Bike South Dalmatia from Dubrovnik to Trogir

Dalmatia from Dubrovnik to Trogir

Reserve Now

Croatia is an unusually shaped country connecting Eastern and Western Europe and is home to one the the highest number of UNESCO Intangible Goods of any European country. Including lace making, “klapa” singing, silent circle dancing, wooden toy carvings to the festivity of Saint Blaise, the patron of Dubrovnik celebrated by releasing the white doves as a symbol of peace- a ritual dating back as far as 1190. We will hop on board, sail&cycle between Dubrovnik and Trogir while exploring many islands, ancient city walls, fortresses and palaces that bear witness to 2500 years old history. You may have heard about the scars recent conflicts in the area left, but there is so much to explore here- from swimming in hidden turqoise bays , seeing the longest european stone walls to exquisite wines of Pelješac peninsula and extravagant croatian culinary delights.

Day one: Dubrovnik

Often mistaken by many foreigners to be the croatian capital, this small city with only 30 000 inhabitants owes its fame to its spectacular fortification walls sheltering fine old palaces, fountains, churches and promenades. Arriving early will give you time to settle in and be stress free. Once that you have checked in and got introduced to your floating home for the next 7 days, our journey will begin with a local city guide, touring Dubrovnik, one of the first cities to abandon slavery and recognize US independence. Proclaimed a “Jewel of the Adriatic”, its exquisite beauty attracts thousands of visitors that flock to Stradun promenade for a stroll. We stay the night in Dubrovnik and enjoy a welcome feast on board!

Day two: Pelješac peninsula and island of Korčula (29km; moderate)

While indulging in a hearty Croatian breakfast, we will sail towards the picturesque town of Slano, set along the Dubrovnik Riviera, surrounded with thick pine and olive groves. As the boat docks and the bicycles get unloaded, get your seats and pedals ready so they can get get adjusted for you. After a brief safety info, we will set off from Slano, cycling towards the peninsula of Pelješac. On the way we will enjoy panoramic views over the Elafiti islands. We will pass by a medieval town of Ston, known for its oysters and for having the longest Stone walls in Europe ( 5,5km), as well as having one of the oldest active saltworks where they still use the traditional, natural way to produce it as they did hundreds of years ago. Not far from Ston we will reach Prapratno bay surronded by a thick mediterranean macchia. If time allows, we can have a quick dip in the sea before hopping on board. While sailing towards Korčula island we can enjoy yet another amazing sight of Pelješac adorned with lush vineyards, home to one of Croatia’s best vines- Dingač. We stay the night in the town of Korčula, famous for claiming to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Here we have a local city guide organized to tour you around this impressive historical place.

Day three: islands of Korčula and Hvar (55km; moderate and at times challenging)

Korčula offers us one of the most beautiful and diverse, yet challenging rides of the week, but not before a nutritious breakfast! Nothing to worry about, we always have few extra electric bikes to hire, although, cycling is always optional and you can always sip cocktails on-board while keeping our captain company. Soon after a short warm up on our bikes, cycling along the coastal road on the eastern side of the island, we will reach a narrow windy road leading us up to Pupnat village. While some might find this climb quite challenging, enticing views colored in turquoise will make it up for it. We will then cross to the western edge of the island towards a well deserved, thrilling downhill. Continuing inland, we will cycle above the “Pošip” vineyards of Smokvica and Čara before hitting the waterfront village of Prižba and Brna, stopping for photos, picnic, maybe even a swim! Passing Blato, the center of the island we will reach Prigradica where our captain will pick us up and sail over to the island of Hvar where we will stay the night in the port of Sućuraj.

Day four: islands of Hvar and Brač (51km; moderate)

Hvar holds the title as the longest island in Dalmatia and therefore the most perfect island for cycling! The quaint little town of Sućuraj lays at the most southern tip of the island, where we unload our bikes. Passing few barely inhabited villages, there is an extreme difference between the north and south part of the island. We will reach Jelsa, a quiet town set in the middle of the island. Its fame is due to a rumor that here is where you can try the best gelato on the island! We will have an opportunity to verify that, either opt for a baklava followed by a frothy cappuccino to help us stay wide awake ! Our captain sets the sails towards the island of Brač where we stay the night in the port of Bol.

Day five: island of Brač and town of Omiš on the mainland (23km; moderate)

Brač, the third largest Croatian island has its most recognizible beach set in Bol. Also known as the Golden horn, its shape is constantly changing by the wind and currents. After breakfast we start straight with a 10km workout and then a ride down into town of Pučišća. The white limestone has been the center of the islands economy for centuries, alongside fishing and harvesting olives. This is a home to the most unique stone masonry school in Europe and beyond. Through the dusty windows we might even catch a glimpse of the young students chiseling away huge blocks of local white limestone, that was used to build many important buildings, including the White House. We either cross over to the mainland or stay in Pučišća for the night.

Day six: Cetina Canyon and the city of Split (43km; moderate)

A short crossing will take us back to the mainland, into the pirate city of Omiš, guarded by the medieval fortresses. This is where river Cetina enters the Adriatic. As it came down from bordering Bosnian mountains and travelled 102km, it has carved its way through many rocky cliffs and created a canyon. Today you have the choice to experience different Croatia, cycling around the gorge and/or rafting. If adrenaline isn’t your thing, but you always wanted to try out rafting, this is the perfect opportunity. This is a 3h journey down the emerald green Cetina river, rapids ranging from gradess 2-3, surrounded by waterfalls and lush nature. If rafting really isn’t your thing, you have the option of a 46 km long bike tour circling around the canyon and ending back in Omiš. When everyone is back on the boat, with a bit later lunch we cruise to UNESCO World Heritage site, the second biggest city in Croatia- Split. Once again, we have a local tour guide to walk us through the oldest living roman palace, built for the emperor Diocletian.

Day seven: The towns of Split and Trogir (18km; easy)

Our last bike ride will start in the early morning, to witness the city coming to life, to enjoy the quiet before noise and traffic pollute the narrow streets of the old town. We will ride through car-free Marjan Park, the lungs of the city, a gentle hill perched above Split. Instead, you might prefer wandering in the old town shopping or exploring the palace a bit more. Before noon we will set off to find an anchor spot before lunch and make our way back to Trogir, where the whole story started. Tonight we pull out the cleanest clothes and celebrate our last dinner in a festive tone!

Day eight: Trogir

Our last coffee and breakfast together usually everyone is quiet. One reason is because of dancing and singing too much the previous night, but in reality it is because it is always sad when beautiful things come to an end and we have to part with people we connected with. Everyone heads their own direction, whether continuing their journey or heading home to their loved ones. Leaving, but enriched with new experiences, knowledge, few extra kilos, new friendships, stronger bonds and lifetime memories. Maybe even a new date in the diary for your next trip in another part of Croatia!

* Details subject to change.