Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline is dotted with more than a thousand islands. On our classic ‘Oldtimer’ cruiser we set off from historic Dubrovnik to explore several of these beautiful islands, including Mljet and Korcula. We cruise from island to island, landing on some to cycle along their quiet roads. In the evenings we enjoy delicious Croatian food, either on board or in traditional seafront restaurants.
What we say
Staff Member Tanya Marchetti travelled on this tour in 2012.
"A perfect mix of cycling and relaxation intertwined whilst eating the best food that Croatia has to offer. I pushed myself that little bit further by taking the optional extra cycling on most days. This was worth it so I could devour that extra portion of scrumptious food expertly created by Captain Pero on the Mila Majka - calories burnt off before I had even tucked into a mouthful!"
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour Dubrovnik, transfer to Oldtimer
The tour starts in Dubrovnik on our traditional boat, moored up in Dubrovnik’s thriving port. Depending on the time of arrival there will be the chance to settle into your cabins and take a look around your ‘home from home’, before a tour briefing and a delicious on board dinner
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Dinner
2
Walking tour of old Dubrovnik; ride to Copacabana beach
This morning we will take a guided walking tour of the old city, the best way to get a feel of the layout of the town and its wealth of monasteries, museums and old buildings. Now essentially fully restored following damage from shelling in the Siege of Dubrovnik in 1991-92, the old medieval town of Dubrovnik still retains its unique atmosphere and charm. UNESCO has granted Dubrovnik World Cultural Heritage status as one of the world’s finest examples of a fortified medieval town. ‘Those who seek paradise on earth’, George Bernard Shaw once wrote, ‘should come to Dubrovnik.’ Starting from Pile Gate we will visit the Franciscan Monastery, Dominican Monastery, the cathedral and the Rector’s Palace. This afternoon has been left free for you to continue exploring at your own leisure. You may like to walk the entire circumference of the city wall (1940m) for great views over the twisting alleyways and out over the Adriatic (optional). We will also have the opportunity to make the easy ride to Copacabanna beach, just a few km away. Here we’ll relax and enjoy great views back to Dubrovnik. (Optional ride: approx. 8km cycling mainly flat with some hilly terrain. 6km on road and 2km on a track to the beach)
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
3
Cruise to Mljet island; cycle around Lakes
After breakfast, we leave the Dubrovnik sail on towards the forested island of Mljet, where legend has it Odysseus and the nymph Calypso spent their time together. Mljet National Park covers more than 100 square km and includes two beautiful salt-water lakes, surrounded by lush evergreen forests with several rare varieties of plant life. On an island in the larger lake is the Monastery of St. Mary, built in the 12th century, which we will visit by small motor launch. The park has a maze of paths, which allow you to explore even the most secluded, and out of the way areas during our time here and the clear waters of the lakes offer some welcome opportunities for swimming. (Approx. 12km, up to 8km optional. 1st section is 3km failry steep uphill climb and flat cycling thereafter. Optional additional cycling involves a steep ascent followed by a long relaxing ride back downhill)
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
4
Cruise to Korcula island; cycle from Korcula to Racisce and Lumbarda
Around 2 hours’ cruising brings us to the redroofed town of Korcula. Korcula is the most obviously historical of all the Dalmatian Islands and is believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. From our mooring we set out explore, heading first west along the coast to Racisce around 12 or so km away from Korcula. A deep water harbour has served the village well since it was founded in the 17th century. In the years that passed the village grew and once commanded a fleet of around 40 wooden schooners. We can reflect on its history as we cycle around the harbour and on to a nearby beach for a well-deserved swim. Returning to Korcula we head now east to Lumbarda. (Approx cycling distance 24km, 28km with Lumbarda. Todays route follows an undulating path with various small ascents and descents)
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
5
Korcula; cycle to Zrnovo
This morning there is an optional ride to nearby Zrnovo, one of the oldest settlements on the island, with evidence of inhabitation going back to prehistoric times. Made up of several hamlets the ‘village’ has several churches and many old houses now in need of restoration. We can return to Korcula the same way or, alternatively for those seeking a real challenge take the ‘Napoleonic Road’ an off-road route into the interior that returns us to Korcula via Pupnat and lots of uphills! We now have a free afternoon to finally explore Korcula itself. A wonderfully compact walled town Korcula is a photographer’s dream, with its red terracotta roofs, stone cathedrals and winding roads. (approx cycling distance 16km, 36km optional with a steep ascent to start followed by easy gentle cycling.Optional cycling has a challenging uphill section followed by flatter terrain).
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
6
Cruise to Suburad on Sipan Island
Today we cruise to Sipan Island which is the largest island in the Elafit group. The island's natural beauty made it an attractive hub for summer residences and many were buillt, especially in the 15th Century. This island has two bays: Sudurad from where we cycle our way to Luka Sipanska, the other bay in the northwest. In Luka Sipanska there are some remains of the Middle Age. The remains of St. Peter's Church (11th Century), the chapel of St. John (Sveti Ivan) in Silovo Selo and an old Christian church, St. Michael's in Pakljena, where there is also the fortified Church of the Holy Spirit, makes it a remarkable place to cycle around. There is also a 15th Century Gothic palace for the rector. A cycle journey around this island gives a lovely feel of the once glorified island. (Approx 12km cycling with a short but steep ascent to start, with several switchbacks and a steep descent. This journey is reversed to return to the boat)
Today we overnight in our Oldtimer in Sudurad.
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
7
Cruise to Cavtat; cycle from Cavtat to the Konavle valley; overnight Dubrovnik
Cruising from Sipan we head south, to the beautiful coastal town of Cavtat. Founded by Greeks in the 3rd century BCE. Cavtat today is a picturesque fishing village that once found favour amongst the wealthy families of Europe. The old town still retains a little of the charm that so endeared it to the elite of a bygone age and certainly worth a visit are the Racic Mausoleum, the Vlaho Bukovac Gallery and the Monastery of Our Lady of the Snow. We spend our final day cycling through the beautiful landscape of the Konavle region, an area rich in traditional and folklore, where local people can be seen farming in a way unchanged for many years. Taking a circuitous route back to Cavtat we pass through small settlements, the tranquil landscape dotted with watermills and bisected by rivers and streams. Then it is back to the Oldtimer for our final evening on board and an opportunity to reflect on a great week of cruising and cycling. (Approx. 34km cycling including a 40 min cycle uphill on a busy coastal road and then moving to a quiet but bumpy track. This is followed by an undulating ride amongst vineyards, and olive groves. The route is reversed for the return journey.)
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
8
Tour ends Dubrovnik
The tour ends in Dubrovnik this morning after breakfast.
Included meals: Breakfast
