Croatia Bike & Boat: Split & the Dalmatian Islands by Yacht

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

A VBT representative will greet you at the airport to start your adventure off right. A complimentary car service brings you to your hotel in Split. So beautiful is its seaside setting that the 3rd-century Roman Emperor Diocletian chose this place as his retirement home; remarkably, his ancient palace still plays a central role in the city’s daily life, hosting shops and restaurants. There’ll be time to settle into your hotel before setting out for dinner on your own, wandering the labyrinthine warrens, passageways, and courtyards.

This morning, join a local guide for a private walking tour of Split. This fascinating modern city grew up around the ancient palace of Emperor Diocletian. Still today, locals live and play out their lives among its millennia-old walls and gleaming white stone quarried on the nearby island of Brač, which you will be visiting later. View its highlights and see the octagonal Cathedral of Domnius.

Meet your VBT trip leaders in town after the guided tour, and walk together to the yacht to check into your cabin as the ship sets sail toward Brač Island. Enjoy a buffet lunch on board before joining a safety and bike-fitting session, as well as a short warm-up ride upon arrival in Pučišća.

In the afternoon visit one of the world’s few remaining stonecutting schools. The stone that is carved here, quarried from nearby Skrip, has been used to build some the world’s most famous buildings, including Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the White House in Washington, D.C. This is a unique opportunity to see students’ work and learn about a near-forgotten craft.

After an enlightening visit, gather for a welcome cocktail and dinner on board.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-up — 5 km (3 miles)

What to Expect:

A short loop ride outside the town of Pučišća, with one hill to climb.

Cumulative Distance Range: 5 km (3 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, begin your ride from the beautiful town of Pučišća. This tiny enclave on the island of Brač is considered one of the prettiest villages in Europe. Cycle the northern coast of the island toward the 14th-century village of Postira, nestled between the ocean and hillsides. On the way, you pass centuries-old olive and pine groves. This morning’s ride will bring you to Škrip, the oldest settlement on the island and the source of the stone used at the stonecutter school you we visited yesterday.

Enjoy a visit in the local olive oil museum, where you can learn more about the traditional process of olive oil production and taste delicious local products for lunch.

After lunch, cycle to the port of Milna, the most beautiful marina on the island to meet your ship, and set sail toward the Pakleni Islands for a swim in the Adriatic, and to spend the night on the anchor, under the stars (weather permitting).

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Pučišća to Škrip — 23 km (14 miles)

Afternoon: Škrip to Milna — 21 km (13 miles)

What to Expect:

Ride quieter and fully paved country roads. The route features a couple of hills, especially during the afternoon ride. The support vehicle is available back to the ship if you prefer to pass on the afternoon ride.

Cumulative Distance Range: 23 – 44 km (14 – 27 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A 2-hour sailing this morning delivers you to Vela Luka (meaning “big harbor”) on the splendid island of Korčula. Not only is this one of the most beautiful Dalmatian islands, it is also beloved for the golden-hued Grk wine produced at its vineyards. Your morning ride leads you into a stunning landscape of karst hills to one side and glittering Adriatic waters to the other. Some hill climbing brings you to spectacular lookout points. Later, you stop for a traditional Croatian lunch at the family-owned Konopica restaurant. Sample the homemade Uštipci bread and enjoy a local peka, a traditional dish slow-cooked under a cast-iron dome-shaped baking lid.

After lunch, continue cycling to Pupnat to meet your private shuttle, which takes you to Grad Korčula, the island’s cultural center and alleged birthplace of Marco Polo. This fascinating town was laid out in a herringbone configuration on a scenic promontory. The resulting grid allows for easy air flow and protects its citizens from strong mistral winds in the warm summers. All its narrow streets are stepped, except the Street of Thoughts, so called because there’s no need to watch your footing as you stroll.

This evening, enjoy a dinner on your own in town. You’re sure to find the ideal spot in Grad Korčula, affectionately called “mini Dubrovnik” for its authentic medieval atmosphere. Your ship docks in Grad Korčula tonight.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Vela Luka to lunch — 38 km (24 miles)

Afternoon: Lunch to Pupnat — 9 km (5 miles)

What to Expect:

Today, expect all paved country roads with limited traffic. The VBT support vehicle is available should you need assistance throughout the day.

