Croatia Bike & Boat

This trip exceeded all my (very high) expectations. Everyone I met was amazing and everyday brought a fantastic new and fun adventure! This trip will stick with me for a long time!

• Day 1 (Friday): Trogir to Hvar Island

  Individual arrival to Trogir (Split Airport is about 4 miles away from the harbor of Trogir). After check-in on the boat between 2-2:30 pm, the first cruise starts about 3 pm from Trogir to Hvar Island. Stari Grad is the second largest settlement on the island of Hvar and well known for its important harbor. Overnight stay in Stari Grad.

• Day 2 (Saturday): Islands of Hvar and Vis

  After breakfast we set off on a bike tour from Stari Grad to the capital city of Hvar. We will have plenty of time on arrival to visit the magnificent Renaissance Square of Hvar town and enjoy the view up to the Spanish Fortress situated high above the city. Back on board again, we cross over to the island of Vis. Overnight stay in Vis.

  Biking distance: Approx. 13 miles

• Day 3 (Sunday): Island of Vis

  Vis is the farthest-away inhabited island from mainland Croatia. A Greek colony called Issa settled the island 2,300 years ago. Due to its strategic location, it was a military zone until 1995 and prohibited for foreign tourists. Today we have the opportunity to explore the lovely island by bicycle. After cycling the boat takes us to the island of Korčula. Overnight stay in Vela Luka.

  Biking distance: Approx. 20 miles

• Day 4 (Monday): Island of Korčula

  Today we discover the island of Korčula by bicycle and enjoy our lunch break in one of the local restaurants. The calmness and remoteness, the vast vegetation and cypress gardens have given shape to probably the most beautiful Dalmatian island. Our cycle tour leads us through the village of Blato, like Rome built on seven hills, along a pass across Pupnat bay and finally to Korčula town, where we have time to take a walk through the wonderful old town with its narrow “fishbone like” alleys. We stay overnight in old town of Korčula.

  Biking distance: Approx. 38 miles

• Day 5 (Tuesday): Island of Brač

  Today we cruise to the island of Brač, which is famous for its radiant, precious limestone that was, among others, used for the White House in Washington or the Bundestag building in Berlin. After an extended swim break followed by lunch, we start our cycling trip in Sumartin, leading us to Selca and on to the picturesque harbor town Pučišća. The lovely harbor is home to one of the most famous masonry schools in Croatia. The creations of the students decorate the harbor village. Overnight stay in Pučišća.

  Biking distance: Approx. 17 miles

• Day 6 (Wednesday): City of Split / Rafting in Omiš

  During breakfast the boat brings us to the city of Split. The old town of Split, built adjoining the famous palace of the Roman Caesar Diocletian, is a UNESCO world heritage site. Today we have the choice either to take a bus transfer to go rafting through the Cetina Canyon (not included in the tour price) or to explore the wonderful Marjan forest Park in Split by bike. The rafting group will be picked up from the boat by a bus and taken to Omiš for the excursion. From here they will follow the river downstream in the rafts gaining a unique perspective of the canyon and its flora and fauna. Cetina is rated Class II with some Class III elements. Participants of the rafting trip are brought back to the boat in the bus after the activity. Cyclists will enjoy a short but scenic bike tour through the green heart of Split and then an extensive swim break at a local beach. In the afternoon we can explore the bustling city of Split again together as one group. Overnight stay in Split.

  Biking distance: Approx. 10 miles

• Day 7 (Thursday): Island of Šolta

  After crossing over to Rogač on the island of Šolta we commence our last cycle tour. Walled fields, numerous olive groves, locust bean and fig trees line the roads. The herbal scent of rosemary accompanies us along our tour across the island. Our boat awaits us in Rogač and we enjoy our last crossing back to Trogir where, if time permits, we can take a tour of the old town which is a world heritage site. The last evening aboard our ship follows a nice tradition. While enjoying a communal dinner in a cozy atmosphere you will have the chance for a last get together with your crew and your tour guides.

  Biking distance: Approx. 13 miles

• Day 8 (Friday): Trogir

  After one last breakfast on board, check out is at 9am. This is where we say our goodbyes and go our separate ways. (Please see “FLIGHTS & TRANSPORTATION” in the “TRAVEL LOGISTICS & FAQ” tab for more info).

  We hope you decide to extend your stay in Dalmatia/Croatia!

By far one of the best trips I have ever been on. I didn’t have to think about a thing other than making sure I showed up at the right time to get on the boat. Each day I felt like I was living in a dream and knew I was on a truly relaxing vacation when biking one day I had no clue what day it was. Thank you for an adventure filled week in the most magical place!

