Croatia Adventure

We meet in the morning in Split before ferrying to beautiful Hvar Island, disembarking at the quaint harbor town of Stari Grad, home to the fortified Tvrdalj castle, the impressively restored Bianchini Palace and a Dominican monastery. We'll then mount up and pedal to Jelsa, admiring the octagonal Renaissance Church of Saint John. We'll continue on to Vrboska, also known as “Little Venice” for its plethora of small bridges, and cycle past the sixteenth-century church of Saint Mary of Charity and the Renaissance works of Veronese and Bassano at the Church of Saint Lawrence.

We’ll enjoy lunch in Stari Grad, a 2400-year-old city, before a short but steep incline. Your ride will finish woth a downhill into Hvar, whose long waterfront promenade, yacht-lined quays, traffic-free marble streets, and tasteful harbor-front bars and cafés offer the perfect retreats for relaxing and people watching. Explore beautifully ornamented Gothic palaces, a Franciscan cloister, and a historic arsenal before climbing to a Spanish fort for spectacular views of the city at sunset.

This evening we'll gather for a festive welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Riva Hotel, Hvar
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Biking: Up to 27 miles (43.5 kilometers), easy to moderately strenuous

This morning we set off to explore the peaceful Pakleni Otoci Islands by sea kayak. Scattered off the southwest coast of Hvar and blanketed in the low pine forest, the archipelago originally derived its name from the native paklina, a pine resin once used as a ship sealant. Paddle the idyllic bays of Marinkovac Island and savor the ubiquitous scent of pine, lavender, and rosemary as you coast along the sandy beach at Sv. Klement Island.

This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and try a Croatian specialty such as Cevapi (spiced sausages) with ajvar sauce, mussels, and black risotto.
Accommodation: Riva Hotel, Hvar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kayaking: 3.5 hours including lunch, easy

Weather permitting, we'll travel by private boat from Hvar Town to Vela Luka on Korcula Island for a day of biking. Set on a tiny peninsula on the Peljesac Channel, Korcula was first home to Slavic pirates who used the island as a base from which to attack passing ships.  In the year 1000, it was taken over by Venice, marking the start of an 800-year on-and-off Venetian rule. Today, the island is renowned for its gorgeous, white quarried stone, countless secluded bays, small, uninhabited islands, and breathtaking views.

We'll make a stop in Konopica to enjoy lunch as a group. On today’s ride, we'll explore several small villages which culminates in the medieval walled town of Korcula, whose Old Quarter boasts a harmonious mix of 15th-century Gothic and 16th-century Renaissance trimmings. This evening you have time on your own to visit the home of Marco Polo, Saint Mark’s Cathedral with paintings by Tintoretto, the Town Museum, and the Byzantine Icon Museum.

Feast on some fresh and authentic Croatian seafood tonight
Accommodation: Hotel Liburna, Korcula
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise: Travel by boat from Hvar to Vela Luka on Korcula Island
Biking: Up to 30 miles (48 kilometers)

Today we'll travel to the village of Zrnovo where our hike begins through Mediterranean vegetation and along centuries-old stone walls. As we enter the Kocje nature preserve the landscape changes from fields to lush Croatian Oak forests, a canyon with dolomitic rock formations, and a cave with natural spring water.

We then make our way along the picturesque Peljesac peninsula to a farm-to-table restaurant for lunch. After, you'll have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy Korcula and even go for a swim in the Adriatic if you please.

Dinner this evening is on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel Liburna, Korcula
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we start with an exciting buggy safari heading for Lumbarda beach. Follow your guides along the coastal gravel roads above Lumbarda and Zrnovo villages, pausing to admire the spectacular views and to swim and snorkel on the sandy Przina beach where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting and lunch.

Afterwards a transfer out to Korcula for an optional bike ride along tranquil waters to Racisce bay and back.

This evening we gather for a delectable farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Liburna, Korcula
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: Up to 21 miles (33.8 kilometers), easy
Diving/Snorkeling: Snorkel two hidden bays

Enjoy one last breakfast before you are transferred to the Dubrovnik airport or Dubrovnik town. Most will opt to spend a night in Dubrovnik to explore its picturesque town center which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast

*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate.