Dubrovnik in the south of Croatia is known as the pearl of the Adriatic. Dating back to the 16th century, the city's Old Town is beautifully preserved and the grand walls that surround it are instantly recognisable - especially amongst fans of the popular Game of Thrones TV series. Your cycling tour begins in the fortified town of Ston, the gateway to the Peljesac peninsula, a strip of land that runs adjacent to the Croatian mainland for 70 km. Take in the Peljesac's vineyards, and groves of pine and cypress tress before crossing the Peljesac Channel to begin exploring the Dalmatian Islands. Like many of the islands off Croatia's coast, the Dalmatian Islands are a fantastic mix of history, architecture & secluded sandy beaches. What better way to start your Island Hopping adventure than on the island of Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo.

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[caption id="attachment_19518" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Dubrovnik's Old Town[/caption]

In a Nutshell

Where?  Starting in Dubrovnik a short transfer takes you to Ston where you will begin the ride along the Peljesac peninsula. Begin your island hopping adventure on Korčula with a couple of days riding between the vineyards and medieval towns. Having sampled local wines on Korčula, a private speedboat transfers you to Hvar where you can choose from cycling, relaxing on the beach or exploring the traffic-free marble streets of Hvar Town. The final destination on the tour is the bustling Split, home to a number of Roman monuments such as the Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. [caption id="attachment_19515" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Looking Across the Peljesac Channel Towards Korcula[/caption] Distance? 130 to 700 km. Grading? This tour is graded as moderate to strenuous. With daily distances of up to 90 km combined with some difficult climbs, this tour is certainly a challenge. Although there is a high degree of flexibility in the daily distances this tour is best suited to regular cyclists. Saying that we believe there is no better way to see the Croatian Islands, so a bit of preparation will pay off. [caption id="attachment_19516" align="aligncenter" width="900"] A Steep Climb Followed by a Winding Descent into Hvar Town[/caption]

Why Cycle Here?

• Croatia's Dalmatian islands are a diverse mix of ancient towns, beautiful scenery and pristine beaches set amidst the stunning backdrop of the Adriatic sea. This tour is designed to be flexible as to cater for a range of travellers. Our information pack features a number of optional routes allowing you to choose between testing your endurance levels or taking a more relaxed approach and soaking up the surroundings to the full. Whatever you are looking for, there are plenty of opportunities to stop for a mid-ride swim on a secluded white sandy beach.

[caption id="attachment_19520" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] White Sandy Beaches & Crystal Clear Waters[/caption]

• Explore 'the pearl of the Adriatic' - Dubrovnik - and spend time on one of Croatia's most visited islands, Hvar. The architecture on the island is comparable to Dubrovnik in terms of grandeur, especially in Hvar Town, which dates back to the 13th-century. Having explored the traffic-free marble streets and medieval fortifications that make up this bay town, relax in one of the many cafes or bars that overlook the harbour.

[caption id="attachment_19517" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The Beautiful Island of Hvar[/caption]

• Like most regions in Croatia, Dalmatia has it's own culinary delicacies and is home to a number of wineries. The location on the Adriatic coast means that Dalmatian cuisine has a Mediterranean flavour. What is distinctly Dalmatian are the methods used to cook fish. The grilling and roasting technique, the type of wood used, and the blend of herbs and olive oil used to flavour the fish combine to give an exquisite taste. Other Dalmatian delicacies to look out for include Pašticada (a marinated beef dish) and Paški sir (a cheese made from sheep milk). The warm climate and soil structure makes Dalmatia one of Croatia's key wine producing regions, with a variety of grapes being cultivated across North Dalmatia, the Dalmatian Hinterland, and South Dalmatia.

[caption id="attachment_19519" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Croatian Wines are Gaining a Reputation Internationally[/caption]

Planning & Preparation

The tour is best suited to regular cyclists who have some degree of cycling experience and technical knowledge as well as a good level of fitness. What catches people off guard on this tour is the heat and sun exposure. It is crucial to be prepared: hydrate well and be aware of the expected cycling times as to avoid cycling during the hottest times of the day.

Getting to Dubrovnik

By Air: Dubrovnik airport is 25km outside the city. It is served from the UK by British Airways, Easyjet, Jet2, Monarch, Thompson, Norwegian and Croatia Airlines. Other airlines flying to Dubrovnik include Lufthansa, Swiss, and Austrian Airlines to name a few.

Split to Dubrovnik

You may want to return to Dubrovnik at the end of your trip. The best options are the ferry or a private transfer.  Ferry: The ferry goes from Dubrovnik - Korcula - Hvar - Split and operates twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays from Dubrovnik to Split and on Tuesdays and Saturdays from Split to Dubrovnik. Detailed schedule information, pricing, and online booking is available at the Jadrolinija website. Private car transfer: The quickest, but most expensive way to travel. Prices for private transfers vary, but are approximately €200 - 240 each way for 1 - 3 people or €240 - 260 for 4 - 8 people. Transfers may be arranged at Taxi Service Dubrovnik or Queen Service Dubrovnik or we can book these transfers for you.

Getting from Split

By Air: Split airport is served from the UK by Easyjet, Jet2, Monarch, Norwegian and Croatia Airlines. Other airlines flying to Split include Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines among others.  The airport is 25 mins from the city, but shuttle buses cover the route frequently, costing about €5. A taxi takes 30 minutes and costs €30.

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If you have any queries about the Island Hopping: Dubrovnik to Split tour, or the other adventures we operate in Croatia, get in touch with a member of the team on info@macsadventure.com. Our full range of tours can be viewed here.