CROATIA BIKE & BOAT or JUST CRUISE SATURDAY to SATURDAY ex DUBROVNIK 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS - SELF GUIDED CYCLING Lord Byron gave Dubrovnik its title “the pearl of the Adriatic” while George Bernard Shaw famously said “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik”. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves. Dubrovnik is a truly stunning city and as the first pearl of this tour, it will not disappoint. Dubrovnik’s Old Town became a World Heritage site in 1979 and its 1,940 metre long city walls are among the most beautiful and best preserved middle-age fortifications in Europe. There are no cars in the Old City and the cobbled streets are packed with charming restaurants and lined with beautiful examples of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture. From Dubrovnic we island hop starting with the dazzlingly green Island and National Park of Mljet. Visit the Benedictine monastery on St Mary’s Island and uncover the historical tales of Odysseus’ shipwreck. From Mljet cruise the clear azure sea between Korcula and Markarska round the east cape of Hvar and down to the historical town of Jelsa. The island of Hvar is famous for its mild climate, olives, wine and wealth of historical highlights. Soak up the sights before relaxing on what’s been described as the most beautiful beach of the Adriatic, Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) Beach. The Island of Korčula is the reputed birth place of Marco Polo (1254-1324) - narrow walkways, tiny villages and hamlets, quiet coves and marble streets. Join us and spend one never-to-beforgotten week cycling, swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, cruising and exploring the idyllic bays and picturesque towns of the islands of Croatia

ITINERARY

Day 1 Saturday / DUBROVNIK

The adventure begins in Dubrovnik – one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful cities. Cabins will be ready at 5pm but you can leave your luggage on board from 1pm. Dubrovnik is a remarkably well-preserved example of a late-medieval walled city. Almost 2kms in length, a walk around the famous city walls is a must. The Old Town is pedestrian only and the city’s most iconic street, the marble paved Stradun, is lined with architectural treasures. The boat will be moored the night at Dubrovnik’s port of Gruz which is just 3kms from the Old Town - close enough for you head out after dinner and experience the nightlife. Overnight: Dubrovnik Meals onboard: Welcome dinner

DAY 2 Sunday DUBROVNIK

After breakfast spend time getting lost in the streets of Dubrovnik. Take an exhilarating cable car ride to the top of the hill above Dubrovnik for a stunning birds-eye view of city and sea. Visit the Dubrovnik Art Gallery set in a 1930’s mansion just outside the Old Town. See wine-producing vines believed to be more than 100 years old. Lunch on board then the afternoon’s free time for beach or sightseeing. CYCLING OPTION: After breakfast we transfer from the boat to the village of Zvekovika, 19 kilometres out of Dubrovnik, for a bike tour that leads you along quiet roads through cypress trees, vineyards, olive groves and delightful villages that reflect the traditional culture of old Dubrovnik. The region of Konavle has managed to maintain a traditional country-style of living along with many chapels, cloisters and summer houses that once hosted the Dubrovnik's highclass lords. At the village of Ljuta we take a break at the old watermill to learn about traditional flour making and to re-energise with a local brandy and tasty delicacies, before heading back to the ship. Cycling: 17km (total time 3.5hrs), Ascent 50m, Level moderate Overnight: Dubrovnik Meals onboard: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 3 Monday DUBROVNIK – MLJET ISLAND After breakfast we set sail from Dubrovnik to Pomena, a tiny village and hidden harbour on the west coast of the idyllic island of Mljet (pronounced 'mil-yet'). Covered in olive groves, vineyards and dense forest, Mljet is known as the greenest island of Croatia. Thirty-seven kilometres (23 mi) long, there are several villages, two salt water lakes and a Benedictine Monastery on St Mary Island. Most of the villages on Mljet were founded between the 15th and the 18th century and according to legend, the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus captive for seven years. It's a heavenly place to explore by foot or bike. CYCLING OPTION: After lunch cycle from the Port of Pomena to Govedjari, where the national park begins. Flat and forested, quiet cycle paths criss-cross the island, open out onto tiny beaches and circle two saltwater lakes. At Veliko Jezero (Large Lake) rent a canoe or take the small tourist boat to the Benedictine monastery that sits on an islet right in the middle of the lake. Wander around the 12thcentury Church of St Mary and have a drink at the restaurant Melita, overlooking the water.

