Croatia - South Dalmatia Bike and Sail - 8 Days
E-bike hire - €245
Hybrid bike hire - €80
Single cabin - price on request
Upgrade to upper deck cabin - €250pp
Overview
Visit unique little towns as you explore the beautiful island world of Croatia’s central and southern Dalmatia
Experience the islands of Brač, Korčula and Šolta as well as the beautiful lavender island of Hvar. Stroll around Hvar town with its mighty fortress and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in the artist’s town of Stari Grad. The UNESCO world heritage cities of Trogir and Split will add to the highlights on this tour and will inspire with their beauty and incredible history. Try a variation of Dalmatian specialties on your journey, especially the local wines also referred to locally as ‘gods droplet’.
For each day’s cycling, you will be accompanied by your tourguide. Normally you’ll set off each morning after a hearty breakfast, and will meet up with the boat later in the day. There may be another bike ride (or sailing) in the afternoon to a different harbour, where the boat will be moored for the night. In the evening you can stroll through the historic town before finally settling down in your cabin to sleep – or stay on deck under a thousand stars.
The tour offers a moderate cycling challenge as the islands are hilly (with some steep sections). From each harbour you climb to approximately 200-650m above sea level and then continue on rolling terrain along the island. If you have not trained for hills you should hire an e-bike.
Some departures will have a mixture of road cyclists and mountainbikers on the boat, in which case there will be both a cycling guide plus a mountain bike guide on board. The tour is conducted in both English & German.
Highlights Include:
Culture: Korčula - Birthplace of Marco Polo
Nature: The deeply gauged Cetina Canyon with its steep cliffs and its roaring river
Activity: A walk to the Spanish Fortress in Hvar
Culinary: Brodet - a Croatian fish soup, which you should definitely try
Souvenir: Dingač is a strong local red wine
This trip is operated with a PREMIUM boat. Ask for details if you prefer the DELUXE boat.
Full Itinerary
Arrival In Trogir - Sail to Island of Solta
Welcome to Trogir, a city with 2300 years of history - with a number of palaces, churches, towers and fortresses, it deserves the nickname ‘the stone beauty’. Please make your own way to the harbour of Trogir (approx 5.5 km from Split airport) where you can check-in to your motor yacht between 2pm-2.30pm. At around 3pm we'll cruise to the island of Šolta where we'll stay the night in a quiet harbour. After a day of travel you may choose to have a refreshing swim.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Boat - Solta
Island of Vis
During breakfast we'll cruise to the Island of Vis - the furthest inhabited island from mainland Croatia. A Greek colony called Issa inhabited the island 2300 years ago. Due to its strategic location it was a military zone until 1995 and prohibited to foreign tourists. Today we have plenty of time to explore this lovely island by bike as we'll also spend the night here.
Cycling Distance: 31km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and/or Dinner
Accommodation: Boat - Vis
Island of Korcula
This morning we leave the island of Vis and cruise towards the harbour town of Vela Luka on the Island of Korčula. Along the way we'll throw the anchor and have a refreshing swim stop. Korčula is regarded as one of the most scenic islands in the Adriatic with quaint villages nestled amongst green foliage. On arrival in Vela Luka we'll embark on a loop ride via the village of Blato. The night will be spent in Vela Luka.
Cycling Distance: 30km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and/or Dinner
Accommodation: Boat in Vela Luka
Island of Hvar
After a relaxing cruise to Hvar Island there's time for a stroll through Hvar town. Standing on the magnificent Renaissance Square there's a great view up to the Spanish fortress towering high above the city. Today's bike ride takes us from the town of Hvar through small villages and lavender fields to Stari Grad on the opposite side of the island. The descent to Stari Grad offers breathtaking views. After a lunch break we continue through the island's green plains to the seaside town of Jelsa. We'll stop for coffee and ice cream before returning to Stari Grad where we spend the night.
Cycling Distance: 22km + 20km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and/or Dinner
Accommodation: Boat in Stari Grad
Island of Brac - Milna to Postira
In the morning we cruise to the island of Brač - famous for its radiant, precious limestone that was used in the White House in Washington and in the construction of the German Reichstag building in Berlin. Today's ride from Milna to the picturesque harbour town of Postira begins with us cycling inland through small villages and past local architectural relics. Then we'll hug the coast and take in the spectacular views across the channel to the mainland. You will have the rest of the afternoon to explore the quiet harbour of Postira where we will spend the night.
Cycling Distance: 29km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and/or Dinner
Accommodation: Boat in Postira
Split (Bike or Rafting In Omis)
During breakfast we'll cruise to the city of Split. The old town adjoins the famous palace of the Roman Caesar Diocletian and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Today we have the choice of rafting through the Cetina Canyon (not included in the tour price) or exploring the wonderful Marjan forest Park in Split by bike. The rafting group will be transported by bus from the boat to Omiš for their excursion which offers a unique perspective of the canyon and its flora and fauna. Those choosing the scenic bike ride through green parts of Split's surrounds, will have the option of a swim stop at a local beach. In the afternoon we can all explore the bustling city of Split as we will stay in the harbour tonight.
