This is an exceptional cycling tour combined with sailing on a yacht around the Dalmatian archipelago. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Solta, Hvar, Korcula, Mijet islands and Peljeseac peninsula riding a bike and lying on the sun chair on the deck of the ship. Most of the islands have been populated from ancient times and altogether with their pristine nature have also rich history and numerous sights from the past to be explored. 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. The cycling is organized in a way that in some of the days you can do shorter or longer ride with moderate uphills and downhills as well as mountain biking off the asphalt road. (upon request). You can also skip the cycling and choose to explore the variety and natural world of the islands at your pace. There are a various activities on the islands (boat trips, atv, scooter bikes rental, scuba – diving, etc). It is a holiday full with sunny pleasure perfect for families, friends, couples of all ages and everyone who loves adventure and beautiful nature.

Tour highlights:
• Rich vegetation of palms, aloes, pine trees, laurel, many herbs like rosemary and lavender
• Split- preserved historic city center with the famous Diocletian's Palace, included in UNESCO World Heritage List
• Hvar Island- 3rd biggest island in The Adriatic Sea filled with herbs aroma
• Korchula Island - The Black Corfu as the Greeks had named; the birth place of the famous traveler Marco Polo
• Mljet Island - a part of it is proclaimed for a national park; famous for the geological phenomena “The salty lakes”
• Beautiful views of The Mediterranean Sea

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Departure dates:
22 May 2010
16 October 2010

Country region: Middle Dalmatian coast

Price without flight ticket: 625 EUR

Trip plan:

Day 1: Arrival in Split. Transfer to the ship Aloha and accommodation in the cabins. We sail towards the nearest island Solta famous for its untouched nature, herbs, olives, vineyards and many ancient remains. We go off board in Rogac and start cycling to the most northern town Maslinica and then southwards to the oldest village on the island Stomorska where the ship is anchored for the night. (Cycling distance: 40 km. Uphill/downhill cycling: 470m/480m)

Day 2: We sail off early in the morning in direction to the famous and filed with herbs aroma - Hvar Island. From Starigrad we set off cycling in direction to the historic city of Hvar. The route passes through small mountainous villages and towns in the interior of the island with splendid views over the stone walled in fields with lavandula and rosemarine. Free time for exploring the old town and the fortress. In the evening we relax in famous Hvar cafés by the sea. (Cycling distance: 42 km. Uphill/downhill cycling: 690m/620m)

Day 3: We head towards Korcula Island – The Black Corfu as the Greeks had named it because of the thick forests of Mediterranean Fir. The main cycling route starts in Prigradrica, goes uphill in the interior of the island passing by olive trees, forests, vineyards and small villages and towns and ends in the town of Korcula with splendid views towards the mountains of Peljesac peninsula. (Cycling distance: 45 km. Uphill/downhill cycling: 750m/750m)

Day 4: We sail to Mljet Island ( a part of it proclaimed for National Park). Today you can choose to rest or do a self guided biking on the island roads. The island has a lot to offer: swimming in the clear sea waters, visit of The Big and Small lake Saline (unique salty lakes), guided scuba-diving for search of treasures or exploring the area with on foot. A classic Captian’s dinner on board in the evening.

Day 5: From Mljet we sail on towards Peljesac peninsula. We go off board in Trstenik and start cycling to Viganj on a nice panoramic road with view to Korcula Island via the nice harbour town Orebic. The ones who want something shorter can go off board in Orebic and bike for 7 km on a nice coastal road to Viganji where the boat will anchor to wait for the whole group. In the afternoon after lunch we go on board and sail to the eastern parts of Hvar Island - the town of Sucuraj. (Cycling distance: 40 km. Uphill/downhill cycling: 380m/350m)

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 Jerkovici, Bogomolje, Gdinj, Dugi Dolac, Grudac, Kumac, Humac and end up in Jelsa. After some rest time for exploring the town. (Cycling distance: 52 km. Uphill/downhill cycling: 560m/585m)

Day 7: We sale from Jelsa to the coast town of Omis. From here we start cycling up the gorge of the picturesque rocky Cetina valley, have a rest at the top and go down the same way. After a rest and short walk in Omis we go on the boat and sail in direction to Split. Free time for sightseeing and shopping in Split. (Cycling distance: 24 km. Uphill/downhill cycling: 220m/220m)

Day 8: After breakfast transfer to the airport for departure.

Included in the price: Accommodation and boarding as described further down, cruising on the ship, English-speaking Penguin travel representative throughout the tour (in May and October), English speaking local guide in June, bicycle rent and technical support; pick up/drop off at the airport in Split.

The price does not include: flight tickets, entrance fees, alcohol drinks, other meals outside the program, tips and other personal expenses.

Price of extra services: Single room supplement: 705 EUR; rent of a helmet: 10 euro per week; rent of a rear saddlebag: 10 euro/week; rent of a handle-bar bag: 5 euro/week.

Accomodation and food: We stay in double bedded cabins with AC and private WC/shower. Boarding is on halfboard (breakfast and dinner included), 7 days.

Practical information:
BIKES: You can choose (depending on the availability) from 2 types of bikes: 1 hardtail performance mountain bike “RAM” with road tires, 24 gears and 80mm front suspension fork and 2. quality road touring bike “DRAG” with 21 gears, 28 inch rims and Shimano components.

ROAD CONDITIONS: The cycling is made on lower altitude (490m max) mainly on coastal roads going from time to time inland.Road conditions in the regions of cycling are excellent.

TOUR INFO: There is no supporting vehicle on the cycling routes; all main cycling routes are supported with Penguin travel representatives and technical support; all bikers are provided with maps pointing the possible route options (including off road biking) and experienced bikers may choose one of them as a self guided option; guided mountain bike trips are upon request (for experienced bikers).

RECCOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: We strongly recommend you wearing a helmet during the cycling. You can bring your own helmet or rent one from us. Cycling gloves are also advisable.

MOTOR BOAT “ALOHA”: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 lounges and benches. The boat also has common toilettes and 2 showers on the main deck. The ship has an authentic restaurant & bar where the meals will be served, 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.

Recommended travel period of the year: April - June; September - November

Tour difficulty: B