Compare Cycle Croatia by Intrepid Travel vs Highlights of Croatia by Great Value Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 2,504 | $ 2,825 |
| Price Per Day | $ 358 | $ 314 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Pop on your helmet and cycle along the stunning coastlines and the hilly outcrops of the Dalmatian Coast on this seven-day cycling adventure. Ride to islands of olive groves and cypress forests to sparkling beaches and wander romantic cities full of history. Croatia is the perfect setting for an idyllic island escape and how better to explore than on a bicycle? Wander Hvar’s cobbled lanes, Korcula’s small town streets, Split’s harbour esplanade and Dubrovnik’s medieval walls. Explore Hvar Island at your own pace, take an optional wine tasting experience, watch the sunset over the harbour and ride to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stari Grad Plain. Croatia has so much beauty to see, so why not see it all up close, on two wheels? |
So, you want to go to the world's newest hot spot: Croatia! Who doesn't? You're ready to travel, but fitting all the raved-about sites into one trip seems, well, tough. Fear no more! Lucky for you, this vacation package is designed for you to easily experience all of Croatia's highlights! You'll begin in bustling Zagreb, then move on to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik. All of that in one trip? You bet. With included tours, private transfers, and scenic ferry rides, you'll get a true taste of each destination. This perfect "sampling platter" of Croatia will take you from charming old town streets to the turquoise Dalmatian Coast. Enjoy private walking tours of Zagreb, Old Dubrovnik, and Split - including entrance to the breathtaking Diocletian Palace! Feast your eyes on mesmerizing waterfalls as you take advantage of your included entrance to Plitvice Lake National Park, and feel the salty sea breeze in your hair as you take the ferry to the resort island of Hvar. Looking for the perfect blend of natural beauty, bright blue coasts, old UNESCO-recognized towns, and vibrant cities? Look no further; you've found it! |
Day 1 Split
Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in the coastal city of Split, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. As this trip spends little time in Split, it’s recommended that you arrive a couple of days early is to experience all that this beautiful city has to offer. If you do arrive with time to spare, maybe explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace, see the original and fantastically preserved basements under the city or simply unwind with a walk along the waterfront. After your meeting, you might want to head out for a welcome dinner with your group. After, perhaps grab a drink at a bar on the Riva Promenade.
Day 2 Brac Island Cycling
It’s an early start today as you catch the ferry from Split to Supetar on the island of Brac. There will be a bike fitting for the group followed by a short test ride to ensure everything is working properly. From here, begin your first real ride in Croatia, cycling from Supetar along the coastal road to the seaside village of Pucisca. Along the way, take a short detour to the tiny village of Dol, passing vineyards, fig trees and olive groves. After a quick stop for refreshments in Pucisca, make your first real climb up to Praznica – it’s a pretty steep climb, but you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the Adriatic Sea. Have a rest at the top then cycle across the centre to the descent into the town of Bol. Bol is famous for the Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) – one of the Adriatic’s most beautiful beaches. Take a quick swim at the beach and maybe visit the famous Stina Winery for a tasting before seeking out some fresh seafood for dinner.
Day 3 Hvar Island Cycling
It's another early morning today as you take a local boat between islands to the small port of Jelsa. From here, start riding along a beautiful coastal cycling trail across to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stari Grad Plain to the coastal town of Stari Grad. Set in a protected bay, Stari Grad is one of Europe’s oldest towns, settled by Neolithic tribes as far back as 3500BC. Today, the old stone houses, narrow streets and small squares still retain a deeply historic feel. There's plenty to see here, including the Dominican Monastery and Tvrdalj Fortress. Leaving Stari Grad behind, ride up to the scenic heart of Hvar Island, via a less-trafficked old road, passing viewpoints and old taverns along the way before stopping for a break. After, descend through the old village of Brusje and down into the vibrant Hvar Town. The streets of Hvar are a traffic-free zone, giving you the freedom to stroll the pjaca (piazza) and soak in the views of St Stephen's Cathedral, the Arsenal and all the palaces that flank the square.
Day 4 Korcula Island
Enjoy a free morning and maybe spend some time savouring the ambience of Hvar Town. You have a free day today, so maybe check out the Hvar Spanjola fortress for some great views, go on a boat tour or ask your tour leader for suggestions for a hike to Velo Grablje village. This afternoon, catch a catamaran across to the island of Korcula into Korcula Town – a Venetian Renaissance-inspired walled city full of narrow streets, medieval towers and the reputed birthplace of Marco Polo. Tonight, maybe head out for a late dinner and find a bar with a view of the Adriatic with a few of your fellow travellers.