Cycling Distance: 17km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and/or Dinner
Accommodation: Boat in Split
Island of Solta to Trogir
After cruising to the island of Šolta, there will be an opportunity to take a bike ride to visit local beekeeper Goran who has a true passion for bees and has worked with them his whole life. He teaches about the importance of bees and allows his guests to try the delicious bee products. We'll then cycle past walled fields, numerous olive groves, locust bean and fig trees which line the roads. The scent of rosemary accompanies us around the island. After our ride, we return to the ship for our last cruise past the cliffs of Čiovo Island and back to Trogir. There will be plenty of time to visit the Old Town of Trogir, listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The last evening on board is celebrated in traditional fashion in the company of your fellow travellers and guides.
Cycling Distance: 20km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and/or Dinner
Accommodation: Boat in Trogir
Departure Day - Trogir
After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow group members. Please disembark by 9 am.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Download the Itinerary PDF here
All distances are approximate. Our tours often go off the beaten track and follow routes that are not always predictable. We cannot always guarantee the weather. For these reasons we may occasionally have to update our itineraries. We will only do this to improve your experience or for safety reasons. Our listed accommodation is always accurate at the time of writing but should we need to change you can rest assured that it will be for similar or better. Display price may differ to what is quoted as this tour is invoiced in the currency stated, and can be dynamic with daily exchange rates.
The Details
- 7 nights on a premium motor yacht (cabins with ensuite & air conditioning)
- Meals: 2 x full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) & 5 x half board (breakfast & either lunch or dinner)
- Bed linen and towels
- English & German speaking cycling guide(s)
- Cycling maps provided on board
- Flights, travel visas, Travel Insurance
- Surcharge for above deck cabin &/or single cabin
- Meals ashore (if not included in tour price)
- Bike hire (& optional insurance)
- Helmet (compulsory): bring own or request in advance
- Safe car parking (extra cost)
- Visitors tax & bottled water €60 (payable on board)
- Special dietary requests €70 (advise in advance, payable on board)
- SGR insolvency protection scheme: €5 pp
- Transfers between Split Airport & Trogir harbour (extra cost)
- Cetina rafting (paid directly to raft operator)
- Entrance fee for any sights visited
- Drinks on board
- Tips for the tour guides and crew
A good level of fitness is required as although daily distances are only 17km to 40 km, the terrain is hilly with some challenging climbs. Many people underestimate the amount of hill work required, so please consider an e-bike if you prefer easy cycling. Roads are mostly asphalted. You can also choose to skip a bike tour and relax on the boat instead.
To prepare yourself, aim to ride twice a week, with a longer ride at the weekend so that you’ll be comfortable riding for several hours at one time.
If you're unsure about anything, please see our FAQs page for extra information.
FAQsBooking information
Participants will be asked to complete a booking form after confirmation of their booking.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
If the minimum number of participants required for a trip is not met (14 participants for bike and boat trips, unless otherwise noted), we reserve the right to cancel it. The decision about the trip taking place or not will be made as early as possible; at least three weeks before beginning of the trip. Upon submitting your booking request, we will provide specifics regarding minimum numbers. Following trip confirmation, you may proceed with flight bookings and other travel arrangements. A ‘Limited’ trip status signifies limited spaces available. For trip status inquiries, kindly email or call our office.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A deposit is required to secure your place on your selected tour departure. On receipt of your deposit, Global Cycling Adventures will email you a confirmation to verify your travel arrangements and advise final payment details. The final payment is normally required 60 days before departure date unless otherwise specified.
CANCELLATIONS & AMENDMENTS
All tour cancellations will require notification in writing to Global Cycling Adventures by the person participating on the tour. Please be advised that booking cancellations or amendments will incur relevant fees. Cancellation charges are tour-specific and timing-dependent. For a comprehensive outline of our terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy, please refer to the travel proposal provided by our team.
We recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance on payment of your tour deposit in case unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel your tour.
OVERSEAS JURISDICTION AND TERMS
For all overseas tours, the terms and conditions, laws, and jurisdiction of the destination country will apply. By booking a tour with us, you acknowledge and agree that local regulations, industry practices, and terms specific to the destination country may supersede or modify our standard terms. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable local laws and regulations while participating in the tour.
Don't just take our word for it
Why Travel with global cycling adventures?
New Zealand Owned
and Operated
Connect with ease. Our dynamic New Zealand based agency specialises in elevating your international cycling and golf getaways.
Tried and trusted
We have over 20 years experience and many of our clients tour with us year after year. Several clients have done over 25 tours with us.
Sustainability
We value the privilege to explore the world by bike. We partner with organisations and people that behave with respect and awareness to minimise any negative impact.
Giving Back
We believe our tours should improve life for the people and places we visit and leave a positive impact. We work in partnership with local people and providers who have local knowledge.