Cycling Croatia's Dalmatian Coast
Experience Overview
Join us on a cycling adventure along Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast, with much of the tour on the long, beautiful islands of Hvar and Korčula. It’s led by true cycling experts and there’s a support vehicle throughout, allowing you the peace of mind to focus on the dramatic vistas along the way. Better yet, it ends in Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, a medieval city with a UNESCO-protected old town and a celebrated seafood scene to rival any in Europe.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels) — Four days of cycling (plus one optional ride on Mljet) with full vehicle support — Quiet roads with a good mix of flat and rolling terrain — Group normally 4 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — E-bikes available for an additional cost — Option to travel by train to your adventure
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels) — Four days of cycling (plus one optional ride on Mljet) with full vehicle support — Quiet roads with a good mix of flat and rolling terrain — Group normally 4 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — E-bikes available for an additional cost — Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip For You
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Cycling days: Four, plus one optional day rideAverage distance: 28mi (45km) per day with full vehicle supportTerrain: 90 percent paved roads, 10 percent gravel roads
Route: We mainly follow paved roads; where possible, we use the older roads on the islands, which tend to be quieter and made of hard gravel. The route is generally rolling but there are a few challenging hills that can be tough in the warm weather. At times, we follow roads or tracks with a steep downslope to one side. Certain sections do not have a barrier.
Support: A support vehicle follows us, so it is possible to miss some of these harder sections if you prefer.
Experience: No specific cycling experience is required but you should be comfortable on a bike and have a good level of fitness.
Group Description
Normally four to 16, plus a local tour leader and driver.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts are included throughout. For breakfast, expect a continental buffet with a wide selection of food from cold meats, cheeses, bread, and eggs to pastries, yoghurts, jams, and fruit as well as tea and coffee.
Croatian cuisine is a mixture of fine seafood, grilled lamb, pizza, pasta and salads, with influences from central Europe, Italy, and other parts of the Balkans. A popular optional lunch spot in Pupnat (Korčula) is Mate restaurant. Lunch here is often a highlight of the trip. A selection of homemade produce is on offer with a drink and comes to around 155 kune (€20.50). Credit cards are not accepted. Another highlight in Korčula is an optional dinner on Day 5 at an agrotourism. Dinner here is around 200 kune (€26.50) for their set menu. Credit cards are not accepted.
Transportation
The group is accompanied by a transfer bus, and a trailer to carry the bikes.
Joining Instructions
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is on Hvar island and can be difficult to reach by public transport. You have two easier options for this journey:
Take our group transfer
We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. This is the easiest option. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Meet at the ferry port
The ferry port is small, so it’s easy to find the group. From Split airport, take a shuttle bus to the main bus station in Split, which is opposite the ferry port. You should be there by 1:30pm, and the ferry leaves 2.30pm. You should meet by the quay to Stari Grad, Hvar – the central quay. It is roughly across the road from the FlixBus sign and quite near the restaurant on the quay. The guide will have our apparel on. Please look out for the white sign to Stari Grad. Should you need any assistance finding the group, please make use of the local contact numbers provided on your Final Joining Instructions document.
Please let us know which option is most suitable for you as we need to inform our leader where and when they can expect you. If you decide to make own way, you need to get from Split airport to the ferry port and onwards from there. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) that is scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
Croatia has one of the sunniest climates in Europe, and some regions are well known to be free from rain. Our trips run from March to October, so you should expect some variation in temperature and possibly some rainfall. Temperatures can be high, particularly on the July departures when average temperatures are around 29C (84F). Temperatures in March, April and October are typically cooler.
Spending Money
Allow €35-€45 per day for meals that are not included; this would cover a good-sized lunch and a standard three-course meal in the evening. It is possible to spend a lot more depending on what you choose to eat and drink.
The bus into Dubrovnik town centre is not included. Please allow for €8 (€2 per journey). The Dubrovnik Card is a cost-effective way to explore the city, allowing you to travel on the buses. The card also gives you discounts at some local attractions and restaurants. Visit www.dubrovnikcard.com for more details. Your leader can assist you in getting one of these either at your hotel or at Pile Gate.
