EXPerience DALMATIAN COAST AND ISLANDS

MTB & Boat South Dalmatia Special (8 days/7 nights)

Our south Dalmatia MTB & boat Special tour is perfectly suited to mountain bikers, an exceptional holiday, in which a thoroughbred biker can discover new horizons!

Embark on board one of our charming motor yachts for a week and sail to the most beautiful islands of Southern Dalmatia. Šolta, Čiovo, Brač, Hvar, Vis and Korčula have everything to get your kick. From flow trails to technically challenging trails; the islands offer a rich variety for every biker.

To meet the different requirements, each trip is usually accompanied by two MTB guides who, wherever possible, offer two performance levels.

The tours vary in altitude, kilometres and difficulty of the trails. Level A includes trails up to S3 of the German single trail scale; Level B trails S0 to S2, if not otherwise possible short sections at S3 may occur.

A: aprx. 140 mi./225 km, aprx. 17,900 ft./5,450 m of elevation by MTB, S1 – S3
B: aprx. 120 mi./190 km, aprx. 12,500 ft./3,800 m of elevation by MTB, S0 – S2, few parts S3

Tours with less than 10 participants are accompanied by one guide only, in this case only one MTB level can be offered. We ask for your understanding.

For more and updated info please visit www.inselhuepfen.com/en/dms

1st Day (Fri) Trogir (Embarkation) – Island Šolta (A & B: aprx. 9 mi. /16 km, aprx. 1000 ft. /300 m of elevation)

Individual arrival to Trogir. After check in on the motor yacht between 2 and 2:30 pm, the first crossing to the Island of Šolta starts at 3 pm. On arrival, if we have enough time, we will use the evening hours for a first short bike tour to get the bikes adjusted and for the group to get to know each other. The first tour leads us past f dry stone walls, numerous olive groves, locust bean and fig trees. The smell of sage and rosemary accompany us on our ride. Short trails lead down to the sea and back to the ship, where we spend the evening in a charming harbour town.

2ndDay (Sat) Island Vis (A: aprx. 18 mi. /30 km, aprx. 2950 ft. /900 m of elevation; B: aprx. 15.5 mi. /25 km, aprx. 2200 ft. /670 m of elevation)

In the morning we cruise to the island of Vis. Vis is the farthest inhabited island from the Croatian mainland. Great diversity in the terrain of the island offer us mountain bikers fantastic riding opportunities while exploring this treasurable location. Wonderful views and unique single trails make the island a paradise for biking. The trip to the top/peak of the island is a worthwhile recommendation for advanced bikers as an additional option. A traditional lunch can be enjoyed in-between the trail sessions at a local konoba, before returning to the boat in the late afternoon to spend the night on this wonderful island.

3rd Day (Sun) Island Korčula: Vela Luka (A: 18mi. /29km aprx. 2060ft/630m of elevation B: aprx. 17mi. /28km aprx. 1500ft. /450m of elevation)

In the morning we cross over to the harbour of Vela Luka on the island of Korčula stopping for a swim from the boat if the weather permits. We have some great riding on the program today with both groups starting off together on the northern tip of the Island. From the harbour we pedal along some coastal trails before continuing along a mixture of asphalt and gravel roads to the historical archaeological site of Vela Spila, an incredible cave rock formation. Here we divide into two groups: one group can enjoy an urban trail back to the harbour, while the second group descends on gravel roads. Back at the harbour we can enjoy a short coffee break before continuing in two groups for one last trail session on the southern tip of the Island. After a successful descent we enjoy a celebratory dinner on board and spend the night in Vela Luka.

4th Day (Mon) Island Hvar: City Hvar – Stari Grad (A: aprx. 18mi. /30km aprx. 2620ft. /800m elevation B: aprx. 13 mi. /21 km aprx. 1500ft. /460m of elevation) Arriving in the city of Hvar on the island of Hvar in the morning, we unload the bikes and start off on a great days biking. Our focus is to cross the island which we do on a variation of asphalt roads, undulating natural paths and gravel tracks. Along the way some great trail sections distract us from our uphill mission. Halfway across the island we enjoy a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant before reaching the highest point of the tour and choosing our descent down to the fruitful planes of Stari Grad where the boat awaits us in the harbor. The night is spent in the picturesque harbor town of Stari Grad.

