Cycle Croatia

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in the coastal city of Split, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. As this trip spends little time in Split, it’s recommended that you arrive a couple of days early is to experience all that this beautiful city has to offer. If you do arrive with time to spare, maybe explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace, see the original and fantastically preserved basements under the city or simply unwind with a walk along the waterfront. After your meeting, you might want to head out for a welcome dinner with your group. After, perhaps 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)

It's another early morning today as you take a local boat between islands to the small port of Jelsa. From here, start riding along a beautiful and flat cycling trail across to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stari Grad Plain to the coastal town of Stari Grad. Set in a protected bay, Stari Grad is one of Europe’s oldest towns, settled by Neolithic tribes as far back as 3500BC. Today, the old stone houses, narrow streets and small squares still retain a deeply historic feel. There's plenty to see here, including the Dominican Monastery and Tvrdalj Fortress. Leaving Stari Grad behind, ride up to the scenic heart of Hvar Island, via a less-trafficked old road, passing viewpoints and old taverns along the way before stopping for a break. After, descend through the old village of Brusje and down into the vibrant Hvar Town. The streets of Hvar are a traffic-free zone, giving you the freedom to stroll the pjaca (piazza) and soak in the views of St Stephen's Cathedral, the Arsenal and all the palaces that flank the square. (B)

Enjoy a free morning and maybe spend some time savouring the ambience of Hvar Town. You have a free day today, so maybe check out the Hvar Spanjola fortress for some great views, go on a boat tour or ask your tour leader for suggestions for a hike to Velo Grablje village. This afternoon, catch a catamaran across to the island of Korcula into Korcula Town – a Venetian Renaissance-inspired walled city full of narrow streets, medieval towers and the reputed birthplace of Marco Polo. Tonight, maybe head out for a late dinner and find a bar with a view of the Adriatic with a few of your fellow travellers. (B)

After breakfast prepare for a big day on the road today as you drive through the heart of 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. Pupnat is Korcula ‘as it used to be’ – a picture perfect farming village with stone buildings and a laidback atmosphere. Hop back on your bikes for a descent down 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. 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 explore at your own pace. (B/D)

Transfer by boat to Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula. To avoid some serious uphill riding, you’ll drive high above the tiny village of Postup to its panorama viewpoint. Take to the coastal backroads and cycle through the hills of the Dingac before continuing to the bay of Zuljana. Enjoy a rewarding climb up to the village of Putnikovic, then enjoy an impromptu picnic and optional wine tasting in the natural surroundings before cycling across the undulating centre of the island then down to Ston. Perhaps take in a refreshing gelati before continuing by vehicle all the way down to Dubrovnik. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is a picturesque medieval city full of character. When you arrive, head out on a leader-led orientation walk and then carry on exploring at your own pace. (B)

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, and it’s recommended that you do to see all that Dubrovnik has to offer, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. If you do have extra time, maybe catch the cable car to the top of Srd Hil and enjoy the magnificent views over Old Town. (B)