Adventourus Active Vacations

8 day Escorted tour

If you would like to experience the region of South Dalmatia thoroughly, yet not wanting to miss Dubrovnik, this sail and bike trip is an excellent choice. Accompanied by our charming floating accommodation, you will get to know this sparsely populated part of Croatia, including the islands of Sipan, Korcula, Hvar, Mljet, Vis, Lastovo and Peljesac. The highlight of the trip is the town centre of Dubrovnik that is listed on UNESCO’s world heritage list with its imposing city wall and its narrow alleys.

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.

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 Odyssee, 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: Island of Lastovo (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.

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.

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.

During breakfast on board, the ship takes us to the town of Orebic on the Pelješac Peninsula. Pelješac is impressive even from a distance because of the Sv. Ilja mountain range rising almost 1000 m 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 Trstenik. From here the ship takes us to Slano on the mainland, where we stay the night.

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.

Disembarkation around 9 am and individual departure or extend your stay in Croatia.

PRICE & DETAILS

DEPARTURE DATES:

April 15, 22            May 6, 20         June 3, 10, 17   

Sept. 8, 23       Oct. 7, 14, 21

- 7 nights accommodation in a double cabin with private facilities

- breakfast, lunch and dinner each day aboard ship

- 21 speed trekking bicycle with pannier

- maps & road guide book

- multilingual German / English speaking guide

- 7 days of escorted cycling

- City tour of Dubrovnik

Optional Services:

- Additional night (B&B): from $65 CAD /Person in double room and $80 CAD in single room

Excluded are:

- taxi to/from Dubrovnik Airport (approx. 40€)

- alcoholic & soda drinks and aboard the boat (tally system)

- local harbour taxes of 20€ (paid to captain)

- gratuities to guides and crew

- lunches ashore

- Helmets: these are mandatory and may be rented for free aboard ship, however we recommend you bring your own.

Logding:

San Snova 'Dream of Dreams' is the name of this brand-new ship launched in spring 2009 and built specifically for our cycle cruises. This ship, 31m long and 8m wide, combines romantic seafaring with the highest qualifications of a motor sailer used for cruises.

Ten cabins above deck as well as four cabins below are available. They are outstanding in their spaciousness and comfortable furnishings. All cabins have their own bathromm with shower and WC and are equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning. The crew of the San Snova is a young, very sympathetic team who look forward to welcoming you on board.

MODERATE TO HILLY: A good level of fitness is required. The daily routes of 30-60 km cover hilly terrain but can be completed without any time constraints. You will also come across some longer and rather steep climbs, where you might have to push your bike. You can skip a bike-tour and spend a day sunbathing on the ship if you wish.

You can decide every day for yourself whether you would like to cycle individually, using the maps provided, or join one of the tour guides.

The nearest airport is Split, 10 minutes by taxi from the dock in Trogir (approx. $25)