5th Day (Tue) Island Brač: Milna – Vidova Gora – Postira (A: aprx. 24mi./38km aprx. 3280ft./1000m of elevation B: 24mi./40 km aprx. 2300ft./910m of elevation)

Today features the longest trail of the week! During breakfast we cruise to the harbor of Milna on the Island of Brač where we unload the bikes and set off on our ride to the highest peak of the Adriatic islands. Our path leads us past olive groves, herb meadows and typical karstic formations such as sinkholes. The view from atop the 780 m high Vidova Gora is incredible. You can even have a look down on Bol and the iconic Zlatini Rat Beach – the Golden Horn. The descent into the valley starts out technical and becomes more flowy near the end on the Broken Glass trail. An alternative, less challenging path with incredible views can be taken also. Our destination is the seaside town of Postira where we spend the night.

6th Day (Wed) City of Split: Marjan Park (aprx. 12 mi./20 km aprx. 1000ft./300m of elevation)

After the biggest ride yesterday we enjoy a cruise to the city of Split in the morning. The old town of Split, built adjoining the famous palace of the Roman Caesar Diocletian, is a UNESCO world heritage site. Today we have the choice between relaxing at the beach or taking part in the bike tour through the Marjan Forrest Park in the heart of Split. A number of short but exciting trails riddle the park and make for a fun trail session. In the afternoon we can explore the bustling city of Split again together as one group. Overnight stay in Split.

7th Day (Thu) Split – Čiovo Island – Trogir (A: aprx. 13mi./21 km, aprx. 1370 ft./420 m of elevation; B: aprx. 15 mi./24 km, aprx. 722 ft./220 m of elevation)

In the morning, we enjoy our last cruise back to Trogir. From here, we take the bikes across the local bridge to Čiovo Island where we get stuck into our last bike tour. Čiovo is a sea of flowers and the aromatic scent of wild herbs hangs in the air. Here we enjoy riding the local cross coutry trails before we split into two groups. One group can enjoy a refreshing swim in the ocean while the other group continue on some enduro lines on the island. Afterwards there is enough time in the afternoon to enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage city of Trogir before enjoying a festive last meal on board in the company of your fellow travellers and guides

8th Day Trogir (Disembarkation)
You are kindly asked to check out after breakfast, i. e. around 9 am. Followed by an individual journey home or an extended stay. 

GOOD TO KNOW

Itinerary changes
We reserve the right to make changes to the planned itinerary due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements. Should it be the case, for example, that the harbours on the above mentioned tour sequence are overcrowded, the tour will be operated in reverse. The final decision is that of the captain.

MTB- Level A: 3; MTB- Level B: 2
Moderate to challenging daily tours in hilly terrain. The terrain in this region is very diverse and changes from island to island: technical and demanding single trails alternate with wide gravel 4×4 roads and in combination with quiet asphalt stretches; there are very few unridable points along the way.

Each day you are able to decide between tour variation A and B:
A: up to aprx. 60 km/37.5 mi. and aprx. 1,000 m/3,280 ft. of elevation
B: up to aprx. 50 km/31 mi. and aprx. 600 m/1,970 ft. of elevation

Requirement to wear a helmet
Helmets are mandatory on our bike tours. It is advised to bring your own, well fitted, helmet with you as our rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required). Furthermore, we recommend riders to carry arm and leg protectors during the bike tours. 

Riding in a group
On a guided MTB tour the speed of the group is determined by the mountain bikers on regular bikes. If you have hired an e-MTB, we ask you to respect those in the group who are riding without electric support. Those on regular bikes require more time and recovery when biking up hill. We thank you for your understanding.

Single-Track Classification
So that you are well prepared for your bike tour at Islandhopping, and that you know which technicality grade you should await to be confronted by, we have comprised a classification for all single trails which you will ride. The difficulty levels included in our classification coincide with the Singeltrail-Skala found at (http://www.singletrail-skala.de/).

Blue (easy, S0 – S1): small obstacles such as small roots, small stones, small gully erosion, gradients of up to 40 %, loose surfaces, tight corners but no hairpins, skilful braking and weight shift required, riding while standing, obstacles can be rolled over.

