Croatia's Dalmatian Coast has been a favorite seaside destination among central Europeans for over a century. Join us as we explore this spectacular limestone coastline by bicycle! We begin near Split where you'll see Diocletian's 3rd century palace still inhabited by descendants of the Romans who settled this area and where we'll visit the waterfalls of Krka National Park. On our ride we pedal two of the Mediterranean's most picturesque islands - Brač and Hvar - spending time in the beautiful rural areas, ports, fishing villages, and the Medieval and Renaissance cities that were so important to Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Austrians, Hungarians, and Croats.
***If this sounds great but you'd like a longer tour, check out our Bicycling the Islands of Dalmatia Plus! the South Coast tour, which extends this itinerary by 4 days.***
Day 1: Tour begins in Skradin, shuttles available from Split
Highlights: Krka National Park, Skradinski Buk waterfalls, Dalmatian Karst topography
Arrive today in Skradin, a charming town on the edge of Krka National Park, home to the beautiful Skradinski Buk waterfalls. We'll offer a shuttle from the Split airport (close to the town of Trogir) or from Split. We'll fit bicycles this afternoon and suggest a test ride into the interior. You can also enjoy a 4 km walk, bike or boat ride along the river into the national park to visit the falls where the Krka and Čikola Rivers flow out of the Dalmatian Karst (limestone) and over seventeen falls. The rivers return to their journey underground, a typical "karst topography" phenomenon, below the falls. We'll have a special seafood dinner this evening. Mileage: your choice.Lodging: Hotel Skradinski Buk
Day 2: Bike through Renaissance Sibenik to beach resort
Highlights: Renaissance Sibenik, Sv Jakov cathedral, beach hotel, Primošten
We head off through the town of Sibenik to reach our hotel on the beach near Primošten. Have lunch or a snack amidst the Renaissance architecture in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Sibenik, a city unique among othercoastal towns in Croatia in that it is the oldest town built by native Croats instead of Venetians, Byzantines, Hungarians or Austrians. Make sure to visit the famous Gothic cathedral of Sv. Jakov (Saint Jacob) and wander the small Medieval streets before riding on to the island-town of Primošten where our hotel lies on the beach. We'll enjoy a special wine tasting and Croatian dinner tonight in a nearby ancient village. Distance: approx 50 km (31 miles).Lodging: Hotel Zora
Day 3: Ride from Primošten to Trogir
Highlights: Primošten, bicycle ride through olive groves and vineyards, famous town of Trogir
If the beach captivated you yesterday, make sure to wander through the island-village of Primošten this morning before heading off through vineyards and olive groves to the top of the plateau. We ride across beautiful barren land before dropping down to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Trogir where we spend the night. Trogir was a Greek colony in the 4th century BC and later a Roman municipality. Occupied by the Croatians after the 5th century, it became a key Medieval port city in the Adriatic. The present town sits on a Roman and Hellenistic street grid inside the 15th century Venetian wall. Take time to stroll this historic center before having dinner on your own this evening. Distance: 46 km (28 miles).Lodging: Hotel Palace
Day 4: Pedal from Trogir to Split, Ferry to Supetar
Highlights: Trogir, Split including a guided tour of Diocletian's Palace, Island of Brač
We bicycle along the coast today to Split, an ancient Roman city and site of Diocletian's famous palace. Occupying the space of nine football fields, the palace was built at the turn of the 3rd century A.D. and is still inhabited. Actually, the "palace" is really like a small, walled city within a city. We'll take a guided tour of the Palace. You'll have time to explore Split and have lunch before we catch the ferry to the island of Brač this afternoon. From there we pedal to our hotel in the small fishing port of Postira. Dinner is together this evening. Distance: 33 km (20 miles).Lodging: Hotel Pastura
Day 5: Loop ride from Postira
Highlights: Loop ride around the Island of Brač
You have a full day to explore Croatia's third largest island and one of the most beautiful islands in the Adriatic. What's your pleasure? A fifty kilometer loop ride through beautiful ancient villages? Or an easier ride up to the oldest town on the island? How about an easy walk to the town of Splitska for lunch? Perhaps you'll choose a lazy day at the nearby beach; or you might like to fill your whole day with a ride to some of the more remote villages on the island. Whatever your wish, we'll regroup this evening for dinner together in a small hamlet nearby. Distance: 0-50 km (0-31 miles), additional mileage availableLodging: Hotel Pastura
Day 6: Postira to Bol
Highlights: Bol and its beautiful beach, Zlatni Rat
We'll set off along the coast again today, heading west to the town of Pučišća, which is famous for its white stone (used in the White House as well as elsewhere around the world!) and its stone carving school. Have a cup of coffee along the waterfront before climbing up and over the island of Brač to reach the town of Bol. Our hotel this evening is in the center of town. We'll meet in the late afternoon to visit the local vinery where you'll sample some wines from the island. Dinner is together tonight. Distance: 39 km (24 miles), additional mileage available.Lodging: Hotel Kastil
Day 7: Ferry to the island of Hvar and ride to Hvar Town
Highlights: Jelsa, Stari Grad and Hvar Town
Today we have an early morning ferry that takes us directly to Jelsa on the island of Hvar. Settled by colonists from the Greek island of Paros in the 4th century BC, Hvar Island was dominated for centuries by the Venetians. Visit the coastal villages of Vrboska and Stari Grad before riding to Hvar town through cultivated vineyards surrounded by stone walls and panoramic views of the coastline. Meander through the Medieval alleys of the old town or join the locals in one of the elegant cafés to watch the world go by. We have dinner together this evening and say goodbye to those taking off from here! Distance: 35 km (22 miles), additional mileage availableLodging: Hotel Palace
Day 8: Farewell!
