Much of this year's Bike & Boat allocation may be gone, but there are still a couple of hidden gems available for this summer. All over Europe, there are hidden corners of paradise just waiting to be explored/relaxed in. A lot of the Mediterranean coastline has these sparkling little hideaways, where you can sit by the sea, glass in hand and drift off into a reverie about life always being this way. One of the best areas for a bombardment of the beauty of this type is the southern islands of Croatia. While usually quite difficult to get to and get around, we have done all the legwork for you and are proud to present Croatia Bike & Boat: Southern Island Hopping.
In a Nutshell:
Where: Croatia sits across the Adriatic Sea from Italy, sharing some gastronomy and scenery, but with a vibrant culture all of its own. With a huge coastline, peppered with charming little islands, we take you from the city of Split on the mainland, on your own floating hotel through the glorious southern islands of Solta, Hvar, Korcula and Brac.
Distance: On this trip, you will cycle a total of 209km. This is split over six days of cycling, with some days being a mere 15km and others being closer to 60km. Don't let these distances put you off however, as I shall explain in the next paragraph.
Grade: This trip is graded Moderate, so you should have some cycling experience and know what it is like to sit in the saddle for a couple of hours. However, Ebikes are available for this trip, so you can always take the heavier lifting out of the equation and have a more relaxing experience. The route follows a combination of quiet country and each day there are guided rides which leaves you to enjoy the ride and absorb Croatian life.
Why Walk Here?
The whole idea of this trip is something that just massively appeals. The scenery is some of the most beautiful in Europe. Not just the sheltered, quiet bays you will come across, where a pale turquoise sea laps gently against sun-bleached, white-gold rocks, but the towns and cities themselves, their red roofs stretching to the horizon. Croatia has been baked by the sun, but still strong green trees erupt from the ground, providing shade and contrast to the desaturated palate of the surrounding countryside. There is little wonder that those in charge chose to film so much of Game of Thrones in Croatia, it is like a fantasy world, one which you will very much enjoy discovering.
There are two spectacular UNESCO sites on this trip. The first you encounter is the port of Trogir. This medieval walled city is tightly packed with Renaissance and Romanesque buildings and of an evening has one of the most lively promenades in Croatia. The other site, Stari Grad sits on the island of Hvar and is a peaceful little retreat on this bustling island. Settled in 384 B.C. it is one of the oldest towns in Europe and with its narrow streets and small squares really takes you back to another time.
To add to the architectural splendour on this trip, you will also spend some time in Split. Hemmed into the coast by dramatic mountains, Split perfectly balances the old world and the new, offering one of the greatest Roman monuments, the Diocletian’s Palace, sitting effortlessly amongst countless, thriving bars, restaurants and shops. Just outside Split, you will spend a day cycling through and outstanding natural wonder, the Centina Canyon. Carved from the karst mountains surrounding it, the canyon offers an experience of untouched nature, resplendent with deep green walls, trickling with waterfalls and some incredible rock formations.
Another highlight is your home for the week, the 32ft yacht, the Romantica, a two-mast motor sailor which combines seafarer romance with the spirit of the age, style and comfort. It is a beautiful boat, with salon tables decorated with noble intarsia, and corresponding benches are covered with precious, sun yellow leather. The large sundeck on the Romantica offers plenty of space to settle back and enjoy the sun. The 16 guest cabins are spacious and air-conditioned including shower and WC. The bathing platform at the stern enables easy admittance for a refreshing swim in the Adriatic Sea.
Planning and Preparation
To get to our Croatia Bike & Boat: Southern Island Hopping trip, you simply need to fly into Split and then take a 20min taxi down to Trogir where you can embark on this unique trip.
If you have any questions about the route, don't hesitate to contact one of our Destination Specialists, who will be more than happy to help.
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