Bike & Boat Premium Cruise Split to Dubrovnik on MS Romantica 7nts (Fridays)

Itinerary and Inclusions:

Open-age, very active cruise. Double/twin cabins on Upper, Main and Lower Deck. Solo travellers must book a cabin for solo use. The 2 x Triple cabins are a double bed with a single bunk bed above and both are on Lower Deck.

If you would like to experience the region of South Dalmatia thoroughly, not wanting to do without Dubrovnik and its amazing city walls, this sail and cycle trip is an excellent choice. Accompanied by our charming motor yacht, we get to know this sparsely populated part of Croatia. Breathtaking scenic experiences and cultural highlights await. The highlights of the trip are the town centre of Dubrovnik and Split which are listed as UNESCO’s world heritage sites. We cycle the islands of Mljet, Lastovo, Korčula, Hvar and Brač and experience the interaction of sea and land, culture and nature close up and personally.

Fitness Level Required: E-bike - Level 1 (basic fitness required), or Regular Bike - Level 2-3 (high fitness required)
Our cycle tours are suitable for both E-bikers and (very fit) regular bikers. You have to decide beforehand which bicycle you would like to rent. The pedal-only-bicycle participants require an advanced level of fitness. The tours will take us up to a height of 200-500m above sea-level. The day-tours, up to 60km each day, will take us through hilly and mountainous terrain and will be completed without any time-constraints. Participants will also need to master long and steep climbs. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend time on board the boat, instead of taking a planned cycle-tour. Helmet use is mandatory on all cycle tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. Rental helmets are available in limited numbers (reservation required at time of booking). Height measurement is required when booking rental all rental bikes. Only E-bike tours are suitable for people with a good basic level of fitness. The tours and the elevation meters are very manageable with an e-bike, but otherwise can be challenging for inexperienced bikers.

• Very limited E-bikes available (on request), mostly regular bikes only.

# Optional extras - Equipment Rental:
• Rental bike: Pedal Bicycle (hybrid mountain/road bike)
• Rental bike: E-Bike (on request only, limited availability)
(Insurance included with bikes is against theft and damage of the rental bike. Negligent damage is NOT insured)
You are strongly encouraged to BYO HELMET. If you can, please bring your own (well-fitted) helmet.
Rental helmets are available in limited numbers (reservation required at time of booking, you cannot hire one on the day).

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

Alternating weeks:
https://discovercroatia.com.au/details/11511/321/bike-boat-cruise-dubrovnik-split-romantica-7nts/
Similar cruise:
https://discovercroatia.com.au/details/11511/71/bike-boat-cruise-split-dubrovnik-ms-harmonia-7nt/
https://discovercroatia.com.au/details/11511/156/bike-boat-cruise-split-dubrovnik-ms-bellezza-7nt/

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INCLUSIONS AND FULL ITINERARY:
8 days from from Split, Brac, Hvar, Stari Grad, Vela Luka, Korcula, Lastovo, Mljet and to Dubrovnik

INCLUDED:
• 7 nights in a cabin with ensuite and air-con
• Bed linen and towels
• English-speaking Tour Guide

Meals Included:
• 2 days of full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• 5 days of half board (breakfast and lunch or dinner)
• Bottled water and regular tea/coffee all day onboard

Sightseeing and Tours Included:
• Guided cycling tours as described in the itinerary
• Overview-maps for the daily tours (onboard)
• Guided City tour in Split and Dubrovnik

NOT INCLUDED:
• Port taxes & bottled water, tea/coffee: flat-rate € 80pp/week - obligatory (pay onboard)
• Entrance fees to museums and churches
• Beverages on board other than water
• Meals and beverages ashore
• Transfers by bus or taxi during the trip
• Tips for crew and tour guides
• Transfers to/from the cruise on start/finish days
• Bike hire / helmets (can pre-book rental helmets free of charge)

ITINERARY:
Arrive anytime during the day, first overnight is in port. If you arrive early, you may leave your luggage on the ship until your cabin is ready. Check-in to your cabin from 14.00hrs.

