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 and wonderful restaurants to enjoy. We’ve created a trip that takes in both Dubrovnik and Split, and the exquisite Dalmatian islands including Mljet, Korkula, Hvar and Brac, each unique and ideal for active travel (and relaxation).

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.

Due to the yacht schedule, we may operate this itinerary in reverse – please do not book your flights until we confirm the embarkation city to be Dubrovnik or Split.

Here are a few other Croatian trips:
Croatia Biking Classic
Croatia Biking Luxe
Croatia Bike & Yacht – Premier Deluxe

Location

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

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
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
Detailed map and route instructions
GPS data
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)

Not Included

Bike Rental

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

May 14-21 (Split-Dubrovnik)
May 21-28 (Dubrovnik-Split)
May 28-Jun 4 (Split-Dubrovnik)
Jun 4-11 (Dubrovnik-Split)
Sep 10-17 (Split-Dubrovnik)
Sep 17-24 (Dubrovnik-Split)
Sep 24-Oct 1 (Split-Dubrovnik)
Oct 1-8 (Dubrovnik-Split)

2024

Available dates upon request. Private and custom trips also available.
Please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247 for details.

TRIP SIZE

8-18 participants

TOTAL DAYS

8 days / 7 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Dubrovnik / Split or Split / Dubrovnik

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate
40-60 km (25-37 miles) daily with some hills each day
Van supported

TERRAIN

Moderate with hills, the average grade of which are typically 5%

COST

Land Cost:
16-18 participants – US $3,950 pp
12-15 participants – US$4,350 pp
8-11 participants – US $4,750 pp
Includes 7B/4L/6D

Please note: for Bike & Yacht trips in Croatia, deposits and balances paid are fully non-refundable. We recommend you have appropriate cancellation insurance.

Single Supplement: US $990

Bike Rental:

US $325

E-Bike Rental:

US $560*

*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.

Dubrovnik Extension : US $525 pp / Single supplement US $125
Includes 2 nights at 4-star hotel in Dubrovnik, half-day walking tour, and our City Guide

Split Extension : US $525 pp / Single supplement US $125
Includes 2 nights at 4-star hotel in Split, half-day walking tour and our City Guide

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.

There really is no other way to travelsaid clients on a recent trip, after a glorious day of cycling and now relaxing in the comforts and luxury of a yacht that can only be described as plush. On this trip, the yacht is our home for 7 nights as we explore islands along the coast of Croatia. The advantage over our regular trips that stay in hotels is that you don’t have to pack and unpack and staying on board a yacht such as this gives us the flexibility to adjust the itinerary as desired. With 4 crew and our usual guides providing support, you will be well looked after. It’s a journey unlike any other.

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. With its strategic position on the Adriatic, Dubrovnik makes for an ideal place to begin our trip- see extension option (2 nights).


1

Day 1

Dubrovnik

Embarkation time is 5pm. We meet at 4pm 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.

Distance: 40 km, gain 800 m.*

3

Day 3

Korkula

From Mljet, cruise to the magical island of Korkula, lush with pine forests, vineyards and olive groves. Reputed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korkula town is filled with great restaurants and cafes. 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. We will finish the day in a quaint harbour and enjoy dinner in a restaurant with a chef who will astound you with fresh sea-food and divine cusine.

Distance: 42 km, gain 585 m or 68 km, gain 825 m.*

4

Day 4

Vis

We’ll begin the day with a morning ride still on Korkula and then cruise to Vis, perhaps the most beautiful island of Dalmatia. 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.

Distance: 22 km, gain 460 m or 42 km, gain 875 m.*

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, gain 440 m or 44 km, gain 630 m.*

6

Day 6

Brac

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 Brac, and the iconoclastic beaches of the Golden Cape. Brac is covered in a white, supple karst rock, used to build Split and Dubrovnik.

Distance: 23 km, gain 200 m or 62 km, gain 890 m or 112 km, gain 1690 m.*

7

Day 7

Brac

Cycle from Bol up the escarpment (or take a shuttle) and then enjoy a stunning descent to Pucisca 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, gain 500 m or 62 km, gain 1115 m or 86 km, gain 1675 m.*

8

Day 8

Departure Day

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.

*Distances and elevation gains are subject to change based on final itinerary.

Yacht

Our accommodation on this trip will be on board a luxury sailing yacht 31 m in length with 9 spacious cabins with AC (5 twin; 4 double), each equipped with shower and toilet. This boat is one of the finest sailing ships on the Adriatic coast with excellent food, large outdoor and indoor areas and well trained crew.



			

Gordon C. - Croatia

Trip Reviews

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 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

“Everything was top drawer. The boat, guides for the biking, food, the comraderie, 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

“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

“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

“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.”

June 4, 2022

“Fabulous trip. Our accommodations and the food on the boat with Captain Fillip was great. Our guides were excellent. Croatia is a lovely country with very nice people. The hills were doable with an e-bike. The weather was lovely and Croatia was beautiful. A great trip overall. I would certainly recommend this trip.”

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.”

May 21, 2022

“Beautiful boat. The trip exceeded my expectations. Loved the camaraderie of our group and the staff on board. Excellent food on board!”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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 16, 2019

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

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

“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 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!”

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