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. After each ride you’ll be returning to our luxury boat and begin the journey to the next stunning vista,  perhaps stopping enroute for a dip in the sparkling clear water.

Inclusions:

• 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
• Guided city tours of Korčula and Dubrovnik

Croatia’s South Dalmatia: Trogir to Dubrovnik

Day One—Šolta Island, 11 - 19 km (easy) 

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 Šolta. We’ll start our first day of cycling where you will cycle by walled olive and fig groves and fields of lavender and rosemary as we make our way to our destination for the night.

Day Two—Hvar Island, 28-48 km (easy and at times challenging) 

This morning we start from Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, the sunniest island in the Adriatic. Once off the boat we cycle to Jelsa and Vrboska at a casual pace with time to explore these lovely harbour towns. After an ice cream break we cycle back to Stari Grad for lunch on the boat. The 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 has a thriving nightlife.

Day Three—Vis Island, 33 km (moderate and at times challenging)

The island furthest from the mainland, Vis is venerable. More than 2,300 years ago the Greek colony of Issa flourished here. Due to its strategic location, as part of Yugoslavia and Croatia, Vis was a military zone until 1995 and prohibited for foreign tourists. Today we have the opportunity to explore its gentle beauty. After the ride we sail with lunch towards the island of Lastovo.

Day Four—Lastovo and Korčula, 28 km (easy to moderate)

After breakfast we 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. 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, fish the teeming waters, although agriculture and wine production are also important.  After the ride and swimming on Lastovo, the ship takes us to the island of Korčula, where we will spend the night in Vela Luka.

Day Five —Korčula, 61 km (moderate and at times challenging)

After breakfast we will cycle from Vela Luka to the town of Korčula and 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. We will take the old pass road from Brna to Pupnat Bay and finally to the town of Korčula, which claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo (Venice also makes the same claim.) This is where we will 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.

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.