VENICE TO DUBROVNIK

Bike and Boat the Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, and the Dalmatian Coast:

Those whose mental image of Croatia is a war torn backwater have everything to learn about this incomparably scenic and urbane region. Indeed, Croatia has already emerged from the shadow of its turbulent past to become, once again, a hot spot for ardent travelers. This itinerary will expose you to many natural and historic treasures of this cultural crossroads. When you’re not cycling, you’ll

experience the Croatian Coast, with its thousand gilded islands, as the Romans and Venetians did -- by boat.

Day 1 - Venice

We'll shuttle you from the airport to your hotel in the heart of Venice. After discussing the next day’s travel plan over a sumptuous Italian group dinner, you’ll

have the remainder of the evening to explore the Queen of the Adriatic -- its storied canals, royal palaces, and the glorious Piazza San Marco.

Day 2 - Venice to Piran

After a morning walking tour, you’ll have the rest of the early afternoon to sightsee and get those last minute Venetian souvenirs before we rendezvous back at the hotel and walk to the Piazzale Roma to catch our private transportation to the Venetian port town of Piran, Slovenia. After arriving in Piran and checking into your hotel, you can pass the evening as you like in this ancient Venetian port.

Day 3 – Slovenia’s Karst Region

Todays ride will take us through Slovenia's Closest thing to Italy’s Tuscany, with lots of vineyards, famous red wines, local prosciutto, wonderful cheese and lots of mediteranean feeling villages. We’ll finish the ride at the Lipica horse stables, home to the world famous, Lipica Stallions. We’ll have a short transfer from there to Piran, where you’ll have the remainder of the evening to sample it’s many fabulous seafood restaurants

24 miles

Day 4 – Motovun Loop ride

After a morning transfer into Croatia’s northern “hinterland”, we’ll enjoy a loop ride from the quaint and picturesque hilltop town of Motovun through Istria’s truffle growing region. After the ride, we’ll transfer by private motor coach to bustling Rijeka where we'll board an overnight ferry for the Dalmatian Coast.

24 miles

Day 5 - Split Layover

Upon our arrival in Split, we'll check into our hotel and then meet up for a guided walking tour of the town. The rest of the day is yours to experience Split, Croatia’s second largest city and home to the ancient Roman Palace of the Emperor Diocletian. Tonight we’ll enjoy a group dinner at a traditional Dalmatian restaurant.

Day 6 - Island of Brac

This morning we’ll transfer from Split to the island of Brac, where we’ll begin our first Dalmatian, island ride. Upon our rides completion in the town of Bol, we’ll board our privately chartered boat, which will be our accommodations for the next six nights.

28.5 miles

Day 7 - island of Hvar

After a short transfer by sea to the town of Jelsa on the island of Hvar, we’ll ride up and over the island through lavender fields and red-roofed towns, finally ending our ride in the small but bustling town of Hvar town (touted as the next St. Tropez)

21 miles

Day 8 - Island of Korcula

After an early morning at sea, we’ll arrive at the town of Vela Luka on the island of Kircula. Today’s ride will follow quiet country roads through vineyards and olive groves, as well as a stretch of scenic coast road with beautiful views over the islands, before ending in Korcula town, the supremely photogenic birthplace of Marco Polo.

30 miles

Day 9 – Island of Miljet

Today we’ll ride the length of the island of Miljet, the island is a National Park and is known as Croatia’s greenest island. Besides being home to a beautifully situated, 12th century island monastery, it’s also said to have been the home of Odysseus for 7 years.

Day 10 - Dalmatian coastal sail

We’ll continue sailing down the coast, stopping off for lunch and a swim in a secluded cove on the island of Lopud. We'll finish the day arriving into the picture perfect harbor of the perfectly preserved fortress city of Dubrovnik (The pearl of the Adriatic)!

Day 11 - Dubrovnik Layover

After breakfast, a local guide will take us on a walking tour of the city's major sites, providing added insights into the city's historical and political legacies. The remainder of the day is yours to wander the narrow streets of this intoxicating Mediterranean city. We’ll re-group in the evening for a farewell feast.

Day 12 - Depart for Home