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Day 1: Join tour Dubrovnik, transfer to Oldtimer
Arriving in Dubrovnik this afternoon, we transfer by bus to our traditional boat, moored up in Dubrovnik's thriving port. 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 Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Dinner
Day 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. 06km cycling)
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 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 20km optional)
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Cruise to Korcula island; cycle from Korcula to Racisce and Lumbarda
Around 3 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 and an opportunity to try the local grk wine before returning to our boat. (Approx cycling distance 27km, 35km with Lumbarda)
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 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. If we are lucky, our visit should coincide with the Thursday performance of Korcula's unique 'Moreska' dancing, depicting with the spectacular clashing of swords the battle between the armies of the Red King and the Black King over the affections of a girl the two men both desired! (Optional) (approx cycling distance 16km, 36km optional).
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 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. Almost a 10 kms cycle journey around this island gives a lovely feel of the once glorified island.
Today we overnight in our Oldtimer in Sudurad.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 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. 35km cycling).
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Tour ends Dubrovnik
Included meals: Breakfast
