Cycling Cruise from Split to Split 7nts (Saturdays)

Itinerary and Inclusions:

Open age cruise. Double/twin cabins on Upper, Main and Lower Deck depending which ship/category. Solo travellers must book a double/twin for solo use with a solo use supplement. Most triple cabins are a double bed with a single bunk bed above (not all ships have triple cabins).

This guided cycling tour in Dalmatia starts and ends in Split exploring amazing coastlines, medieval towns, old villages and picturesque bays. Highlights include great beaches, vineyards, pine woods, cycling across the historic islands and exploring Mljet National Park. Croatia is a land of stunning islands, rich history, Mediterranean vegetation and a mild climate. Without a doubt, the best way to explore it is by bike.

SHIP INFO AND PHOTOS:
https://discovercroatia.com.au/ships/premium/

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ITINERARY AND INCLUSIONS:
8 days from Split, Brac, Jelsa, Trstenik (Peljesac Peninsula), Mljet, Korcula, Vela Luka, Hvar, Stari Grad and to Split
Please note this cruise does not visit Dubrovnik

INCLUDED on PREM:
• 7 nights accommodation onboard (all cabins have ensuites and aircon)
• Buffet breakfasts daily
• Three course lunch or dinner as per itinerary
• Captain's Dinner
• Unlimited drinking water dispenser onboard
• Daily cabin service, mid-week linen change
• English-speaking Bike Guide
• Free Wi-Fi onboard
• Olive oil and wine tasting onboard
• Afternoon tea and coffee with biscuits

NOT INCLUDED:
• Port taxes EUR 60pp / week - obligatory (to be paid on the ship with your bar tab)
• Tips and gratuities
• Meals/drinks not listed
• Transfers
• Optional excursions / entrances
• Entrance to National Park Mljet: EUR 20 per person
• Bike Handling Fee: EUR 10pp/week - obligatory (to be paid on the spot)
• Bike Rental (E-bikes and regular bikes, subject to availability).


NOTES:
• PREM ship departures mean you will NOT know which exact ship you will be on until the day of the cruise. These cruises are less expensive for this reason.

ITINERARY:
Check-in 11.00-12.30hrs. The cruise departs Split port at 13.00hrs (1pm) sharp. Please do not be late.

Day 1 Split (Embarkation) then to Supetar, then Pucisca (Brac) (L)
Bike Course: Supetar - Pučišća
Length: 25 km
Total ascend: 380 m
Highest point: 90 m
Surface: 100% paved road
Difficulty level: 2/5

Arrival in Split and check-in from 11:00. Departure at 13:00 followed by lunch on board on the journey to the island of Brač. Upon arrival in Supetar, cycle tour through the coastal road to the northern part of the island. Pass by the fishing villages Splitska and Postira and arrive in one of the most beautiful small settlements in Europe - Pučišća. Free afternoon for sightseeing of this charming village, well known for its long stonemason tradition. Overnight in Pučišća.

Day 2 to Hvar Island (Pokrivenik / Jelsa, then to Sucuraj), then to Kucista (Peljesac Peninsula) (B, L, CD)
Bike Course: Pokrivenik - Sućuraj
Length: 32 km
Total ascend: 450 m
Highest point: 350 m
Surface: 100% paved road
Difficulty level: 3/5

Breakfast and morning cruise towards the longest Croatian island - Hvar with the view on Biokovo mountain. Cycling tour starts in a small picturesque bay Pokrivenik. It starts with ascending to the highest point of the route and then descends to the eastern point of Hvar island - Sućuraj, where the ship will be waiting. After lunch onboard, cruise towards the second biggest Croatian peninsula - Pelješac and a charming settlement Kučišta. Captain's Dinner onboard (included on Premium). Overnight in Kučišta.

Day 3 to Trstenik (B, D)
Bike Course: Kučišta – Trstenik
Length: 30 km
Total ascend: 800 m / 580 m
Highest point: 540 m
Surface: 100% paved road
Difficulty level: 4/5

Today’s ride could be called the wine-panoramic route. After breakfast, start riding towards Orebić, the city of seafarers and captains. The first few kilometres of ascending and then descending with the unique viewpoints of Korčula archipelago. After Orebić, ascend to the vineyard area with the most famous varieties of Croatian wine. Cross the tunnel Dingač to the south side of Pelješac and continue riding through vineyards to Trstenik. Overnight in Trstenik.

