Imagine the Mediterranean the way it used to be, in a country that has all the essential elements for the perfect cycling vacation – quiet roads, an abundance of historical sites and now, wonderful hotels and restaurants to enjoy. We’ve created a trip that takes in both Dubrovnik and Split, and the exquisite Dalmatian islands including Mljet, Korkula, Hvar and Brac, each unique and ideal for active travel (and relaxation).

Only Great Explorations:

  • Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
  • A ride you will never forget: a recently discovered newly paved road on one of the islands that will leave you breathless.
  • Private boat transfers between Mljet, Korkula and Hvar.
  • Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks.
  • We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

*Please note, we reserve the right to operate an alternative itinerary if the number of participants warrants.
Please click here to see our alternative trip called Croatia Biking, Split, Brac & Hvar (which is equally appealing) but does not visit Mljet or Korkula instead spending additional nights in Split and Hvar.

Here are a few other Croatian trips:
Croatia Biking Luxe
Croatia Bike & Yacht
Croatia Bike & Yacht – Premier Deluxe

Location

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Starting Location

Pomena

Pomena, Croatia

Day 1

Brna

Brna, Croatia

Day 2

Hvar Town

Hvar, Croatia

Day 3+4

Bol

Bol, Croatia

Day 5+6

Split

Split, Croatia

End Location

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
6 nights lodging in 3-4 stars hotels
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Private guide in Hvar for the historical walking tour
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2024

Apr 21-27
May 6-12
May 19-25
May 26-Jun 1
Sep 3-9
Sep 17-23
Sep 27-Oct 3

2025

Apr 20-26
May 4-10
May 18-24
May 25-31
Sep 7-13
Sep 14-20
Sep 26-Oct 2

Trip can start any date. Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

7 days / 6 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Dubrovnik / Split

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate
40-60 km (25-37 miles) daily with some hills each day

TERRAIN

Moderate with some hills

COST

Land Cost:
US $2,950
Includes 6B/4L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $750

Bike Rental:
US $280

E-bike Rental:
US $480*

E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.  

Dubrovnik Extension :
US $450pp / Single supplement US $125
Includes 2 nights at 4-star hotel in Dubrovnik, half-day walking tour, and our City Guide

Split Extension :
US $450pp / Single supplement US $125
Includes 2 nights at 4-star hotel in Split, half-day walking tour and our City Guide

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247

Getting to Dubrovnik:

Our trip begins in the historical city of Dubrovnik, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great cities of Eastern Europe. The historical center is well-protected by its fortified walls, making it a wonderful place to stroll. With its strategic position on the Adriatic, Dubrovnik makes for an ideal place to begin our trip- see extension option (2 nights).


1

Day 1

Pomena

After meeting in Dubrovnik, we’ll make our way to the port and cruise to the verdant island of Mljet; cycling  from Polace, you’ll have a chance to explore Mljet National Park, and two saltwater lakes, one with an islet that hides a 12th Century Benedictine monastery. Our destination of Pomena is a tiny, tranquil and secluded village on the west end of Mljet.
Distance: 35 km, elevation gain 450 m.*

2

Day 2

Brna

From Mljet we cruise to the island of Korčula. Rich in vineyards, olive groves, hamlets and dreamy small towns, Korčula is fast becoming one of the region’s most prosperous islands. Reputed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo (1254), Korčula town is filled with great restaurants and cafés. We’ll cycle to one of the island’s best vineyards to enjoy a private wine tasting.
Distance: 36 km, elevation gain 460 m.*

3

Day 3-4

Hvar Town

From Korčula, continue to the island of Hvar island. Hvar town has been compared to Cannes, where yachts line the harbor and well-preserved Venetian buildings, a hill-top castle and Europe’s oldest theatre make for a charming town; the countryside is covered with lavender and the north coast between Jelsa, Vrboska and Stari Grad is especially well-suited to cycling. For those preferring to relax on white sandy beaches, boat shuttles are available to a nearby chain of islets known as the Resin islands for idyllic swimming.
Cycle Distance:
Day 3: 28 km, elevation gain 250 m.*

Day 4: 37 km, elevation gain 423 m or 59 km, gain 477 m.*

4

Day 5-6

Bol

Today we travel to the island of Brac. This 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. Our hotel for the next two nights 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.
Cycle Distance:
Day 5: 34 km, elevation gain 380 m.*
Day 6: 30 km, elevation gain 655 m or 52 km, gain 645 m.*

5

Day 7

Departure Day

Without a doubt you’ll leave Croatia wanting more, so for now it’s “doviđenja”, instead of “goodbye”. We transfer you to Split today, boasting a Roman palace in its center and a labyrinth of cobblestone streets filled with bijou cafés and bustling restaurants. If you’d like to spend more time discovering Split, please see our two-day extension of this lovely city.

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.

Hotel Odisej, Pomena

This 3-star hotel has a favorable seaside location overlooking a tranquil harbor in the heart of Mljet National Park. The modest rooms have sea-view balconies and there is a beach-side lounge bar where you can enjoy sun-downers. Pomena is tranquil hamlet with a few casual restaurants and pleasant atmosphere.


Aminess Lume Hotel, Brna

This 4-star sea-side hotel is newly renovated and chic in design. All rooms are air-conditioned and boast sea views. The large terrace-top outdoor swimming pool also has lovely views and there is a fitness room for guests. Dip your toes in the sea from the hotel’s own pebble beach. Brna is a quaint fishing village where you’ll sleep in peace.


