Split to Dubrovnik: Island Hopping the Dalmatian Coast Bike Tour

Peljesac Orebic view

Overview

Croatia is a country famous for looking like something out of a fairy tale. With gorgeous white sand beaches looking out over the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, mountainsides covered with vineyards and olive groves, quaint fishing villages where time does not appear to have moved since the Renaissance, and some of the best food and drink in Europe, Croatia is every traveler’s delight. However, there is more to Croatia than just breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, with which it doubtless abounds. It is also home to some of the best preserved ancient and medieval architecture in Europe, with 4 of its cities recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is between two such magnificent cities — Split and Dubrovnik — that this Croatian adventure unfolds.

The bike tour will leave an indelible mark on your memory with its enchanting vistas of the Adriatic Sea's pristine waters, charming towns, and sprawling vineyards.

Start

Split | 13:00 hrs

Finish

Dubrovnik

Lodging

casual

Level

moderate

Avg. dist. cycled

50km or 30mi

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 12

Fly-In

Split (CPU)

Fly-Out

Dubrovnik (DBV)

Highlights

Highlight Image

Diocletian’s Palace

Visit the 1700 Diocletian’s Palace in Split

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

DayPlacecasual Inns or similarMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1SplitHotel MarulD17km / 10micycling
DAY 2Island of BračHotel PasturaB,D35km / 21micycling
DAY 3Island of HvarHotel Villa NoraB36km / 21micycling
DAY 4Island of HvarHotel Villa NoraB43km / 25micycling
DAY 5Island of KorčulaHotel KorčulaB,D55km / 33micycling
DAY 6Island of Korčula - Marco Polo’s homeHotel KorčulaB47km / 28micycling
DAY 7DubrovnikHotel LapadB,D60km / 36micycling
DAY 8DubrovnikB

Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary Image

Day 1: Split

Our tour begins in the historic city of Split in southern Croatia. Split is the second largest city in Croatia after Zagreb and is well connected by air and sea to major European destinations. We meet at our hotel for introductions and bike fitting. We then head out for a short bike ride along Split’s beautiful Adriatic coast, climbing to the top of the 178m high Marjan hill. The hill is a landmark of the city and is covered in dense pine forests. From its top, it offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic sea on the one hand and the city of Split on the other hand.

With the day’s biking done, we head out on a guided tour of the city. Founded more than 2000 years ago as a Greek colony, Split’s city center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The highlight of the day is a visit to the 1700-year-old Diocletian’s Palace. Built in the 4th century CE by the Roman emperor Diocletian, the palace was a small fortress that housed an entire military garrison. It is recognized today as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

day 1 split loop.jpeg

Meals: D
Cycling Distance: 17km / 10mi
Accommodation: Hotel Marul
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Day 2: Island of Brač

Today we hop onto a ferry and sail across to the island of Brač. The landscape is stunning, yet the undulating roads will present a substantial test for all. Our journey begins in Supetar, hugging the coastline as we pass Sutivan. We then ascend through picturesque landscapes and the charming villages of Ložišća and Nerežišća, eventually reaching Škrip – the island's oldest settlement. Škrip is renowned for being the stone source utilized at the stonecutter school in Pučišća, which we will visit the following day. In Škrip, we will explore the olive oil museum and have the chance to savor the flavors of olive oil. If time permits, we can relax on the excellent white sand beaches the island has to offer.

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Meals: B,D
Cycling Distance: 35km / 21mi
Accommodation: Hotel Pastura
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Day 3: Island of Hvar

Today we ride to Pučišća on a quieter roads along the scenic north coast and passes through humble villages bordered by fig and olive trees. Brač is an island made mostly of white limestone, whose stone has been quarried and used in famous buildings across the globe and throughout history, including the Diocletian Palace, and, according to some sources, the American White House. We get to visit a family-owned art gallery where we see stone sculptures made from Brač limestone at close quarters.

Starting from this point, cycle through the historic towns of Pražnica and Gornji Humac. As you descend, savor the awe-inspiring vistas during your ride down to Zlatni Rat, often referred to as the "Golden Horn" – Croatia's renowned and picturesque beach. Before lunch, you have the opportunity to indulge in a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic. Afterward, enjoy some free time for lunch in the charming town of Bol. In the afternoon, take a private boat journey to Hvar.

