Croatia's Dalmatian Coast and its islands have been a favorite seaside destination among Europeans for over a century. Join us as we explore this spectacular limestone coastline by bicycle AND boat! Arrive early to explore Split, where you'll see Diocletian's 3rd century palace (still inhabited by descendants of the Romans who settled this area!). We’ll board our luxury gulet (traditional Mediterranean wooden sailboat) in Split and head off on an aquatic adventure, sleeping on board the ship. On our tour, we pedal three of the Mediterranean's most picturesque and well-known islands – Bra?, Hvar and Kor?ula – and also visit smaller, more out of the way islands like Vis and Solta. If you decide you want a break from the bike there will be ample opportunities to explore tiny fishing villages, swim in the sea or even stand up paddle boarding from our boat.
Tour Dates & Prices
Date
Price
Private Room Fee
Note
Jun 11-18, 2023
USD$4995
USD$1100
Departure confirmed. Sold out - wait list available. Will-share not available.
* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.
Sleeping aboard a luxury gullet, Ancient cities of Split, Kor?ula Island and Town, Hvar Town and Island, Dalmatian Islands, Secluded and Scenic Beaches, Swimming in the Adriatic, Paddle boarding off the boat
Keep in Mind: We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
In the event of bad weather or rough seas the itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of our boat captain. Cabin space is limited so consider the size of your luggage. WiFi may be sporadic on-board.
For more questions about the boat check out our Bike & Boat FAQ
Includes
8 days, 7 nights accommodation on a luxury boat, meals as noted in itinerary, visit to a local honey producer, a stone cutting school visit, pick up from Split; and the usual (see below).
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Bike and Boat tour at the Bike and Boat Tour Style page.
Due to the topography on the islands, climbing is inevitable as these islands all start at sea level and have mountains. Easier rides and shuttle options allow this trip to be level 1.5.
Highlights: Medieval center of Split, easy test ride, Marjan peninsula, cruise to Brač island
Arrive in seaside Split early to enjoy the stunning beaches, medieval passageways and Diocletian's expansive palace (built at the turn of the 3rd century A.D.). Be sure to get an early lunch because your adventure begins at noon with a bike fitting and easy bike ride around the town’s Marjan peninsula (the Central Park of Split) and finish at the dock to board our gullet, the Tajna Mora - our floating home for the next week. Enjoy the scenery as we cruise to the island of Bra? where we will dock for the night.
Highlights: Scenic views on the ride to Pucisca, visit the stone cutting school in Pucisca, enjoy the beach at Zlatni Rat
How much island riding would you like? Pedal by the sea from the dock to tiny Pucisca with time for a coffee before visiting the stone cutting school or artisan workshop in Pucisca, which is famous for its white stone (it most famously appears in the White House). Those wanting a small challenge can continue up and over the island to a height of 440 meters above sea level to enjoy a smooth descent into beautiful Bol (others can take a shuttle there). Take time to explore the coast near Bol, especially the famous long white beach at Zlatni Rat. Return to our boat for the night, enjoy the view of the island you’ve pedaled while lounging and enjoying dinner with a view.
Highlights: Ride narrow Hvar island, ridge top cycling, evening in medieval Korčula
We’ll pedal due east today, starting with a gentle climb over 12 km to then ride along the central ridge of Hvar island to its eastern most tip. If this first stretch of climbing seems a bit much, hop a shuttle and start cycling after the climb. Our highest point today is 350 meters above sea level before a long and gentle descent brings us back to the sea and the Sucuraj port where we will meet our boat and cruise to Kor?ula island. Allow ample time to soak in the old town of Kor?ula, the capital of the island that shares the same name. Founded as a Greek colony in the 4th century and controlled mostly by Venice from 1000 AD until 1797, Kor?ula retains the 14th century fortress style bestowed upon it by Venice.