Optional excursions
— Mijet National Park: Boat (€55) and entrance ticket (€10-€17, depending on the season)
Tipping
Although optional, a tip for the tour leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution of €20-€25 per person for the week. It is also customary to leave a tip for any additional local staff who support your trip – for example, drivers, cooks and hotel staff. This can be handed to your tour leader at the end of the week to distribute accordingly. In total for the tour leader to distribute to all relevant staff, budget approximately €10-€15 per person per week.
Highlights
— Experience the Dalmatian Coast’s most beautiful biking routes — Cycle both the east and west coasts of Hvar island — Enjoy a circular bike ride on the forested island of Korčula — Choose to join an optional ride around the picturesque island of Mljet — Ride through the vineyards of the Peljesac Peninsula — End the adventure in historic Dubrovnik with a free day to explore
Trip Details
Product Code: 4394
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: he bikes.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: MVJ
Starts: Split, Croatia
Finishes: Split, Croatia
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Local bike hire — Free group arrival and departure transfers availableAccommodation
Hotels in Hvar, Korčula and DubrovnikWe have a trio of bases for this cycling adventure in Croatia: the islands of Hvar and Korčula, plus the seaside city of Dubrovnik. In each, we have chosen hotels that are close to the beach and are ideally placed for our cycling. Below are the hotels we typically use: Hvar: Labranda Senses (nights 1-2) Our first two nights are spent at Labranda Senses, a resort just 165ft (50m) from the sea. It’s an excellent spot to ease ourselves into the trip, with a sunbathing terrace, reading corner and mini gym/fitness room. Most of your free time, however, will likely be spent either on the hotel beach (where there are deckchairs) or the pool. Korčula: Hotel Borik (nights 3-5) Immerse yourself into the little village of Lumbarda with a stay at Hotel Borik, which occupies the one-time summer palace of the Mirošević family. The property has an open-air swimming pool, lounge bar and restaurant. The rooms are fairly basic, but the main street in the village and the pebbly beach of Tatinje are just a walk away. Dubrovnik: Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (nights 6-7) Our final nights are spent at either Hotel Vis (above) or Hotel Komodor, both three-star beachside properties. The 151-room Vis hotel, sandwiched between pine trees and the Adriatic, has a rooftop terrace, bar, and a seaside restaurant serving local and international cuisines. The Komodor has 113 rooms, which are split between the main building and an annex. The seaside promenade is just a five-minute walk away and there’s a pool at the hotel. Worth knowing During the low season, some hotels close their pools. However, the sea is never far away when you would like a swim.Some hotels we use don’t have lifts.If you opt for the single supplement, please note that in some hotels, this may mean having a single bed, rather than double. If you would like to upgrade to a double-bedded room this is subject to availability at an extra charge.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,415 ($427 /day)
Itinerary
We start our Croatian adventure in Split, where we gather at the ferry port to take a service to Stari Grad on Hvar island. We then continue by road to Hvar town, where we spend the first two nights. Please note: The ferry leaves at 2.30pm. The timings may be adjusted for logistical reasons. Accommodation: Labranda Senses (or similar)
Our first day is a circular ride exploring Hvar island. We start with a transfer to Stari Grad where we do our bike fitting before we cycle along an old Roman road to Vrbovska and then follow the coastal road towards the village of Jelsa. Here, we take a break before heading back to Stari Grad for an optional lunch. After lunch, we continue our ride back to the town of Hvar. We cycle up a challenging hill to a viewpoint overlooking Brac island. When we return to Hvar, we have a chance to wander around the narrow streets of this quintessential Dalmatian town. Rather like a mini-Venice, Hvar has marbled streets and there are elegant gothic palaces and cathedrals inside the city walls. Accommodation: Labranda Senses (or similar)
We start with a transfer to Jelsa and ride east along the narrow part of the island with views of both coasts as we head to the port of Sucuraj. The road is generally quiet and there are a couple of challenging climbs to get you warmed up; the support vehicle is available if you don’t want to cycle up the hills. Heading east, we have wonderful views of the mountainous mainland and the turquoise waters, and we pass small villages, olive groves and tiny vineyards. From Sucuraj, we take a ferry to Drvenik on the mainland, transfer by bus to Orebic, then catch another ferry to Korčula, which is the historic centre of the island and on the Peljesac Channel. It is also known for its cultural and historical heritage with a long tradition of seafaring, shipbuilding and stonemasonry, as well as being the birthplace of Marco Polo. On Korčula, we take a 15-minute transfer to the small town of Lumbarda, our base for the next three nights. From June to September, a ferry runs from Ploce to Trpanj; from here, we take the bus to Orebic and then the ferry to Korčula. This shortens the time spent on the bus travelling from Drvenik to Orebic and makes the journey a bit more fun and picturesque. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)
