Ports of Call: We sailed MS Antonella on a weeklong itinerary from Split, Croatia, calling at Milna, Bol, Hvar, Korčula, Mljet, the Pelješac Peninsula and Makarska before returning to Split.
Embarkation/Disembarkation: This was a round-trip Croatian cycling cruise that departed and returned to Split. A mountain bike was provided for each guest and an e-bike option was available. Our daily rides averaged about 28 kilometers (roughly 17 miles), letting us take in dramatic coastal panoramas, pause for a cold drink or slip into the sea for a refreshing swim. The rhythm of the trip was simple and delightful: cycle, eat, rest, take in the views and enjoy good company.
Stateroom: I stayed in an under-deck cabin with a porthole. All cabins aboard this small ship are en-suite and comfortably appointed for a cycling voyage.
Services/Amenities: Each day the ship transported us to a new point on the Dalmatian coast, often dropping us at one end of an island so we could cycle to the other shore and rejoin the vessel. The ship features a dining room and sun deck, and the cruise operated on a half-board basis with a captain’s dinner during the week. The group was small—about 30 passengers—and I was one of only two Americans on board, which made it easy to get to know everyone. Crew and guides spoke fluent English and provided local insight and support throughout the trip.
Top Takeaways:
◆ Day 2 took us on a steady, scenic climb past mulberry and fig trees, pine forests, olive groves and vineyards. We rode by white marble quarries that supplied stone for prominent international projects, and after roughly 35 kilometers we reached the tiny shepherd’s village of Gažul with its stone houses. There we enjoyed a hearty local lunch of grilled meats and traditional distilled liqueurs. From Gažul we cycled another 10 kilometers to Bol; the descent to the beach delivered sweeping views toward Hvar that made the morning’s effort especially rewarding.
◆ Day 4 in Korčula offered a memorable evening: drinks served atop a small castle, where the only practical way to transport beverages was by pulley—an amusing local custom that added to the charm of the evening.
◆ Day 6 on the Makarska Riviera showcased expansive coastal vistas and a wide range of optional activities for active travelers and sightseers alike, making it a highlight for those who wanted to explore on foot, by bike or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Overall, the week combined daily cycling with comfortable small-ship travel, local cuisine and friendly, knowledgeable crew—an excellent way to experience the natural beauty and cultural variety of the Dalmatian coast.