Though it’s hard to pick any one highlight on this trip, it’s equally difficult to imagine a place more stunning than Dubrovnik, with its imposing fortress and walls, medieval alleyways and gracious cafés. Local lore has it that Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century, but recent archaeological excavations suggest the town may be older still, and some Greek artifacts have been found within the old fortress.
Our Trogir to Dubrovnik bike tour of Croatia hugs the coast of South Dalmatia, including the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will cycle around the islands of Korčula, Mljet and Lastovo, enjoying the best of sea and sky in one of Europe’s oldest places. Each evening you will make our way back to our private boat, which is outfitted with all the necessary comforts, to begin the journey to the next stunning vista, perhaps stopping enroute for a dip in the sparkling clear water.
Day One — Trogir to Šolta, 19 km (easy; 1 mile = 1.6 km)
We suggest you arrive as early as possible in Trogir to give yourself some time to explore this lovely port town on your own. Reminiscent of Venice, you could spend hours exploring — but do make sure you find our boat at the pier before you start to wander! After check-in at noon, our motorized boat will take you on the week’s first cruise from Trogir to the island of Solta. You’ll start the first day of cycling in Šolta’s small port town of Maslinica. You will ride by walled olive and fig groves and fields of lavender and rosemary as you make your way to Stomorska where we stay for the night — but not before a visit with our favourite bee keeper, Goran.
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Day Two — Hvar, 28-48 km (easy and at times challenging)
This morning we sail to Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, the sunniest island in the Adriatic. Once off the boat, you will head to Jelsa and Vrboska at a casual pace with time to explore both of these lovely harbor towns. After an ice cream break, you head back to meet the boat in Stari Grad for lunch. Our afternoon ride will take you from Stari Grad to the town of Hvar, past fields of lavender and orchards of olive and orange trees. We stay overnight in the town of Hvar, which has become a mecca for artists and artisans — and the people who love them.
Day Three — Vis, 33 km (moderate and at times challenging)
The boat will leave the town of Hvar early this morning to sail to Vis, the island located furthest from the country’s mainland. The Greeks first settled here more than 2,000 years ago and called the island Issa. Because of its strategically important location as a military zone, foreign tourists were not allowed to visit he island until 1995. Tonight, we stay in the port of Vis.
Day Four — Korčula and Lastovo, 28 km (easy to moderate)
In the early morning, we cross over from Vis to Vela Luka on the island of Korcula. From there you’ll cycle to Brna through the town of Blato, which like Rome, was built on seven hills. You will be seduced by the lush, fragrant gardens along the route with towering cypresses dominating and creating an incredibly beautiful landscape. From Brna, our ship will take us to the lovely island of Lastovo and the afternoon is yours to swim, relax or explore. Lastovo is one of the Adriatic’s smallest inhabited islands. It was a favourite of the emperor Augustus, who appreciated its mild climate so much that he named it after himself (Augusta Insula). The islanders, barely 1,000 souls, mostly fish the teeming waters, although agriculture and wine production are also important.
Day Five — Lastovo and Korčula, 28 + 35 km (moderate and at times challenging)
In the morning, you will explore Lastovo by bicycle, cycling past vineyards that produce grapes for the yellow-golden white wine Marastina, which is now garnering a reputation in international wine circles. After the ride on Lastovo, the ship takes us back to the island of Korčula. In the afternoon you will cycle on the old pass road from Brna to Pupnat Bay and finally to the town of Korčula, which claims to be the birth place of Marco Polo. (Venice also makes the same claim.) This is where we spend the night.
Day Six — Mljet and Šipan, 31 km (moderate)
During breakfast we cruise to the green island of Mljet — known as the most wooded island in the Mediterranean. Homer mentioned this lovely island in his epic poem The Odyssey. From the small port of Pomena you will cycle across the island to the ferry harbour of Sobra. From there, we sail to the island of Šipan for the night. It is here that Dubrovnik’s noble citizens built their villas so many years ago.
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Day Seven — Šipan and Dubrovnik, 11 km (easy)
This morning a quiet and pleasant cycling trip takes us to the other side of the island and back, but not before a coffee break at the halfway mark. And then, it is back on the boat for a short crossing to Dubrovnik. We have a city tour planned for you this afternoon before setting you loose on this town — the Pearl of the Adriatic. And you’ll enjoy a special tonight to celebrate our week together with our crew and tour guides.
Day Eight — Dubrovnik
After our last breakfast together you will begin your journey homeward or beyond. We will be sad to see you go, but happy to have made new friends, and renewed the bonds of friendship with old companions.
* Details subject to change.
7 nights’ accommodation on the boat in a double cabin with private shower
3 days of full board (all 3 meals) & 4 days of half board (breakfast + one other meal)
7 days of guided bicycle tours as described
Maps for the daily routing
Our bikes in Croatia
E-Bike - Kalkhoff
- Model: Agattu Impulse 8R HS
- Top notch drive
- 2.0 motor with sift-sensor
- 205 km range
- Tire size: 700 X 35
Road Bike - Trek
- Model: Emonda S 6
- Ultralight carbon frame
- Shimano / Ultegra components
- 22 speed (compact drivetrain)
- Tire size: 700 X 23 or 25
Hybrid Bike - Trek
- Model: 7.3 fx
- Aluminum frame
- Shimano components
-27 speed
- Tire size: 700 X 32
