Compare Cycling Croatia's Dalmatian Coast by Exodus Travels vs Classical Greece & Southern Italy by Titan Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
4.5 | Great
|
| Duration | 8 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 2,545 | $ 4,076 |
| Price Per Day | $ 318 | $ 272 |
| Highlights |
|
N/A
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Large ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
N/A |
| Meals Included | All breakfasts are included throughout. For breakfast, you can expect a continental buffet serving a wide selection of food from cold meats, cheeses, bread, and eggs to pastries, yoghurts, jams, and fruit as well as tea and coffee. Croatian cuisine is a mixture of fine seafood, grilled lamb, pizza, pasta and salads, with influences from central Europe, Italy, and other parts of the Balkans. A popular optional lunch spot in Pupnat (Korcula) is Mate restaurant. Lunch here is often a highlight of the trip. A selection of homemade produce is on offer with a drink and comes to around 155 kune (€20.50). Credit cards are not accepted. Another highlight in Korcula is an optional dinner on Day 5 at an agrotourism. Dinner here is around 200 kune (€26.50) for their set menu. Credit cards are not accepted. | N/A |
| Description |
Known to have the clearest waters in the Mediterranean and undoubtedly packed with historical and cultural interest, the Dalmatian Coast is one of the true wonders of Europe. We follow some of the best cycling routes the area has to offer with much of the tour taking place on the long and beautiful islands of Hvar and Korcula, travelling by ferry between the islands. The scenery alternates between seaside villages, tiny medieval towns, and pretty pebble bays. We end our journey in the fascinating Unesco city of Dubrovnik where we spend two nights soaking up the atmosphere of this uniquely preserved city. Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50th anniversary! Select departures of this trip feature extra inclusions to mark the occasion: a visit to Mljet Island, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag. The selected departures on this trip start in Split on 11 May 2024 and 10 August 2024.Cycle along the spectacular Dalmatian coastline of Croatia |
Take an unforgettable journey between two gems of art history, Athens and Rome, beginning with a two-night hotel stay in the Greek capital, home of the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon. Explore the ancient city of Mycenae and test the acoustics at the amphitheatre of Epidaurus, before visiting Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics, Delphi on the slopes of Mount Parnassus and Gythion, the legendary port of Sparta. Corfu is an island of natural beauty, then cruise the fjord of Kotor Bay to the best-preserved walled city in the Mediterranean, Dubrovnik. Step ashore in Catania for the magnificent Greek theatre and the archaeological museum of Syracuse - or explore the Greek theatre of Taormina, before one of the most famous archaeological sites in history, Pompeii or nearby Herculaneum. Finally, experience a two-night hotel stay in the Italian capital of Rome, for the chance to uncover the city’s many treasures on a host of sightseeing options. |
Day 1 Start Split; ferry transfer to Hvar
We start our Croatian adventure in Split, where we gather at the ferry port to take a service to Stari Grad on Hvar island. We then continue by road to Hvar town where we spend the first two nights. Please note: The ferry leaves at 2.30pm. The timings may be adjusted for logistical reasons. Accommodation: Labranda Senses (or similar)
Day 2 Circular ride exploring Hvar island, including Hvar town and a 5mi (8km) climb
Our first day is a circular ride exploring Hvar island. We start with a transfer to Stari Grad where we do our bike fitting before we cycle along an old Roman road to Vrbovska and then follow the coastal road towards the village of Jelsa. Here we take a break before heading back to Stari Grad for an optional lunch. After lunch, we continue our ride back to the town of Hvar. We will cycle up a challenging hill to a viewpoint overlooking the island of Brac with breathtaking views. When we return to Hvar, we will have a chance to wander around the narrow streets of this quintessential Dalmatian town. Rather like a mini Venice, the streets of Hvar are marbled and there are elegant gothic palaces and cathedrals inside the city walls. Accommodation: Labranda Senses (or similar)
Day 3 Ride east along the island to the port of Sucuraj; ferry via mainland to Korcula
