Dalmatian Coast
Day 01: Welcome to the charming coastal village of Kastel Kambelovac, nestled just 10 km from Split. Our beachfront hotel boasts stunning bay views and is conveniently close to the airport and the historic towns of Split and Trogir. If you’re arriving as planned, join our leader in the hotel lobby at 7 pm for a welcome briefing, with an optional group dinner to follow. Today is yours to settle in at your leisure. To enjoy a free airport transfer, please land at Split Airport (SPU), a short 15-minute ride away. If you are unable to make the welcome meeting, rest assured, you’ll be briefed on all essential info promptly. Early arrivals might explore the enchanting town of Trogir, marvel at the architecture of Saint Lawrence Cathedral, or simply relax on the beach and sample local cuisine at our hotel’s highly acclaimed restaurant.
Day 02: Our day kicks off with a brief journey to the enchanting city of Split, nestled on the Adriatic’s eastern coast. At the heart of Split lies the majestic Diocletian’s Palace, a testament to Roman architectural genius from the 4th century AD. Upon our arrival, we’ll embark on a scenic 12km cycle around Marjan Hill, followed by a morning spent discovering the UNESCO-listed marvels of Split. Post-lunch, we set sail for Hvar Island, reaching Stari Grad via a two-hour ferry ride. Our adventure continues with an afternoon cycle to Jelsa’s charming harbor, our home for two nights. If luck is on our side, we’ll indulge in a wine tasting at the Caric Winery in Vrboska. Our accommodations at the Fontana Hotel offer simple comforts amidst Jelsa’s serene landscapes, complete with a pool and stunning bay views, despite the rooms’ modest decor. Today’s cycling journey covers 28km, climbing a total of 300m.
Day 03: Today, we’re embarking on an adventurous bike journey across the stunning landscapes of the island, starting with a challenging climb to its peak. Along the way, we’ll pass historic lavender fields, a nod to Hvar’s past before tourism reshaped its economy. Reaching the top, we’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. Our ride continues down to Brusje, leading us to the picturesque town of Hvar, where we’ll break for lunch (on your own) and exploration of its Venetian-era streets and inviting waters. In the afternoon, we head back to Jesla, with an optional extra ride through quaint villages and scenic routes, adding roughly 32 kilometers/19.8 miles to our day’s tally. The total ride covers about 32 kilometers/19.8 miles, with significant ascents. For those preferring a lighter ride, our support bus offers a comfortable alternative for the steeper sections.
Day 04: Today, we embark on an adventure towards the enchanting island of Korcula, setting off from Stari Grad to catch the ferry or from Hvar aboard a catamaran. Known for its exquisite wines and deep-rooted traditions, Korcula mesmerizes with its blend of terracotta rooftops, ancient stone churches, and gleaming marble lanes—a paradise for shutterbugs. We’ll have leisure time to wander Korcula’s historic alleys and possibly indulge in the local flavors at a traditional Dalmatian ‘Konoba.’
Our cycling journey spans 31 kilometers (19.2 miles), with both an ascent and descent of 380 meters (1250 feet), leading us to the picturesque village of Racisce, 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) away. After a refreshing coffee break, we circle back to Lumbarda through Korcula. Lumbarda greets us with its sandy shores, breathtaking coastal vistas, and lush vineyards, promising a restful stay. We’ll have the opportunity for a dip in the sea and a wine-tasting session featuring Grk, a local white wine perfect for our sun-soaked, cycling day. Our circuit today mirrors the morning’s distance and elevation, rounding off a day rich in scenery and serenity.
Day 05: Embark on a captivating day-long bike journey through Korcula’s serene countryside, culminating in the quaint town of Cara, among the island’s most ancient settlements. The initial 16-kilometer ascent offers an optional support vehicle ride to the summit for those who’d rather skip the climb. Our route then descends to the charming fishing and farming village of Zavalatica, where you can dive into the sea, savor lunch at a local eatery (cost not included), and marvel at the Adriatic’s crystalline waters, possibly glimpsing Italy’s Monte Gargano on a clear day. Post-lunch, we pedal amidst lush vineyards and coastal vistas, passing through Pupnat, and eventually circling back to Lumbarda. The day’s ride spans about 62 kilometers, with an elevation gain of 1150 meters, offering a blend of physical challenge and scenic beauty.
Day 06: After breakfast in Lumbarda, we embark on a brief drive to Korcula harbor, from where we’ll ferry across to the Dalmatian mainland’s Peljesac Peninsula. Our cycling adventure begins in Postup, taking us along the coast amidst the lush vineyards of the Plavac Mali grape, a regional treasure. Our journey concludes at the serene and less explored bay of Zuljana. Following this, a scenic two-hour drive through the hills above Dubrovnik includes a stop at a vantage point for our first glimpse of the ancient city walls. We proceed to our Dubrovnik hotel, located in the vibrant Lapad Bay, near numerous eateries and a beach, with the Old Town a short 20-minute bus ride away. Along the way, the imposing Mount Srd and the Imperial Fort beckon, the latter offering an optional visit to its compelling war museum, recounting its pivotal role in the Siege of Dubrovnik. Our cycling route covers roughly 27 kilometers (16.7 miles) with a total ascent of 230 meters (755 feet).
Day 07: Our journey begins with a scenic drive to Cavtat, setting off on a bike ride that gently climbs along a paved road, offering stunning vistas of the Konvale Valley amidst olive groves and scattered cypress trees. Following a refreshing break in a picturesque village by the Ljuta River, we cycle back through the valley to Cavtat, concluding with an optional lunch before returning to Dubrovnik for the afternoon. Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ by George Bernard Shaw, who likened it to paradise on earth, Dubrovnik’s medieval heart pulses with history, from its monasteries and museums to its ancient buildings. A stroll along the city walls reveals breathtaking views of the old town’s rooftops and narrow streets, alongside the serene Adriatic Sea. Today’s cycling venture covers roughly 34 kilometers (21 miles), ascending a total of 390 meters (1280 feet).
Day 08: Conclude your journey with a leisurely breakfast at our Dubrovnik hotel. Enjoy the freedom to depart at your convenience, and if your flight is later in the day, take advantage of luggage storage at the hotel. For airport transfers, make sure to leave from Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), just a 40-minute drive away. Extend your adventure by adding an extra night to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient Dubrovnik.