Enjoy a free day to relax in Lumbarda, go for a swim off the sandy beach on Przina or explore the charming town of Korčula at your own pace. There is an optional visit (with bikes) to the picturesque island of Mijet. Those choosing to explore Mljet and its national park take a boat to Pomena, which is also the entrance of Mljet National Park. Here you can enjoy a scenic short ride around the two lakes. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)
After breakfast, we begin our circular ride on the forested island of Korčula. We start with a transfer to Vela Luka; from here, we ride to the pretty village of Brna near Smokvica before transferring to Pupnat for lunch. We then get back on the bikes and cycle back to Lumbarda after a great exploration of the island. Today is a busy day and there are some hills, but we can use the support vehicle where necessary. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)
After a ferry ride (approximately 20 minutes) to the Peljesac Peninsula, we follow this narrow and rugged finger of land. The route passes through olive groves, quiet villages, and vineyards hugging steep slopes that descend to the clear waters of the Adriatic. We complete our ride along an easy unpaved track to the tiny cove at Zuljana. From here, the traffic levels increase so we take our support vehicle to Dubrovnik. En route, there is a short stop at the small settlement of Ston, a historic fortified town with Dubrovnik-style architecture. We should arrive in Dubrovnik in the late afternoon. We spend two nights in a hotel that’s a 10-minute public bus ride from the old town. This evening, we have a guided tour of Dubrovnik Old Town. Accommodation: Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Dubrovnik exudes old-world charm. Right on the Adriatic, it has fine religious buildings surrounded by heavily fortified walls and a jumble of red-tiled roofs. The shelling of Dubrovnik by Serb troops in 1991 and 1992 outraged the world. Fortunately, over the last 15 years, great care has been taken to rebuild the damaged parts of Dubrovnik and the city has now returned to its former glory. The old town, or Stari Grad, is filled with cobblestone streets, fountains, churches, palaces and museums — all built from the same light-coloured stone. There are no motor vehicles in the quiet city, but at night the streets come alive as people take an early evening stroll along the Stradun, the main street, which is covered in smooth, shiny marble. Dubrovnik known for fine seafood, so what better way to end our Croatian adventure than splashing out on a feast of freshly grilled fish within Dubrovnik’s city walls? Accommodation: Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Enjoy your final breakfast of the trip this morning; an excellent chance to reminisce about the many adventures you’ve just enjoyed. If you’ve still got a little appetite for adventure, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Dubrovnik. Or if you’re ready to put up your feet, now’s the time to start your journey home.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Christine Clampett - Traveled, September 2019
Girls on Tour This trip was a bit too “timed” for me. Whilst really well organised and hosted we seemed to be always on the move with little time for a reasonable lunch or a look around especially the first 2 days. I feel we could have spent more time on the island of HVAR – this is a truly lovely place – and HVAR town especially where we only had an hour. The hotel at Jelsa was in a fantastic location – however, a bit basic and in need of a good upgrade of facilities and a breakfast menu review. Sadly we had a terrible night here with 35 knot winds and shutters rattling. I had to stuff newspaper up the side of the main door to stop the wind blowing in through the large gap. the next day everyone was exhausted from lack of sleep. Korcula was fab – hotel great – and here we had good food and a few days rest electing not to do the trip to Mleet or the ride the following day. My job is a physical one so the lack of sleep had used all my resources up! Last ride to the ferry to Dubrovnik was really beautiful and our stay in Dubrovnik at Hotel Vis was very comfortable. The hotel is right on a beach so we swam and chilled on both days. Best bit here I think was the tour of the City with a super guide and then supper in the old City. The free day is fantastic for a good look around and the cable car ride to view the City and see how it is laid out is well worth the money. Our host Marin was great! Very good at helping when needed and not in any way intrusive. He had great knowledge of the area and kept us on schedule to catch the many ferries needed to get from island to mainland etc.. As a vegetarian I did struggle a bit with the food available. Marin helped immensely as my friend also cannot eat Gluten so we weren’t the easiest of guests to feed. The quality of the restaurants booked was really good and everyone was really helpful. The group of people on the trip gelled really well and on the last night on Korcula stayed up