Croatia Biking Alternate: Split to Hvar

Split

Split boasts a Roman palace in its center, and a labyrinthe of cobblestone streets filled with cafes and restaurants. Our hotel, the luxurious Meridienne Hotel boasts an infinity pool and exquisite location with private beach. We’ll meet at 4:00 for a walking tour of Split and then at 7:00 for our formal welcome reception and dinner.

Brac

After a leisurely breakfast we’ll enjoy a walking tour of Split then catch the 11am ferry to Brač, for your bike fitting and lunch. Brač is the largest of the central Dalmatian group of islands and dominated by contrasting rocky limestone coasts and low sandy beaches. We cycle along beautiful roads to Bol where you’ll have a chance to bask on the golden, pebbly beaches of the unmistakable Golden Cape. This sandy isosceles jutting out into the crystalline, blue waters of the Adriatic is one of the most beautiful and most visited beaches in the world.
Cycling distance: 39km/23miles

Brac to Hvar

Today’s rides take you on a looped route through the island’s oldest settlement, Pucisca. Set against the startling turquoise bay the creamy-white locally quarried stone makes this beautiful town a Mediterranean paradise. Famous for its olive oil, vine and fig production, it’s awash with culinary delights. Our hotel for tonight is the glorious Elaphusa in Bol. The town of Bol is one of the most visited in the Dalmatia region and recipient of many tourism awards.
Cycling distance: 48-83km/29-50 miles

Brac to Hvar

Today we cross over to the Queen of the Dalamtian Islands, Hvar, by private boat to charming village of Jelsa where we start cycling to the town of Hvar. This majestic town has been compared to Cannes, for its yacht-lined harbor and well-preserved Venetian buildings. The hilltop castle and Europe’s oldest theatre make for a fairy-tale town. Your accommodation here, the Podstine Hotel, is one of Hvar’s best, with a private beach, swimming pool, and excellent restaurant.
Cycling distance: 27km/16 miles

Hvar

From Hvar town we suggest a looped ride to Stari Grad, Jelsa and Vrboska. Located in the centre of the island and snuggled between the two highest mountains on Hvar, Jelsa has a dramatic air laden with history and romance. Stari Grad is rich in archaeological sites dating back to pre-history and classical eras and the fishing town of Vrboska is a UNESCO protected world heritage site.
For dinner, there is an option for a cooking course with a local chef in a private house; this opportunity is not included in the cost of your tour.
Cycling distance: 40-61km/24-37 miles  

Historic Hvar

On the menu today is a morning walk with a knowledgeable guide who can tell you everything you never knew you didn’t know about this town! Roam its cobbled alleys, visit its monuments, soak up the ambiance of its piazzas and linger on its cafe patios.
Afternoon options include a coastal ride to Milna, a short boat ride to the Pakleni Islands, kayaking along the coast, hike up to the Venetian citadel or relax and enjoy the comforts of your hotel. You have numerous opportunities for an array of activities today, these extra activities are not included in the tour cost.
Cycling distance: various options

Departure

Without a doubt you’ll leave Croatia wanting more, so for now it’s “doviđenja”, instead of “goodbye”.

Transfer to Split (ferry times are at 7:45 and 11:30& travel time is 1hr45) for onward travel.
Please note on this trip that the private boat transfer between Brac and Hvar is sometimes not possible due to weather, in which case you would take the car ferry from Supetar to Split and then a ferry to Stari Grad, Hvar. Traveling by ferries will add approx 3 hours to the travel time (over private boat) but may be necessary.