TRIP COST: $3,250 per person

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 7 nights lodging on board the Magellan in A/C ensuite cabin
• Most meals (see “Meals” in “Trip Details” tab)
• Daily guided cycling tours as described in itinerary
• English-speaking cycling guides
• Overview/Maps for daily tours
• Bed linens & towels
• Tourist taxes
• Surprises

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• 25 euro flat rate per person for drinking water on board
• Bar tab (drinks are tallied throughout the week and may be paid on board at the end of the trip)
• Bike rental (see “Bike Rental” in “Trip Details” tab)
• Flights & transfers outside itinerary
• Tips & gratuities for crew and guides
• 25 euro per person fee for park entrances and city tours
• Optional river rafting in Omiš
• Meals not included on board (up to 5 meals) (see “Meals” in “Trip Details” tab)
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance (see “Travel Insurance” in “Trip Details” tab)

• HOW TO BOOK YOUR SPOT

  Rates are per person, whether you sign up solo or with a buddy. You do not have to sign up with someone else (we LOVE solo travelers!), but everyone will be paired with a roommate, as there is no single occupancy rate. (If you really prefer single occupancy, please book two spots for yourself). If you do sign up with someone else, you may specify your roommate request when you book.

  How booking your spot works

  “Twin (Single) Bed” option:

  (16 spots total/8 twin bed rooms)

  Choose this option if you want your own twin bed in a 2-person room. You may specify your roommate (if applicable) and deck preference upon booking.

  Traveling with buddies and booking together? You can select and book as many spots as your group needs if you are booking together, but each participant gets their own bed in a 2-person room with this option.

  Solo travelers, choose this option, you don’t need to have a buddy to sign up! We will do our best to place solo travelers with same-gender roommates.

  “Double/Shared Bed (Must Select 2)” option:

  (16 spots total/8 double bed rooms)

  Choose this option if you have 2 people booking together who want to share a double bed in a 2-person room. You must select and book 2 spots with this option, which fills the room.

  Above or below deck preferences are first come, first served. You may select your preference upon booking, but understand that we may not be able to fulfill each request. 

  You will be prompted to make your rental bike selection upon booking as well. Please see the next section!

• BIKE RENTAL

  You will be prompted to make your rental bike selection upon booking. We will bike approximately 110 miles throughout the entire week.

  The routes on this itinerary are suitable for both regular and e-bikers. You may choose upon booking which bicycle you wish to rent. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or to spend time on board the boat, instead of taking part on a planned cycle tour.

  Regular (non-electric) bike technical details:

  • Wheels 28″
  • Gears 24-speed Shimano Alivio
  • Brakes Shimano V-Brakes
  • Frame Aluminum
  • Weight 13.5 kg

  Regular bike with insurance: $110 for the week.

  E-bike technical details:

  • Wheels 28″
  • Gears 9 or 11-speed Shimano
  • Brakes Shimano hydraulic disk
  • Frame Aluminum
  • Weight 20-23 kg without battery

  E-bike with insurance: $240 for the week.

  Your bike rental comes with an Ortlieb pannier (aka bike bag to hold your daily ride items!) at no additional charge.

  Helmets Required:

  Helmet use is mandatory on all cycle tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. If you’d rather not pack one, you can purchase a helmet abroad, for example at Decathlon in Split, before departure. Rental helmets are available in limited numbers (please request upon booking).

  Sorry, due to policy on board, personal bikes cannot be accommodated.

• FLIGHT & TRANSPORTATION

  Airfare and transportation outside of itinerary is not included.

  Airport for this itinerary: Split, Croatia (SPU)

  The Split Airport is only 4 miles away from Trogir Harbor. A taxi from the airport to the harbor costs about 20 euro and takes about 10 minutes. You can also try Uber.

  Day 1 (Friday, Aug 4): Check-in is from 2-2:30pm at the Magellan (our boat) in Trogir Harbor, and the boat will depart the harbor by 3pm, not to return until the end of the trip. Please plan your transportation accordingly, so that you can arrive in time to check in at 2pm and depart with us at 3pm.

  Day 8 (Friday, Aug 11): Check-out is 9:00am. We will already be in Trogir Harbor (we spend the last night there), so early morning departures can be accommodated – you can leave the boat whenever you need to. Breakfast is included on the boat, but we must be off the boat by 9:00am.

• PHYSICAL FITNESS

  Please do not be fooled – Croatian islands are NOT flat! This bike tour requires a proficient level of fitness. The daily routes will take us up to a height of 600–1500 ft above sea level and range from 12 miles to 38 miles (see “Daily Itinerary”). We will ride through hilly and mountainous terrain, mostly on asphalt roads with little traffic, with some long, steep climbs, earning every view and all the gelato!

  If you are at all worried about the biking, rent an e-bike! You can do it!

  You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend time on board the boat, instead of taking a planned cycle-tour.

  For all of our adventures, we recommend nuun tablets for electrolyte replacement and hydration, compression socks for blood flow and fast recovery, and emergen-C packets to start each day with a boost of energy. These are in addition to physical fitness, they do NOT replace your training!