into the small hours singing songs from Queen to Ilkley Moor Bar Tat! Most Inspirational Moment The time in Dubrovnik - looking around in the evening. Thoughts on Group Leader Our host Marin was great! Very good at helping when needed and not in any way intrusive. He had great knowledge of the area and kept us on schedule to catch the many ferries needed to get from island to mainland etc.. He was good company in the evenings and had a great sense of humour especially when reporting on the weather - which was very wet at times! Advice for Potential Travellers Always pack a set of waterproofs! We had a couple of days of rain and started the ride to Dubrovnik wearing bin bags as waterproofs! Suggestions I think you could extend the time on HVAR as it felt really rushed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2019
Stephanie Haddrell - Traveled, September 2019
Cycling The Dalmation Coast Croatia We thoroughly enjoyed our first Exodus tour. The cycling was amazing, very beautiful scenery, and excellent bikes. The tour guide Dino and Driver Tommy were super, very attentive, informative, friendly and efficient. The hotels were generally good. However the first stay in Hvar was basic, the shower was not attached to the wall and the fan was noisy- we were expecting air conditioning, and the site was run down with steps to the beach and appartments being hazardous. The breakfast was fine and the location very good for cycling. The two other hotels were fine. The rating for the tour was 3/10. I was a little confused by this as a first timer. I consider myself to be fairly fit and cycle regularly 20+ miles and expected a level 3 trip to be comfortable for me, yet I found the climbs quite challenging. Perhaps there should be more detail in your explanations of grading. Most Inspirational Moment Every day provided exceptional scenery and beautiful places of interest. Thoughts on Group Leader The group leader was excellent very professional, informative, considerate and helpful. Advice for Potential Travellers I would advise travellers to extend their stay to allow time to recover and or prepare for the trip, and to visit the cities of Split and Dubrovnic at their leisure. I would also advise to bring rehydration tablets to add to water and snack bars to get them up the hills! I would also add that August was too hot! Suggestions The restaurants we visited were all very good and gave us the opportunity to experience Croatian cuisine. I think for days when we were cycling it would have been preferable to have more frequent shorter stops with snacks provided bananas, nuts and fruit for example, rather than a long lunch break. This would give riders energy for the climbs, reduced cost and allowed a little more time at the end of the day to relax and enjoy the hotel and surrounding areas. The evening meals were all great and the michelen star restaurant in Korkula would be one lunch which I would keep!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2019
Alia Medniuk - Traveled, July 2019
A fantastic introduction to Croatia Croatia is beautiful, seriously hot in July when one is out exercising in the midday sun, and the scenery and fabulous coastal roads made for some epic bike rides. Most Inspirational Moment Getting the whole group to the end of the first day 12 km climb in 39 degrees was no mean feat, but we all did it and enjoyed a couple of well earned ice creams at the end of it. Whizzing down the hair pin roads with incredible coastal views was fantastic fun afterwards! Thoughts on Group Leader Our guide, Dino, was spectacular, and couldn’t do enough for us. Advice for Potential Travellers The cycling was just hard enough to be a nice challenge to earn an extra ice cream, but not so arduous it didn’t feel like a holiday. If you’re a proper vegetarian, be warned for some very uninspired eating, and be aware that most of your calories will come from ice cream (not such a bad thing...). Suggestions This was my 8th, or 9th exodus trip (I’ve lost count..) and one of my favourites. A great group as ever makes all the difference. Ours was just that.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/22/2019
Iolanda Jackson-Johns - Traveled, May 2019
Good A very comprehensive tour where you get to see many of the best places in Croatia on the coast and Islands. Beautiful scenery with a picture around every corner. Very busy itinerary both the cycling and the travelling with not much free time so make sure sure you are prepared for this one – both physically and mentally. It was very hot when we were there so you have to factor in that you might be cycling big hill climbs in extreme heat and out in the heat all day, every day. There is a support vehicle if you need it but ours did not have too much in the way of aircon. Most Inspirational Moment Cycling the uphill climbs (up to 10km long) in extreme heat without getting in the support vehicle Thoughts on Group Leader Very good, calm and informative. Advice for Potential Travellers Get fit on your bike before you go - not really a tour for those who just cycle to the shops at home Suggestions Proud that I did it and many wonderful memories and friendships - THANK YOU
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/28/2019
Catherine Stewart - Traveled, June 2019