Highlights: Optional guided walk of Hvar Town, picnic lunch
Our tour ends this morning in Hvar. You are welcome to join our guided walk in Hvar Town and picnic at the Hvar fortress before setting out on your own. Thanks for joining us, and enjoy the rest of your time in Europe!***If this sounds great but you'd like a longer tour, check out our Bicycling the Islands of Dalmatia Plus! the South Coast tour, which extends this itinerary by 4 days.***
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HighlightsKrka National Park, Island of Brač, The Dalmatian Coast, Medieval and Renaissance towns and villages of Sibenik, Primosten, Trogir, Split, Skrip, Pučišća, Stari Grad, and Hvar, Island of Hvar
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Includes"The Usual" plus... Use of a quality 27-30 speed bicycle; 8 days, 7 nights accommodation, 6 dinners with wine, 7 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch at Hvar fortress, 1 wine tasting, guided visit of Hvar Town, pick up from Split, guided tour of Diocletian's palace
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CountriesCroatia
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Begin/EndSkradin or Trogir / Hvar
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Arrive/DepartAirport Split (SPU)
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Total Distance203 - 253 km (125 - 156 miles)
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Daily Distance22 - 50 km (15 - 31 miles) depending on preference
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What to ExpectCoastal landscapes, beautiful beaches, villages and historic cities.
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Rating201-301
You'll encounter at least one steeper climb of 3 to 6 miles every day, but one. One optional rest day and some shorter/flatter routes possible. -
NotesIf this sounds great but you'd like a longer tour, check out our Bicycling the Islands of Dalmatia Plus! the South Coast tour, which extends this itinerary by 4 days.
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Terms
| Dates | Price | Single Supplement* |
Notes | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 22 - 29, 2013 | $3695 | $500 | Confirmed Departure. | Book It |
| *We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the single supplement rate. This fee will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available this fee will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour. | ||||
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- Croatia Trip Planner
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- Customer photos from the Dalmatian Coast
We use Picasa to host photos taken by our customers and staff members; this gallery contains photos taken on our Dalmation Coast tour.
Click on the "pins" for details about each day's highlights.
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City (not part of route, provided for reference)We had the most wonderful time, with great weather, fabulous food, good friends, and outstanding guides!
Beth & Gaines M., Great Falls, MT
This was a first class tour in every way. You guys do a terrific job.
Tyler L., Louisville, CO
One day we rode 3 legs and had 2 ferry rides - all beautiful. The people on this tour were particularly fun to be around. The dinner that was cooked outside near Postira was very wonderful!
Jack I., Boulder, CO
What was my favorite experience on this trip? Must I only name one? NO... Not changing hotels each night; Hvar, Hvar... the ride there and the town itself; The entire island of Brac... all the rides; all the towns; and the picnic & stonecutting school; our dinners in the Konobas... they weren't fancy but felt like a homecooked meal.
Terre L., Louisville, CO
It was such a great mix......the ferry rides added a neat element of variety, the various islands all had their own contributions, unbeatable scenery, fascinating cultural variations. After Krka National Park [first day], some of us wondered how they were going to top that...it was wonderful. But down the road were many equally wonderful experiences.
Jan B., Salem, SC
Among my favorite things: the local knowledge of out tour leaders which added pleasure and excitement; fabulous cycling; great views; great food.
Irwin F., Toronto, Canada
I just wanted to let you know how very much I enjoyed my biking experience in Croatia---the scenery was breathtaking, the country was absolutely delightful, and the people so friendly. Much of the credit for the great trip goes to our tour leaders---they were exceptional!! They planned so many fun excursions for us, and both were so very knowledgable when discussing different aspects of the country. I'll look forward to future trips with you.
Linda S., Springfield, MO
I found that biking through Croatia was the best way to explore the country. The little villages, the Adriatic Sea, the smells, the sights and sounds were all fabulous.
Verena F.
Morro Bay, CA
Morro Bay, CA
I loved the first island we visited, and the trip around that island, and then the visit to the winery that evening, topped off by a really fun meal at a restaurant up the street!
Carol H.
Sun Valley, ID
Sun Valley, ID