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Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 36km / 21mi
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Nora
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Day 4: Island of Hvar

Today we once again sail off across the Adriatic to bike on the world-famous island of Hvar. Hvar is known for many things, but perhaps what it is known for the most is its field-upon field of lavender that comes alive in spring and early summer, painting the entire countryside a mesmerizing shade of purple. We stop to admire Stari Grad, a Greek village dating back to 400 BC and a UNESCO World Heritage site, before continuing on with the day’s biking through olive groves and vineyards. We have a sumptuous Mediterranean lunch with plenty of local olives and honey before riding further to Hvar.

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Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 43km / 25mi
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Nora
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Day 5: Island of Korčula

We continue island-hopping on the Adriatic as we board the ferry this morning and sail along with our bikes to the lesser-known island of Korcula. The island is covered with thick forests of holm oak and pine that the Greeks used for building ships. It has excellent white sand beaches and great views of the clear blue waters of the Adriatic. But above all, Korcula is known for the excellent white wines it produces, three of which, namely, Posip, Rukatac, and Grk are especially noted among wine lovers.

Tonight, we have a unique dining experience in store for you. We will have the opportunity to savor peka, a culinary tradition deeply rooted in Dalmatia. Peka is not merely a recipe; it represents a slow-cooking technique known as "cooked under the lid." The combination of intense heat and the sealed lid imparts a rich infusion of flavors to potatoes and vegetables, while the meat becomes exquisitely tender – so tender that you could almost chew it with your eyebrows.

day3 korkula island.jpg

Meals: B,D
Cycling Distance: 55km / 33mi
Accommodation: Hotel Korčula
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Day 6: Island of Korčula - Marco Polo’s home

So beautiful is Korcula that we spend an entire day cycling its backroads, vineyards, and olive groves. We take a break from cycling to visit a special place — the house where the adventurer Marco Polo was born. Marco Polo is known today in history as among the earliest Europeans to leave behind extensive records of his travels in China, Mongolia, and India which he undertook in the 13th century. His travels and his writings paved the way for greater interaction between Europe and Asia. And it was in this humble abode, overlooking the sparkling waters of the Adriatic that some of the greatest adventures in history began.

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Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 47km / 28mi
Accommodation: Hotel Korčula
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Day 7: Dubrovnik

We begin the day with a short ferry ride to the peninsula of Peljesac. Peljesac is famous for producing Croatia’s finest wine — the Peljesac wine. A hilly island dotted with vineyards, Peljesac is also known for producing great oysters and mussels. As we bike through the beautiful countryside, we stop at a quaint village called Ston, famous for having the longest fortified wall in Europe built back in the 14th century. We end the day’s biking shortly thereafter and take a transfer to the city of Dubrovnik.

day7 dubronvik.jpg

Meals: B,D
Cycling Distance: 60km / 36mi
Accommodation: Hotel Lapad

Day 8: Dubrovnik

We meet one last time for breakfast to celebrate the culmination of a fine cycling journey. Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its fine medieval architecture and we suggest you spend some time exploring all the wonders it has to offer. It also has an international airport with connectivity to major European cities for your onward journey.

Meals: B
Accommodation:

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Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

Highlight Image

Hotel Marul

Hotel Marul is a 4-star hotel and is set 500 meters from UNESCO-protected Diocletian's Palace and features an a la carte restaurant and a bar. The popular Riva Promenade with numerous bars, restaurants, and charming shops can be reached in a 10-minute walk, while the well-known Bacvice Beach is 1.5 From the property.

Dates and Prices

Members get an estimated 10% off when booking at least 6 months in advance.

$75/yearLearn more

Single Supplement

From US $995

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $125



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

trip leader

Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

shuttle

A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

refreshments

Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.

entrance

Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.

E-bikes

E-bikes are available (subject to availability) on this trip at a surcharge.

Exclusions

Airport pickup and drop

We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Weather

Late spring (from the end of April to the end of June) and early autumn (from the end of August to the end of October) offer optimal conditions for biking in Croatia. During these periods, temperatures are not excessively hot, traffic is moderate, and finding accommodation is relatively easy due to it being outside the peak tourist season. Occasional rain showers may occur, but they are typically brief. In summer, temperatures range from 22°C to 26°C in the continental region, 15°C to 20°C in mountainous areas, and 26°C to 30°C along the coast. The busiest tourist season spans from mid-July to mid-August, making accommodation more challenging to secure without prior booking.

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