Beautiful country. Good routes through some beautiful countryside. Some of the uphills are pretty tough but worth it for the downhills. Excellent choice of restaurants, very well organised and well-briefed. The guide coped fantastically as a one-man team – he really needed support from at lead one other Exodus appointed member to share the thinking and organising. Apart from a 1-hour whistlestop tour of Split for those arriving on the scheduled flight, there was no time for exploring the city and NO TIME for the meal that had been given in the Trip Notes – we had to grab a snack to eat on the ferry. Not entirely satisfactory. Hotels were average. Most Inspirational Moment There were several: the one day trip to Mjlet was definitely worthwhile, but right to keep it as optional as it costs £50 on top of the holiday costs. Korcula was attractive - would have liked to have more time to explore the town. Good to finish in Dubrovnik though it came as a bit of a shock to be amongst hordes of other tourists after the previous off-piste days! Hotel away from the main drag is a very good idea. Thoughts on Group Leader Marin was superb! He has a very mature head and a delightful sense of humour. He is extremely well organised and coped with any eventuality in a calm and measured way. We were well-briefed before each day and were given further thorough briefing on each part of the ride. He certainly had the pressure put on him for this trip as he was the only Exodus representative so had to do ALL the thinking and ALL the organising. He seemed to take it all in his stride but it struck me as a huge responsibility. He was constantly having to chase up the driver who was not familiar with the routes and was there to just drive, not support the group leader as would normally be the case. Marin deserves top marks and a bonus for giving us a great holiday and choosing some excellent restaurants. Advice for Potential Travellers If you want to see Split, go at least a day before. If you arrive on the scheduled flight, take enough food to see you through the evening as the meal before the ferry doesn't exist. Be prepared for higher prices in Dubrovnik (though the restaurant inside the walled city is definitely worth the extra cost). Prices elsewhere were very reasonable. Suggestions Just a huge 'Thank you' to Marin for guiding us through an interesting week and for giving us all great support. The combination of islands that we visited were well planned. It has made me want to see more - maybe another Exodus trip starting in Split and going North?
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2019
Nick Sutton - Traveled, June 2019
Top cycling, scenery and ice cream (in some locations...) An excellent holiday to a fabulous country, great cycling with a brilliant guide, plus swimming in beautiful locations, stunning scenery and lovely food. Plus, the opportunity to stay in an Eastern block hotel in a great location. Most Inspirational Moment Winning the yellow jersey, though I won't bang on about it... Thoughts on Group Leader Alan Skulic, our guide is a great guide, top man and was superb. He is passionate about his country, cycling and made some great food recommendations in the restaurants, so I ate well (-thanks Alan). He is also not bad at cycling and almost kept up with me! Advice for Potential Travellers The optional trip to Mijet is worthwhile, a gentle cycle and swimming in a beautiful location. We went on 8 June and it was in the 30's, which was exceptionally hot (for me), particularly in Dubrovnik. For those who don't cycle much, I think it worth getting some practice in, the first couple of days are challenging. The best ice cream shop is in Dubrovnik, near the Serbian church. Go early to do the wall walk in Dubrovnik. Suggestions I'd be inclined to book my own flights and come back in the morning, or early afternoon of the last day, rather than a 9pm flight. You can see Dubrovnik adequately in the evening and one full day, it therefore felt like a wasted day, hanging around for a late evening flight. I think the tour could be improved by say an additional day in, or around Split, or an island, rather than the two days in Dubrovnik.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/16/2019
Tony Glaser - Traveled, May 2022
Had a wonderful time My wife and I very much enjoyed this trip – our 6th or 7th Exodus cycling trip. Croatia was surprisingly beautiful, the food was good, the cycling was just right (not too hard, not too easy), and the group were all fun – and were all of broadly the same fitness levels as cyclists (no super-fit fanatics, no completely unfit laggards) Most Inspirational Moment The last day in Dubrovnik, with an excellent local guide, was a highlight for me Thoughts on Group Leader Competent, friendly, good-natured. I would personally have liked a bit more information about history and culture of the places we were cycling through, rather than googling it myself. Advice for Potential Travellers I would recommend this trip without hesitation. The only heads up I would give is that a surprisingly large proportion of restaurants and other retail establishments in Croatia do not take credit cards. If you are concerned or cautious about the risk of COVID (as we were) you should know that pretty much all meals and other interactions were outdoors, and that people in Croatia seem to have reached the conclusion that COVID is no longer a factor at this time - much as people in the UK and the US apparently have too (writing as of May 2022) - no masks, no precautions. Suggestions My only criticism would be of the hotels - the first was very good, the second almost made Fawlty Towers look good (unable to provide sheets for a double bed, and not particularly ashamed of it either!), and the third was OK but certainly could have been better (eg. no lifts in a multi-story building). However none of this affected our enjoyment of the overall trip. Exodus says that their trips are COVID-safe, but nobody (including the tour leader) were aware of any particular precautions or requirements that participants (including the tour leader himself) were vaccinated, so this was basically a fiction.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2022