Then if time permits peddle to the eastern side of the island and Mljet's only sandy beach, Saplunara, stopping for dinner at the restaurant Stermasi. Here you can enjoy a fantastic meal of octopus and goat ‘under the bell' (cooked under hot coals). NOTE: Entrance to Mljet National Park Mljet and boat across the lake will be approx €15 (112kn) per person to be paid direct. Cycling: 16km (total time 4hrs), Ascent 30m, Level Moderate Overnight: Pomena Meals onboard: Breakfast and lunch. Option of a barbecue dinner onboard (approx. €13 per person).

DAY 4 Tuesday MLJET ISLAND – HVAR ISLAND

This morning we head for Hvar; not only the longest and sunniest Croatian island but also one of the most beautiful in the world. Just over 68km long and 10.5km wide, Hvar’s gently rolling hills are painted brilliant purple by fields of lavender while lush vineyards nestle at the foot of the island’s rugged mountains. Hvar’s location at the centre of the Adriatic sailing routes made it an important base for trade. During the Middle Ages when the Venetians ruled over most of the Adriatic, Hvar’s importance grew. After lunch explore the harbour town of Jelsa, set between towering peaks and the sparkling Adriatic. Take your togs and take the 3km coastal walk between Jelsa and the tiny town of Vrboska where you can stop off for a swim in one of the many stunning coves along the way. CYCLING OPTION: After lunch, today’s journey takes you to the small island settlements, fields and vineyards. Cycle along the coast to Vrboska and onto the old road across the island to the one of the oldest settlements in Europe. Stari Grad dates back to 384BC when it was a Greek colony called Faros. Cycling around this ancient town is both a visual feast and history lesson on the area’s long and turbulent past. Return to Jelsa. Cycling: 26km (total time 4hrs), Ascent 350m, Level moderate Overnight: Jelsa Meals onboard: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 5 Wednesday HVAR - BRAČ - MAKARSKA In the morning cruise from Hvar to the Island of Brac and the picturesque town of Bol with its abundance of white beaches. Once the home of wine-growers fishermen and sailors, Bol is the only coastal settlement on the southern side of the island. Stroll the cobbled streets of the town and swim at Dalmatia’s most famous beach of all – Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn). Stretching almost vertically into the sea, the glorious Zlatni Rat beach changes shape depending on the winds, as if it were made of liquid gold. After lunch on board cruise to Makarska, a picturesque gem nestled between the mountain of

Biokovo and the Adriatic Sea. This afternoon visit the old town with its narrow stone-paved streets, flower and fruit market and Franciscan monastery. The many restaurants, cafes, shops, cultural and entertainment venues of Makarska create a vibrant atmosphere day and night. CYCLING OPTION: This morning cycle along the coastline stopping at Bol Beach to enjoy the views of Vidova Gora (the highest mountain of the Adriatic islands at 780mtrs above sea level) - stop for a swim at famous Zlatni Rat for a dip in the clear blue waters. Cycling: 14km (total time 1.5hrs), Ascent 50m, Level moderate Overnight: Makarska Meals onboard: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 6 Thursday MAKARSKA – KORCULA

