Arrive in Split in time for the important 6pm meeting with the team at your hotel. Because you won’t have much time in Split, we recommend you arrive earlier in the day or the day before to explore even more. How about wandering around the ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, or the well preserved underground basements? There are also many spots for a bite to eat or glass of Dalmatian wine.
Take the ferry over to Supetar on Brac Island, where you will have a bike fitting and test ride. Then, make your way on windy roads to Pucisca, a beautiful coastal town. From here, step back in time into traditional Croatian life at Dol, the ‘ethno-eco village’ filled with picturesque vineyards. As you climb the 7km ascent, which has a average gradient of 7.5%, look out at the beautiful sea and forested landscape – it’ll be a great motivator! End the day in Bol, with a much deserved wine tasting at a local winery and seafood dinner.
Today, you will take the ferry again, this time to Stari Grad via Split. Once a Neolithic settlement as far back as 3500BC, Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns in Europe. After visiting the medieval Dominican Monestery and Tvrdalj Fortess, ride onward to the heart of Hvar Island off the beaten track. Admire views of the entire bay, with Brac Island in the distance, before descending into Hvar Town. This vibrant town is encompassed by ancient walls, and features traffic free streets for you do wander through freely and explore the sights.
Have a lie in, or wake up refreshed and ready to return to exploring Hvar Town, as today there will be no cycling. Take a boat tour of the nearby islands or bask on one of the many postcard perfect shores. Later in the day, catch the catamaran to Korcula Island. You will arrive late in the evening, so why not take a late stroll through the Venetian narrow streets and have dinner overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Although a long day in the saddle, it’ll be worth it for the outstanding scenery and visiting the pebble beaches and fishing villages. To avoid a particularly difficult climb up to Pupnat, your next overnight destination, you will be transferred in a vehicle in the morning. After breakfast, cycle down to the gorgeous coastline at Pupnatska Luka, then return back to Pupnat via Blato and Vela Luka. Have a leisurely evening at the local farm, where you will be provided dinner and wine made from ingredients on the farm.
From Korcula Island, take a boat to Orebic, where you will be transferred by car up the steep hills to Postup. Have your camera ready for the Panorama Viewpoint, before cycling the back roads through expansive vineyards to the bay of Zuljana. Think of the picnic you will soon have as you climb up to Putnikovic, which features an optional wine tasting too. Then, the support vehicle will transfer you to the ancient city of Dubrovnik, stopping at medieval Ston for an orientation walk. There will also be an orientation walk of Dubrovnik’s walls.
Feel free to depart Dubrovnik at any time, however we strongly recommend that you stick around and explore the city. Get lost in the narrow side streets, take the cable car to Srd Hill to view Dubrovnik from above or visit the many museums illustrating Croatia’s history. Let us know if you’d like to stay an extra day and we can arrange accommodation for you.
Embark on a cycling adventure like no other as you cycle by the glistening Adriatic Sea, island hop and discover the rich Croatian history. The Dalmatian islands boast gorgeous landscapes filled with vineyards, olive and orange groves, and picturesque bays. You’ll have countless opportunities to sample the seafood inspired Croatian cuisine and crisp local wines. Croatia’s history is visible in the architecture of ancient buildings, and has carried on through the generations in the culture of small villages. Croatia is definitely not one to miss.