Cumulative Distance Range: 38 – 47 km (24 – 29 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Sail this morning to the mainland and the scenic Pelješac Peninsula. This finger of land pointing into the Adriatic has been compared to Tuscany for its wine production. Upon arrival, hop on your bike for a scenic ride along the coast and later to inland. Your ride ends in the village of Kuna at a donkey farm, to take some photos with the long-eared residents.

Afterwards, take a private shuttle to the world-famous Grgić Winery to spend an unforgettable hour enjoying a wine tasting, before returning to the ship for lunch on board.

Time to lift the anchors and set sail to one of the smaller islands near Korčula. Leave your bicycle on shore and have the afternoon at leisure to swim, paddleboard, or simply relax with a book on the sun deck. This evening, join a cooking class on board to learn from the chef how to prepare a favorite Croatian dish that you savor for dinner. You moor tonight on the anchor (weather permitting).

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Trstenik to Donja Banda — 23 km (14 miles)

What to Expect:

Upon docking on the mainland, cycle to Žuljana first, before you begin a very scenic uphill ride to Donja Banda. Meet your shuttle here to get back to the ship. There is no biking in the afternoon.

Cumulative Distance Range: 23 km (14 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, enjoy a short sail toward the end of Korčula Island to Dominče. Here you disembark for a scenic out and back ride along the breathtaking coastline, before returning to the ship to enjoy an onboard lunch.

Back on board, you cruise to Hvar. Celebrated as the most beautiful island in the world, it is a wonderland of lavender fields, fruit orchards, fragrant pine forests, and superb beaches. You’ll have the chance to take it all in when you cycle among its pristine vistas tomorrow. For now, enjoy an afternoon stroll in Hvar Town, where you moor for the night. Enjoy a dinner on own in one of Hvar’s excellent restaurants.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Dominče to Račišće — 27 km (17 miles)

What to Expect:

Ride along well-paved country roads today. The area around Grad Korčula can be busy with traffic during the main tourist season, but most of your ride follows quiet and scenic roads along the seacoast. The support vehicle is available should you need assistance throughout the day.

Cumulative Distance Range: 27 km (17 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Disembark after breakfast for a private, guided walk across Hvar Town, a medieval Croatian settlement with a strong Venetian influence dating to the 16th century. Take in the expanse of Saint Stephen’s Square, the largest Adriatic square after Saint Mark’s in Venice. And see the Arsenal, built in 1612 as Europe’s oldest and perhaps smallest municipal theater.

Then ride past Hvar’s stunning panoramas of fertile fields filled with flowers and herbs and dramatic, sparsely inhabited landscape crisscrossed by stone walls. You can admire views across the sea to neighboring islands and the mainland. The road into Stari Grad, a charming Dalmatian town situated at the end of a narrow bay, is a glorious four-mile (6.5 km) downhill coast. Originally founded in the fourth century BCE, Stari Grad (literally “old town”) features a main square that offers a number of options for lunch on your own. Get acquainted with this gem of a town during the free time to explore on your own

After lunch continue biking on a pleasant road into Jelsa, passing vineyards and olive groves. Your ship meets you in Jelsa at day’s end and will remain moored here tonight. There is still an important event in store—celebrate the week on board during the captain’s farewell dinner.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Hvar to Stari Grad — 22 km (14 miles)

Afternoon: Stari Grad to Jelsa — 13 km (8 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s ride starts with a steady climb of about four miles (6.4 km) out of Hvar Town. Follow coastal roads to Stari Grad, where trip leaders point out choices for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, continue riding to Jelsa on mostly quieter country roads. One moderate hill rewards you with splendid views. The support vehicle is available should you need assistance throughout the day.

Cumulative Distance Range: 22 – 35 km (14 – 22 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, enjoy a scenic morning ride to Stari Grad, where you say farewell to your bicycle. Meet your ship for lunch on board. After lunch, sail back to Split, where your trip began. This evening, join your VBT trip leaders for a special farewell dinner in a typical, local restaurant, recounting your favorite moments from your cycling adventure among the magnificent Dalmatian Islands.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Jelsa to Stari Grad — 22 km (14 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s ride takes you back to Stari Grad, following a different route, passing ancient groves of olive and pine trees. Meet your ship in Stari Grad for lunch, before sailing back to Split.

Cumulative Distance Range: 22 km (14 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, travel by private motorcoach (approximately 3.5 hours) to our 5-star Dubrovnik hotel for a final overnight stay. You arrive at approximately noon and have the rest of the day to relax at the hotel’s private beach or explore the historic Old Town of Dubrovnik on your own.

