Guided Dubrovnik to Split Dalmatian Coast Bike and Boat Tour

Explore the Adriatic coast on a unique bike and boat journey through Croatia’s most stunning islands. From the medieval walls of Dubrovnik to the vibrant waterfront of Split, this tour combines scenic cycling with relaxed cruising aboard a premium yacht.

Ride across islands like Mljet, Korčula, Hvar, and Brač, each offering a mix of coastal roads, historic towns, and Mediterranean landscapes. Between rides, unwind on deck, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy local cuisine prepared onboard.

This is a perfect balance of active exploration and effortless travel, your floating hotel moves with you while you discover Dalmatia at your own pace.

Tour Type

Guided

Level

moderate to challenging

Avg. Daily Distance

34 km / 21 mi

Cycling Days

6

Lodging

Casual+ Inns (4★)

Group size

Min. 1, Max. 14

Highlights

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Two UNESCO World Heritage Cities

The tour begins in Dubrovnik and ends in Split — two of Croatia's most celebrated cities, both inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Guided tours in each city reveal layers of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance history, from Diocletian's Palace in Split to Dubrovnik's legendary city walls.

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Island-Hopping Across Five Dalmatian Islands

Cycle across Šipan, Mljet, Korčula, Vis, Hvar, and Brač — each island with its own distinct character. From the mythological forests of Mljet to the lavender-scented hills of Hvar and the historically isolated shores of Vis, every day brings a brand new landscape to explore by e-bike.

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Life Aboard a Luxury Motor Yacht

Your floating base for the week is the elegant motor yacht Harmonia (or Bellezza), offering spacious air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms, a sundeck for relaxing between rides, and an on-board chef preparing daily meals. Swim from the stern platform, unwind in the salon, and wake up each morning in a new harbour.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

DayPlaceCasual+ InnsMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1DubrovnikShip Bellezza/ HarmoniaDwalking
DAY 2Island Šipan Ship Bellezza/ HarmoniaB, D11 km / 7 micycling
DAY 3Island Mljet – Island KorčulaShip Bellezza/ HarmoniaB, D33 km / 21 micycling
DAY 4Korčula Island: Korčula Town – Vela LukaShip Bellezza/ HarmoniaB, L, D60 km / 37 micycling
DAY 5Island VisShip Bellezza/ HarmoniaB, D32 km / 20 micycling
DAY 6Island Hvar: Hvar Town – Stari GradShip Bellezza/ HarmoniaB, L, D40 km / 25 micycling
DAY 7Brač Island: Milna – PostiraShip Bellezza/ HarmoniaB, L, D30 km / 19 micycling
DAY 8SplitB

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Dubrovnik

Make your own way to Dubrovnik and board the yacht at Gruž harbour between 2:00 and 2:30 pm. In the late afternoon, a guided walking tour leads you through the old town, revealing centuries of history and some of the most iconic sights in the Adriatic. The boat overnights in Gruž, leaving the evening free to experience Dubrovnik after dark.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Ship Bellezza/ Harmonia
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Day 2: Island Šipan

In the morning, cruise to the peaceful island of Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands. This short ride is ideal to ease into the tour and get comfortable riding as a group.

Later, sail to Mljet, one of the greenest islands in the Mediterranean. Cycle through Mljet National Park, known for its saltwater lakes, dense forests, and tranquil landscapes. Overnight in the harbor of Pomena.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 11 km / 7 mi
Accommodation: Ship Bellezza/ Harmonia
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Day 3: Island Mljet – Island Korčula

A morning cruise delivers you to Sobra on Mljet — an island so densely forested that 70% of its land is woodland, making it the most tree-covered island in the Mediterranean. Mythologically linked to Homer's Odyssey as the home of the nymph Calypso, the island is crossed almost in its entirety from Sobra to Pomena. From there, sail on to picturesque Korčula, where a guided town tour unpacks the rivalry with Venice over Marco Polo's birthplace.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 33 km / 21 mi
Accommodation: Ship Bellezza/ Harmonia
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Day 4: Korčula Island: Korčula Town – Vela Luka

