7 Days / 6 Nights
4 to 5 star
Moderate
2024 Dates
Sep 8-14, 15-21, 22-28, 29-Oct 5, 6-122025 Dates
Mar 30-Apr 5, 31-Apr 5, 6-12, 13-19, 20-26, May 4-10, 11-17, 18-24, 25-31, Sep 7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-Oct 4, 5-11, 12-18This island-hoping bicycle adventure of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast begins at one World Heritage city, Split, and ends in another, Dubrovnik. Bike within pristine conditions through coastal island towns and discover local charm, delectable seafood outstanding wines. It quickly becomes abundantly clear why Croatia has become the rising star in travel.
Day 1: Diocletian's Palace & Island of Brac
Enjoy Split’s marble streets and wide waterfront promenade. Tour Split and ferry over to Island Brac for a warm up ride and exploration. We start early on day one so there is plenty of time to enjoy a guided tour of Split on the return.
Days 2-4: Hvar Island
Forty-eight islands dot Split’s seafront, and we trace lush lavender-laden Hvar to the lively medieval port town of Hvar Town, an air of Venice without the crowds. Covered in luxuriant color alongside a cobalt sea, Hvar Island is eye candy. You'll see as we cross the entire island.
Days 5-6: Home of Marco Polo, Dubrovnik & Grgich Wines
Korcula offers prehistoric and Ancient Greek habitations, and now produces the most wine in Croatia. We will taste at Grgich Winery, and ride along the Peljesac Peninsula then visit Ston and taste oysters on our way to Dubrovnik, a medieval jewel we explore and tour before our grand farewell feast.
Days 7: .... Departure day
Inclusions
Not included
Peace was settled in 1995 and ever since Croatia has made a determined effort to regain its prominence as a premier international travel destination (our first tour here was in 2000 ). The seas are still crystal clear, the islands lush and the fishing villages unspoiled as ever. As you bike within these pristine conditions and through its coastal towns and islands you also discover a land rich cultural heritage.
The many palaces, temples, and amphitheaters from the Roman Empire evidence to this, as do the remains of its forts, fishing villages and fortified towns from the Venetian realm. This Central Dalmatian island-hoping bicycle adventure begins at one World Heritage city, Split, and ends in another, Dubrovnik, and is sure to make clear to you the differences between tourism and travel.
You should arrive a day early to acclimate and explore Split, which rose to fame in the year 245 AD due to the Roman Emperor Diocletian building his retirement palace here, which is not far from the town from where he was born. This UNESCO World Heritage town was founded by Greeks at the end of 3rd c BC then the Roman and Byzantine Empires ruled. Within the wide waterfront promenade that encloses a maze of marble streets are featured gothic and renaissance palaces and an atmosphere that makes travel so sensory.
We embark a ferry early morning for the Island of Brac and get comfortable with our bikes during a short warm-up loop that offers incredible views of the mainland coast as we make our way through the tiny villages known for fishing, wine making, stone carving and handicrafts.
Lodging: A very friendly 4-star in the heart of the historic center.
The ferry is boarded for Hvar Island, often referred to as the Madeira of the Adriatic. Covered in color of luxuriant green, brilliant patches of lavender, and sun-drenched golden limestone alongside a cobalt blue sea warrants the comparison of scenery nothing short of eye candy. After we explore the colorful port of Stari Grad we cycle into Hvar Town via a quiet road that commands the magnificence of the surrounding islands. We arrive at the waterfront and 4-star hotel we stay for two nights with enough time to enjoy a swim, browse the shops and relax. Our second day here we enjoy a loop that passes through the many wine making villages of the island and then drops down to the coast where we go for a swim and before our stop for a wine a tasting and tour at a private wine maker's residence. This is not your typical wine tour. Mile's cellar is to be experienced and not for sale at your local wine shop.
Just as the day before there is plenty of time to enjoy Hvar Town’s many offerings. The last day on the island we offer several options including a ride along a high ridge to the island other half.
