Cycling Croatia's Dalmatian Coast

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Start Split; ferry transfer to Hvar

   You'll start your Croatian adventure in Split, where you'll gather at the ferry port after making sure you have a good look around the old quarters of the city and a visit to the UNESCO Diocletian Palace.  At the port, you'll catch the ferry (1hr 50min) to Stari Grad on Hvar island. The ferry leaves at 2.30pm, but the timings may be adjusted for logistical reasons. You'll then continue by road to your first hotel near Vrboska, where you'll spend the first two nights.
   
   Around 6pm, you'll gather as a group to hear more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Croatian welcome by arranging a group dinner together.
   
   
   
   

   • Aminess Younique Senses Resort (or similar)
   • Dinner

   • 

     Hvar Town Harbour

     Explore Hvar Town and Island over the first few days of the tour

   • 

     Split, Croatia

     Start the tour in the historic city of Split

2. Day 2Circular ride exploring the island of Hvar, including Hvar town and a 8km (4.9mi) climb

   Set out on your first cycling adventure. Riding from the hotel in the morning, you'll first follow the coastal road to the village of Jelsa. You'll then challenge yourself against a 5mi (8km) ascent as you ride to Stari Grad, where you'll take a break for lunch.

   After lunch, you'll continue your ride back to the town of Hvar. You will cycle up a challenging hill to a viewpoint overlooking the island of Brac with breathtaking views. When you return to Hvar, you 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.
   

   Finishing in Hvar, you'll catch a transfer back to your hotel.
   
   Activity hours: 4hr 30min to 5hr
   
   
   
   

   • 24.9 - 31.1 miles
   • 223.1 ft
     3,858.3 ft
     3,635.2 ft
   • Aminess Younique Senses Resort (or similar)
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Hvar Town Harbour

     Explore Hvar Town and Island over the first few days of the tour

3. Day 3Ride east along Hvar • Ferry via mainland to Korčula

   You'll start with a transfer to Jelsa and ride east along the narrow part of the island with views of both coasts as you head to the port of Sucuraj. The road is generally quiet and there are a couple of challenging climbs to get you warmed up; the support vehicle is available if you don’t want to cycle up the hills.
   
   Heading east, you'll have wonderful views of the mountainous mainland and the turquoise waters, and pass small villages, olive groves and tiny vineyards.
   
   From Sućuraj, you'll take a private boat to Korčula old town, the historic centre of Korčula island. It’s known for its seafaring, shipbuilding and stonemasonry heritage, and for being the birthplace of Marco Polo. Note: In bad weather, you'll take a ferry via the mainland.
   
   Activity hours: 2hr 30min to 3hr
   
   

   • 26.1 - 27.3 miles
   • -689 ft
     1,115.5 ft
     1,804.5 ft
   • Marko Polo/Port9/Liburna (or similar)
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Hvar Town Harbour

     Explore Hvar Town and Island over the first few days of the tour

4. Day 4Free day in Lumbarda • Optional visit (with bikes) to picturesque island of Mljet

   Today you will 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.
   

   
   
   

   • Marko Polo/Port9/Liburna (or similar)
   • Breakfast
5. Day 5Scenic ride on Korčula

   After breakfast, you will start your circular ride on the forested island of Korcula. You will start with a transfer to Vela Luka and from here you ride east, passing through the village of Pupnat en route. Today is a busy day and there are some hills, but you will use the support vehicle where necessary.
   
   Activity hours: 2hr 30min to 3hr
   
   
   
   

   • 28 miles
   • -1,023.6 ft
     2,729.7 ft
     3,753.3 ft
   • Marko Polo/Port9/Liburna (or similar)
   • Breakfast
6. Day 6Ride through the vineyards of the Peljesac Peninsula • To Dubrovnik

   After a short ferry ride (approx 20 minutes) to the Peljesac Peninsula you will 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. Finishing the ride, you'll jump in the 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. You should arrive in Dubrovnik in the late afternoon. You will spend two nights in a lovely hotel which is a 10-minute public bus ride (€2.50 per journey)  from the old town of Dubrovnik. This evening you will have a guided tour of the Old Town of Dubrovnik.
   

   
   Activity hours: 1hr 30min
   
   
   

   • 11.2 miles
   • -1,122 ft
     1,302.5 ft
     2,424.5 ft
   • Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (or similar)
   • Breakfast
7. Day 7Free 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.

   
   

   • Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (or similar)
   • Breakfast
8. Day 8End Dubrovnik

   Trip ends in Dubrovnik.
   

   • Breakfast