Today we start with a transfer to Jelsa and ride east along the narrow part of the island with views of both coasts as we head to the port of Sucuraj. The road is generally quiet and there are a couple of challenging climbs today to get you warmed up, however, the support vehicle will be available if you don’t want to cycle up the hills. Heading east, we have wonderful views of the mountainous mainland and the turquoise waters and we pass small villages, olive groves and tiny vineyards on our way to Sucuraj. From Sucuraj we take a ferry to Drvenik on the mainland, transfer by bus to Orebic, then catch another ferry to Korcula which is the historic centre of the island and on the Peljesac Channel. It is also known for its cultural and historical heritage with a long tradition of seafaring, shipbuilding and stone-masonry, as well as being the birthplace of the adventurer and traveller Marco Polo. On Korcula, we take a 15-minute transfer to the small town of Lumbarda which will be our base for the next three nights. From June to September a ferry runs from Ploce to Trpanj, and from here we will take the bus to Orebic and then the ferry to Korcula. This shortens the time spent on the bus travelling from Drvenik to Orebic and makes the journey a bit more fun and picturesque. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)
Day 4 Free day in Lumbarda; optional visit (with bikes) to picturesque island of Mljet
Today we have a free day to relax in Lumbarda, go for a swim off the sandy beach on Przina or explore the charming town of Korcula at your own pace. There is an optional visit (with bikes) to the picturesque island of Mijet. Those choosing to explore Mljet and its national park will take a boat ride to Pomena, which is also the entrance for the Mljet National Park. Here you can enjoy a scenic short ride around the two lakes. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)
Day 5 Scenic ride on forested island of Korcula, from Vela Luka to Korcula town and on to Lumbarda
After breakfast, we begin our circular ride on the forested island of Korcula. We start with a transfer to Vela Luka and from here we ride to the pretty village Brna near Smokvica before transferring to Pupnat for lunch. From here we get back on the bikes and cycle all the way back to Lumbarda after a great exploration of the island. Today is a busy day and there are some hills, but we will use the support vehicle where necessary. Accommodation: Hotel Borik (or similar)
Day 6 Ride through the vineyards of Peljesac Peninsula towards the mainland; transfer to Dubrovnik
After a ferry ride (approximately 20 minutes) to the Peljesac Peninsula, we follow this narrow and rugged finger of land. The route passes through olive groves, quiet villages, and vineyards hugging steep slopes that descend to the clear waters of the Adriatic. We complete our ride along an easy unpaved track to the tiny cove at Zuljana. From here the traffic levels increase so we take our support vehicle to Dubrovnik. En route, there is a short stop at the small historic settlement of Ston, a fortified town with Dubrovnik-style architecture. We should arrive in Dubrovnik in the late afternoon. We spend two nights in a hotel that’s a 10-minute public bus ride from the old town. This evening, we have a guided tour of Dubrovnik Old Town. Accommodation: Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Day 7 Free day to explore Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik exudes old-world charm. Right on the Adriatic, it has fine religious buildings surrounded by heavily fortified walls and a jumble of red-tiled roofs. The shelling of Dubrovnik by Serb troops in 1991 and 1992 outraged the world. Fortunately, over the last 15 years, great care has been taken to rebuild the damaged parts of Dubrovnik and the city has now returned to its former glory. The old town, or Stari Grad, is filled with cobblestone streets, fountains, churches, palaces and museums — all built from the same light-coloured stone. There are no motor vehicles in the quiet city, but at night the streets come alive as people take an early evening stroll along the Stradun, the main street, which is covered in smooth shiny marble. Dubrovnik is beloved for its fine seafood, so what better way to end our Croatian experience than splashing out on a feast of freshly grilled fish within Dubrovnik's city walls? Accommodation: Hotel Vis/Hotel Komodor (or similar)
Day 8 End Dubrovnik
Enjoy your final breakfast of the trip this morning; an excellent chance to reminisce about the many adventures you’ve just enjoyed. If you’ve still got a little appetite for adventure, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Dubrovnik. Or if you’re ready to put up your feet, now’s the time to start your journey home.
Day 1 UK - Athens
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Athens. On arrival, you are met by Voyages to Antiquity representatives and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 Athens
Athens has been influenced by many, and has itself influenced the world. Choose to visit the Acropolis, the 5th century BC site dominated by the Parthenon; or visit Illissia Mansion, home to the Byzantine and Christian Museum which holds the world’s largest collection of icons, and then the Byzantine Monastery of Kaisariani with its fine frescoes and elegant gardens.
Day 3 Athens - Piraeus
Today we explore the scenic Argolis Peninsula in the eastern Peloponnesus and visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Epidaurus, a pure masterpiece of Greek architecture and Mycenae, one of the great cities of the Mycenaean civilisation. This full-day excursion also features a cruise of the Corinth Canal and a traditional lunch in a Greek restaurant. This afternoon we embark Aegean Odyssey (4T) in Piraeus.