Red (medium, S2): loose surfaces, larger stones and roots, steps and shallow stairs, gradients of up to 70 %, light hairpins, permanent braking readiness, displacement of centre of mass to overcome obstacles, accurate braking, and permanent body tension.

Black (heavy, S3 – S5): blocked single trails, many large boulders and roots, smooth/slippery surfaces, loose scree slopes, large steps/drops, extremely steep gradients of over 70 %, tight hairpins, expert level of bike control/handling.

Catering

The on-board chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. A packed lunch instead of lunch on board is possible as well on our mountain bike tour. The catering consist of 2 x full board and 5 x half board and starts with dinner on embarkation day and ends with breakfast on disembarkation day.

Language
Due to our international audience our tours are often conducted bilingual, in English and German.

Premium Ship San Snova (shower/toilet in each cabin)

The wooden motor sailor San Snova, 31 x 8 m in size, took to the water in 2009. This magnificent construction took shape over the course of three years and sets a milestone in the boat building scene in Croatia as it is the last wooden boat of its kind to be built.

The 14 guest’s cabins are welcoming and equipped with air conditioning and a private shower/WC. The salon and its wooden finish provides a comfortable and friendly atmosphere, supported by the many seating arrangements on deck as well as the possibility to lie comfortably on the sun deck.

The crew on board pay special attention to cleanliness and maintenance on board and radiate a friendly and inviting atmosphere to the guests on board.

For more detailed information about the San Snova please visit: https://www.inselhuepfen.com/en/san-snova/

Basic tour price per person (in a twin cabin below deck )

• from 1,490 euro

Included services

• 8-day trip on a motorized yacht with crew
• 7 nights in a twin cabin below deck with shower/toilet
• 2 x full board and 5 x half board (option to have a picnic for lunch)
• Guided bike rides as described in the itinerary
• Overview-maps for the daily tours (on board)
• Bed linen and towels
• English speaking tour guide

Additional optional services (on request)

• A shared twin cabin
• Surcharge for a cabin above deck: 200 euro/person
• Surcharge per person for a cabin above deck: 150 euro/1.125 kn 
• Surcharge for a double cabin for single use below deck: 500 euro/3.750 kn 
• Surcharge for a double cabin for single use above deck: 700 euro/5.250 kn
• Rental bike: Full suspension MTB (fully): 180 euro/1.350 kn per week; full suspension e-MTB (E-fully): 240 euro/1.800 kn per week (limited)
• Insurance against theft and damage of the rental bike: fully 20 euro/150 kn week (not insured: grossly negligent damages)
• Private e-MTB: 50 euro/bike (handling fee) 
• A safe parking space: motorcycle: 40 euro/301,38 kn per week; car up to 6 m in length: 60 euro/452,07 kn per week, vehicle longer than 6 m: 120 euro/904,14 kn per week (on request, to be paid on-site to the tour guide)
• Additional night (B&B) near/in Trogir (prices on request)      
• 3-day extension module Sinj in a 3 star hotel and in a 4 star hotel  – Detailed Itinerary on request.         
• Customized transfers between Split airport and Trogir harbour: 20 euro/150,69kn  person/way (day of embarkation/disembarkation only – minimum 2 persons)     

Not included in the basic tour price

• Journey to Trogir
• Flat rate for bottled water, 25 euro (to be paid to the captain)
• Beverages on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain)
• Meals and beverages ashore
• Entrance fee for sights are not included in the tour price
• Tips for crew and tour guides

Price reductions

• With three persons sharing a cabin we allow a 50 % discount on the basic tour price for the third person, regardless of age, and do neither charge the above-deck surcharge for the third person. Three-bed-cabins are furnished with one double and a single bed.
• Children up to age 16 receive a discount of 25 % on the basic tour price (not combinable with the 50 % discount); Surcharge for single cabin use will be added.

For more and updated info please visit www.inselhuepfen.com/en/dms

If you would like to book this trip directly, please follow this booking link:

Direct booking of the MTB & Boat South Dalmatia Special Cruise

If you have any questions about this trip before booking, please contact us by email at:
info@islandhopping.com