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Croatia Bike Tour

Road Cycling in Croatia with DuVine Adventures

Highlights

  • DuVine's trip leaders take you far beyond regular travel experiences to show you the real country
  • Top of the line bicycles ride like a dream and are tailored to your needs
  • Stay at the best hotels, indulge in gourmet cuisine and taste world-class wines

Full Description

Bike, boat, eat and drink the wonders of the Dalmatian Coast on our bike tour of Croatia, an island-hopping adventure that will have you cycling along the most stunning coastline in Europe. The Adriatic awaits as we begin in Split, the largest port city, that abounds with old world charm, ancient Roman ruins (containing a UNESCO world heritage site) and abundant wine cellars.

Then it's off to the islands of Hvar and Korcula. Bicycle the rolling roads of Hvar with its lavender fields, spectacular vistas and ubiquitous fish markets and fresh seafood. On the island of Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, you'll visit another charming ancient Roman fishing and sailing village that is a seafood aficionado's dream with its endless supply of octopus, local specialty-fish stew, and the freshest of ingredients picked directly from the sea.Discover some of the secrets of the Peljesac peninsula on your way to Dubrovnik-home to Croatia's best known red wines-Dingac and Postup. Here you will find one of the world's most beautifully preserved medieval cities that has been an important power since the 13th century. Take the time wander the narrow streets, experiencing Dubrovnik's storied history with its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains.

 

Includes:

  • All accommodations in deluxe hotels and charming country inns
  • All breakfasts, two lunches, and four gourmet dinners including wine
  • New aluminum bicycle, choice of five lightweight frame sizes, light weight helmet, gel seat, handlebar bag, rear carrier rack, lock, patch kit with spare tube, pump, lock,  bell and toe straps option
  • Bilingual guide(s) who look after your every little need
  • Support vehicle that sweeps the daily bike route offering refreshments and snacks, transporting your purchases, and offering transfers to the hotel
  • Highlighted regional maps with history on each sight and options to stop along the way.
  • All wine tastings and boat transfers
  • All transportation from rendezvous to final drop-off
  • All gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service
  • DuVine Adventures t-shirt, water bottle and luggage tag
  • Detailed Final Documents including itinerary and hotel list
  • CD of your once-in-a-lifetime trip
  • Exceptional customer service
  • Complimentary travel coordinator available to assist you with all of your pre- & post-trip travel plans and arrangements

Excludes:

  • Airfare to/from the departure point
  • Gratuities to local guides

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Split-Your guides will meet you in Split and transfer you to the city’s top hotel nestled in the traffic-free heart of the old city. Toast your arrival with a welcome drink and a healthy dose of Croatian hospitality to prepare for an unforgettable week of luxurious adventure. After a bike fitting, our first ride will be a peaceful spin along the quiet coastal road out of town where you will begin your acquaintance with the beautiful Adriatic. Returning to town, you will have time to explore Split’s unique cityscape molded by centuries of diverse rulers, from the Romans and Byzantines to the Venetians and Austrians. Later in the evening we will regroup at the hotel for an aperitif before following the guides to our hidden gem of a restaurant for a true Croatian feast. Meal: Dinner. Destinations visited: Split, Marjan Hill. Distance cycled: 15km/9.32 miles

Day 2

Split to Hvar Island-This morning we will step back in time during an exclusive guided walking tour of Diocletian’s palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of ancient Split. The story behind this site is a classic example of a local boy making good. Around the year 244, the Roman Emperor Diocletian was born in the region to slave parents. Working his way through the ranks of the Roman Army, he seized control of the Empire in 284 and is largely credited with restoring order after a long period of chaos. The magnificent palace he built here near his birthplace has been well-preserved and offers a fascinating glimpse into this epoch of local history. Following the tour, we will set out for a two hour ferry ride from Split to the Island of Hvar. Upon arrival in Stari Grad (literally the Old Town) take the opportunity to pop into a local café for lunch before setting off on your first bike ride in the islands, cycling through lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards. Looping back to Stari Grad you can choose to either bike or shuttle over the pass to Hvar Town. Hvar has a rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by 7th century walls, the historic center contains Venetian loggia, old piazzas and the oldest municipal theater in Europe. Recently, it has become an increasingly popular tourist destination (sometimes called the new Ibiza) – and our hotel, a “Leading Small Hotel of the World” is a wonderful example of Hvar’s newfound prosperity. After being pampered in the hotel’s spa and enjoying the stunning views of the old town, we will regroup for dinner at Konoba, a family-owned restaurant, where you will taste our host's own wine and eat Gregada (Fish stew), the island’s specialty made daily with the local catch of the day. Meals: Breakfast/Dinner. Destinations visited: Split, Stari Grad, Jelsa, Vrboska, Svrice, Vrbanj, Hvar town. Distance cycled: 25-30km/15-20 miles.

Day 3

Hvar/Paklinski Otoci-After a relaxing breakfast in Hvar town, you can choose to either bike or venture out on a sea kayak trip to the nearby islands of Paklinski Otoci. Or, if you’d like, take the day off to relax at the hotel’s spa or drink a coffee on the beautiful Venetian piazza and watch the world go by. If you decide to bike, a challenging yet beautiful ride through lavender fields awaits. Lavender was once the main source of income for the inhabitants of Hvar; in fact, sailors used to say that they could smell the lavender oil on the sea breeze before they could see the island. If you are paddling a kayak, you will explore the Paklinski islands, with their numerous small bays and hidden beaches. The name comes from the word "paklina"-melted pine resin - which was manufactured in some of these bays and was used for coating ships. Dinner tonight will be overlooking the sea in one of these beautiful bays! Meals: Breakfast, Dinner. Destinations visited: Hvar, Paklinski Otoci-optional sea kayak trip. Distance cycled: 35 km/22 miles. Longer Option 80km/50 miles

