Guided group cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Operated by
Exodus Travels
Discover the Dalmatian Coast by bike, where the clear Mediterranean waters of the Adriatic edge culture-packed cities and villages. On this popular small-group trip, we take the most scenic cycling routes around, with much of the tour on the long, beautiful islands of Hvar and Korcula. It ends in storied Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, a medieval city with a UNESCO-protected old town and a celebrated seafood scene to rival any in Europe.
We start our Croatian adventure in Split, where we gather at the ferry port to take a service to Stari Grad on Hvar island. We then continue by road to Hvar town where we spend the first two nights. Please note: The ferry leaves at 2.30pm. The timings may be adjusted for logistical reasons. Accommodation: Labranda Senses (or similar)
You stay at Selected hotels.
Hotels, Jelsa to Dubrovnik
The hotels used throughout the trip are of a good standard. All are clean and comfortable, most have air conditioning and swimming pools or are close to the beach allowing you to have a swim after a day on the bike. Croatia is not the cheap destination that some might expect and hotels can lack a little character, especially in the more popular destinations like Dubrovnik.
Eating and Drinking
All breakfasts are included throughout. For breakfast you can expect a continental buffet serving a wide selection of food from cold meats, cheeses, bread and eggs to pastries, yoghurts, jams and fruit as well as tea and coffee. Croatian cuisine is a mixture of fine seafood, grilled lamb, pizza, pasta and salads, with influences from Central Europe, Italy and other parts of the Balkans.
Our first day is a circular ride exploring Hvar island. We start with a transfer to Stari Grad where we do our bike fitting before we cycle 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 ride 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. Accommodation: Labranda Senses (or similar)
Today we start with a transfer to Jelsa and 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 if you don’t 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 on the Peljesac Channel. It is also known for its 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. On Korcula, we take a 15-minute 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. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)
Today we have a free day to relax in Lumbarda, go for a swim off 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 national park will take a boat ride to Pomena, which is also the entrance for the Mljet National Park. Here you can enjoy a scenic short ride around the two lakes. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)
After breakfast, we begin 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 for 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. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)
After a ferry ride (approximately 20 minutes) to the Peljesac Peninsula, we follow this narrow and rugged finger of land. The route passes through olive groves, quiet villages, and vineyards hugging steep slopes that descend 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 fortified town with Dubrovnik-style architecture. We should arrive in Dubrovnik in the late afternoon. We spend two nights in a hotel that’s a 10-minute public bus ride from the old town. This evening, we have a guided tour of Dubrovnik Old Town. Accommodation: Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Dubrovnik exudes old-world charm. Right on the Adriatic, it has fine religious buildings surrounded by heavily fortified walls and a jumble of red-tiled roofs. 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 rebuild 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 people take an early evening stroll along the Stradun, the main street, which is covered in smooth shiny marble. Dubrovnik is beloved for its fine seafood, so what better way to end our Croatian experience than splashing out on a feast of freshly grilled fish within Dubrovnik's city walls? Accommodation: Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Enjoy your final breakfast of the trip this morning; an excellent chance to reminisce about the many adventures you’ve just enjoyed. If you’ve still got a little appetite for adventure, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Dubrovnik. Or if you’re ready to put up your feet, now’s the time to start your journey home.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from C$437.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
The hotels used throughout the trip are of a good standard. All are clean and comfortable, most have air conditioning and swimming pools or are close to the beach allowing you to have a swim after a day on the bike. Croatia is not the cheap destination that some might expect and hotels can lack a little character, especially in the more popular destinations like Dubrovnik.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination with onward rail and road transfers as appropriate. To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Guided group cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Operated by
Exodus Travels