Imagine the Mediterranean the way it used to be, in a country that has all the essential elements for the perfect cycling vacation – quiet roads, an abundance of historical sites, wonderful restaurants and now, the chance to stay aboard a luxury yacht. We’ve created a trip that takes in both Dubrovnik and Split, and the exquisite Dalmatian islands including Mljet, Korčula, Vis, Hvar and Brač, each unique and ideal for active travel (and relaxation).

Depending on the yacht’s availability, we may run this itinerary in reverse. Please, do not book your flights until we have confirmed the embarkation city is Dubrovnik or Split.

Only Great Explorations:

  • Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
  • A ride you will never forget: a recently discovered newly paved road on one of the islands that will leave you breathless.
  • Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks.
  • We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

Croatia Bike & Yacht

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Starting Location

Pomena

Pomena, Croatia

Day 1

Brna

Brna, Croatia

Day 2

Hvar Town

Hvar, Croatia

Day 3-4

Bol

Bol, Croatia

Day 5-6

Split

Split, Croatia

End Location

Trip Inclusions

What’s Included

  • Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guide(s)
  • Support vehicle
  • 7 nights lodging aboard the yacht
  • All breakfasts, 4 lunches, and all dinners but 1
  • Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
  • GPS routes and maps
  • All baggage transportation
  • All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off

What's Not Included

  • Bike rental

Particulars

Departure Dates

2026 2027
May 10-17 May 9-16
May 17-24 May 16-23
May 24-31 May 23-30
Sep 12-19 May 30-Jun 6
Sep 20-27 Sep 5-12
Sep 26-Oct 3 Sep 19-26
Oct 4-11 Sep 27-Oct 4
Oct 3-10
Oct 10-17

Most departures are booked as private charters. "Full" indicates dates are fully booked by a private group; "Limited Space" indicates dates have space remaining on a shared charter; and "Available" indicates dates not yet booked.

If you have a group and don't see your preferred dates listed, please contact us.

Trip Size

8-18 participants

Total Days

8 days / 7 nights

Arrive/Depart

Dubrovnik / Split or Split / Dubrovnik

Activity Level

Moderate
Average daily distance: 40-60 km (25-37 mi)
Van supported

Terrain

The terrain in this region is hilly, you can expect climbs each day
The average grade is typically 5%

Cost

Land Cost
16-18 participants: US $4,250
12-15 participants: US $4,650
8-11 participants: US $5,050

Single Supplement
US $750

Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes (aluminum frame, carbon fork, Shimano 105): US $320
Premium Racing Bikes (BMC Roadmachine THREE; full carbon, Shimano 105): US $420
Premium Racing Bikes (BMC Roadmachine TWO; full carbon, Di2 105): US $520

E-bikes (Giant Explore E+ 3 Step-thru)*: US $560
Premium E-racing Bikes (BMC Roadmachine 01 AMP ONE)*: US $720
Premium E-racing Bikes (BMC Roadmachine 01 AMP X ONE)*: US $820

Pre- or Post-trip Extension
Make the most of your stay in Croatia with our optional extensions before and/or after your trip

2-Day Extension in Dubrovnik
Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation and a half-day guided walking tour.
Price: US $795
Single supplement: US $395

2-Day Extension in Split
Includes: 2 nights’ accommodation and a half-day guided walking tour.
Price: US $795
Single supplement: US $395

Note, deposits and balances paid for our Bike & Yacht trips are non-refundable. Please, have appropriate cancellation insurance.

*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. Rental rates include delivery to the first hotel and pick-up from the last hotel. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.

Please note: for Bike & Yacht trips in Croatia, deposits and balances paid are fully non-refundable. We recommend you have appropriate cancellation insurance. Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us.

Getting There

Our trip begins in the historical city of Dubrovnik, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great cities of Eastern Europe. The historical center is well-protected by its fortified walls, making it a wonderful place to stroll. Please, note that depending on the yacht’s schedule we may run the itinerary in reverse. In which case, the trip would begin from Split.


1

Day 1

Dubrovnik

Embarkation time in Dubrovnik is 5 p.m. We meet at 4 p.m. at a hotel at the port and walk over to board our yacht, cruising off into the sunset while enjoying dinner aboard. We will cruise to the verdant island of Mljet.

2

Day 2

Mljet

Awake to the scent of breakfast; do some yoga or an early morning swim. On bikes, we will ride the length of Mljet island to Polace. Along the way, enjoy a picnic lunch in a quaint village and in the afternoon you’ll have a chance to explore Mljet National Park, and two saltwater lakes, one with an islet that hides a 12th Century Benedictine monastery. Late afternoon, we will cruise to Korkula Island, with its vibrant seafront. Reputed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korčula town is filled with great restaurants and cafes.

