Overview
Central Dalmatia is the most action-packed and diverse part of Croatia, with pretty islands, quiet ports, rugged mountains, numerous castles and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the ancient strip fields of the Stari Grad Plain on the island of Hvar. And the rugged 1,500 metre-high Dinaric Range provides a dramatic background during most parts of the itinerary.
This guided cycling tour in Dalmatia starts and ends in Split exploring amazing coastlines, medieval towns, old villages and picturesque bays. Highlights include great beaches, vineyards, pine woods, cycling across the historic islands and exploring Mljet National Park. Croatia is a land of stunning islands, rich history, Mediterranean vegetation and mild climate, and without a doubt, the best way to explore it is by boat and bike!
During this boat and bike guided cycling holiday in Croatia, you will be based and spent each overnight in a traditional steel-hulled vessel, offering accommodation in simple but comfortable en-suite double or twin cabins. If you are looking for more luxury, we recommend our “In Comfort” version of this itinerary.
- The City of Split
- Diocletian’s Palace
- Brac Island
- Hvar Island
- Korcula Town
- Mljet Island
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Itinerary
Note that the sailing and cycling routes may be changed on the spot due to weather conditions and dock availability. Departure is during morning hours, usually after breakfast.
Day 1: Split – Supetar – Pučišća | 25km
Arrival in Split and check-in till 13.00. Departure with lunch and meet your fellow passengers and the crew. Upon arrival in Supetar, you will cycle the coastal road to the northern part of the island of Brač. We pass the fishing villages Splitska and Postira and arrive in one of the most beautiful small settlements in Europe – Pučišća. Free afternoon for sightseeing this charming place, well known for its long stonemason tradition. Overnight in Pučišća.
- Cycling for the day: approx. 25km, ↑380m, highest point: 90m
- Included meals: lunch
Day 2: Pučišća – Pokrivenik – Sućuraj – Kučište | 32km
Breakfast and morning sail towards the longest Croatian island – Hvar with the view of Biokovo mountain. Out starting point for the cycling leg is the small picturesque bay of Pokrivenik. Starting with an ascent to the highest point of the route and descent to the eastern end of Hvar island – Sućuraj, where the boat is waiting. After lunch on board, sail towards the second biggest Croatian peninsula Pelješac and the charming settlement of Kučište. Optional Captain’s dinner on board. Overnight in Kučište.
- Cycling for the day: approx. 32km, ↑450m, highest point: 350m
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 3: Kučišta – Trstenik | 45km
After breakfast, we disembark the ship and start riding towards Orebić, the city of seafarers and captains. The first few kilometres take in ascending and then descending along some unique viewpoints on the Korčula archipelago. After Orebić, we ascend to the area where the most famous varieties of Croatian wine are produced. We cross the tunnel Dingač to the south side of Pelješac and continue riding through vineyards to Trstenik. Overnight in Trstenik.
- Cycling for the day: approx. 45km, ↑800m, highest point: 410m
- Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 4: Trstenik – Mljet – Korčula | 18km
Cruise during breakfast from Trstenik to Mljet island, the lush green island also known as Honey Island. Mljet National park (entrance fee to be paid on the spot ~25 EUR per person) is a beautiful area of unique charm featuring two connected saltwater lakes, lush flora, a unique indented coastline, cliffs and numerous islets and green hills. We cycle around the saltwater lake, inside which there is another island with a Benedictine monastery from the 12th century. Enjoy a swim in the saltwater lakes and return for lunch on board. Sail to Korčula. Free afternoon for exploring the town of Marco Polo. Overnight in Korčula.
- Cycling for the day: approx. 18km, ↑120m, highest point: 45m
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 5: Korčula – Vela Luka | 55km
After breakfast, we start with the longest cycling route for the week traversing the entire island of Korčula. Ascend to Žrnovo village and then to the oldest settlement on the island – Pupnat, the highest point of the route. Descend to the south side of Korčula and ride between one of the most beautiful bays on the island and the cliffs above it. We continue the ride through numerous olive groves and vineyards, stopping for a short break in the charming Smokvica. Descend to the sea and relax at one of the multiple pebble beaches. Ascend towards the viewpoint above the town of Blato and final descent towards our goal – Vela Luka. Dinner on board and overnight in Vela Luka.
