Cycle the Dalmatian Coast

Arrive in the seaside town Kastel Kambelovac, 10 kilometres/6.2 miles from Split. Our sea front hotel is ideally located with great views over the bay and easy reach from the airport as well as Split town and Trogir. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Kastel Kambelovac at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Split Airport (SPU), which is 10 kilometres/6.2 miles and fifteen minutes drive from Kastel Kambelovac. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to check in to the hotel then head to nearby medieval harbour town of Trogir, wander the cobbled streets and visit Saint Lawrence Cathedral. Alternatively, you may wish to take advantage of the beach in front of the hotel, and excellent restaurant offering traditional dishes that is very popular with the locals. Stay: Hotel Baletna Skola (Comfortable)

We start the day with a short drive to Split. Lying on the eastern shores of the Adriatic, Split's historic heart is centred around the ancient Roman Palace of Diocletian, which dates back to the early years of the 4th century AD. Upon arrival, we'll cycle a loop around Marjan Hill, covering a 12 Kilometre/7.4 miles. We thewn head into Split and spend the rest of the morning exploring this beautiful World Heritage town. After lunch (not included) we head for the port. A two hour ferry journey takes us to Stari Grad on the beautiful island of Hvar, arriving in time to enjoy a late afternoon cycle to the picturesque harbour town of Jelsa, where we spend the next two nights. Before dinner, depending on availability, we plan an optional wine tasting at Caric winery in Vrboska village.

The Fontana hotel consists of two single story blocks of accommodation in a wooded hillside on the outskirts of Jelsa. The hotel has a swimming pool and great views of the bay from the breakfast room. The individual rooms are en suite and have a fan. We have graded the hotel as simple as the cabins themselves are basic in their finish and the décor looks dated.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 28 kilometres/17.3 miles (300 metres/990 feet total accumulated ascent). Stay: Hotel Fontana (Simple) (B)

Today we have a full day to explore more of this beautiful island by bike. Our day starts with a lengthy ascent up to the highest point of the island, cycling past the lavender fields that were once the workplace of all of Hvar's inhabitants. Tourism is the main source of employment now and it's easy to see why the island attracts so many visitors as we finish our climb and enjoy sweeping views across the island. Our descent then takes us through the village of Brusje to the charming town of Hvar. Here we will have lunch (not included) and free time to explore the historic old streets of this old Venetian town and take a dip in the crystal clear water. In the afternoon we drive back to Jesla. If you would like more time in the saddle there is the option to cycle back to Jesla along a different route on a quiet paved road through the villages of Malo Grabjle and Veliko Graglje, encountering one short, steep climb and beautiful scenery.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 32 kilometres/ 19.8 miles (480 metres/1575 feet total accumulated ascent) with an additional 32 kilometres/19.8 miles (and 450 metres/1480 feet ascent) if you chose to cycle back from Hvar. There is one big hill today, the support bus is with us should you wish to sit it out and just enjoy the downhills and flatter sections. Stay: Hotel Fontana (Simple) (B)

This morning we drive to Stari Grad for the ferry or Hvar for the catamaran heading to the historical and fertile island of Korcula, famed for its quality wine and age-old traditions. A gorgeous blend of red terracotta roofs, stone cathedrals and marble streets; the old Venetian town of Korcula is a photographer's dream. There will be some free time in Korcula to explore the historic streets on foot and a chance to sample local cuisine at a Dalmatian style 'Konoba' restaurant (not included). The total cycling distance for the day is 31 Kilometre/19.2 miles, with an ascent of 380 metre/1250 feet and a descent of 380 metre/1250 feet. From here we take a leisurely cycle along the coast to the village of Racisce, which is approximately 12 Kilometre /7.4 miles from Korcula. We will make a stop there for a coffee break and a short rest before cycling back to Lumbarda via Korcula.

Lombarda, our home for the next two nights is famed for its sandy beaches, dramatic coastal views and vineyards and an early finish provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy these luxuries. There is a chance for a swim and wine tasting at a local winery which is notorious for Grk, a white variety indigenous to Korcula that pairs well with sun and cycling.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 31 kilometres/19.2 miles ( 380 metre/1250 feet accumulated descent an d ascent) Stay: Hotel Borik (Comfortable) (B)

A full day's cycling tour of the island allows us to experience the charm of rural Korcula, as we slowly make our way across the island to the small town of Cara, one of the oldest settlements on the island. This involves a gentle climb of 16 kilometres/10 miles and, if you prefer, you can ride in the support vehicle and start at the top of the hill. We then head downhill to the pretty coastal village of Zavalatica, where the old traditions of fishing and farming are still very much alive. Here we can swim, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant (not included) and take in spectacular views across the crystal clear Adriatic Sea. On a clear day one can hope to see Italy's Monte Gargano. After lunch we cycle through the fertile landscape, past vineyards with sweeping coastal views, via the tiny village of Pupnat before joining the road which takes us back to Lumbarda.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 62 kilometres/38.4 miles (Total accumulated ascent 1150 metres/3770 feet) Stay: Hotel Borik (Comfortable) (B)

We depart Lumbarda after breakfast for a short drive to Korcula harbour. We'll cross over to the Dalmatian mainland, to the Peljesac Peninsula where we will start our cycling from Postup. A route along the coast allows us to cycle through a landscape blanketed in rich vineyards of Plavac Mali grapes - a local speciality. We reach the end of our ride at the little-visited, beautiful bay of Zuljana. A two hour drive takes us through the hills that rise above Dubrovnik and we will stop at a viewpoint from the road where we have the pleasure of seeing the old city walls for the first time. We then make our way to our hotel in Dubrovnik by road. Higher up you should be able to see Mount Srd and the Imperial fort which you may choose to visit in your freetime. Well known for its crucial role in the Siege of Dubrovnik, when a handful of Croatian soldiers successfully defended the fort and therefore kept the vital high ground, the fort is now a fascinating photographic war museum (optional visit) which provides a vivid account of the war.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 27 kilometres/16.7 miles (230 metres/755 feet total accumulated ascent)

Our hotel is in the lively Lapad Bay area, close to many restaurants and a public beach. Dubrovnik Old Town is easily reached by a twenty minute public bus ride. Stay: Hotel Vis (Comfortable) (B)

We drive firstly to Cavtat then start the ride with a gradual ascent along a tarmac road with panoramic views over the Konvale Valley, through olive groves dotted with occasional cypress trees. After a drinks break in an idyllic village on the banks of the river Ljuta, we make our way back through the valley to Cavtat where we finish and have lunch (not included) before driving back to Dubrovnik for the afternoon. The 'Pearl of the Adriatic' was once described by George Bernard Shaw as paradise on earth. The old medieval town of Dubrovnik still retains a unique atmosphere and charm, with its wealth of monasteries, museums and medieval buildings. A walk around the entire circumference of the city walls offers some great views out over the rooftops and alleyways of the old city and the tranquil waters of the Adriatic.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 34 kilometres/21 miles (390 metres/1280 feet total accumulated ascent). Stay: Hotel Vis (Comfortable) (B)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Dubrovnik.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Dubrovnik at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) which is a 25 kilometre/15.5 miles and forty minute drive from Dubrovnik. We suggest adding an additional night if you wish to further explore the ancient city of Dubrovnik, UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)