Check your VBT city information for all the options. If you have chosen the independent Post-Tour Extension to Dubrovnik, you’ll remain at this hotel for the next three nights.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast this morning, transportation to the Dubrovnik airport will be provided (approximately a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight. Please ensure you are ready in the hotel reception area at the designated time.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Meet your VBT trip leaders at the ship at 1:00 p.m. Your yacht will be moored at the St. Peter pier, next to the Jadrolinija Ferry Port in Split. Saturday departures will be operated by Alpha, Wednesday departures will be operated by Futura yachts. Please note that you cannot embark before this time, as the barge is being prepared for your arrival. If you prefer, you can meet your group in Split at 10:00 a.m., hand your luggage to your VBT trip leaders, and join a guided walking tour of Split. Your trip leaders will be wearing VBT staff garments.

After the walking tour, meet your trip leaders again in town and walk together to the ship. Please contact the ship or the Heritage Hotel Fermai in Split to advise of any travel delays or changes, and the staff will pass your message on to your VBT trip leaders.

After embarkation, check into your cabin as the ship sets sail toward Brač Island. Enjoy a buffet lunch on board before joining a safety and bike-fitting session, as well as a short warm-up ride upon arrival in Pučišća.

In the afternoon visit one of the world’s few remaining stonecutting schools. The stone that is carved here, quarried from nearby Skrip, has been used to build some the world’s most famous buildings, including Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the White House in Washington, D.C. This is a unique opportunity to see students’ work and learn about a near-forgotten craft.

After an enlightening visit, gather for a welcome cocktail and dinner on board.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-up — 5 km (3 miles)

What to Expect:

A short loop ride outside the town of Pučišća, with one hill to climb.

Cumulative Distance Range: 5 km (3 miles)

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

This morning, begin your ride from the beautiful town of Pučišća. This tiny enclave on the island of Brač is considered one of the prettiest villages in Europe. Cycle the northern coast of the island toward the 14th-century village of Postira, nestled between the ocean and hillsides. On the way, you pass centuries-old olive and pine groves. This morning’s ride will bring you to Škrip, the oldest settlement on the island and the source of the stone used at the stonecutter school you we visited yesterday.

Enjoy a visit in the local olive oil museum, where you can learn more about the traditional process of olive oil production and taste delicious local products for lunch.

After lunch, cycle to the port of Milna, the most beautiful marina on the island to meet your ship, and set sail toward the Pakleni Islands for a swim in the Adriatic, and to spend the night on the anchor, under the stars (weather permitting).

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Pučišća to Škrip — 23 km (14 miles)

Afternoon: Škrip to Milna — 21 km (13 miles)

What to Expect:

Ride quieter and fully paved country roads. The route features a couple of hills, especially during the afternoon ride. The support vehicle is available back to the ship if you prefer to pass on the afternoon ride.

Cumulative Distance Range: 23 – 44 km (14 – 27 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A 2-hour sailing this morning delivers you to Vela Luka (meaning “big harbor”) on the splendid island of Korčula. Not only is this one of the most beautiful Dalmatian islands, it is also beloved for the golden-hued Grk wine produced at its vineyards. Your morning ride leads you into a stunning landscape of karst hills to one side and glittering Adriatic waters to the other. Some hill climbing brings you to spectacular lookout points. Later, you stop for a traditional Croatian lunch at the family-owned Konopica restaurant. Sample the homemade Uštipci bread and enjoy a local peka, a traditional dish slow-cooked under a cast-iron dome-shaped baking lid.

After lunch, continue cycling to Pupnat to meet your private shuttle, which takes you to Grad Korčula, the island’s cultural center and alleged birthplace of Marco Polo. This fascinating town was laid out in a herringbone configuration on a scenic promontory. The resulting grid allows for easy air flow and protects its citizens from strong mistral winds in the warm summers. All its narrow streets are stepped, except the Street of Thoughts, so called because there’s no need to watch your footing as you stroll.

This evening, enjoy a dinner on your own in town. You’re sure to find the ideal spot in Grad Korčula, affectionately called “mini Dubrovnik” for its authentic medieval atmosphere. Your ship docks in Grad Korčula tonight.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Vela Luka to lunch — 38 km (24 miles)

Afternoon: Lunch to Pupnat — 9 km (5 miles)

What to Expect:

Today, expect all paved country roads with limited traffic. The VBT support vehicle is available should you need assistance throughout the day.

