Cycle Croatia

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Today is arrival day and there are no activities planned for today until a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After this meeting you have the option of heading out for a meal with your group. Perhaps grab a drink at a bar on the gorgeous Riva Promenade. As this tour will spend a limited time in Split, arriving early is recommended to fully enjoy all that this city has to offer. 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.

It’s an early start today catching the ferry (approximately 1 hour) from Split to Supetar on the island of Brac. There is a bike fitting for the group followed by a short test ride to ensure everything is working properly. From here, begin your first 'real' ride in Croatia, cycling from Supetar along the coastal road to the beautiful seaside village of Pucisca. Along the way, take a short detour to the tiny village of Dol, passing well-maintained vineyards, fig trees and olive groves. After a quick stop for refreshments in Pucisca, encounter your first real climb up to Praznica – it is a pretty steep climb (7kms at an average of 7.5%) but you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the Adriatic Sea. Have a rest at the top then cycle across the relatively flat centre to a descent down to 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 this stunning beach and perhaps enjoy an optional visit to the famous Stina Winery for a tasting before returning (by vehicle) to Supetar. Put your feet up and perhaps try some amazingly fresh seafood for dinner.

It's another early morning as you take the ferry to Stari Grad via Split (approximately 4.5 hours). Have lunch in Split and spend time looking around before boarding the second ferry. Set in a beautiful 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 and do, 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. Afterwards, descend through the old village of Brusje and down into the vibrant Hvar Town, with its historic charm and ancient city walls (approximately 21 kms). The streets of Hvar are a traffic-free zone, giving you freedom to stroll the pjaca (piazza) and soak in the views of St Stephen's Cathedral, the Arsenal, and the myriad palaces that flank the square.

Enjoy a free morning with a quiet sleep in, or spend some more time savouring the ambience of Hvar Town. For options for your free day, perhaps check out the Hvar Spanjola fortress for 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, arriving late in the evening into Korcula Town – a Venetian Renaissance-inspired walled city full of narrow streets, medieval towers and the reputed birthplace of Marco Polo. Perhaps head out for a late dinner and a bar with a view of the Adriatic.

Prepare for a big day on the road through the heart of Korcula, past vineyards, olive groves and forests – this is a long one but worth the effort! Starting early, drive up to the hamlet of Pupnat – avoiding a nasty 10km/6 mile climb on the bikes – for a homemade breakfast with local hosts. The position of Pupnat and steepness of the approach is no accident. It was designed to help keep Pupnat 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. Enjoy a descent down to Pupnatska Luka – a beautiful bay with a pebble beach, following the coastline through Smokvica and its vineyards before tackling the final climb to Blato, and descending down to the port town of Vela Luka. You’ll have time to walk around, have a quick coffee then board your vehicle to drive back across the island towards Korcula Town, stopping enroute for an included dinner at a local restaurant. The rest of the evening is free to explore this fascinating coastal town.

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', taking in the views, before beginning the ride towards Potomje village for optional wine tasting experience. Take to the backroads and cycle through the hills of the Dingac before continuing to the bay of Zuljana. Finish the day with a rewarding climb up to the village of Putnikovic, then enjoy an impromptu picnic and optional wine tasting in the natural surroundings before continuing by vehicle (approximately 20 mins) to the walled town of Ston. Visit Ston’s ancient salt pans on a short leader-led orientation walk, and afterwards, re-board your support vehicle and follow the winding coast all the way down to Dubrovnik (approximately 1 hour). With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is picturesque, full of character and can easily be covered on foot. Take part in an orientation walk, including entry to the ancient city wall itself.

With no activities or rides planned for today, you are free to leave at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out times. If you have an extra day to explore Dubrovnik (which is highly recommended), perhaps take an extra day to explore the narrow streets of Dubrovnik, or catch the cable car to the top of Srd Hil and enjoy the magnificent views over Old Town. If you would like to spend more time in Dubrovnik, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).