Today's ride traverses the full length of Korčula island, passing through a varied Mediterranean landscape of olive groves, vineyards, and sea views. Lunch is taken at a local island restaurant before the route arrives at Vela Luka on the western tip. Dinner is served back on board, and the night is spent moored in the harbour.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 60 km / 37 mi
Accommodation: Ship Bellezza/ Harmonia
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Day 5: Island Vis

Departing Korčula during breakfast, the yacht heads to Vis — Croatia's most remote inhabited island, once a Greek colony called Issa some 2,300 years ago and closed to foreign visitors until 1995 due to its military significance. An afternoon circuit of the entire island by bike includes a coffee stop in the charming harbour of Komiža. The night is spent moored in the port of Vis.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 32 km / 20 mi
Accommodation: Ship Bellezza/ Harmonia
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Day 6: Island Hvar: Hvar Town – Stari Grad

The morning cruise arrives in Hvar town, where time before the ride allows a short stroll around the magnificent Renaissance square overlooked by the Spanish Fortress. The main cycling stage climbs steadily through villages and lavender fields to Stari Grad on the island's north coast, with spectacular descent views. After a boat lunch, an optional second ride heads to Jelsa and back via the ancient Greek plains — a protected UNESCO site — before returning to Stari Grad for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 40 km / 25 mi
Accommodation: Ship Bellezza/ Harmonia
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Day 7: Brač Island: Milna – Postira

The morning cruise takes you to Brač, an island famous for its brilliant white limestone used in constructing both the White House in Washington and the German Reichstag in Berlin. The bike route runs from Milna to the harbour town of Postira, after which the boat makes its final cruise of the week to Split. A guided tour inside Diocletian's Palace rounds off the day, followed by a celebratory farewell dinner on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 30 km / 19 mi
Accommodation: Ship Bellezza/ Harmonia
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Day 8: Split

After breakfast, disembark by 9:00 am and make your own way home — or stay on to explore more of Croatia at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each accommodation has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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A Classic Yacht with Character & Maritime Heritage

Sailing aboard the Romantica, a beautifully maintained two-mast motor yacht launched in 2007, is part of the experience itself. Blending traditional seafaring charm with modern comforts, the vessel reflects a deep love for Adriatic navigation. Unlike larger cruise-style ships, its smaller size allows access to quieter harbors and delivers a more intimate, authentic island-hopping journey.

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Comfortable Cabins Designed for Relaxation

The yacht features 16 well-appointed, air-conditioned cabins, each with private en-suite bathrooms (shower & WC), offering a comfortable retreat after active cycling days. Cabins are thoughtfully designed for space efficiency and comfort rather than luxury excess. Please note: Prices listed on the website are based on double occupancy in upper deck cabins, which offer the best natural light and easier access to common areas.

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Inviting Lounge & Sun Deck Spaces

Life on board extends beyond your cabin. The spacious outdoor decks provide plenty of room to unwind—whether you're soaking in panoramic views of the Dalmatian coastline, enjoying a quiet coffee, or relaxing under the sun. The ship strikes a balance between social spaces and peaceful corners, ideal for both group interaction and personal downtime.

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Onboard Dining with a Social Atmosphere

Meals are served in a cozy indoor salon, where guests gather for freshly prepared dishes by the onboard chef. The experience is informal yet refined—more like dining with a small group of fellow travelers than a cruise buffet. With a mix of full-board and half-board meals included, the culinary rhythm complements the active days and relaxed evenings at sea.

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

trip leader

Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

shuttle

A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

Bike Image

hybrid touring bike or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Carraro Gravel G4 or similar

gravel

Available at a surcharge

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E-Bike or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Start

Dubrovnik

Finish

Split

Fly-In

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

Fly-Out

Split Airport (SPU)

Arrival (Dubrovnik, Croatia)

Fly into Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), the main international gateway to southern Croatia with strong connections via major European hubs.

From the airport, the embarkation point at Gruž Harbor is approximately 30 minutes away (16 km). You can reach the port by taxi, airport shuttle bus to the central bus station (located near the harbor), or a pre-arranged private transfer.

Boarding typically begins in the early afternoon. If you wish to join the optional guided city tour in Dubrovnik on arrival day, we recommend landing by early afternoon.

Departure (Split, Croatia)

Your tour ends in Split. The nearest international airport is Split Airport (SPU), located about 25 km from the harbor.

From the port, you can take a taxi or public bus (approx. 30 minutes) to reach the airport. Private transfers can also be arranged in advance.

