7 Day Cycling Adventure through Croatia 2010

This is a fantastic Southern Visions’ seven (7) day guided cycling trip through Croatia, which offers unparalleled beauty! Despite the hype, Croatia’s pleasures are more timeless than trendy. Along its 1778km coastline, a glistening sea winds around rocky coves, lapping at pine-fringed beaches. Istrian ports bustle with fishermen while children dive into the sparkling water. We must warn our guests to pay attention while they cycle, as the scenery is most inviting! Welcome to Croatia!

Trip Highlights

Island Cruise Hopping to each destination

Wine tour and tasting

Native Cooking class and dinner

Walking tour of Hvar

Farewell Party and Presention WHAT YOU GET!!!

An outstanding adventure travel experience

Peace of mind you are with the most professional travel and tour company in Puglia

Local, native guides with knowledge of the secrets and mysteries of the region

6 nights lodging at 3 and 4 star hotels and resorts

7 breakfasts

5 Dinners

5 Lunches

All luggage transfers

Guest Shuttles

Professional Walking Tours through each destination

Professional Wine Tasting

Professional cooking lesson(s)

Daily snacks and happy hours

Detailed Maps and Route Notes

Cost: 2699€

Single Supplement: 999€

We will meet at the port of Dubrovnik at 9.00 a.m. You will find your Guide in a red and orange

Southern Visions t-shirt. We suggest you arrive at least the night before – please check for flights

arriving in Dubrovnik between 6 and 8 p.m. the night prior to our first day. (See the end of itinerary

for recommendations on arriving and departing from the area).

Cycling distances:

Day 1: 39 km/24 miles

Day 2: 37 km/23 miles

Day 3: 27 km/17 miles + additional options

Day 4: 41 or 61km/30 or 38 miles

Day 5: 45 km/33 miles + additional options

Day 6: 48 or 97 km/30 or 60 miles

The terrain on this Croatia trip is considered moderate. This tour offers a combination of rolling terrain

and moderate hills, with a few steep climbs on each of the 4 islands. Our van support will always be

available for those who need assistance during the cycling rides. This trip is appropriate for

athletic/energetic beginning cyclists to advanced cyclists.

Day 1

Catamaran to Sobra

39 km cycle ride

Lunch at Polace Bourbon

Dinner at Hotel Odisej www.hotelodisej.hr Lodging: Hotel Odisej www.hotelodisej.hr

Our trip begins in the historical city of Dubrovnik, one of the most special cities of Eastern Europe. The

historical center is well-protected by its fortified walls, making it a wonderful place to stroll. Dubrovnik is

a great place to start our journey, given its perfect location on the Adriatic Sea. After we meet in the

port of Dubrovnik at 9:00 a.m., we’ll make our way to the port and cruise to the island of Mljet. Situated

in the vicinity of the romantic city of Dubrovnik, Mljet it forms a group of south Dalmatian islands. Mljet

is covered with luxuriant vegetation, and as such it has always been a desirable destination for

demanding tourists, fans of untouched nature and wanderers on the track of legends about Odysseus

and St. Paul. We will cycle from Polace, stopping for lunch, and explore the Mljet National Park and two

saltwater lakes. After our ride, we will head to our lodging and dinner location for tonight at the seaside

Hotel Odisej, which boasts a caring personnel, exceptional customer service and excellent cuisine. Be

sure to get a good night’s rest!

Day 2

Transfer to Korcula Island

Walking Tour of Korcula

37 km cycle ride

Wine Tasting at Toreta Winery

Dinner at a local farm

Lodging: Hotel Feral, www.korculainfo.com/places/brna/hotel-feral.htm

Today we begin by transferring from Mljet to Korcula Island, one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic

Sea. Like most of the Croatian islands, the Greeks, who gave it the name Korkyra Melaina or 'Black Corfu'

for its dark and densely wooded appearance, first settled Korcula. The island itself is rich in art and

culture, as well as beautiful nature such as numerous tiny and secluded beaches and bays, small and

uninhabited islands and breathtaking views. The main town on the island is also named Korcula. It is a

typical medieval walled Dalmatian city, with its round defensive towers and cluster of red-roofed

houses. Legend also has it that Marco Polo called Korcula Island, home. We will conduct an organized

walking tour of the town, before you are on your own to explore the town’s amazing cafes and

restaurants for lunch. Then, we will cycle to one of the island’s best vineyards for a lovely wine tasting.

You will have some time to explore or rest before we head to dinner at a local small farm. Be sure to get

rest this evening before another exciting day tomorrow!

Day 3

Cruise and Lunch Aboard to Hvar Island

27 km cycle ride

Lodging and Dining: Hotel Podstine, www.podstine.com

After breakfast in Korcula, we will cruise to Hvar Island, having lunch aboard the ship. When we think of

Hvar, we think about the island of heather, sunshine and crickets, the island of lavender, sage and wine

and the island of rosemary and secluded coves. The north coast between Jelsa, Vrboska and Stari Grad is

especially well-suited to cycling, and we will go for an exhilarating 27 km ride today. If you choose, you

can cycle some additional kilometers after our group ride, or if you prefer you can explore the white

sandy beaches at a nearby chain of islets known as the Resin islands for unparalleled swimming and

snorkeling. After our day’s activities, we will relax at our accommodations, Hotel Podstine, before

enjoying dinner at the hotel as well. Relax at the hotel in your room, by the pool, or head to the city

center for some fun, which is only 15 minutes away. Tonight may be a good night to enjoy yourself, as

we are lucky enough to wake up and stay in Hvar again tomorrow. Sweet Dreams amidst smells of

lavender and rosemary, and sounds of the sea…..