Highlights: Seaside vistas, quaint towns and picturesque wide bay and coves at Vela Luka
If you want an easier day today, depart Kor?ula for a shorter route through pine, olive groves and sandy vineyards to the quaint seaside town of Lumbarda and then back to Kor?ula to continue north to another small town where you can jump back on the boat for a leisurely cruise to the town of Vela Luka. If you crave more time on the bike, summit the island at 500 meters after the town of Pupnat and continue a scenic and quiet ride along Kor?ula Island to the small port town of Vela Luka to meet the boat. Depending on time and weather, we’ll sleep near Vela Luka or continue to the next island, island of Vis.
Highlights: Island loop ride on Vis, swimming from the boat, Peka dinner
If we cruise this morning to the Island of Vis it will be a leasurly morning. In Vis we'll enjoy lunch on the boat before taking a short loop ride on the rarely visited but exceptionally beautiful small island of Vis. Ride the east side for a shorter loop and plenty of time to jump in the sea (even from the boat!) or ride around the whole island for a more challenging ride. On the island we’ll enjoy a special peka dinner in a local konoba– fish, meat or a vegetarian meal cooked under a unique iron bell. Pozdrav!
DAY 6: Boat ride to Hvar Town then ride or boat to Stari Grad
Highlights: Boat ride to Hvar Island, Hvar Town, UNESCO World Heritage site Stari Grad, oldest town on Hvar
We’re back to Hvar Island today, visiting the capital itself —Hvar Town. Settled by colonists from the Greek island of Paros in the 4th century BC, Hvar Island was dominated for centuries by the Venetians. Enjoy this trendy town! Those wanting a challenge can cycle up and over the narrow island through cultivated vineyards and abandoned lavender fields surrounded by stone walls and panoramic views of the coastline. Those opting for a more leisurely ride can cruise around the western side of the island on the boat and then take a loop ride on the north side of the island. Our destination is the town of Stari Grad, the oldest on the island and one of the oldest towns settled on all the Adriatic islands. Enjoy a walk and/or drink around the tiny medieval streets before returning to the boat for a swim and dinner on board.
Highlights: Quaint Solta Island, Tvrdic Honey Farm visit, traverse an island, small villages
After breakfast, our boat will take us to the tiny, picturesque island of Solta, whose economy is largely sustained by olives, fruit, fishing and some beach tourism. This small island just off the larger and more well-known island of Bra? boasts rocky beaches, harbors and inlets, and quiet villages. Our ride today includes a stop at the Tvrdic Honey Farm where you can enjoy lunch and a visit to this family hobby turned profession. Continue on across the island to the other towns or return to our boat for a shorter ride. Prepare for a celebratory dinner together!
Our tour ends after breakfast this morning and one final boat ride together from Solta to the bustling port in Split. If you didn't have a chance to explore the fascinating Roman city of Split, take the opportunity now as it has a few incredible sites not to be missed. Or head on to your next adventure. Whatever your travel plans from here, thank you for joining us!
As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
We recommend flying into the Split Airport.
Our meeting hotel is the Hotel Peristil, meeting time on Day 1 is 1 pm (13:00).
How to get to the Hotel Peristil:
Taxi, available outside the airport or call +385-(0)21-895-237 (30 min, estimate around EUR 40)
Buses, available shortly after the arrival of incoming flights, organized by the Pleso prijevoz bus company in cooperation with Croatia Air (45 min, EUR 6)
Note: The Hotel Peristil is located in the old city, which is inaccessible to vehicle traffic. Taxis and buses will drop you outside the city walls. View map
We will be glad to arrange your pre- and post-tour stay at the Hotel Peristil for you upon request. Note that we will not sleep there as a group and the stay there is not covered by the tour price.
Day 8: Departure Information
Tour ends in Split
This tour ends at the port of Split at around 9 a.m.
Tour Leaders can assist with pointing you to taxis and other means of transportation to make your way to the Split airport (taxi 30 min/HRK 300, or back into town.
Keep in Mind
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
In the event of bad weather or rough seas the itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of our boat captain. Cabin space is limited so consider the size of your luggage. WiFi may be sporadic on-board.
