Croatia – Dalmatian Coast Bike Tour
Pedal alongside the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, flanked by vineyards, olive groves, limestone cliffs, and picturesque historic towns. Contemplate life as it was over a millennium ago at one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world in Split. Visit Dubrovnik, the gem of the Adriatic, with the longest and best-preserved city walls anywhere on the continent.
Croatia has been a favorite tourist destination since the 19th century and its popularity is only increasing in the modern age. In fact, hardly a day goes by without another travel magazine rating it among the top luxury tourist destinations in the world. Come see why! The reasons are simple. Croatia has fabulous regional food and wine, top-notch accommodations, beautiful coastlines, charming countryside, and well-preserved ancient history. A guided cycling tour with a local (English speaking) guide is the best way to appreciate southern Croatia. Learn how the Croatian lifestyle fits into the Mediterranean culture in the modern day and witness some of the most fascinating history and scenery in the world.
Itinerary
Day 01
Meet at our 4-star hotel in the historic Split and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals
– Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Cornaro
(or: Marvie Hotel; Jupiter Heritage Hotel; Marmont Hotel)
Following your arrival in Croatia, you have the day to explore the beautiful town of Split and the Roman ruins on your own. Most visitors consider these sights a “must see” while they are in the area!
Our group will meet in our hotel at 5 pm and set up our bikes and equipment, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the next two nights in Split at a lovely 4-star hotel in the heart of this historic city.
Day 02
Ferry to island of Brač, famous for its limestone, pedal to the Olive Oil Museum for a tasting.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
Lodging
Hotel Cornaro
(or: Marvie Hotel; Jupiter Heritage Hotel; Marmont Hotel)
Distance
24 miles (or more)
Elevation
+2,228 ft / -2,225 ft (or more)
From the Diocletian town of Split, we will board a morning ferry to the island of Brač for the day. Stone from Brač represents the soul of the island. It has been used in the construction of some of the most famous buildings in the world: the UNESCO-protected Diocletian Palace in Split, the White House in Washington D.C., and the Pope’s altar in the Vatican – to name a few. Since the islands along the Dalmatian Coast are also famous for their olive oil, we will stop for a tasting and an overview of its history and methods of production at the Olive Oil Museum. Our Brač tour will finish at a local restaurant, called a konoba, with fresh and domestic food – a fitting reward after pedaling through this beautiful and hilly landscape. Dinner is on your own after we take the ferry back to Split for another night.
Day 03
Cycle along the coastline on the island of Hvar.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Adriana Hotel
(or Riva Marina)
Distance
29 miles
Elevation
+2,510 ft / -2,501 ft
Today we ferry from Split to the island of Hvar in the morning. While the name Hvar derives from the Greek – Pharos, the island was historically under Venetian influence. This influence is exemplified by the picturesque architecture of the town of Hvar with its spectacular coastline and climate, red tile roofs and ancient city walls. Today, take in the wondrous scent of the lavender farms as you cycle to the town of Jelsa, situated on a tranquil bay nestled between the island’s two highest peaks. We finish in the island’s namesake town, Hvar. Lodging will be at another 4-star accommodation in town with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 04
On to the island Korčula, land of oaks and pines. Sample regional cooking (peka) and wines.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Liburna
(or: Hotel Korsal; Marko Polo Hotel)
Distance
36 miles
Elevation
+3,048 ft / -3,005 ft
From Hvar, we will jump on a private boat to transfer to the town of Vela Luka on the island of Korčula where we will spend the next two days. During our first day on Korčula, we will cycle the island from east to the west, passing through the lush forests of holm oaks and Mediterranean pines. The island is so densely forested with that the 4th century B.C. Greeks dubbed the island “Korkyra Melaina” (dark or black Korčula). In modern times, the island is famous for its olive groves. After settling in at our 4-star hotel, we have a special dinner experience tonight. Wine is included (but that’s not what makes it special). We will be sampling peka. More of a Dalmatian cooking tradition than a recipe, peka refers to a slow-cooking method which means “cooked under the lid.” High heat and the vacuum created by the lid infuses potatoes and vegetables with flavor and renders “meat so soft you can chew it with your eyebrows”. A great variety of dishes are prepared in this delicious fashion.
Day 05
Explore Korčula, a scenic town on a lovely bay. Enjoy a wine tasting on us!
Meals
– Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel Liburna
(or: Hotel Korsal; Marko Polo Hotel)
Distance
29 miles
Elevation
+1,992 ft / -1,990 ft
Today, you have a hard choice to make! You can enjoy some more riding on the island of Korčula, or you can spend the day sea kayaking, sailing, or exploring more of Korčula’s (the town’s) history and attractions. Famous as the birthplace of renowned traveler Marco Polo, the town boasts an exhibition about the famous explorer in the center of town. Korčula is also well known for the mock battle dance (Moreška), performed only by males from Korčula town families, with each soldier holding two swords. It is traditionally performed on July 29 (St. Theodore’s Day) and weekly during the summer season. Dinner is on your own tonight. Layover day excursions are not included in the tour price, but the wine tasting is on us!
Day 06
Pedal from the coastline through vineyards to the world-renowned city of Dubrovnik.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Lero
(or Hotel Lapad)
Distance
25 miles
Elevation
+1,476 ft / -2,353 ft
After breakfast, we will take a short ferry to the town of Orebić on the Pelješac Peninsula. It’s a spectacular ride to an even more spectacular destination. Cycle the coast past oyster farms and stop for a fresh sample if you like! Heading inland along the peninsula, vineyards dominate the landscape. Compare the Croatian varietals you have tried with Dalmatian favorites like Pošip or Dingač. In Dubrovnik, before heading out on the town for our farewell dinner, enjoy a tour of the city, featuring some of the longest, best-preserved city walls in Europe. See why the popular TV series, Game of Thrones, chose this location for filming its capital city – “King’s Landing”. Enjoy fabulous accommodations at Hotel Lero (or Hotel Lapad) in Dubrovnik.
Day 07
A farewell breakfast concludes our adventure.
Meals
– Breakfast
After breakfast at our hotel (included), we make our final farewells before heading our separate ways. Shuttles to the airport or other destinations are not included.