Day 4 Gythion
We spend the morning in Gythion with a choice of two excursions; on the first you’ll discover a glorious array of Byzantine monuments in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Mystras, then a drive to the peak of the city for views of Sparta, before descending to explore the lower town on foot. Or, sail into Diros Cave on a small fishing boat and explore the narrow passageways of this prehistoric dwelling place. Ship to shore tender service.
Day 5 Katakolon
Katakolon is a small fishing village approximately an hour for the mystical site of Ancient Olympia, sacred ground to the people of the Peloponnese Peninsula as early as the 10th century BC. After your exploration of the famous grounds, visit the archaeological museum - among the great finds of the area that are displayed here, are the Head of Hera and ornaments from the Temple of Zeus, and the helmet of Miltiades, the Athenian general during Athens' 'Golden Age'.
Day 6 Itea
Choose to explore Ancient Delphi, responsible for founding one of the earliest rivals of the Olympics - the Pythian Games. Today the stadium is the best preserved ancient arena in the world, but some other buildings have had to be restored, including the Treasury of Athens and the Altar of the Chians. Alternatively you can opt to take a short journey from Itea to the monastery of Osios Loukas, on the slopes of Mount Helicon.
Day 7 Corfu
We spend this morning in Corfu with a choice of two excursions; on the first you’ll discover the very essence of Byzantine Corfu beginning with time in the historic Campielo quarter’s Byzantine Museum, then a short walk through Corfu Town. Your second choice is a visit to the Achilleion Palace; built in 1890 by the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, to be her summer palace.
Day 8 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Arrive in the UNESCO-protected walled city of Dubrovnik, where many bell towers, copper domes and the 10th century wall dominate the landscape. Join a sightseeing walking tour of this powerful city founded in the 7th century; despite a disastrous earthquake in 1667, many of the city’s stunning Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance churches, palaces, monasteries and exquisite fountains still remain in good shape. Following the tour there will be free time to explore the nooks and crannies of the Old Town. Ship to shore tender service.
Day 9 Brindisi (Lecce), Italy
Lecce is a city of ancient ruins, grand Baroque churches and elegant palaces. Today, we join a guided tour including the grand Santa Croce Basilica; the city’s magnificent amphitheatre dating back to the 1st century and the Piazza Duomo or visit Alberobello a small town in Puglia known for its trulli houses.
Day 10 Catania, Sicily
Join a walking tour of Taormina featuring the Palazzo Corvaia and a visit to the Ancient Greek Theatre, the second largest of its kind in Sicily. There will be time to stroll along the Corso Umberto, the main street of Taormina, into some of the smaller lanes and alleyways, before a short sightseeing drive through Via Etnea, Villa Bellini, Piazza Stesicoro and Piazza Duomo. Or, choose to explore the ancient ruins of Syracuse, which will also allow you to have time to stroll the Corso Umberto. Ship to shore tender service.
Day 11-12 Sorrento (overnight)
On day 11, you have a choice of two tours: Pompeii or Herculaneum. Choose to be guided expertly through the spectacular site of Pompeii and visit the aristocratic mansions, temples, theatres, markets and large forum. At every turn, inscriptions bring the hustle and bustle of this ancient city to life. Or, a scenic drive takes you to Herculaneum which was engulfed by volcanic mud in the same eruption that claimed Pompeii. Fortunately for us, this mud sealed and protected entire buildings and today inlaid marble floors, paintings, mosaics and carbonised woods can all be seen. Both tours allow you to have free time in central Sorrento, where the ship will be docked overnight and day 12 is at leisure to explore further. Ship to shore tender service.
Day 13 Civitavecchia - Rome
This morning we disembark in Civitavecchia and make our way to our hotel in Rome, where we stay for two nights.
Day 14 Rome
Italy’s vibrant capital is one of the world’s most inspiring cities with historic art, endless ruins, and outstanding monuments; and is a perfect way to end your trip. Choose from a selection of excursions including a visit to the stunning archaeological site of Ostia Antica. Or, discover one of the most iconic representations of the ancient Roman world, the extraordinary Colosseum, which at its peak was capable of holding 65,000 viewers. An optional afternoon visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is also available.
Day 15 Rome - UK
We transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