Distance: 40 km; 800 m gain

3

Day 3

Korčula

Awake and enjoy morning yoga on deck, or if you wish an extra spin to start your day, ride out to Racisce, a lovely village along the southern coast and return to have breakfast.  Korčula is lush with pine forests, vineyards and olive groves.  After lunch in a wonderful knoba, descend a road that is one of the most beautiful in Croatia, stopping at one of the island’s best vineyards and be hosted to a private tasting. Ride to a coastal village from where we’ll cruise to our next island, Vis, perhaps the most beautiful island of Dalmatia.

Distance: 42 km; 585 m gain or 68 km; 825 m gain

4

Day 4

Vis

Cycling around Vis Island offers a scenic blend of coastal roads, vineyard climbs, and quiet inland routes through timeless villages. Riders pass remnants of World War II, when Vis served as a strategic Allied base, with tunnels and military sites still visible. The island’s limited development preserves an authentic atmosphere, ideal for seeking peaceful exploration, cultural depth, and rewarding panoramic views over the Adriatic. Vis was used as the film location for the movie ‘Mama Mia 2’. We will cycle a loop of the island, stopping to explore pretty Komiza and swim at the beach here. We will overnight in the harbour of Vis town or cruise to a bay near Hvar island.

Distance: 22 km; 460 m gain or 42 km; 875 m gain

5

Day 5

Hvar

We’ll cruise to Hvar, arriving in time for a morning walking tour of the Hvar city with a local guide, where you will learn much about the history and present day. Hvar town has been compared to Cannes, where yachts line the harbor and well-preserved Venetian buildings, a hill-top castle and Europe’s oldest theatre make for a charming town; the countryside is covered with lavender and the north coast between Jelsa, Vrboska and Stari Grad is especially well-suited to cycling. We will spend the night in the pretty village of Stari Grad.

Distance: 23 km; 440 m gain or 44 km; 630 m gain

6

Day 6

Brač

Before leaving Hvar, you’ll have the opportunity to cycle more on Hvar, exploring the eastern end with buttery smooth pavement and little to no traffic on a road with outstanding scenery. Sound incredible? It is! You can choose the length of your ride – up to a century is possible. From Jelsa, we will cruise to the island of Brač, and the iconoclastic beaches of the Golden Cape. Brač is covered in a white, supple karst rock, used to build Split and Dubrovnik.

Distance: 23 km; 200 m gain or 62 km; 890 m gain or 112 km; 1,690 m gain

7

Day 7

Brač

Cycle from Bol up the escarpment (or take a shuttle) and then enjoy a stunning descent to Pučišća and then a stunning coastal route, detouring to the olive oil museum of Skrip where we’ll have a tour and delicious lunch. Afterwards, continue to Supetar and then to the exquisite harbour of Sutivan where we’ll spend our final night to celebrate.

Distance: 42 km; 500 m gain or 62 km; 1,115 m gain or 86 km, 1,675 m gain

8

Day 8

Depart

We will cruise to Split early morning with breakfast along the way. Disembarkation is at 9am in Split harbour. If you have the time, we highly recommend our two night extension in Split.

Yacht

Our accommodation on this trip will be on board a luxury sailing yacht with spacious, air-conditioned cabins, each equipped with a private shower and toilet. These yachts are among the finest sailing ships on the Adriatic coast, with excellent food, large outdoor and indoor areas and a well-trained crew, offering a comfortable and memorable way to experience the Croatian coast.


Tour Reviews

October 16, 2019

“I could not have imagined a better trip. The boat was incredible, the itinerary was perfect and the guides were terrific. I really enjoyed being able to see so much of the islands. It is a very unique way to see Croatia. I loved the fact that we could unpack our bags once and the boat moved with us. All the meals were amazing. Great Explorations has a fabulous reputation and I have never heard any negative comments from anyone that I have recommended to go on one of their trips. We look forward to many more trips with you in the future!”

October 16, 2019

“Spectacular! Honestly, we loved the total trip and every day seemed to get better with new things to see and explore. It was a boat and had all the comforts of home and the convenience of not having to pack and move. Loved sea bream, lamb chops. E-bike was perfect for us. Giving a good workout and allowed us to keep with the group. Van & mechanical support were great.”

October 16, 2019

“I really enjoyed the yacht. Guides and support were great. The lunch at the olive museum was beyond any expectation. All meals were very good!”

