Cycle the Dalmatian Coast

Over View

Explore the beautiful Dalmatian coast by bike from Split to Dubrovnik. Visit medieval towns, fishing villages and plenty of vineyards while island hopping along Croatia’s coast.

Dubrovnik and Split – Spend time in the historic hearts of the region’s oldest cities

Hvar Island – Cycle through the beautiful countryside of one of Croatia’s scenic gems

Korcula Island – Explore the villages and vineyards of this historic Island

Itinerary

Day 1 Join trip Kastel Kambelovac

Arrive in the seaside town Kastel Kambelovac, 10 kilometres from Split. Our sea front hotel is ideally located with great views over the bay and easy reach from the airport as well as Split town and Trogir.
For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Kastel Kambelovac at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you’ll need to arrive into Split Airport (SPU), which is 10 kilometres and 15 minutes drive from Kastel Kambelovac. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to check in to the hotel then head to nearby medieval harbour town of Trogir, wander the cobbled streets and visit Saint Lawrence Cathedral. Alternatively, you may wish to take advantage of the beach in front of the hotel, and excellent restaurant offering traditional dishes that is very popular with the locals.

Day 2 Morning sightseeing in Split. Ferry to Hvar Island and explore by bike

Today we cycle 16 km to Split, lying on the eastern shores of the Adriatic, Split’s historic heart is centred around the ancient Roman Palace of Diocletian, which dates back to the early years of the 4th century AD. After spending the morning exploring this beautiful town and stopping here for lunch (not included) we head for the port. We’ll take a tour around this renowned World Heritage Site, before boarding the ferry to Stari Grad on the beautiful island of Hvar. After a two hour journey, the ferry will get us in with time to enjoy a late afternoon cycle to the picturesque harbour town of Jelsa, where we spend the next two nights. Here we will have time for some optional wine tasting at one of the most famous wineries on the island, Tomic wines, famed for its elegant red wine and sumptuous Prosek – a local delight.

The Fontana hotel consists of a series of cabins nestled in a wooded hillside on the outskirts of Jelsa. The hotel has a swimming pool and great views of the bay from the breakfast room. The individual rooms are en suite and have a fan. We have graded the hotel as simple as the cabins themselves are basic in their finish and the dcor looks dated.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 32 kilometres (300 metres total accumulated ascent).

Day 3 Explore the historic old streets and abandoned villages by bike on the beautiful island of Hvar

Today we have a full day to explore more of this beautiful island by bike. Our day starts with a lengthy ascent up to the highest point of the island, cycling past the lavender fields that were once the workplace of all of Hvar’s inhabitants. Tourism is the main source of employment now and it’s easy to see why the island attracts so many visitors as we finish our climb and enjoy sweeping views across the island. Our descent then takes us through the village of Brusje to the charming town of Hvar. Here we will have lunch (not included) and free time to explore the historic old streets of this old Venetian town and take a dip in the crystal clear water. In the afternoon we drive back to Jesla. If you would like more time in the saddle there is the option to cycle back to Jesla along a different route on a quiet paved road through the villages of Malo Grabjle and Veliko Graglje, encountering one short, steep climb and beautiful scenery.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 32 kilometres (480 metres total accumulated ascent) with an additioanl 32 kilometres (and 450 metres ascent) if you chose to cycle back from Hvar. There is one big hill today, the support bus is with us should you wish to sit it out and just enjoy the downhills and flatter sections.