After breakfast we sail around the east end of Hvar island towards Pelješac Peninsular and the most inhabited island in the Adriatic sea, Korčula. Supposedly the birthplace of Marco Polo, the medieval walled town of Korčula sits on a small headland. After lunch, immerse yourself in the town’s narrow walkways, Venetian architecture, defensive walls, attractive pan tiled rooves and many monuments. Climb to the top of St Mark’s Cathedral for spectacular views of the town, the Peljesac peninsular and the sparkling Adriatic sea. A leisurely stroll west from the old town along Sveti Nikola takes you to the bay of Medvinjak. CYCLING OPTION: After lunch we start our bike trail 12 km from Korčula in the village of Raćišće. Heading towards the small village of Medvinjak and then onto Lumbarda, this trail is best described as the Garden of Eden. Lush vegetation dotted with old stone houses is accompanied by the heady aroma of Mediterranean plants. Lumbardia is a tiny fishing village surrounded by fine sandy beaches and equally fine sandy vineyards. Take a dip in the Adriatic and explore the area before cycling back to port to overnight in Korcula town. Optional wine tasting: 7 euro per person Cycling: 25km (total time 4hrs) Ascent 150m, Level moderate Overnight: Korčula Meals onboard: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 7 Friday KORCULA – PELJEŠAC PENINSULA - SLANO In the morning we will leave this magnificent island and continue our cruise towards the little seaside

village of Trstenik on the Pelješac peninsula. This area is well known for its excellent red wines named after the slopes on the southern side of the peninsula - Postup and Dingac. Trestnik is a beautiful village nestled between the hills of Pelješac and crystal clear sea. Wander the town, visit Grgish Winery set in a restored former fortress on the steep hills of Trstenik and take a walk along the seafront promenade dotted with palm trees, stone houses and seafront terraces. Back on board we sail down Mljet Strait to the Elaphiti Archipelago, a group of 14 idyllic islands and islets, where we stop for lunch and swimming on long sandy beaches. In the late afternoon we continue to the deep bay and town of Slano, 37 kilometres north of Dubrovnik. If you enjoy seafood, try Restaurant Kolarin or for a great pizza with sea views, Peronospora Restaurant. Tonight you have the option of dining onboard (approx. €15 per person). CYCLING OPTION: Your bike trail leaves Trstenik after breakfast and takes you along the coast past vineyards and tiny bays to the seaside village of Zuljana and the beautiful bay of Vucine. Be warned the sea is irresistibly warm. Return to Trstenik through the hidden uninhabited villages of Račiči, Pivčiči and Jeuči. Cycling: 17km (total time 3hrs), Ascent 130m, Level moderate Overnight: Slano Meals onboard: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 8 Saturday SLANO – DUBROVNIK If you have a morning flight you will need to transfer (not included for Just Cruise passengers - prices follow) by road to Dubrovnik Airport (52kms) after breakfast. The boat then cruises from Slano, sailing by Lokrum Island, below the mighty city walls of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and to the Port of Gruz where arrangements end at 1pm. Meals on board: Breakfast CYCLING OPTION FREE TRANSFER: From boat (Slano or Dubrovinik)to Dubrovnik airport Transfers for other passengers are additional as below.

2017 PRICES - CRUISE ONLY Lower Deck

Main/Upper Deck

May 6, 13, 20, 27, Jun 3

Twin/Double €818 Single €1197

Twin/Double €930 Single €1365

Jun 10, 17, 24, Sep 16, 23, 30

Twin/Double €873 Single €1280

Twin/Double €985 single €1448

Twin/Double €908 Single €1332

Twin/Double €1020 single €1500

Per Person €

Jul 1, 8, Aug 19, 26, Sep 2, 9

Twin/Double €935 Single €1373

Jul 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 12

Twin/Double €1048 single €1542

2017 PRICES - BIKE ‘n BOAT Lower Deck

Main/Upper Deck

May 20, 27

Twin/Double €1068 Single €1572

Twin/Double €1180 Single €1740

Jul 1, Aug 26, Sep 2, 9

Twin/Double €1170 Single €1725

twin €1283 single €1894

Jul 29

Twin/Double €1185 Single € 1748

twin €1298 single €1917

Sep 16, 23

Twin/Double €1123 Single € 1655

Twin €1235 single €1823

Twin/Double €1027 Single €1510

twin €1139 single € 1679

Per Person €

Sep 30

CRUISE ONLY INCLUDES  7 nights cruise as per itinerary  7 nights air conditioned cabin with ensuite  Welcome drink  Welcome dinner  Water on board  Towel replacement once a week - additional towel replacement costs €3 (23kn); sheet  

replacement costs €12.5 (95kn) Daily breakfast 6 lunches

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Coffee(breakfast) Onboard English Speaking Representative