Rognvald Sinclair - Traveled, October 2023
Best holiday ever. Thoughts on Group Leader Very helpful and patient. Advice for Potential Travellers DEFINITELY Bring insect repellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023
Jomine Du Preez - Traveled, July 2023
Stunning scenery! A wonderful week exploring some of Croatia’s islands by bike, starting from Split to Dubrovnik! Well organised with good support throughout. As this was my first cycling holiday I appreciated knowing the support vehicle is there, just in case! Most Inspirational Moment The beautiful scenery on the island of Mljet! Our guide Mario took us up to a viewpoint during an optional hike and the view was absolutely stunning! Thoughts on Group Leader Mario was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable in the area and the intriguing history of Croatia. Advice for Potential Travellers I highly recommend the optional trip to Mljet!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2023
Trish England - Traveled, June 2023
Fabulous What a great way to explore the south of Croatia. Starting at Split and then island hopping to Hvar, Korcular and Mljet and ending up in Dubrovnik. Stunning scenery, good food and a great group to share the trip with. Most Inspirational Moment Having not visited Croatia before I didn’t realise that there were so many islands and the ones we visited were beautiful. The coastal rides were fabulous and dramatic especially on the last day riding through vineyards, olive oil groves and quiet villages. The small historic settlement of Ston was very interesting short stop on the way to Dubrovnik. For me Dubrovnik was an incredible place, Hotel a short bus ride into the city but if you wanted to sit by the beach and relax the hotel was only a few hundred metres from the sea. Thoughts on Group Leader Mate was a super guy. Very efficient, observant, organised, nothing too much trouble and made the trip a relaxed one. Pacing was good and you could go ahead if the roads allow. Each day was well organised especially when we had ferries to catch, water and snacks provided on some days, when and where to break and meet up with Tommy the driver of the bus and trailer. Mate very knowledgeable of his country and a great ambassador for Exodus and Croatia. Advice for Potential Travellers There are undulations along the route but the ups give great downs!! But Tommy with the bus was always there if you need him. The optional trip to Mljet is worth it. Suggestions Just do it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/17/2023
Patricia England - Traveled, May 2023
Fabulous What a great way to explore the south of Croatia. Starting at Split and then island hopping to Hvar, Korcular and Mljet and ending up in Dubrovnik. Stunning scenery, good food and a great group to share the trip with. Most Inspirational Moment Having not visited Croatia before I didn’t realise that there were so many islands and the ones we visited were beautiful. The coastal rides were fabulous and dramatic especially on the last day riding through vineyards, olive oil groves and quiet villages. The small historic settlement of Ston was very interesting short stop on the way to Dubrovnik. For me Dubrovnik was an incredible place, Hotel a short bus ride into the city but if you wanted to sit by the beach and relax the hotel was only a few hundred metres from the sea. Thoughts on Group Leader Mate was a super guy. Very efficient, observant, organised, nothing too much trouble and made the trip a relaxed one. Pacing was good and you could go ahead if the roads allow. Each day was well organised especially when we had ferries to catch, water and snacks provided on some days, when and where to break and meet up with Tommy the driver of the bus and trailer. Mate very knowledgeable of his country and a great ambassador for Exodus and Croatia. Advice for Potential Travellers There are undulations along the route but the ups give great downs!! But Tommy with the bus was always there if you need him. The optional trip to Mljet is worth it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2023
Nick Wray - Traveled, May 2023
Great first intro to Exodus bike tour Fabulous first Exodus holiday, cycling from Split to Dubrovnik, island hoping in Croatia Most Inspirational Moment Downhill coastal sections in glorious sun. Fun evening meals out with group Thoughts on Group Leader Really excellent. Indefatigable, fun, knowledgeable, confident leader and problem solver. Advice for Potential Travellers We had unseasonably wet weather at the start, so change of clothes/footwear & lightweight cycling rain cape useful. Even so, packing light helps. Suggestions Would have preferred to hire cycle helmet as hassle and bulky to bring out and not guarantee that won't be damaged on journey. Will be looking to book another bike holiday with Exodus. Selecting the holiday from the drop down harder than it should be!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2023
