Day 1: Fly to Dubrovnik and tour of the Old City
The plan is to fly from Gatwick early on the Wednesday with British Airways to Dubrovnik where we will arrive soon after lunch. We will stay the night close to the Old City in quality accommodation. The afternoon will be spent on a guided tour of the Old City. We shall link up with the cyclists and have free evening time in the Old City with a fabulous choice of restaurants.

Day 2: Dubrovnik to Makarska via Ston
The day will start with a one hour transfer along the stunning coastline to the ancient village of Ston based at the start of the mountainous Peljesac Peninsular. We shall walk around the hills with fabulous views of the neighbouring islands. Ston has the longest (5.5km) fortified wall in Europe, built in 1333. It looks like a section of the Great Wall of China and our walk will include a dramatic excursion along its parapets. We will end the walk for a late lunch at the pretty port of Mali Ston. The Peljesec Peninsular, is a long strip of land which if not for the 1km section of land between Mali Ston and Ston, would be another island. This Peninsula is mountainous rising to 2000ft and we will see this close up when after our trek we are transferred along the coast to Makarska. This bustling port is on the coast with spectacular ocean views to the islands of Hvar and Brac. We will stay 3 nights at the brand new 4* Hotel Osejava which is in an imposing position overlooking the bay and the 5800ft Mt Biokovo which soars above Makarska. Dinner will be either in the attractive hotel restaurant where last summer we ate the best food of our ‘holiday ‘ tour or in one of the many restaurants along the sea front. This is a bustling ‘young set’ resort with many busy bars, particularly at night.

Day 3: Speedboat to Hvar Island and Town
Another exciting day. We take a half hour ride in a speed boat to the pretty port of Jelsa on the island of Hvar. From Jelsa we commence our walk which will climb up the ridge to the summit of Sveta Nikola (2000ft) where there is an ancient chapel. The route up is very straight forward with spectacular views on all sides of the neighbouring islands. We shall have a picnic lunch near the summit. After the walk there will be a short transfer into Hvar Town where there will be an opportunity to explore what is the most upmarket location on the Dalmation Coast. We will once again meet up with the cyclists and we will all stay in an atmospheric hotel close to the centre of town with views of the sea. We shall eat in the hotel or out in one of the many fashionable restaurants.

Day 4: Hvar Town back to Makarska
In the morning after breakfast we will transfer back from Jelsa on our speedboat to Makarska and if we are lucky we may be able to stop for a short visit on the island of Brac. In the afternoon our local guide will take us on a nature trail on the lower slopes of Mount Biokovo where you will learn about the flora in the region before returning to Hotel Osejava for a well earned massage and meal. Just for your information which we haven’t mentioned before, the hotel has recently opened a brand new spa and sauna for our use. Again we will be teaming up with the cyclists at the hotel.

Day 5: The ascent and descent of Mount Biokovo
This mountain rises 5800ft above the sea through forestation and then open rock and scrub on a complex plateau with dramatic views of the islands and peninsula. You will have the option of climbing the mountain (higher than Ben Nevis!) on a well defined track, an awe inspiring experience, or having a short transfer onto the mountain for a walk along the wide but dramatic ridge with many viewpoints. On the way down from the summit we will be treated to a special lunch in a private lodge managed by the ‘park’ warden who you can see in the photo. We should reach the hotel during mid-afternoon allowing time to use the spa, swimming pool and various other facilities. We will stay the third night in Hotel Osejava and eat either in the hotel or in one of the many restaurants in the town.
Day 6: Return to London
The early flight from Split will mean an early rise for the 90 minute transfer to the airport. The flight is scheduled to arrive back at Gatwick in enough time for you to ‘enjoy’ an afternoon’s work if you so wish!