Overview
Peaceful cycling routes along Croatia’s spectacular Dalmatian coastline
Known to have the clearest waters in the Mediterranean and undoubtedly packed
with historical and cultural interest, the Dalmatian Coast is one of the true
wonders of Europe. We follow some of the best cycling routes the area has to
offer with much of the tour taking place on the long and beautiful islands of
Hvar and Korcula, travelling by ferry between the islands. The scenery
alternates between seaside villages, tiny mediaeval towns and pretty pebble
bays. We end our journey in the fascinating UNESCO city of Dubrovnik where we
spend two nights soaking up the atmosphere of this uniquely preserved city.
Highlights
* Spectacular coastal cycling on the mainland and islands
* Delicious local cuisine at traditional restaurants and agritourisms
* Discover the UNESCO city of Dubrovnik
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Split; ferry transfer to Hvar.
Start Split; If arrival times allow,there will be time to look around the
old quarters of the city and a visit to the UNESCO Diocletian Palace, we may
have time for dinner or a snack before we get back to the Split ferry port to
take an evening ferry to Stari Grad on the island of Hvar. We then continue
by road to town Hvar where we spend the first two nights.
Please note:/the ferry leaves at 20.30. The group flight varies per
departure and the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly./
Day 2
Circular ride exploring the island of Hvar, including Hvar town and a 8km
climb.
Our first cycle is a circular ride exploring the island of Hvar. We start
with a transfer to Stari Grad where we do our bike fitting before we start
cycling along an old Roman road to Vrbovska and then follow the coastal road
towards the village of Jelsa. Here we take a break before heading back to
Stari Grad for an optional lunch. After lunch, we continue our cycle back to
the town of Hvar. We will cycle up a challenging hill to a viewpoint
overlooking the island of Brac with breathtaking views. When we return to
Hvar, we will have a chance to wander around the narrow streets of this
quintessential Dalmatian town. Rather like a mini Venice, the streets of Hvar
are marbled and there are elegant gothic palaces and cathedrals inside the
city walls.
Day 3
Ride east along the island to port of Sucuraj; ferry via mainland to Korcula.
Today we start with a transfer to Jelsa and we ride east along the narrow
part of the island with views of both coasts as we head to the port of
Sucuraj. The road is generally quiet and there are a couple of challenging
climbs today to get you warmed up, however, the support vehicle will be
available for anyone who doesnt want to cycle up the hills. Heading east,
we have wonderful views of the mountainous mainland and the turquoise waters
and we pass small villages, olive groves and tiny vineyards on our way to
Sucuraj. From Sucuraj we take a ferry to Drvenik on the mainland, transfer by
bus to Orebic, then catch another ferry to Korcula which is the historic
centre of the island and in a lovely setting on the Peljesac Channel. It is
also known for its outstanding cultural and historical heritage with a long
tradition of seafaring, shipbuilding and stone-masonry, as well as being the
birthplace of the adventurer and traveller Marco Polo. Once on Korcula, we
have a short 15min transfer to the small town of Lumbarda which will be our
base for the next three nights.
From June to September a ferry runs from Ploce to Trpanj, and from here we
will take the bus to Orebic and then the ferry to Korcula. This shortens the
time spent on the bus travelling from Drvenik to Orebic and makes the journey
a bit more fun and picturesque.
Day 4
Free day in Lumbarda; optional visit (with bikes) to picturesque island of
Mljet.
Today we have a free day to relax in Lumbarda, go for a swim at the sandy
beach on Przina or explore the charming town of Korcula at your own pace.
There is an optional visit (with bikes) to the picturesque island of Mijet.
Those choosing to explore Mljet and its famous national park will take a boat
ride to Pomena, which is also the entrance for the Mljet National Park. Here
you can enjoy a very scenic but short ride around the two lakes.
Day 5
Scenic ride on forested island of Korcula, from Vela Luka to Korcula town and
on to Lumbarda.
After breakfast we will start our circular ride on the forested island of
Korcula. We start with a transfer to Vela Luka and from here we ride to the
pretty village Brna near Smokvica before transferring to Pupnat where we will
have lunch. From here we get back on the bikes and cycle all the way back to
Lumbarda after a great exploration of the island. Today is a busy day and
there are some hills, but we will use the support vehicle where necessary.
Day 6
Ride through the vineyards of Peljesac Peninsula towards the mainland;
transfer to Dubrovnik.
After a short ferry ride (approx 20 minutes) to the Peljesac Peninsula we
follow this narrow and rugged finger of land. The route passes through olive
groves, quiet villages and the famous vineyards hugging the steep slopes
descending to the clear waters of the Adriatic. We complete our ride along an
easy unpaved track to the tiny cove at Zuljana. From here the traffic levels
increase so we take our support vehicle to Dubrovnik. En route there is a
short stop at the small historic settlement of Ston, a beautiful example of a
fortified town and Dubrovnik-style architecture. We should arrive in
Dubrovnik in the late afternoon. We spend two nights in a lovely hotel which
is a 10-minute public bus ride from the old town of Dubrovnik. This evening
we will have a guided tour of the Old Town of Dubrovnik.
Day 7
Free day to explore Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik exudes old-world charm. Located right on the Adriatic, the fine
religious buildings surrounded by heavily fortified walls and the jumble of
red-tiled roofs make this a truly enchanting place. The shelling of Dubrovnik
by Serb troops in 1991 and 1992 outraged the world. Fortunately over the last
15 years great care has been taken to re-build the damaged parts of Dubrovnik
and the city has now returned to its former glory. The old town, or Stari
Grad, is filled with cobblestone streets, fountains, churches, palaces and
museums all built from the same light-coloured stone. There are no motor
vehicles in the quiet city, but at night the streets come alive as locals and
visitors take an early evening stroll along the Stradun, the main street,
covered in smooth shiny marble. Dubrovnik is famous for its fine seafood, and
what better way to end our Croatian experience than splashing out on a feast
of freshly grilled fish within Dubrovnik’s city walls.
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*
Day 8 Transfer to airport; fly to London.
Bus transfer to Dubrovnik airport. Fly to London.
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