Alan Imeson - Traveled, October 2022
An excellent week in Dalmatia An excellent island hopping tour of Hvar and Korcula with stunning scenery and good food with a great bunch of fellow travellers Most Inspirational Moment The view of Korcula town on the coast with the sea and mountains behind was a great picture I will remember, even better than the view of Dubrovnik from the fortress Thoughts on Group Leader Mario knew lots of informaton and shared this to give us background details of the areas we were cycling and travelling through Advice for Potential Travellers The mountain bikes with half suspension seemed heavy and more than required... until we hit the gravel tracks on Hvar and through the vineyards when they were definitely needed. The pace suited everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2022
nancy maglio - Traveled, September 2022
excellent trip This was a fabulous trip. The rides were challenging with hills but absolutely beautiful coastal views, quaint villages, and beautiful hillsides covered in grapes vines, olive trees and lavender. Dinners were very good, especially the farm to table one. Time spent in Dubrovnik was a great way to end the trip. 2 of the 3 hotels were good, one could be better. The guide Mario was excellent and made the trip that much better!! Most Inspirational Moment It was all inspirational, from the beautiful scenery to the challenging bike rides. Thoughts on Group Leader Mario was fantastic!! He was a natural; friendly, encouraging, helpful and flexible. Mario was easy going and didn't let things bother him. Even when we missed a ferry one day, he was on it immediately finding alternative plans. When the ferry to mjlet was cancelled due to winds, he quickly found an alternative ride for us to do. He seemed to truly enjoy hanging out with the group and it is always great to be able to hear stories from a local who can share what it is like to grow up and live in another part of the world. Advice for Potential Travellers I would get an e-bike if I did this again just to have a little assist on the hills. They were doable but it was a challenge since I had not been riding a lot this summer. Suggestions The hotel in Lombarda was not good at all. It was dirty with mold in the bathroom on the tile and ceiling. There were many ants in my room - on the floor, desk and even the bed. When I told the manager, he seemed angry that I was bothered by it. They got out a vacuum which was only a temporary fix. There were other insects and spider webs as well. The bedding and towels were not very good and neither were the breakfasts. This hotel was disappointing, but the town was nice.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2022
Clare McDonnell - Traveled, June 2022
Croatia Cycling the Dalmatian coast My son (23) and I (57) have just returned from this trip and I’m now looking to book another Exodus cycling trip! We have not done a trip like this before and we’re little nervous! There was no need! The group leader Mario was excellent and made sure everyone was comfortable with the pace and really was an exceptional lead and a great ambassador for both Croatia and Exodus. Our group of 11 was mixed age and ability but everyone got on well and had a fantastic time! Amazing scenery, beautiful crystal clear waters and quiet roads. Organisation was brilliant, water, snacks, when and where to break…bus and trailer availability etc. Nothing was too much trouble and Mario really put in loads of effort to ensure everyone had a great holiday. Hotels were good and better than I expected. If you have doubts about whether you should book… just do it! It was fantastic! Most Inspirational Moment Day trip to Mljet, swimming to lakes and spotting a 2 tailed Pasha ( butterfly!) for the first time. Thoughts on Group Leader The group leader Mario was excellent and made sure everyone was comfortable with the pace and really was an exceptional lead and a great ambassador for both Croatia and Exodus. Our group of 11 was mixed age and ability but everyone got on well and had a fantastic time! Amazing scenery, beautiful crystal clear waters and quiet roads. Organisation was brilliant, water, snacks, when and where to break…bus and trailer availability etc. Nothing was too much trouble and Mario really put in loads of effort to ensure everyone had a great holiday. He was tolerant, easy going and friendly … even when he had to repeat himself several times because people hadn’t listened to the instructions ! Mario really contributed to making this holiday one of my best ever holidays!! Advice for Potential Travellers Don’t be put off by the ‘Undulating’ nature of the routes… the descents are amazing and the support vehicle is always there if you need it! ….. I am not a cyclist… just reasonably fit.. and I managed the trip no problem. Bring beach shoes… there are sea urchins! Suggestions Can’t wait to book my next trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2022
Simon Vandyk - Traveled, May 2022