October 16, 2019

“I really enjoyed Croatia – cycling on good roads and little traffic.”

October 17, 2019

“A superb tour exceeding expectations. Memorable. Great riding terrain. The boat was perfect. I’d go again in a heartbeat. Meals were served on the boat on time every day. Loved Split environs.”

October 22, 2019

“The trip was an unforgettable great experience. Enjoyed the sailboat accommodation. Ride options were good. I would not hesitate to recommend Great Explorations.”

May 20, 2022

“Just a note to say that we are loving this trip in every way – even blessed with perfect weather! We could not be more happy … your people, boat, food, Croatia and the Croatians … wonderful. And thanks for letting us have the luxury of a private trip. More serious (glowing) reviews to follow but we wanted to send a note enroute so to speak.”

May 20, 2022

“A completely spectacular trip! Thanks to our guides for all their hard work and patience! I’ve had a wonderful time and enjoyed all of it.”

June 4, 2022

“It was an amazing week. The Yacht was spectacular. Outstanding crew and chef! The scenery spectacular. We cannot say enough about our guides. They were wonderful guides and company for the week.”

October 28, 2022

“The trip was 10 out of 10. The boat was fantastic and the Captain and his crew exceeded my expectations with their personalities and service. The GE guides were also outstanding. Extremely clean and scenic country. Very friendly people. Everything from time of boarding to disembarking the boat was outstanding. I loved the boat, the locations we sailed, the bike rides, the food on and off the boat. Everything was handled very smoothly.”

October 28, 2022

“The trip overall was fantastic! Our guides were the best. Visiting the olive oil museum was perfect and our Hvar tour was fantastic. Our chef on the yacht was excellent! The boat was great, the crew was great, the route was great, the scenery was great, our guides were great. We loved the trip!”

October 28, 2022

“Our trip was amazing. The crew on our yacht were the best – they worked together seamlessly and were so accommodating. Our family of 12 filled this yacht and we felt like we were living the lives of the “Rich and Famous”. Our guides were great. They were so accommodating, knowledgeable and informative and willing to share their knowledge and love of their beautiful country. The van support was really appreciated. They were also great at fixing flat tires. The winery tour and tasting was excellent. The yacht crew and our guides made this a “Trip of a Lifetime” for our family.”

October 28, 2022

“Everything was top drawer. The boat, guides for the biking, food, the camaraderie, friendliness, service – accommodation. All of it. Amazing. I also truly appreciated the Travel Advisor’s assistance in booking a hotel in Split. Would travel with your company and will highly recommend it to my friends. The guides were very well versed and their English was incredible. Bikes were top quality. Best European bike trip to date!”

October 28, 2022

“We were on a beautiful yacht. It was perfect, as was the crew. Our guides were excellent, pivoting as dictated by weather, etc. The support vehicle was always available when I needed it. Every single element of this trip was perfect. All guides and crew were hard working and did everything they could to make our experience a great one. The cycling routes were not too difficult, but were challenging enough… perfect for vacation mode. The yacht was a lovely “hotel” and the Captain and crew were outstanding. The yacht is impeccably maintained , yet there was no feeling of “too many rules”. Food was delicious and very plentiful. This was a truly remarkable trip. Thank you all!”

October 28, 2022

“Our trip was flawless. The cycling guides and boat crew were both outstanding. Croatia was more beautiful than I expected. Excellent bikes. We enjoyed the guides and crew immensely. We had great chemistry on the boat with the guides and the crew and the riders. Our entire group was delighted with the experience.”

October 26, 2023

“All of the guides and crew on the ship were wonderful. The visit to the olive grove was very special and informative as well. The food on the ship was amazing! Our guides were a great team that knew the area well and guided us with humour, professionalism and knowledge.”

October 26, 2023

“I enjoyed every second of the trip. Magnificent yacht with superb crew. The food on the boat was great and the guides were excellent. The lunch at the oil museum was great. It was a fantastic experience. I enjoyed the luxury and practicality of the yacht, I enjoyed the great breakfasts and the meals on the yacht, I enjoyed the new friends, I enjoyed the great Croatian landscape and the historical sites, I enjoyed the friendliness and professionalism of the crew of the yacht, I enjoyed sailing from island to island, I enjoyed discovering new little harbours every day, I enjoyed the biking effort, I enjoyed sharing the meals with our guides and listening to their explanations, …. I enjoyed it all!”

October 26, 2023

“Boat and crew were A+. Guides were A+. Croatian Islands were beautiful. The four other couples were strangers at the start, but complete friends by the end.”

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