Day 4 Ferry to Korcula. Afternoon cycling around the red terracotta roofed villages and marbled streets to the sandy beach

This morning we drive to Stari Grad then board a catamaran, we head next for the historical and fertile island of Korcula, famed for its quality wine and its age-old traditions. A gorgeous blend of red terracotta roofs, stone cathedrals and marble streets, the old Venetian town of Korcula is a photographer’s dream, we’ll negotiate our way through the historic streets where there are ample opportunities to sample local cuisine at a Dalmatian style ‘Konoba’ restaurant (not included). From here we take a leisurely cycle along the coast to Lombarda, our home for the next two nights, with an opportunity to experience an exquisite cemetery as we ride into town. Lombarda is famed for its sandy beaches, dramatic coastal views and vineyards and an early finish provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy these luxuries. There is a chance for a swim and wine tasting at a local winery which is notorious for Grk, a white variety indigenous to Korcula and pairs well with sun and cycling.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 13 kilometres (156 metres total accumulated ascent)

Day 5 Full day’s cycling on beautiful Korcula island

A full day’s cycling tour of the island allows us to experience the elegance of rural Korcula, as we slowly make our way across the island to the small town of Cara, one of the oldest settlements on the island. This is a gentle climb of 16 kilometres, if you prefer you can skip this and start at the top of the hill. We then head downhill to the pretty coastal village of Zavalatica, where the old traditions of fishing and farming are still very much alive. Here we can swim, enjoy lunch (not included) in a local restaurant and take in the spectacular views of the crystal clear Adriatic Sea; on a clear day one can hope to see Italy’s Monte Gargano. After lunch we cycle through the fertile landscape, through vineyards with sweeping coastal views, past the terracotta roofs of Pupnat, the smallest village on the island, before joining the road which takes us back to Lumbarda.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 62 kilometres (Total accumulated ascent 1150 metres)

Day 6 Morning ferry to Orebic. Cycle to Zuljana, then drive to Dubrovnik

We depart Lumbarda after breakfast by bike for a short ride to Korcula harbour. We’ll cross over to the Dalmatian mainland, to the thin, finger like strip of the Peljesac Peninsula and then we will start our cycling in Postup. A route along the coast allows us to cycle through a landscape blanketed in rich vineyards of Plavac Mali grapes – a local speciality. The end of our ride is celebrated at the little-visited but beautiful bay of Zuljana. A two hour drive takes us to the hills that rise above Dubrovnik and to the top of Mount Srd where we have the pleasure of seeing the old city walls for the first time as we visit the Imperial fort, well known for its crucial role in the Siege of Dubrovnik when a handful of Croatian soldiers successfully defended the fort and therefore kept the vital high ground. The fort is now a fascinating photographic war museum (optional visit) which provides a vivid account of the war. We then make our way to our hotel in Dubrovnik by road.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 27 kilometres (230 metres total accumulated ascent)

Our hotel is in the lively Lapad Bay area, close to many restaurants and a public beach. Dubrovnik Old Town is easily reached by a twenty minute public bus ride. All rooms have ensuite facilities and we have classified the hotel as simple due to the slightly tired dcor and furnishings.

Day 7 Optional cycle through the villages of the Dalmatian Coast or relax in Dubrovnik

This morning you have the option for a final ride or relax in Dubrovnik. If you chose to cycle the route takes you through the beautiful Dalmatian countryside, heading out towards Cavtat and starting our ride with a gradual ascent along a tarmac road with panoramic views over the Konvale Valley. The olive growing region of Croatia, as well passing through green groves the roads are also lined with ghostly Cypress Trees; standing guard over the valley and it’s travellers. We will have a drink break in an idyllic village on the banks of the river Ljuta, before making our way through the valley to Cavtat where we finish our last ride and have lunch (not included). Returning to Dubrovnik, the afternoon is then free to enjoy the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Once described by George Bernard Shaw as paradise on earth, the old medieval town of Dubrovnik still retains a unique atmosphere and charm, with its wealth of monasteries, museums and medieval buildings. A walk around the entire circumference of the city walls offers some great views out over the rooftops and alleyways of the old city and the tranquil waters of the Adriatic.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 34 kilometres (387 metres total accumulated ascent).

Day 8 Trip ends Dubrovnik

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Dubrovnik.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Dubrovnik at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) which is a 25 kilometre and 40 minute drive from Dubrovnik.
We suggest adding an additional night if you wish to further explore the ancient city of Dubrovnik, UNESCO World Heritage Site.