- Cycling for the day: approx. 55km, ↑750m, highest point: 340m
- Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 6: Vela Luka – Hvar – Stari Grad | 23km
Early morning sail from Vela Luka to the town of Hvar, breakfast. Short sightseeing of Hvar, a fairy-tale city with beautiful architecture and a mild climate. Then cycle from Hvar to the other side of the island – Stari Grad. We pass through lavender fields and enjoy the views of the neighbouring islands and the mainland. Lunch on board near Stari Grad. Easy afternoon ride up to two Hvar’s pearls – Jelsa and Vrboska and through Stari Grad Plain. Overnight in Stari Grad.
- Cycling for the day (Route 1 Hvar-Stari Grad): approx. 23km, ↑450m, highest point: 410m
- Cycling for the day (Route 2 Stari Grad-Jelsa-Vrboska-Stari Grad): approx. 22km, ↑110m, highest point: 85m
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 7: Stari Grad – Stomorska – Split | 36km
On the last day, we start with a cruise from Stari Grad to the island of Šolta. After breakfast, we start cycling from Stomorska to the highest point of the island – Gornje Selo, enjoying the views on both sides of the island and the scents of Mediterranean plants. Continue to Maslinica on the west side of the island. Short break and return to Stomorska. Lunch on board and sail to Split. Free afternoon for sightseeing in Diocletian’s city. Overnight in Split.
- Cycling for the day: approx. 36km, ↑450m, highest point: 135m
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 8: Departure at Split
Departure and free time to explore the city of Split, depending on your flight schedule.
- Included meals: breakfast
What to expect
Ship
During the trip, you will be based on a traditional ship, offering accommodation in simple but comfortable en-suite double or twin cabins. There are also lower-deck cabins available at a lower price. There is free wifi on the ships. The ships can accommodate 32 – 40 people.
Click to view our default ships
Meals
Continental breakfast and lunch or dinner (as detailed in the itinerary) are included in the package. We recommend stops at local restaurants during the cycling sections where you can taste the local specialities; these meals are not included in the price of the trip. There is a possibility to book a Captain’s Dinner, which is paid directly on the spot and is offered by the captain and your tour guide.
Difficulty and terrain
This trip requires moderate physical condition as daily cycling can reach up to 55km. However, keep in mind that the itinerary is quite flexible as on some of the days, you can do only a part of the cycling and enjoy the rest of the day on the boat. There is also an option for renting an e-bike, making the trip practically accessible to anyone (read more about difficulty grades). This is a guided tour, so during the cycling, you will be accompanied by a guide showing you the way and assisting you with bike maintenance in case of need.
When to go
This trip is available with departures on Saturdays from mid-April until early June and from the end of August until early October (for available departure dates, click the CHECK AVAILABILITY button above).
Croatia’s coast and islands, from Istria and Kvarner in the north through to Dalmatia in the south, are governed by a Mediterranean climate, although it is usually several degrees cooler in the northern Adriatic than in the south. In the summer, the mean temperature is between 24C and 26C along the coast.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
The most convenient airport for arrival is the one at Split, which is well served by air from the UK and some central and northern European countries.
By train or bus
Getting to Split by bus is one of the cheapest ways to travel. Split bus station (Autobuski Kolodvor) is conveniently located in the Split port area. The city is very well connected with all principal Croatia cities like Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Sibenik and with some international destinations. Travelling to Split by train is cheaper than by bus, but it is slower and not as popular. The train station called Zeljeznicki Kolodvor is practically behind the bus station and very close to the ferry port.
Inclusions
Included
- Seven nights’ accommodation on the ship in en-suite cabins with bunk beds
- Half board meal plan as stated in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking cycling guide on all rides
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Meals other than the ones stated in the programme
- Bikes
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- Visitor’s tax & port fee to be paid on the spot upon arrival (mandatory): 60 EUR per person per week
- Bike handling fee (mandatory): 10 EUR per person per week; payment on the spot
Options, extras and supplements
- A supplement applies to solo travellers or members of a group who require a single cabin
- Bike rental
- E-bike rental
- Captain’s dinner during one of the nights: upon request, payable on the spot
- Visitor’s tax & port and bike handling fees, payable on the spot
Gallery