Hotel Villa Nora, Hvar

This 3-star sea-side hotel boasts outstanding views, terraced gardens and decks leading down to the sea and private beach. Situated in an arboretum full of palm and citrus trees and centenary pines, Podstine boasts a newly opened spa offers massage and wellness services on site. The contemporary restaurant has an extensive menu with regional cuisine.


Grand Hotel Elaphusa, Bol

Renovated in 2006, this 4-star hotel is located in a pine forest along a walking promenade midway between Bol and Zlatni Rat, Croatia’s most beautiful beach. The hotel’s spa, outdoor pools and other amenities make it a favorite. Bol, approximately 10 minutes walk along a sea-side path has many excellent restaurants and charming center.



			


Trip Reviews

October 26, 2023

“Wonderful guides, unique add-ons and excellent accommodations! Our Travel Advisor was very helpful and extremely responsive.”

October 26, 2023

“Best vacation experience ever. The farmhouse dinner on Hvar was amazing! Beautiful destination.”

October 28, 2022

“The cycling routes were fantastic, as well as the accommodations at each of our over-night stops along the way! I really enjoyed the insanely beautiful views from the high elevation points on the cycling routes across the islands. Croatia is stunning from these high vantage points. Also the accommodations at each town were fantastic.”

October 2, 2019

“Loved the trip! Was definitely an experience I’ll never forget. I enjoyed the view and going into the sea the most. I also liked that our guides handled my peanut allergy with professionalism and notified each restaurant about my allergy in advance. Beautiful country. I enjoyed visiting the olive oil museum in Bol the most. The riding was much more challenging than expected, considering I am not a biker but I really enjoyed pushing myself. The distances were a good length. The van was always available with water and ice and the guides were great. The bikes were nice and light and very comfortable.”

October 2, 2019

“I loved how friendly everyone was and the various islands and cities you are able to visit with expert guides within a week. Trip was fantastic, guides were great and super friendly. Cities were all great. Really enjoyed hotel right on the water in second location (Korcula maybe?) and the final one in Bol. Lamb under the bell was delicious. Olive oil place was great. Great workout, would suggest an e-bike to anyone that considers it as my mom had one and loved it.”

October 2, 2019

“This was my first time on such a trip. I loved the experience. I enjoyed the guides especially, the biking, the ease of traveling and the people we met. Love the Croatian people, love the cycling routes and the amazing descents. Cold lunch on last day was great, lamb peka excellent! Olive oil excursion excellent, wine tasting was very nice too. Riding was amazing. Van & mechanical support were always excellent! Love those bikes! We really enjoyed the scenery and the chilled vibe. Swimming in the sea after the riding.”

October 2, 2019

“Off the beaten path routes. We love getting into the countryside and out of the cities. Great support. Bikes were great. Well maintained, comfortable, lightweight, felt safe riding them. Maps & route instructions were well done. We were so touched that you told every hotel that we were on our honeymoon! Each hotel made a point of congratulating us, and they even left small gifts, like chocolate, or even a bottle of wine at the hotel in Split. It was a lovely surprise that they all knew, and it made us feel very welcome every place we stayed. Thank you for that, it was a treat! Hotel in Hvar was great – wonderful location and lovely, restful room. LOVED the dinner we had where the lamb “under the bell”. Also, we loved the Olive Oil museum and lunch on Brac. Those two were the best meals, but honestly all the places chosen were excellent.”

September 27, 2019

“Gorgeous climbs and descents – great place to bike. I enjoyed the physical activity, the country was absolutely gorgeous; visiting the different Islands, the ease of transferring around the islands with the private boats- the food; the views, the culture… The food was great – especially Dennies in Korcula. I think the wine tasting was great; the olive oil outing and lunch was quite special. I think you needed to be in reasonable shape – I was quite happy not to need an e bike – I thought the days were well planned regarding the biking – the hardest climb was in the sun heading up to the olive oil lunch outing because the sun was so intense. Support was awesome – Dama and Igor are great guides – our guides on the last trip were sensational too (Veronica and Gregor) -all very attentive regarding support.”

December 5, 2018

“Superb organization. Guides were excellent, professional, thoughtful and attentive, friendly – they really made the trip wonderful. I now understand why GE chooses the islands for the biking – roads were quiet and relatively free from busy traffic. I really enjoyed moving between islands and it provided variety to the trip. The weather was perfect, between 27-29 degrees every day and the views spectacular from the routes selected.”

September 30, 2016

“The Islands were breathtaking!”

September 29, 2016

“GE under promised and over delivered! Great pace and itinerary, with a good physical challenge, while still allowing us time to enjoy the culture and some free time. You provided a true vacation.”

September 22, 2014

“What an amazing adventure!! From the time we met Dama and Karolina in front of our hotel in Dubrovnik, until we very sadly said goodbye in Split, no doubts were in our minds that this was to be a truly memorable holiday. An exceptionally beautiful country, amazing history, excellent weather all made for one of the very best trips of our life, thank you to all who made it possible”

June 10, 2014

“We have done almost 30 bike trips since 1992 and this has to be rated the most enjoyable.”

September 14, 2013

“It was one of the richest travel experiences we’ve ever had. Incredibly beautiful rides, friendly, knowledgeable guides, great group.”

May 22, 2012

“Our bike trip to Croatia was superb. The country itself is beautiful, the food and wine is delicious, but the absolute best part were our Croatian guides who were determined that we would enjoy ourselves and return for another trip. They ensured that we had a great vacation as well as an adventure.”

October 30, 2007

“The scenery was amazing and the towns were awesome as well. Dubrovnik and Hvar stood out. And Split as well. The whole group, guides and others were great as well. Was a very enjoyable trip.”

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