Day 4

Lunch at Antica Resto

Hvar Walking Tour with a local guide

41-61 km cycle ride

Dining: Cooking Class and Dinner with Margita Viskovic

Lodging: Hotel Podstine, www.hotelpodstine.com

We are very lucky to wake up and spend another day in Hvar. From the very beginnings of seafaring on

sails, the island of Hvar was situated in the centre of sea routes in Adriatic. The port of Hvar, being

protected by small islands and of naturally excellent shape, made a safe haven for boats, hiding from

perilous winds. After a hearty breakfast, we will venture out for more cycling and a lovely walking tour

with a local. Our cycling and walking tours will awaken your senses with pleasant Mediterranean

climate, rich vegetation of palms, aloes, pine trees, laurel, rosemary and lavender and peaceful coves

and islets filled with a multitude of pleasant scents. Because of a very active day, we are stopping for

lunch at a delicious local restaurant, Antica Resto. Catch a little rest at the Hotel Podstine, before being

treated to a cooking lesson and dinner with local “rockstar”, Margita Viskovic. We must bid goodbye to

Hvar tomorrow, so be sure to make a special memory for yourself, before we depart in the morning!

Day 5

Private Transfer to Brac Island, Bol Town

Lunch on Board the Ship

45 km cycle ride

Lodging: Grand Hotel Elaphusa, www.bluesunhotels.com/index.php?show=2148

After a lovely farewell breakfast at Hotel Podstine, we cruise you over to Brac Island, for two days in an

unspoiled natural enviroment. Brac Island offers a rich cultural and historic heritage that dates back to

pre-historic times, unique gastronomy, beautiful beaches and bays, crystal blue sea, high quality

accommodation in private facilities and the hospitality of the local people. We’ll stay 2 nights at a newly

renovated 4-star Grand Hotel Elaphusa, a 4-star hotel 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. After a gorgeous cruise to the Island,

and lunch on board, you are free to enjoy the hotel’s many amenities and dinner at your own leisure.

Remember that Brac Island and Bol are one of the most visited Croatian destinations – there is a reason

for that, so be sure to take full advantage of your time to explore and experience.

Day 6

48 to 97 km cycle ride

Farewell gathering and slide show at Hotel Elaphusa

Farewell Dinner at Konoba Gust

Lodging: Grand Hotel Elaphusa , www.bluesunhotels.com/index.php?show=2148

We get to wake up in the beautiful town of Bol, situated in the Southern part of the Island of Brac, ready

to start another fantastic day. After breakfast at the Hotel, we will cycle out. You will open in Bol the

doors of history, which are going back to the ancient times, as we first notice the Roman piscinas and

the grave monuments (stela). There are also the old Christian sarcophagus with the engraved crosses,

the pre Romanic church of St. Ivan and St. Tudor, the residence of the bishop, the church Madonna of

graces, the fortified gothic summer palace, the renaissance and baroque palace with the worthy gallery

of contemporary Croatian art 'Branislav Deskovic' and the local church Madonna of Karmel with the

motive of an angel with the handkerchief of Veronica. You will have some time in the afternoon to

explore the beaches and underwater playgrounds the area has to offer, or cycle an extra loop around

the city. However you choose to spend your afternoon, be sure to prepare for an amazing farewell party

Southern Visions style with a fabulous slide show documenting our adventures during a lovely cocktail

hour at the hotel, followed by a fond farewell dinner from your expert guides at Konoba Gust. Tonight is

a night for friends, fun, and memories!

Day 7

Private Transfer to Supetar and Split

Farewell from the Southern Visions Team

We will shuttle you to Supetar, where you will catch your ferry to Split, where you will depart for home

or other travels. Of course, if you would like to stay longer, Southern Visions will help you extend your

stay or guide you in the right direction home. Remember, Croatians retain a strong attachment to the

land and traditions that nourished the dream of independence for so long. There is a real commitment

to preserving the extraordinary beauty of the coast, and the land has lured many travelers to stay longer

and/or come back to continue to experience and honor the beauty these Croatian Islands have to offer.

ARRIVING AND DEPARTING - LOGISTICS

After reviewing the following information, please inform us of your arrival and departure plans on the

Personal Information Form.

- Arrival

Arrive in Dubrovnik

- Conclusion of the trip

Depart from Split

- Flight arrangements

We recommend flying into Dubrovnik and out of Split

FINAL THOUGHTS

Please be sure to note these important contact numbers, should you need assistance before, during, or

after your trip: Puglia: +39.340.264.4128 or +39.080.743.603 U.S.A: +1.713-540-0989

All tours operated by Active Cultures LLC