Cumulative Distance Range: 38 – 47 km (24 – 29 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Sail this morning to the mainland and the scenic Pelješac Peninsula. This finger of land pointing into the Adriatic has been compared to Tuscany for its wine production. Upon arrival, hop on your bike for a scenic ride along the coast and later to inland. Your ride ends in the village of Kuna at a donkey farm, to take some photos with the long-eared residents.

Afterwards, take a private shuttle to the world-famous Grgić Winery to spend an unforgettable hour enjoying a wine tasting, before returning to the ship for lunch on board.

Time to lift the anchors and set sail to one of the smaller islands near Korčula. Leave your bicycle on shore and have the afternoon at leisure to swim, paddleboard, or simply relax with a book on the sun deck. This evening, join a cooking class on board to learn from the chef how to prepare a favorite Croatian dish that you savor for dinner. You moor tonight on the anchor (weather permitting).

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Trstenik to Donja Banda — 23 km (14 miles)

What to Expect:

Upon docking on the mainland, cycle to Žuljana first, before you begin a very scenic uphill ride to Donja Banda. Meet your shuttle here to get back to the ship. There is no biking in the afternoon.

Cumulative Distance Range: 23 km (14 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, enjoy a short sail toward the end of Korčula Island to Dominče. Here you disembark for a scenic out and back ride along the breathtaking coastline, before returning to the ship to enjoy an onboard lunch.

Back on board, you cruise to Hvar. Celebrated as the most beautiful island in the world, it is a wonderland of lavender fields, fruit orchards, fragrant pine forests, and superb beaches. You’ll have the chance to take it all in when you cycle among its pristine vistas tomorrow. For now, enjoy an afternoon stroll in Hvar Town, where you moor for the night. Enjoy a dinner on own in one of Hvar’s excellent restaurants.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Dominče to Račišće — 27 km (17 miles)

What to Expect:

Ride along well-paved country roads today. The area around Grad Korčula can be busy with traffic during the main tourist season, but most of your ride follows quiet and scenic roads along the seacoast. The support vehicle is available should you need assistance throughout the day.

Cumulative Distance Range: 27 km (17 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Disembark after breakfast for a private, guided walk across Hvar Town, a medieval Croatian settlement with a strong Venetian influence dating to the 16th century. Take in the expanse of Saint Stephen’s Square, the largest Adriatic square after Saint Mark’s in Venice. And see the Arsenal, built in 1612 as Europe’s oldest and perhaps smallest municipal theater.

Then ride past Hvar’s stunning panoramas of fertile fields filled with flowers and herbs and dramatic, sparsely inhabited landscape crisscrossed by stone walls. You can admire views across the sea to neighboring islands and the mainland. The road into Stari Grad, a charming Dalmatian town situated at the end of a narrow bay, is a glorious four-mile (6.5 km) downhill coast. Originally founded in the fourth century BCE, Stari Grad (literally “old town”) features a main square that offers a number of options for lunch on your own. Get acquainted with this gem of a town during the free time to explore on your own

After lunch continue biking on a pleasant road into Jelsa, passing vineyards and olive groves. Your ship meets you in Jelsa at day’s end and will remain moored here tonight. There is still an important event in store—celebrate the week on board during the captain’s farewell dinner.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Hvar to Stari Grad — 22 km (14 miles)

Afternoon: Stari Grad to Jelsa — 13 km (8 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s ride starts with a steady climb of about four miles (6.4 km) out of Hvar Town. Follow coastal roads to Stari Grad, where trip leaders point out choices for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, continue riding to Jelsa on mostly quieter country roads. One moderate hill rewards you with splendid views. The support vehicle is available should you need assistance throughout the day.

Cumulative Distance Range: 22 – 35 km (14 – 22 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, enjoy a scenic morning ride to Stari Grad, where you say farewell to your bicycle. Meet your ship for lunch on board. After lunch, sail back to Split, where your trip began. This evening, join your VBT trip leaders for a special farewell dinner in a typical, local restaurant, recounting your favorite moments from your cycling adventure among the magnificent Dalmatian Islands.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Jelsa to Stari Grad — 22 km (14 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s ride takes you back to Stari Grad, following a different route, passing ancient groves of olive and pine trees. Meet your ship in Stari Grad for lunch, before sailing back to Split.

Cumulative Distance Range: 22 km (14 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, your biking tour ends in Split. Your trip leaders will help you to arrange a taxi to the nearby airport or to continue with your own travel plans.

Included Meals: Breakfast