We recommend booking outbound flights from late morning onwards to allow for a relaxed departure after disembarkation.

The Dalmatian Coast enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, making it suitable for cycling during much of the year. The ideal cycling windows are late spring (end of April to end of June) and early autumn (September to mid-October), when temperatures are

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Mixed

April

Good

May

Best

June

Best

July

Good

August

Good

September

Best

October

Good

November

Mixed

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Departures operate on two vessels: the motor yacht Harmonia and the superior motor yacht Bellezza. Both ships offer private cabin accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, though the Bellezza is a step up in size and amenities (including an upper-deck jacuzzi). Pricing differs between the two ships.

This tour is rated Level 4 out of 5. It is designed for experienced cyclists comfortable with hilly to mountainous terrain, steeper ascents of up to approximately 400 metres, winding descents, uneven asphalt, and occasional gravel tracks. Daily distances range from 11 to 60 km.

Catering consists of 2 full-board days and 5 half-board days. Meals begin with dinner on the first evening and conclude with breakfast on the final day. The on-board chef prepares breakfast and one or two warm meals daily. Note that tourist taxes and a basic drinks package (water, tea, filter coffee) of €80 per person (€40 for children under 16) must be paid separately to the captain.

A guided bike tour includes a professional local guide who rides with you throughout the trip. The guide handles navigation, manages daily logistics, ensures safety, and shares cultural insights. In addition to the guide, you also have a support vehicle that transfers luggage, provides water/snacks, and offers on-route assistance or a lift whenever needed. You simply follow the guide and enjoy a fully supported experience.

Your guides are local cycling experts, fluent in English, with deep knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and food.

On our guided tours, we ensure you begin your ride feeling comfortable and well-supported. Your guide and local team play an active role in getting your bike properly set up.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

You’ll receive a full in-person bike fitting with your guide or local representative. This typically includes:

  • Adjusting saddle height
  • Moving the saddle fore–aft (small adjustments to move the saddle forward or back for better balance and comfort)
  • Fine-tuning handlebar height and reach (where adjustable)
  • Confirming pedal preference — flat pedals are provided by default. If you bring your own clip-in pedals, our guide will help install and adjust them
  • A short test ride to check comfort

Your guide will ensure everything feels right before the tour begins.

During the Tour

Throughout the trip, your guide will make additional adjustments whenever needed. This is especially helpful if you discover new comfort preferences after a few hours of riding.

What to Expect

Our guided tour bike fitting is hands-on, comfort-focused, and practical, ensuring you ride safely and enjoyably each day. It’s not a detailed workshop-level fit, but it covers all essential adjustments for multi-day touring.

For guided tours, we do not provide GPX files separately, as navigation is handled by your guide. On certain occasions, if you prefer more independence, we may offer app-based navigation access with the daily routes loaded. However, please understand that this may not always be possible and depends on the specific tour setup.

Our support vehicle is always close by to make your ride worry-free. It carries your luggage, water, snacks, and spare parts, and is there if you need a quick lift or just want to rest for a while. You’ll see it at regular intervals along the route and during meal or refreshment stops. The vehicle is also used for scheduled transfers and to ensure safety and comfort along the route.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

We’ve carefully planned the route so that most rides follow peaceful countryside roads, scenic bike paths, and quiet lanes well away from heavy traffic. On rare occasions, short stretches on busier roads may be necessary, but your guides will ensure these sections are managed safely.

While your tour price covers most of the main expenses, including accommodations, daily breakfast, and many meals, you may wish to budget for a few lunches or dinners not included in the itinerary, as well as drinks, snacks, or personal treats along the way. As a general guide, allow around US $20–40 per person per day for these additional expenses.

Our guided bike tours typically have 6–14 guests, allowing for a personalised experience.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

Tours run rain or shine, but we may adjust the route or schedule for safety. The support vehicle is always available.

Popular tours can sell out months ahead, especially in summer. Booking at least 9 months in advance ensures best availability.

We require a 10% deposit at booking. The balance is due 60 days before departure.

For full details, please see our cancellation policy here.

Yes. About 4 weeks before your trip, you’ll receive a Pre-Departure Information Pack with daily ride profiles, packing tips, meeting locations, and detailed itinerary.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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