Day 5 Korcula Island Cycling
Prepare for a big day on the road today as you drive through the heart of Korcula, past vineyards, olive groves and forests. Drive up to the hamlet of Pupnat for a homemade breakfast with your local hosts. The position of Pupnat and steepness of the approach is no accident – it was designed to help keep the town safe from pirates through the ages. Pupnat is Korcula ‘as it used to be’ – a picture perfect farming village with stone buildings and a laidback atmosphere. Hop back on your bikes for a descent down to Pupnatska Luka – a beautiful bay with a pebble beach. Follow the coastline through Smokvica and its vineyards before tackling the final climb to Blato and descending to the port town of Vela Luka. You’ll have time to walk around and have a quick coffee before boarding your vehicle for the journey back to Korcula Town. On the way, stop for dinner at a local restaurant. The rest of the evening is free to explore at your own pace.
Day 6 Dubrovnik
Transfer by boat to Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula. To avoid some serious uphill riding, you’ll drive high above the tiny village of Postup to its panorama viewpoint, before beginning the ride towards Potomje village for an optional wine tasting experience. Take to the backroads and cycle through the hills of the Dingac before continuing to the bay of Zuljana. Finish the day with a rewarding climb up to the village of Putnikovic, then enjoy an impromptu picnic and optional wine tasting in the natural surroundings before continuing by vehicle all the way down to Dubrovnik. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is a picturesque medieval city full of character. When you arrive, head out on a leader-led orientation walk and then carry on exploring at your own pace.
Day 7 Dubrovnik
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, and it’s recommended that you do to see all that Dubrovnik has to offer, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. If you do have extra time, maybe catch the cable car to the top of Srd Hil and enjoy the magnificent views over Old Town.
Day 1 Welcome to Zagreb!
Arrive in the vibrant capital of Croatia! Grab your luggage, meet your transfer, and enjoy a convenient ride to your first hotel. Settle in, then get to know the city! Stroll around the cobblestone streets in medieval Gornji Grad, Zagreb's Upper Town, and be sure to visit the ornate Church of St. Mark's!
Day 2 Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes
Recharge with a pleasant breakfast, then enjoy a private walking tour of Zagreb! See the historic Upper Town, St, Mark's Church, St. Catherine's Church, and more. In the early afternoon, relax on a scenic transfer to the eye-popping Plitvice Lakes National Park!
Day 3 Plitvice Lakes - Split
After breakfast, take a walk around the breathtaking lower lakes on your own. Meander through this stunning landscape of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by lush vegetation, dense woods, and soaring mountains. In the afternoon, you'll be taken to the coastal town of Split, where you'll explore the city on a private walking tour. Take advantage of your included entrance to Diocletian's Palace!
Day 4 Split - Hvar
Fuel up with breakfast, then hop aboard a ferry to the island of Hvar! As you glide atop the sea, gaze out at the bright blue waters that surround you. Settle in to your hotel, then take a walk through the main square. While in Hvar, be sure to try some of Croatia's seafood specialties, like gregada, peka and brodet!
Day 5 Hvar
Wake up and smell the beauty! Hvar boasts a beautiful blend of party culture, beach relaxation, and old-village charm. There's plenty to do in Hvar Town, which is filled with waterfront parties, cute shops, and trendy restaurants. If you're looking to step off the beaten path, however, you might want to take a 45-minute hike east towards Milna, where you'll be rewarded with crystal-clear, white-stoned Mekicevica Bay. This spot is frequented by naturists and is also known as Robinson's Beach. You also might want to explore the old, less populated villages that exist outside the main town center. Check out Stari Grad, the oldest town in Croatia, or the tiny village of Humac, filled with small stone homes and lavender fields!
Day 6 Hvar - Split - Dubrovnik
After a lovely morning in Hvar, you'll be transferred to the Hvar Pier where you'll catch a ferry back to Split. Say goodbye to Split, once again, and head on your merry way to Dubrovnik! Your driver will take you along the spectacular Adriatic Coast, past old fishing villages and resort towns - be sure to have your camera ready. Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, check-in to your hotel and relax. If you have enough energy, stroll around the Old Town, encased in the historic stone city walls.
Day 7 Dubrovnik
After breakfast, take tons of photos on a private walking tour of Old Dubrovnik! You'll see the Rector's Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, monasteries, and much more. When the tour concludes, spend the rest of the day at leisure!
Day 8 Dubrovnik
Fuel up with a yummy breakfast, then enjoy the day sightseeing at your own pace. Looking for a spectacular view of the city? Consider hopping in a cable car and seeing a truly unique perspective. Game of Thrones fan? Stroll around the walled old city, specifically St. Dominika Street, and feel like you're walking through the show's set. Many Game of Thrones scenes have been shot in Dubrovnik, so if you feel a sense of deja vu or familiarity, you'll know why!
Day 9 Depart Croatia
Savor the flavors of one last Croatian breakfast, then squeeze your souvenirs into your luggage and meet your transfer. Spend your flight home scrolling through photos and dreaming about your next adventure.
