Cycle Croatia

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in the coastal city of Split, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the ruins of Diocletian's Palace, explore the original basements under the city or simply unwind with a walk along the waterfront. After your meeting, maybe head out for dinner with your group or grab a drink at a bar on the Riva Promenade.

It’s an early start today as you catch the ferry from Split to Supetar on the island of Brac. There will be a bike fitting for the group followed by a short test ride to ensure everything is working properly. From here, begin your first - and possibly the hardest - ride in Croatia, cycling from Supetar along the coastal road to the seaside village of Pucisca. Along the way, take a short detour to the tiny village of Dol, passing vineyards, fig trees and olive groves. After a quick stop for refreshments in Pucisca, make your first real climb up to Praznica – it’s a pretty steep climb, but you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the Adriatic Sea. Have a rest at the top then cycle across the centre to the descent into the town of Bol. Bol is famous for the Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) – one of the Adriatic’s most beautiful beaches. Take a quick swim at the beach and maybe visit the famous Stina Winery for a tasting before seeking out some fresh seafood for dinner. (B)

This morning, take a boat between islands to the small port of Jelsa. From here, start riding to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stari Grad Plain. Set in a protected bay, Stari Grad is one of Europe’s oldest towns, settled by Neolithic tribes as far back as 3500 BC. Today, the old stone houses, narrow streets and small squares still retain a deeply historic feel. Spend some time exploring Stari Grad at your own pace – maybe visit the Dominican Monastery or Tvrdalj Fortress. Then, continue along a less-trafficked old road to Hvar Island before descending through the old village of Brusje and down into Hvar Town. When you arrive, maybe stroll the pjaca (piazza), visit St Stephen’s Cathedral or take in the views of the palaces which surround the town. (B)

This morning is free for you to explore Hvar at your own pace – maybe visit the Hvar Spanjola Fortress, go on a boat tour or hike to Velo Grablje village. This afternoon, catch a boat to Korcula – a Venetian Renaissance-inspired walled city of narrow streets, medieval towers and the reputed birthplace of Marco Polo. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers or find a bar with a view of the Adriatic. (B)

Spend the morning on the road, as you drive through Korcula, past vineyards, olive groves and forests up to the hamlet of Pupnat. The position of Pupnat and steepness of the approach is no accident – it was designed to help keep the town safe from pirates through the ages. When you arrive, hop on your bike for the descent to Pupnatska Luka – a beautiful bay with a pebble beach. Follow the coastline through Smokvica and its vineyards before tackling the final climb to Blato and descending to the port town of Vela Luka. Here, you’ll have time to walk around and have a quick coffee before boarding a local bus for the journey back to Korcula Town. On the way, stop for dinner at a local restaurant. The rest of the evening is free to rest or explore. (B/D)

After breakfast, take a boat to Orebic. Then, drive high above the small village of Postup to its panoramic viewpoint. Here, you’ll take to the coastal backroads and cycle through the hills of the Dingac before continuing to Zuljana and up to Putnikovic. When you arrive, stop for a group picnic and optional wine tasting before cycling across the island to Ston. After, drive to Dubrovnik where you'll join your leader for an orientation walk. Walk through the medieval city then carry on exploring at your own pace. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner to celebrate the last night of your cycling adventure. (B)

As there are no activities planned after breakfast today, your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to stay longer to see all that Dubrovnik has to offer, just talk to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)