety standards – fire alarms in cabins and all closed rooms on the boat, 2 pumps for firefighting and 8 firefighting devices, rafts for 50 people, life jackets for all on board.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation and boarding as described further down;
- Cruising on the ship;
- Ground transfers by car;
- English-speaking guide throughout the tour;
- Bicycle and technical support.
Price Excludes:
- Flight tickets;
- Entrance fees;
- Tips;
- Alcohol drinks;
- Other meals outside the program;
- Tips and other personal expenses.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Croatia
Bicycle Touring
Boating and Sailing
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