BIKE & BOAT INCLUDES       

All of the above plus Airport transfers (Day 1 & Day 8 respectively) Transfers to and from Konavle Konavle watermill visit and refreshments Mountain Bike Helmet & Bottle holder Route Maps

TRANSFERS - FREE WITH THE CYCLING OPTION

Transfers need to be pre-booked. Costs for passengers without cycling option: Dubrovnik Airport to Port of Gruz (per vehicle, one way)  €35 for 1-3 passengers  €45 for 4 – 8 passenger Slano to Dubrovnik Airport (per vehicle, one way)  €66 for 1-3passengers  €74 for 4-8passengers

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS BOOKED ONBOARD Excursions are available on request in Člipi, Dubrovnik, Jelsa, Makarska and Korčula

MS MALI ANTE Cruise ship MS Mali Ante was built in 1988 for cruises from Greece to North Africa. Since 2003 it has been cruising the Croatian Adriatic coast and was upgraded in 2012 to a motor yacht with a capacity for up to 42 people. The vessel is 35m long, 7.8m wide with a cruising speed of 8-10 knots. Cabins are approximately 10sq metres SHIP FEATURES

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19 fully air-conditioned cabins with ensuites Saloon with a bar, sun deck with deck chairs, platform on the stern for easy access into the sea.

Lower Deck (10 cabins, fixed portholes) 6 twin cabins 2 double cabins 2 double cabins + additional bed

Main Deck (9 cabins, opening portholes) 5 twin cabins 2 double cabins 2 double cabins + additional bed

MS OTAC NIKOLA SHIP FEATURES  14 fully air-conditioned cabins with ensuites  Saloon with a bar  sun deck with deck chairs  platform on the stern for easy access into the sea Lower Deck (cabins:8.5sqmtrs) Main Deck (cabins: 9sqmtrs) Upper Deck (cabins 7.5sqmtrs) Fixed portholes Opening portholes Opening portholes 3 twin cabins (twin beds) 4 double cabins (queen+extra bed) 4 double cabins (queen beds) 3 double cabins (queen beds) Your cruise ship MS Otac Nikola was built in 2006 especially for cruises in the Adriatic. The vessel is 26m long, 7.8m wide, with a cruising speed of 9 -10 knots. It has capacity for up to 32 passengers.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION • Boarding at 5.00 pm, at Port Gruz, DubrovnikYou can leave bags on boat from 1.00 pm and explore the city. • Cash bar available onboard. Drinks cannot be brought onboard. • The Captain reserves the right to change the route in the case of bad weather conditions or emergency. • Guests must abide by the ship’s rules. • This cruise may not be suitable for persons with restricted mobility. • Every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary as stated. However, due to the schedule changes beyond the organiser’s control, we reserve the right, without prior notice, to change the route or alter the shore excursions. • In some ports the ship may be moored sideways to the other boats. In this case guests will need to walk across other boats to reach the pier. Guests with walking disabilities might find crossing other boats challenging. Although every effort will be made to assist, please be aware that crew availability is severely limited in most circumstances and therefore a physically challenged guest will require the services of a responsible adult. • Cabins are cleaned once a week before embarkation and fresh linen supplied ... the cost for towel replacement during the week is €3 (23kn); sheet replacement costs €12.5 (95kn) • Port fees of €3 per person per day is payable on the boat. ARRIVAL BY PLANE Airport Dubrovnik is located approximately 16 km southeast of Dubrovnik. There is taxi stand in front of the arrival hall or we can organise transfers for you. ARRIVAL BY BUS Dubrovnik Bus Terminal is situated in Gruž, in the harbour where the Mali Ante is docked. From the bus terminal the boat is an approximate 10 minute walk or you can take a taxi. ARRIVAL BY CAR You can park your car at Port of Gruz while you are on the boat. The cost is approx. €13 per day with discounts for weekly parking. Book through:

Don’t just see the world. Experience it. Ph 09 4867473 Fax 09 484 0091 Email: [email protected]