Day 4

Korcula-Today our private boat takes us across the blue waters to the island of Korcula, an ancient Greek colony dating back to the 4th century BC. The island is famous for its white wines, beautiful old towns and dark pine forests. Landing in the town of Vela Luka on the west coast, you will cycle across the island to Korcula Town. Along the way we will pass through miles of vineyards and even stop to taste some of the famed local whites and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch. Arriving in Korcula Town, you will find this fortified Venetian town is just as irresistible to today's visitor as it was to medieval travel writers like Marco Polo, who began his life 's journey here. At our hotel, named after Korcula’s most famous son, feel free to spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on one of the Adriatic’s best beaches. The night is yours to explore the old town. No cars will disturb your romantic evening on these pedestrian-only streets, so ask your guide for a recommendation or just poke your head into one of the bustling restaurants or fish tavernas for dinner. Meals: Breakfast/Picnic Lunch Destinations visited: Vela Luka, Korcula Distance cycled: 46 km/29 miles.

Day 5

Loop Ride around Korcula-Wake up to watch the sun rise over the Adriatic, or sleep in before settling down to an island breakfast. We’ll start our day with a loop ride to Pupnat, one of the oldest settlements on the island of Korcula and home to our friends, the Farac family. They will welcome us with a sample of some of their homemade products including: lavender sorbet, eggplant pate, and wild asparagus and prosciutto omelets. Perhaps you'd even like to sample some sage juice, as well. In the afternoon you will pedal back to Korcula town and have the option to continue on a flat ride to the nearby fishing village of Lumbarda. This is your chance to taste Grk, an autochthonous dry white wine native to the area. If you are interested in heading to the beach, there are two right next door: sandy and pebbly - your choice. Tonight we will meet up for our final dinner in Korcula town. Meals: Breakfast/Dinner Destinations visited: Pupnat, Korcula town, Lumbarda. Distance cycled: 38 km/24 miles.

Day 6

Korcula-Dubrovnik-On your way to Dubrovnik today you will discover some of the secrets of the Peljesac peninsula-home to Croatia's best known red wines: Dingac and Postup-made from the Plavac Mali grape, a close cousin to both the Zinfandel of California, and the Primitivo from Calabria. Along the way, we will stop to taste some ultra-fresh oysters. Due to the extremely clean water between the Peljesac peninsula and the coast, shellfish grow here in abundance and are of very high quality. Our last stop before Dubrovnik will be Ston-well known for having the longest fortified city wall in Europe, as well as ancient salt works. After a brief lunch in Mali Ston we will shuttle to the thick stone walls of Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic and one of the world's most beautifully preserved medieval cities. Due to its strategic coastal position, this city has been an important power since the 13th century, and its long and storied history is told in its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. If you are staying in Dubrovnik for a few more days, enjoy the rest of your stay. If not, have a safe trip home or on to your next destination. Meal: Breakfast/Lunch. Destinations visited: Peljesac, Ston, Mali Ston, Dubrovnik. Distance cycled: no cycling today

About The Operator:

DuVine Adventures

Headquarters:

Somerville, MA

Each season over 25% of our guests are repeat DuVine Travelers. It is an honor to be selected as the bike tour operator of choice by seasoned and experienced travelers like you. Everything we do-from selecting the most beautiful destinations, to providing the high level of hospitality you crave-results in a truly outstanding travel experience. With DuVine you'll bike though beautiful landscapes at your own pace, indulge in gourmet regional cuisine, sample world-class wines, and rest in charming luxury hotels. Bike, eat, drink and sleep, while our guides handle every detail, so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation DuVine style.

Exceeding Expectations

At DuVine, we have a keen eye for detail. But we aren't the type of people to settle for basics. Our guests are special, and we pride ourselves on pampering our travelers each and every day. Over the years, DuVine Adventures has forged relationships with local innkeepers and restaurateurs in the regions we travel. Our friends, the vintners, chocolate makers, and colorful locals, love to share their stories and knowledge with DuVine travelers.

Experienced and Friendly Guides

We are particularly proud of our guides whose outstanding knowledge and efforts allow us to provide first-rate adventures. Your two dedicated DuVine guides will tirelessly work to make sure your experience is nothing short of exceptional.

Our guides are seasoned travelers who are fluent in the local language and customs and experts in wine, cuisine, art, and history. If you need help reading your menu, simply ask your guide. Want to know the best place to get gifts for family back home? Our guides can advise.

Our DuVine guides will anticipate your every need on and off the bike. They will
clean your bike, offer you a fresh towel or give you cool water before you even realize you're thirsty. Don't be surprised if you see one of your guides zipping off to orchestrate a gourmet picnic in the vineyard.

Our guides are passionate about creating whimsical memories. They love to see you smile and will ensure that you are totally satisfied! Their goal is to deliver the vacation of a lifetime, which is always DuVine!

Van Support

All guided tours are fully supported by a van that sweeps the day's route. As you bike along, our support vehicle is never far off to collect your purchases, distribute refreshments or offer a ride back to the hotel.

Bikes Included

Get ready to roll as DuVine includes bikes on all of its trips. We supply top-of-the-line hybrid bicycles with just the right combination of features. Our unique handlebar bag is the perfect size to hold a sweater, wallet, camera, and other personal items. Our bikes come in five sizes for a superior fit and ultimate riding confidence and comfort. All have light aluminum frames, a wide gear range with easy shifting, and comfortable saddles for effortless riding. If you prefer your own trusty steed, feel free to bring it along.

Wine Included with Dinner

DuVine Adventures is proud of the itinerary upgrades we make each season, which are always based upon the feedback of our guests. We include savory local wines with all dinners to provide maximum enjoyment at each meal.