E-Bike & Boat Premium Cruise Split to Dubrovnik on MS Harmonia 7nts (Fridays)

Itinerary and Inclusions:

Open-age, very active cruise. Double/twin cabins on Main and Lower Deck. Solo travellers must book a cabin for solo use. 2 x Triple porthole cabins are on the Lower Deck.

If you would like to experience the region of South Dalmatia in all its glory as well as Dubrovnik with its amazing city walls, this e-bike and boat tour is an excellent choice for you! Discover this sparsely populated area of Croatia on board a charming motor yacht. Breath-taking scenic experiences and cultural attractions await you. The highlights of the trip include the town centre of Dubrovnik and Split, both of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We cycle the islands of Mljet, Vis, Korčula, Hvar, and Brač and get the opportunity to experience sea and land, culture and nature firsthand.

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.

• Limited E-bikes available (on request)

#Optional extras - Equipment Rental:
• Rental bike: E-Bike (on request only, limited availability) - highly recommended
• Rental bike: Pedal Bicycle (road/gravel bike)
(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/harmonia/

Alternating weeks, opposite direction:
https://discovercroatia.com.au/details/11511/73/bike-boat-cruise-dubrovnik-split-ms-harmonia-7nt/
Similar cruise, different ship:
https://discovercroatia.com.au/details/11511/320/bike-boat-cruise-split-dubrovnik-romantica-7nts/

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INCLUSIONS AND DAILY ITINERARY:
8 days from from Split, Pucisca, Bol, Jelsa, Stari Grad, Hvar Town, Vis, Komiza, Vela Luka, Korcula, 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)
• City tour in Split, Korcula, Dubrovnik

NOT INCLUDED:
• Port taxes & bottled water, tea/coffee: flat-rate € 80pp/week - obligatory (pay onboard)
• 70 Euros / pp / week for special dietary requirements - vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free (pay onboard, but must be pre-booked)

• 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

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: Split - Arrival
Check-in onboard starts 2-2:30pm at Split Harbour. On a guided city tour at 4:30 pm, we get the opportunity to see inside the former Palace of Emperor Diocletian and learn about its transformation into the city it is today. The boat overnights in Split offering the guests an opportunity to experience Split’s nightlife.

Day 2: to BRAC ISLAND: Pučišća – Bol – Hvar: Jelsa (aprx. /23 km)
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 from the picturesque harbor town of Pučišća, known internationally for its stone masonry college, across the island to Bol. Close by lies the famous ‚Golden Horn‘, a popular Croatian beach famous for its unique shape. Keen swimmers can take a swim here before continuing on by boat to Jelsa on the island of Hvar.

Day 3: to Stari Grad – Hvar Town – VIS ISLAND (aprx. 20 km)
Today’s cycling tour on the Island of Hvar leads us from Stari Grad through lavender fields and small villages to the island’s capital, Hvar, on the opposite side of the island. Marvel at the magnificent Renaissance Square and enjoy a view up to the Spanish Fortress, towering high above the town. Make sure to take the time to go for a little stroll through Hvar town before boarding the boat for the next crossing. From Hvar we continue by boat to the island of Vis where we spend the night.

Day 4: to KORCULA ISLAND (aprx. 32 km)
Vis is the furthermost inhabited island from mainland Croatia. A Greek colony called Issa settled on the island 2,300 years ago. Due to its strategic location it was a military zone until 1995 and prohibited for foreign tourists. Today we have the opportunity to explore the lovely island by bicycle. From the town of Vis we cycle once around the entire island with a coffee stop in the harbour of Komiža and a possibility for a traditional lunch along the way before returning to the boat. After the tour, the boat takes us to the harbour of Vela Luka on the Island of Korčula where we spend the night.

Day 5: on KORCULA ISLAND: Vela Luka – Korčula town (aprx. /60 km)
Today’s cycle tour leads us across the charming island of Korčula all the way to Korčula town. A mild Mediterranean climate and a vast variety of different landscapes await us on this spectacular island. Take your time and don’t forget to take a break to enjoy the view over the deep blue sea and neighbouring islands. The picturesque town of Korčula competes with Venice for the honour of being the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Spend the evening wandering through the fishbone alleyways and soak up the atmosphere of this stylish town. A guided city tour will give you an overview of the city and its history.

Day 6: to MLJET ISLAND, then to SIPAN ISLAND (aprx. 33 km)
A relaxing morning cruise brings us to the harbor of Pomena on the Island of Mljet. With 70% of its landmass being covered by woodland it is the most forested island in the Mediterranean region. Homer mentioned this lovely island in his epic poem the “Odyssey”, making it the home of the Nymph Calypso and the legendary Greek king Odysseus, who, unable to resist Calypso, stayed on Mljet for seven years. Today’s ride takes place in the afternoon and stretches almost the entire length of the island. We meet the ship in Sobra and cruise to the island of Sipan for the night.

Day 7: to DUBROVNIK (aprx. 11 km)
Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, yet still humble in size. What it lacks in size, it compensates in charm. A great place for our last bike tour. After returning to the ship, we can look back on an eventful week whilst enjoying our last cruise to our final highlight of the week: the city of Dubrovnik! After our arrival in Dubrovnik there is plenty of time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city and to take part on a guided city tour. A cheerful evening meal on board the boat provides plenty of time to celebrate the wonderful week with fellow travellers and tour guides.

Day 8: 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 day 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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