Day 4 to Mljet, then to Korcula Town (B, L)
Bike Course: National park Mljet
Length: 18 km
Total ascend: 120 m
Highest point: 45 m
Surface: 80% paved, 20% macadam road
Difficulty level: 1/5

Cruise during breakfast from Trstenik to Mljet island, the lush green island also known as Honey-island. Mljet National Park (entrance fee to be paid on the spot) is a beautiful area of unique charm, featuring two connected saltwater lakes, a lush flora, a unique appearance of indented coastline, cliffs and numerous islets as well as always green plants of the surrounding hills. Cycle around the saltwater-lake, inside which there is another island with the Benedictine monastery from the 12th century. Refreshment in saltwater lakes and return to the vessel for lunch on board. Afternoon cruise towards Korčula and upon arrival, time at leisure to explore the town of Marco Polo. Overnight in Korčula.

Day 5 to Vela Luka (B, D)
Bike Course: Korčula - Pupnat - Smokvica - Prižba - Blato - Vela Luka
Length: 55 km
Total ascend: 750 m
Highest point: 340 m
Surface: 100% paved road
Difficulty level: 4/5

After breakfast, start with the longest route of the week passing through the entire island of Korčula. Ascend to Žrnovo village and then to the oldest settlement on the island - Pupnat, the highest point of the route. Descend to the south side of Korčula and road ride between one of the most beautiful bays of the island with steep cliffs above it. Continue the ride through numerous olive groves and vineyards of one of the most famous grape varieties, Pošip. Short break in the charming village Smokvica. Descend to the sea and refresh on one of the numerous hidden pebbly beaches. Ascend towards the viewpoint above town Blato and finally descend towards Vela Luka. Dinner on board and overnight in Vela Luka.

Day 6 to Hvar Town, then to Stari Grad (B, L)
Bike Course: 1. Hvar - Stari Grad
Length: 23 km
Total ascend: 450m
Highest point:410m
Surface: 100% paved road
Difficulty level: 3/5

Bike Course: 2. Stari Grad-Jelsa-Vrboska-Stari Grad
Length: 22 km
Total ascend: 110m
Highest point: 85m
Surface: 85% paved 15% macadam road
Difficulty level: 1/5

Early morning cruise from Vela Luka to the town of Hvar, with breakfast on board. Short sightseeing of Hvar, a fairy tale city with great architecture, beautiful nature and mild climate. Cycle from Hvar to the other side of the island - Stari Grad. Pass through numerous lavender fields and enjoy the view towards neighbouring islands and mainland. Lunch on board in Stari Grad. Easy afternoon ride up to two Hvar's pearls - Jelsa and Vrboska and through Stari Grad Plain where the ancient Greek land division has been preserved to these days with the system of roads and plots equally divided. Overnight in Stari Grad.

Day 7 to Stomorska, then to Split (B, L)
Bike Course: Stomorska - Maslinica
Length: 36 km
Total ascend: 450 m
Highest point: 135 m
Surface: 100% paved road
Difficulty level: 2/5

The last day starts with a morning cruise from Stari Grad to the island of Šolta. After breakfast, start cycling from Stomorska to the highest point of the island - Gornje Selo, enjoying the views on both sides of the island and the scents of Medditerranean plants. Continue to Maslinica on the west part of the island. Short break and return to Stomorska. Lunch on board and cruse towards Split. Free afternoon for sightseeing and enjoying the Diocletian's city. Overnight in Split.

Day 8 Split - Disembarkation (B)
An early breakfast before your final goodbyes to new friends and the crew.

B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner, CD - Captain`s Dinner
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SWIMMING BREAKS: In good weather and depending on timings we will have regular swim stops while the vessel anchors in secluded bays or after the cycling before departure to the next island.

CYCLING ROUTE: The length of the daily cycling routes is estimated and depends on local information and various detours or shortcuts that can be done en route. Sailing and cycling routes may be changed on the spot due to weather conditions and the capacity of the respective cyclists on board. Departure is during the morning hours, mostly after breakfast.

BICYCLES: bike rental possible on request; vendor is not responsible for any damage which may occur to personal bicycles during bike tours and transportation from land to the vessel and vice versa. A repair kit for personal bikes is obligatory.

FOOD: Breakfast and either lunch or dinner. During our cycling routes, stops at local restaurants are recommended where you can sample the local specialities. These meals are not included in the price of the trip and 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.

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• Bike cruise with professional bike guide. Biking recommended equipment biking shoes, water bottle, backpack, extra clothes, rain/sun protection. Repair kit for personal (non-hire) bikes obligatory.
• If taking part in biking/hiking activities, each individual is responsible for themself and agrees to abide by the decisions and instructions given by the guide who reserves the right in changing the itinerary according to weather conditions and the group’s abilities.
• Hereby guest accepts responsibility for the rented bike and associated equipment, and is obliged to return the same in its original condition. In the event of damage, the customer is liable for damages according to the price list of spare parts available on request from the guide. The agency is not responsible for any damage to personal bikes.
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