Your Next Adventure
Your Next Adventure
E-bike & Cruise Croatia
Trip Overview
Experience an outstanding island-hopping e-bike & boat tour of the southern Dalmatian islands of beautiful Croatia. Plus, enjoy guided tours of the historic cities of Dubrovnik and Split. Unpack once on your small 15-cabin ship and enjoy all of the onboard amenities ... relax on the sun deck after cycling on the delightful islands, have a drink in the onboard saloon, or immerse yourself in the splendid views of this sparsely populated region. An e-bike is included, but strong riders may wish to opt for a gravel bike.
Cycle the islands of Mljet, Lastovo, Korčula, Hvar, and Brač and get the opportunity to experience the sea, land, culture, and nature of Croatia firsthand. Highlights include a guided tour of two cities that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Dubrovnik with its amazing ancient city walls … and Split with the famous Diocletian's Palace. Both of these were filming locations for the TV series “Game of Thrones.” (Note that the route list is for the Sept. 20 departure. On the Sept. 27 departure, the route is reversed, and you start in Split and end in Dubrovnik. Extra charge of $250 per person for an above-deck cabin.)
This tour is in demand, so book early!
Itinerary
From start to finish, check out the route.
In the morning, cross over to the nearby island of Šipan. This is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, yet it’s still modest in size. This is a great place for your first cycling route and to get used to riding in a group. Afterward, board the boat and enjoy a cruise to the “green” island of Mljet. About 70% of its land is covered by woodland making it the most forested island in the Mediterranean region. The famous Greek poet Homer featured this lovely island in his epic poem the “Odyssey.” The poem mentions the nymph Calypso and the legendary Greek king Odysseus, who could not resist Calypso and stayed on Mljet for seven years. Arrive in the harbor of Pomena and enjoy a loop on your bike through Mljet National Park. Then spend the night in the harbor of Pomona.
During breakfast, a short cruise brings you to the harbor of Trstenik on the Pelješac Peninsula. Pelješac can be recognized from far away with its impressive 3,280 ft. high Sv. Ilija mountain range. The famous local wines named Plavac and Dingač originate from this unique wine region where vineyards can be found firmly rooted on the steep mountainsides.
Today's bicycle ride takes you along the coastline from Trstenik to Orebić, where the boat will wait with a delicious lunch. (A short 2.5-mile section of the route is on gravel roads to avoid the traffic of the busy main road). During lunch, the ship sets off towards the picturesque town of Korčula with its fishbone alleyways. According to some scholars, Korčula competes with Venice for the honor of being the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. It is here that you spend the night and enjoy a guided city tour packed with fascinating anecdotes about the history of the city and the island.
Today’s cycling tour leads you across the charming island of Korčula. You will experience the mild Mediterranean climate and see a vast variety of different landscapes today. Take your time and don’t forget to take a break to enjoy the view over the deep blue sea and neighboring islands. Dinner is served on board to recharge after a day full of activity. Overnight in the sheltered bay of Vela Luka.
In the morning, leave the island of Korčula behind and enjoy a breakfast cruise to the island of Vis with a possible swim stop from the boat before arrival. Vis is the most remote Croatian island that is inhabited. 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 foreign tourists were not allowed to visit. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to explore the lovely island by bicycle. From the town of Vis, cycle once around the entire island with a coffee stop in the harbor of Komiža. The night is spent in the harbor of Vis.
The day starts with a relaxing cruise to the town of Hvar on the island of the same name. Make use of the time before the bike tour begins to go for a little stroll through the city. Standing in the magnificent Renaissance Square you can enjoy a view up to the Spanish Fortress towering high above the city. Today's bike tour takes you from the town of Hvar up a steady climb through small villages and lavender fields to the harbor town of Jelsa on the opposite side of the island. The descent down to Jelsa offers breathtaking views. After ice cream and coffee in Jelsa, your ride continues through the picturesque town of Vrboska and through the ancient Greek plains — now a protected UNESCO heritage site — to the artistic village of Stari Grad where our boat awaits our arrival. The night is spent in Stari Grad.
In the morning, cruise to the island of Brač, famous for its radiant, precious limestone that was used in part for the White House in Washington, DC, as well as for the construction of the Reichstag building in Berlin. Once in Brač, start biking from Milna to the picturesque harbor town of Pučišća. Climbing over the island, you have spectacular views across the Dalmatian coast. Along the way, take time to interact with the locals before continuing along the coast from Postira to Pučišća where the boat awaits to serve lunch. Then enjoy the final cruise of the week to the UNESCO world heritage city of Split. On a guided city tour, you have the opportunity to see inside the former Palace of Emperor Diocletian and learn about its transformation into the city it is today. A festive evening meal on board the boat gives you plenty of time to celebrate the wonderful week with fellow travelers and tour guides.
Map
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
7 nights' lodging on the ship, 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners, guided city tours in Korcula, Split and Dubrovnik, entrance to the National Parks on Mljet and Lastovo. We also include detailed maps and itineraries, experienced guides — plus the use of a bike and helmet (if requested in advance). NOT included: Small fee for bottled water, airfare, and tips for crew & leaders.
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
7 nights' lodging on the ship, 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners, guided city tours in Korcula, Split and Dubrovnik, entrance to the National Parks on Mljet and Lastovo. We also include detailed maps and itineraries, experienced guides — plus the use of a bike and helmet (if requested in advance). NOT included: Small fee for bottled water, airfare, and tips for crew & leaders.
Inns
Where you stay along the way.
The comfortable saloon with its high-end furnishings and the vast sundeck with recliners and sunning mats will meet your expectations. A broad variety of refreshments can be ordered at the bar. At the stern of the ship, a swimming platform provides easy access in and out of the sea making it possible to swim directly from the ship when anchored in a secluded bay.
The experienced and friendly crew tends to the guests on board. A cruise on the Harmonia offers the full package – indulgence, relaxation, and an overall care-free experience.
Gallery
Images from this tour. Click each to see it larger.
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