South Dalmatian Islands Bike Tour

Croatia’s Trogir to Trogir Bike Tour

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Cycling Southern Dalmatia, Croatia’s Southern Dalmatia is home to the cutest white and black spotted dogs that made it to Hollywood, set in jaw-dropping, limpid bay of Mediterranean sea, this tour will take us along the south-east coast of the Adriatic, cruising and cycling from and island to an island. You will have all your senses engaged- from indulging in the traditional Croatian culinary delights, hearing acapella singing in the heart of the Diocletian’s palace, buzzing of the bees and helping support local families on Šolta, discovering the birthplace of Marco Polo in Korčula, learning about the grapevines Greeks brought to islands of Hvar and to understanding why Tito loved Vis so much! Your family on board will make sure to pack in some action, not only on a bike but as well finding that perfect bay where you can jump off the boat or kayak in some of the most extraordinary clear waters on a planet! You will return home enriched with history, few Croatian words, for sure couple of extra kilos and many, many new friends!

Day one: Trogir-island Šolta (cycling 19km; easy)

Arriving early to Trogir will give you time to settle in and be stress free, picking up the last things you might need for your holiday and at the same time slowly immersing yourself into Dalmatian culture, sipping a coffee in the heart of this UNESCO historic city. When the church bells ring from the St. Lawrence cathedral, it is time for you to roll your luggage to check-in and meet&greet your family on board your boat. As we leave the harbour and flash our cameras at the beautiful sight of the Kamerlengo fortress, numerous bell towers, promenade aligned with palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze, our captain will take us on the first little cruise from Trogir to the island of Šolta. On our first day we will start in the small port town of Maslinica where we will get all the pedals and seats adjusted and have an easy tour to get everyone all started. We will cycle though the island, turning into narrow country lanes, passing old stone villages, olive and fig groves. En-route we will visit a truly unique beekeeper Goran and his family where we will learn about the bees and taste bee products while having a good laugh at the same time. We will continue towards Stomorska where our boat will stay for the night.

Day two: Stomorska-island Hvar (tour I: 28km easy, tour II: 20km challenging)

As soon as our chef brings the fresh bread from the local bakery, we will cruise towards the 6 km protected bay of Starigrad on the island of Hvar. Our morning circular tour will start in one of the oldest towns in Europe- Starigrad, colonized in 384 BC by the ancient Greeks. We will witness a 2400 year old remnant of the Greek presence, UNESCO protected Ager (Starigrad plain), where the scarce flat land was equally divided and separated with dry stonewalls. It is said life is short and we should eat dessert first, so in Jelsa we will stop for a short break and have an opportunity to try best gelato and baklava on the island, accompanied with a frothy cappuccino to help us stay wide awake! Situated 5km away, following a quiet road, curving close by the rocky turquoise beaches we will reach Vrboska. With its cobbled stone bridges, quiet atmosphere and it’s romantic setting, it reminds many of Venice. Back in Starigrad lunch will be served on board, we might even have some time for a quick dip in the water too. After lunch we head for our second tour, from Starigrad up and over the to the glorious town of Hvar! Thanks to Napoleon and French perfume industry, lavender fields decorate the northern part of the island. Best time to see the glory of the purple bloom is at the end of june. Our boat stays the night in the town of Hvar.

Day three: Hvar – island of Vis (33km; moderate and at times challenging)

The furthest away inhabited island on the east coast of the Adriatic, Vis was visited by the ancient Greeks from Syracuse 2300 years ago. Bringing their grapevines with them, they established another colony-Issa. As we are finishing our breakfast, we will be docking in to the beautiful harbour of Vis town. Our 32 km circular tour will start with a sweaty climb up to a striking belvedere from where in the far distance, on a clear day, we might even see Italy. Overlooking a few tiny islands, straight underneath us a hairpin bendy road will take us down into the village of Komiža – the birthplace of fishing in Croatia. Standing solidly above the village since the 9th century, is the monastery of St. Nicholas – patron of children, travelers and fishermen. The island’s pristine nature and old architecture were preserved due to its long isolation. This is a place where Yugoslavian leader, Marshall Tito set his military base, prohibiting any visitors and it has been so until the beginning of the 90`s when it opened up, mainly attracting people looking for silence and solitude. Today we will enjoy lunch in a local ” konoba”, traditional family restaurant set in a vineyard, producing wine that derives from the Greek times. We stay overnight in Vis town.

Day four: Vis-Korčula island (55km; moderate and at times challenging)

While we are still snoozing, our captain will be early on his feet and sail us over the open waters towards the village of Prigradica. Yet another island conquered by the Greeks, Korčula offers us one of the most beautiful and diverse, yet challenging rides of the week. 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, we will pass by the center of the island, town of Blato. We will then cross to the western edge of the island, cycling along the waterfront villages of Prižba and Brna, stopping for photos, picnic, maybe even a swim! Continuing again inland, cycling above the “Pošip” vineyards of Smokvica and Čara. A day filled with awe-inspiring views, even on the challenging climb towards Pupnat! We stroll down the narrow lane, once again, the eastern side of the island where the coastal road will lead us into the town of Korčula- birthplace of the famous world traveller Marco Polo. In Korčula we have a local city guide organized to show you around this impressive historical place.

Day five: Korčula-Hvar-Brač (32km; moderate and at times challenging)

Our boat sails again to Hvar, with nearly 68km, it 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, we will see the extreme difference between the north and south part of the island. As we reach bay of Pokrivenik, just around the corner we drop the anchor and have the opportunity to swim and kayak in a striking cliff protected bay! With lunch we set sails again and reach the white town of Pučišća on the island of Brač, the only island not conquered by the Greeks. 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.

Day six: Brač-Omiš and Cetina Canyon (43km; moderate)

A short crossing will take us back to 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 46km 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 the UNESCO 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: Split – 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 in 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.