This was my first ever Exodus holiday, and it exceeded all expectations! This was a very well organised trip, I went in late May so the weather was warm but no too hot. I really enjoyed the cycling and I met a bunch of great people. Our group was 15 big and it being my first Exodus trip I was a little nervous, but as soon as I met the leader and other travelers I felt at ease. I am already looking at booking another holiday with Exodus. Most Inspirational Moment The trip to Mjet was amazing, it was a completely unspoiled island, and it really felt like you were cycling through a paradise, there were butterflies everywhere and the sea was crystal clear blue, the hike to the top of the island was also amazing, and the view from the top was epic, we even had a swim, and in late May the sea was a good temperature. I would recommend you bring some water shoes as it's quite stony. Thoughts on Group Leader Alan was a very good leader, he was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. He really made an effort with everyone, especially on the more challenging parts of trip giving people motivation, and having general chats. In the mini-bus about 15 minutes before arriving at our cycle drop-off's he would give a detailed itinerary of the rides so we would know what to expect. He he also helped me with fitting my own pedals that a bought along which was really helpful. Advice for Potential Travellers I would have to say take the optional trip to Mjet, and take some water shoes if you decide to go swimming as it's a bit stony. Suggestions The demographic of people on this trip was great, a really good mixture of age and groups vs solo travelers, and as a solo traveler in my late 30s it really suited me and we all got along really well and I made some friends! Also the food, wine and beer was amazing out there!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2022
Paul Green - Traveled, October 2021
It's amazing what you can do in a week! This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn’t know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling – not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained! Most Inspirational Moment Two positives: Making use of opportunities to go swimming. Using the hair dryer to dry out my cycling kit. Thoughts on Group Leader Alan is an outstanding leader. He did a superb job of leading the 16 of us. He had everything planned and organised and he was calm and attentive. Alan told us a lot about the history and culture of Croatia. Alan is genial, has excellent communication skills and a good sense of humour. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for changing weather conditions and bring lots of layers of clothing. Suggestions The cycling is very enjoyable (when it doesn't rain) and the Dalmation coast well worth exploring.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2021
Y H - Traveled, October 2021
Lovely Scenery, good cycling This was the last trip of the season and unfortunately the weather was not the greatest, but this was unusual for the time of year. However this was more than made up for by the excellent tour leader Alan and driver Jadran who looked after us brilliantly. The views are stunning and the cycling not too arduous. I had only booked the tour a couple of weeks before departure and so had very little time to get on my bike and train for the trip, but I made it up every hill, albeit at the back, and for those that did not want to tackle the route there was always a seat on the minibus. Croatia is a beautiful country and the locals are rightly very proud of it. The food is great – a lot of seafood and meat, but not so good if you are vegetarian as there was usually one uninspiring option on the menu, and nothing for vegnas. I would pick start or end of season when there are fewer tourists, as Dubrovnik still felt busy as the season closed. Most Inspirational Moment Getting to the top of the hill on the first day, in the rain. Thoughts on Group Leader The group leader was outstanding. Calm, organised, patient and with a very good sense of humour. Advice for Potential Travellers Take a decent wet weather cycling jacket if you are going at the end of the season. Not brilliant for vegetarians
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2021
Daniel Morris - Traveled, October 2019
Croatian Delights Fabulous cycling on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast Islands. Lovely roads, unspoilt villages, scenery to die for and good food. Hotels were unfortunately the exception- exceptionally poor. Most Inspirational Moment Scenic rides along coastal tracks Thoughts on Group Leader Dino was excellent Advice for Potential Travellers Insist on better hotels
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2019
Rachel Christie - Traveled, October 2019
Excellent A really lovely holiday a good balance of cycling and relaxing/socieliting time Can’t wait to choose another Most Inspirational Moment The freedom of cycling along the coast Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent Alan was friendly open and helpful but still in control Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you do plenty of hills in prep I wasn’t quite fit enough or get an e bike Suggestions Really beautiful place
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2019
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