Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast Bike Tour

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. Dinner is on your own after we take the ferry back to Split for another night.

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. 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. Lodging will be at another 4-star accommodation in the island’s namesake town, Hvar, and we will gather for another great dinner at a local restaurant.

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.

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!

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 in Dubrovnik.

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.