• PACKING & HELMETS

  This packing list will get you started:

  A Bike Tour Packing List For Any Weather

  Ladies: The Blonde Abroad has a fab packing list for Croatia sailing

  Gents: Besides your biking gear – a few pairs of swim shorts, shirts, and comfy boat shoes should do you fine. Check out the female list and adapt!

  AVOID hard-sided suitcases if you can; bring bags that can be stuffed into small spaces inside your cabin!

  • Helmets Required: Helmet use is mandatory on all cycle tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. If you’d rather not pack one, you can purchase a helmet abroad, for example at Decathlon in Split, before departure. Rental helmets are available in limited numbers (please request upon booking).

• THE MAGELLAN (OUR YACHT!)

  The Magellan is an elegant, double-masted motor yacht that remains pleasantly steady even when sailing through heavier swells.

  On board you will find spacious guest cabins with air-conditioning and a personal shower/WC. The beautifully furnished saloon and bar as well as the covered aft deck are fitted out with comfortable seating areas. On the spacious sun deck, you will find deckchairs, enticing you to lie back, relax and enjoy the warm sea breeze. The swimming platform at the stern ensures easy access to the glistening waters for a refreshing dip.

  Delicious cuisine is particularly important on the Magellan. The ship’s owner is a member of the cooking academy for traditional Dalmatian cuisine and the owner of a restaurant on the island of Hvar, known far beyond the borders of Croatia for its excellent dishes. It goes without saying that he also implements these high culinary standards on his motor yacht. Meals on board can likewise be enjoyed with an exquisite selection of Croatian wines.

  • WiFi: While there is WiFi on board, the signal may not be very strong. Please don’t count on streaming anything! Cell service is available in most places.
  • Outlets: Croatia uses Type C, rounded two-prong outlets like most of Europe. We recommend bringing a mobile charger for those times when electricity is limited. There are outlets in each cabin.
  • Water: Please note there is a flat 25 euro fee per person for drinking water on board the boat. This will be paid by each person, directly to the captain. Drinkable water will be available throughout the entire trip. Bring a reusable water bottle to refill and help us avoid using single-use plastic bottles whenever possible.

• MEALS

  Most of our meals are included and will be shared together in the beautiful saloon on board. The on-board chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two other warm meals a day, depending on our itinerary. We will have up to 5 opportunities throughout the week to try local restaurants in some of our destinations. This allows us to have some free time to explore on our own and sample as much or as little of the local flavors as we’d like. Meals on board start with dinner on the first day and end with breakfast on the last day. Meals off the boat are not included in the price.

  Any dietary restrictions may be listed upon booking, and the crew will be happy to accommodate.

• WHAT IF I GET SEASICK?

  The Magellan is a bigger boat than we’ve used in the past, and about stability they say it “remains pleasantly steady even when sailing through heavier swells.”

  The islands where we will be sailing are pretty well protected, meaning, we won’t be traveling far enough to hit real open seas. That said, there of course is the potential we will face winds and high swells if there is a storm. Hopefully in August we are avoiding stormy weather!

  Even if you are prone to seasickness/motion sickness, you can still have a wonderfully successful trip with a few recommendations from some of us who were in the same boat (ahem) last year.

  Here’s what we recommend to best set yourself up for success:

  • Day-time dramamine to keep in your system throughout the trip
  • Anything else consumption-wise that you think will help (or anti-consumption-wise – perhaps going light on the alcohol while aboard)
  • Most importantly – we all used this Reliefband and now we all swear by it. It actually, truly WORKS. Several of us who tend to suffer from motion sickness used them last year and were dumbfounded by the successful results. This thing will change your life!

• TRAVEL INSURANCE

  Deposits are non-refundable. Please click here to view our Booking Terms & Conditions.

  Each participant is highly encouraged to purchase CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason insurance) as soon as you book your trip, to protect your travel investment as well as have personal luggage and medical coverage, not to mention peace of mind! Click here to get quotes from our trusted travel insurance partner.

   

• WHAT ABOUT COVID?

  Click to see the CDC recommended vaccinations for travelers heading to Croatia.

  Click to see COVID-19 information for Croatia.

  Click to see all Entry/Exit/Etc information for Croatia.

  You must have a current passport with at least six months validity after your date of entry into Croatia. (Double check your passport’s expiration date).

  * These links are resources for U.S. Citizens. If you hail from another country, please check your own government’s travel department for the above information.

  Currently there are no requirements for entry into Croatia by U.S. citizens. Each participant will be individually responsible for adhering to any current Covid/health/safety protocol, whether imposed by the government of Croatia, the crew of our boat, or our cycling guides.

• TERMS & CONDITIONS

  We reserve the right to make changes to the planned itinerary due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements. Should it be the case, for example, that the harbors mentioned in the itinerary are overcrowded, the tour will be operated in reverse.

  Deposits are non-refundable. Please review our Booking Terms & Conditions before booking any trip with us.