For more questions about the boat check out our Bike & Boat FAQ
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To Do Today!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation Email, it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed. As you make your plans refer to the Getting To and Away sent to you in your booking confirmation email it provides meeting times and the starting and ending hotels and shuttle information when applicable.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights. Please refer to the Getting To and Away sheet you received in your Reservation Confirmation Email.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Deposit Payment Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail you have received for detailed instructions.
6 Weeks–2 Weeks Prior to Departure
Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Suggested Reading and Movie List which you'll find on the country page linked from the www.experienceplus.com/travelinfo page.
We have done MANY bike tours over the years and ExPlus is consistently the best and most fun company (by far) that we use. Great tour leaders, participants, cultural immersion... and the arrows rock. Just finished the Croatia Boat and Bike Tour. It was the best tour we have been on yet!
Cheryl A, Colchester, Vermont / USA
Who allowed the few cars on OUR bike trails. The roads are quiet, scenic, and fun. The arrows make it a holiday. The bikes are top-notch and the tour leaders are the best.
Ray A., Colchester, VT - June 2021
Staying on this luxury sailboat and not having to pack and unpack every night was a treat. The biking was beautiful and I loved all our quaint port towns. Raising the sails and turning off the motor was definitely a highlight. The boat crew and guides really took excellent care of us and spoiled us!
Lisa M., Evergreen, CO - June 2021
One of the best vacations I've ever had. The islands are beautiful and full of historic features. The biking was really enjoyable and life on the boat was really comfortable. Nice not to have to pack and un-pack each day.
Rick M., Evergreen, CO - June 2021
It was the best vacation I have ever taken and I have traveled quite a bit. If Croatia is not on your bucket list, it should be, and it should be moved to the top of the queue.
Cindy D., Burlington, VT - June 2021
Loved life on the boat and no need to unpack. Very balanced between biking and other leisure activities especially swimming opportunities.
Tina G., Kona, HI - June 2021
It's a trip of a lifetime.
Pat B., Portland, ME - June 2021
Fun, interesting, full of history, very pleasant people in Croatia. The boat and Croatian crew were fantastic, as were our guides.
Brooks Z., Sherborn, MA - Sept 2019
This is a wonderful introduction to Croatia. The islands are beautiful, and it is delightful to come into the little fishing villages and ports. Riding on the islands and then returning to the boat at the end of the day is so relaxing.
Linda Z., Sherborn, MA - Sept 2019
Fun, interesting, full of history, very pleasant people in Croatia. The boat and Croatian crew were fantastic, as were our guides.
Brooks Z., Sherborn, MA - Sept 2019
This is a wonderful introduction to Croatia. The islands are beautiful, and it is delightful to come into the little fishing villages and ports. Riding on the islands and then returning to the boat at the end of the day is so relaxing.
Linda Z., Sherborn, MA - Sept 2019
The trip was truly exceptional, so glad we did the boat tour. The boat is beautiful - only thought is to mention that when the upper deck was closed off or the chairs on the upper deck were covered, it left us only the back main deck to relax. The food!!!! Incredible. The crew were delightful and showed that they really enjoy what they do. And the guides - Christina and Ante took wonderful care of us. I felt we were their priority at all times. Sorry, no area for improvement. But that''''s what happens with ExperiencePlus. The only tour company we consider. :)
Joyce W., Encinitas, CA - June 2018
Beautiful landscapes, challenging biking, and swimming in the Adriatic! bike, boat, swim, repeat - what''s not to like!
Angela D., Telluride, CO - June 2018
This was an outstanding trip in every respect. It was the trip of a lifetime. It exceeded all expectations in every way. The guides and boat crew were excellent, the food exceptional, the islands beautiful, the accommodations on Tanja Mora were lovely. The additional cultural and unscheduled experiences added to an already outstanding itinerary.
Nancy G., Portland, OR - June 2018
Perfect trip, I cannot point out anything that needs to be improved. Scenic bike rides with very little traffic.
Great combination to stay on a boat, which is very comfortable compared to other boats of this type. Great Service.
Good Group size.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle
Mountainous
Bicycling the Islands of Dalmatia Plus! the South Coast