Day 1 (Fri): Split (Embarkation)
Individual journey to Split. Check-in on board starts between 2 and 2.30pm at Split harbour. At about 4.30pm, a guided city tour offers us the chance to see inside the former Palace of Emperor Diocletian and to learn about its transformation into the city which it has become. The boat will spend the night in Split offering you an opportunity to experience the city by night. Overnight in Split.
# Included: Walking Tour of Split at 16.30hrs
# Included: Welcome Dinner onboard

Day 2 (Sat): Island Brač: Postira – Milna – Island Hvar: Stari Grad – Jelsa – Stari Grad (aprx. 29km and 20km)
We cruise to the island of Brač, famous for its radiant, precious limestone that was, among others, used for the White House in Washington and in the construction of the German Reichstag building in Berlin. Once we have arrived on Brač we cycle along the picturesque northern coastline of the island from Postira to Milna. Before descending to Milna to meet the boat, we can enjoy wonderful views across the Dalmatian islands. We board the boat and enjoy a relaxing cruise and replenishing lunch on our way to the artist’s town of Stari Grad on the Island of Hvar. On arrival we can participate in a second bike ride through the green planes of the island to the seaside town of Jelsa. After a break for coffee and ice cream, we continue the round trip back to Stari Grad where we spend the night.

Day 3 (Sun): Hvar Island: Stari Grad - Hvar – Island Korčula (aprx. 22km)
Today’s cycling tour leads us from Stari Grad to the capital city of Hvar on the opposite side of the Island. Our cycle tour leads us through the untamed lavender fields of the island and small villages all the while accompanied by incredible views across the Dalmatian coastline. On arrival, make use of the time and go for a little stroll through the city of Hvar before boarding the boat. Standing on the magnificent Renaissance Square you can enjoy a view up to the Spanish fortress towering high above the city. We board the boat for lunch and cruise to the harbor town of Vela Luka on the Island of Korčula for the night.

Day 4 (Mon): Island Korčula: Vela Luka – Korčula City (aprx. 60km)
Today’s cycle tour leads us across the charming island of Korčula all the way to Korčula city. A mild Mediterranean climate and a broad variety of different landscapes await us here. Take your time, and remember to take a break to enjoy the view over the deep blue sea and neighboring islands. The picturesque town of Korčula with its fishbone alleyways competes with Venice for the honor of being the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. It is here that we spend the night and enjoy a guided city tour packed with fascinating anecdotes concerning the history of the city and the island.

Day 5 (Tue): Island Korčula - Lastovo (aprx. 28km)
In the morning we depart the bustling city of Korcula and make our way to the tranquil island of Lastovo. On our way we enjoy a swim stop directly from the boat and a delicious lunch before we set off to explore the island on our bikes. The island is one of the smaller inhabited islands in the Adriatic Sea. The Emperor Augustus appreciated the mild climate, and in Roman times it was even named “Augusta Insula” after him. The population of just over 800 still lives mainly from fishing in the waters rich in fish, agriculture and viticulture. The gold-coloured white wine “Marastina”, known even beyond Croatia’s borders, is grown here. A peaceful night in a secluded natural harbor is spent under a starry night sky.

Day 6 (Wed): Mljet Island: Mljet National Park (aprx. 30km)
In the morning we enjoy breakfast during a cruise to the green island of Mljet. Green because 70 % of its landmass is covered by woodland making it the most forested island in the Mediterranean region. Homer mentioned this lovely island in his epic poem “Odyssey”. He made it a home for the Nymph Calypso and the legendary Greek king Odysseus, who could not resist Calypso and stayed on Mljet for seven years. After a refreshing swim stop from the boat and lunch onboard we arrive in the harbor of Pomena and enjoy a round tour on our bikes through the Mljet National Park in the afternoon. The night is spent in the harbor or Pomena.

Day 7 (Thu): Mljet Island – Dubrovnik (aprx. 33km)
From Pomena, we cycle the length of this wonderfully vegetated island, enjoying the shade of the trees along the way. Our boat waits for us in the harbour of Sobra where we embark and enjoy the last cruise of the week with our destination being the grand city of Dubrovnik. After arrival in Dubrovnik there is plenty of time to explore the UNESCO world Heritage city and to take part in a guided city tour. A cheerful farewell evening meal onboard the boat gives you time to celebrate the success of the week with fellow travelers and tour guides.
# Included: Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
# Included: Farewell Dinner onboard

Day 8 (Fri): Dubrovnik (Disembarkation)
One final breakfast onboard. After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the Crew and all your new friends! You must vacate your cabin by 09.00hrs. If you need to leave early you can do so anytime from 5am. Gruz port has the main bus/coach station 50m across the road, with a luggage storage kiosk if you are departing later and need somewhere to store your bags once you leave the ship. Happy travels and we hope to see you again soon!

Catering (B, L or D):
The on-board chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. The catering consists of 2 x full board and 5 x half board. Catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day. You will be informed in advance on each which meals will be prepared onboard for you.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
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NB: You might end up with twin beds, even if you request a double.
Itinerary subject to changes for safety due to any adverse weather events.
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