Cycling Croatia's Dalmatian Coast

Experience Overview

Join us on a cycling adventure along the stunning Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, 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.
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
The group size is normally 4 to 16, plus a local cycling leader and support vehicle driver.
Eating Drinking
For breakfast, expect a continental buffet with a wide selection of food from cold meats, cheeses, breads, eggs, pastries, yoghurts, jams, fresh fruit, and hot drinks like tea and coffee. Croatian cuisine is a mixture of fresh seafood, grilled lamb, pizza, pasta, and salads, with influences from Central Europe, Italy, and the wider Balkan region. Lunches and dinners are generally enjoyed at local restaurants and taverns (konoba's), offering regional specialties and seasonal ingredients. During the trip there may be opportunities for optional meals at local restaurants or family-run farms, where homemade dishes and regional products are often served as part of a set menu. Prices vary depending on the venue and menu, and in some smaller establishments payment by cash may be preferred. Lunch and dinners cost in the region of €30 -€45 per person.
Transportation
The group is accompanied by a transfer bus, and a trailer to carry the bikes.
Joining Instructions
Key information Start hotel: Aminess Younique Senses Resort, Vrboska bb, 21463, Vrboska Phone: +385 52 858 600 Airport: Split Airport (SPU) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is on Hvar island. You have two options for this journey: Take our group transfer We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join 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 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 tour 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 one group transfer to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative. Consider taking the train  Reach this trip by train from the UK or across Europe and lower your carbon footprint. Our partner, Byway, can take care of the planning and booking.
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 €45-€55 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. You also need to budget €1.50-€3 per day for local taxes. The bus into Dubrovnik town centre is not included. Please allow for €10 (€2.50 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 — Full day in Mljet National Park: €130, payable locally – Mljet National Park is an island of stillness, natural beauty, and quiet escape. Its western side, protected since 1960, features two saltwater lakes—Veliko and Malo—set within dense pine forest. At the heart of Veliko Lake lies St. Mary’s Island, home to a 12th-century Benedictine monastery. Walk shaded trails along the lakes, take a boat to the monastery, and soak in the island’s unique Mediterranean landscape. Finish with a swim in the crystal-clear waters. Included in the price: return catamaran from Korčula to Mljet, national park entrance fee, and bicycle rental (self-guided).
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Croatia. As we are often asked, below are our suggested amounts for the trip. Tour leader: €30 per personDriver (who also maintains and loads/unloads bikes): €30 if you're riding a standard bike, €40 if you're riding an e-bikeLocal staff ie cooks, hotel staff etc: €10-€15 per person, which can be handed to your tour leader to distribute at the end of the week

Highlights