Lodging: We stay in medieval Hvar Town where the 13th c walls hide the gothic palaces within its narrow back streets. A long seaside promenade winds along the sea and the car free marble streets of Hvar have an air of Venice without the crowds. 2 nights in a 4-star on the waterfront in Hvar Town
Today we take the 10' ferry ride over to Korcula and explore this exquisite jewel claimed to be the home of Marco Polo. Korcula, an island with caves of prehistoric origin and a rich cultural history that started with Greek settlements from the 6th c BC. Today the island is rich in vineyards, olive groves, small villages and hamlets with medieval walled town centers. Korcula also produces more wine than any other region in Croatia . Our ride crisscrosses the 47km long & 5 to 8km wide island. We end our day with a city tour that explains the history of the island and the connection to Marco Polo.
Lodging: 2-nights at a beautiful 4-star hotel along the sea in Orebic with outstanding views of the islands dotting the waters.
As if you haven't seen enough incredible scenery, the quite road we ride has to be the most dramatic coastal stretch we have discovered on any tour; and that is saying something. As we ride down the Peljesac Peninsula we stop to sample the wine that eventually made its way to California. The origin of the Zin grape was unknown until recent times, when it was determined that this Peninsula was a strain of the original... which like California Zin comes from a varietal originating near Split, Croatia. We stop to sample this fine wine en route then make our way past the islands largest salt flats and into the villages of Ston and Mali Ston. Ston is known to have the longest medieval city walls in Europe and if you like we can try oysters and mussels from the well-known Ston oyster beds. Our day ends at the World Heritage UNESCO site of Dubrovnik where we will enjoy a night of five star luxury and a short walk to the medieval center of town where we experience a private city tour before our grand farewell feast.
Lodging: Along the waterfront, a 5-star hotel with extremely friendly staff.
Located in Split's medieval center & Diocletian's palace steps to the emperor's chambers and the emperor's square. An extremely wonderful staff makes this stay truly memorable. We offer to set up any pre-tour reservations here for you.
A unique four star hotel located along the waterfront promenade of incomparable Hvar Town. Completely reconstructed in 2006, from a beautiful 100-year-old building, Hotel Riva brings together old world charm and a state of luxury. Each one of Riva’s rooms features uniquely designed interiors, contemporary furnishings and an exceptional view of the sea and the Paklinski Islands.
A four star hotel situated on the beach in the center of Orebić. Protected by the high mountains of St.Ilija this hotel provides a high level of comfort, excellent cuisine, swimming pool, a terrace overlooking the beach, wellness center and easy access to the Island of Korcula we explore.
A comfortable four star hotel set in a prime location with easy access to the center of Dubrovnik medieval venter. Guests of the hotel will have easy access to Lovrijenac Fortress, Pile Gate and Bokar Fortress. Minceta Fortress, Mt. Srd and Onofrio's Fountain are also not far away. We can set up reservations for an extended post tour stay here upon request.
*Please note: while these hotels are typically featured, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality due to availability. Please call us if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.
DAY-TO-DAY DISTANCES & HIGHLIGHTS
All the towns & lodgings we stay are highlights in themselves
KEEP IT PRIVATE ON AN EXISTING TOUR or CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP
If you have at least 6 participants we can keep it private on any of our sheduled tours or on an alternative date (subject to availability). For less than 6, prices may vary and for more than 12 discounts may apply.
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Sometimes a custom trip is participating in one of our exisitng trips on a private basis with a few alterations to trip length, activity level, or adding some side trips. Other times we get to work to create a unique itinerary specific to your groups desires or budget. We then use our expertise to organize a tour especially tailored to your vision.
The first thing we do is get to know you a little. We learn your interests and preferences, find out who’s going and why. Family, friends or associates? Birthday, reunion or corporate retreat? When you speak with our tour designer he/she will work together with you to design a trip that is sure to create great anticipation and excitement for all.