Croatia – Dalmatia Raid – Bike & Boat
Riding Days
7
Number of Nights
7
Total Distance
650km
Total Climbing
12,500 metres
Difficulty
3/5
At a Glance
A week of magical rides, riding on small quiet roads across magical islands, hopping from one to next. You'll spend a week biking and boating across the islands and mainland of the Dalmatia region.
To spend time in uninhabited bays of the Croatian Adriatic is to experience the beauty the islands and the coast offer. Anchor the boat in the places where thousands of years ago Illyrian ships and Roman galleys used to tie their boats and enjoy the clean waters in one of the rare corners of the Mediterranean still untouched by civilisation.
In AD 305, the world’s most powerful man, Emperor Diocletian, was faced with the decision on where to spend the rest of his days. Of all of the known world, he chose to build his home in the heart of the region of Dalmatia, setting the first stones in place for the future city of Split.
After passing through the islands of the Dalmatia you'll arrive at the pearl of the Adriatic for your final night in the spectacular walled city of Dubrovnik. With fleet of ships which rivalled that of Venice, Dubrovnik has been a great sea faring force. It had to protect itself fiercely during the middle ages. those thick stone walls forming part of striking architecture of this city. Stroll through the stone streets which have been polished smooth from hundred of years of passing feet and enjoy the last evening in Croatia.
Tour Highlights
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Asphalt
- Ride the beautiful islands of the Dalmatia coast
- Travel from Split to Dubrovnik by bike and boat
- Anchor and sleep in secluded bays to wake up to crystal blue water
- Experience the lavender fields, vineyards and quiet roads of the islands
- Travel back through time where thousands of years of history unfold before you
Book Tour
Overview
Route Overview
Your journey will start in the ancient town of Split which dates back to Roman times. A short ride on the mainland will give way to a week of island hopping. You’ll jump from island to island, taking in the largest of the Dalmatia islands of Brač, Hvar, Korčula and Mljet. Your skipper of the La Gatta Catamaran will decide where you moor for the evening and you’ll likely take the small ‘tender’ into the land to meet the La Fuga support vehicle each day. Your bikes will be ready for you on land and after a quick ‘espresso’ you’ll be ready for the ride.
After each ride, the support vehicle will take your bike and address any issues before the next ride. You’ll return after each ride to ‘La Gatta’ where you will be able to relax, enjoy the secluded bays and swim in the clear blue waters.
The route we will take will be from one island to the next, steadily moving down the Dalmatia coast towards Dubrovnik. Your first island will be Brač for one of the longest rides of the week. An out and back ride of the popular island of Hvar is followed before the beautiful island of Korčula, which lays claim as the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. The next ride takes you to the peninsular of Pelješac which resembles an island but is actually attached to the mainland. Mljet is your connection before landing on the mainland proper. The island is mainly formed of a national park with two spectacular lands surrounded by thick Mediterranean vegetation provides a piece of tranquillity before heading back to the hustle-bustle of Dubrovnik.
Details
What's Included
- Accommodation on board La Gatta
- Full ride support with on bike guide and support vehicle
- Mechanical support putting bikes together etc if using your own bikes
- 2 La Fuga staff - 1 ride guide and 1 support driver/mechanic
- Nutritional support with bottles, bars, gels and energy drinks as well as fruits and dried fruits
- Airport transfers
What's not Included
- Flights and transportation to Croatia
- Incidental expenses associated with the biking component
- Restaurants and incremental boat expenses
- Bike Rental option available during the checkout
Itinerary
Overnight location – Split Harbour
You will be collected by your La Fuga guide from Split airport and taken to your vessel moored in Split harbour. You’ll bike will be put together ready for the journey ahead and you’ll have enough time to relax and enjoy the beautiful town of Split ahead of dinner on board.
Overnight location – Brač
You’ll take a short ride across the bay to start your ride. You’ll avoid the busy area around Split and start riding along the flat before heading inland to tackle the steady climb of Malacka. You’ll be afforded views back down of the bay of Split and a chance to take in some refreshments before an undulating ride back to the coast. You’ll cross over to the island Čiovo using the bridge before a well-deserved drink at the village of Slatine waiting for a lift back to the boat.
You’ll stay overnight in Brač ready for the following day’s ride.
N.B. There is the possibly of cutting distance and climbing should group wish to take an easier ride.


Overnight location – Hvar
Waking up on the island of Brač you’ll have a relaxing breakfast on board La Gatta before setting foot on land ready for a ride. Brač is the highest island in the Dalmatia and one of the only islands which will provide us with a circular loop. You’ll find the island more understated than the more glitzy islands to come and it will allow you the opportunity to experience true Dalmatia especially as you approach the more hill interior regions of the island.
You’ll climb to the lofty height of almost 600 metres with the peak of the island not far away at 778 metres. The island is covered in olive groves due to a decree dating back to 1655 where Venice insisted the island was given over to olives. The particular type of olive tree is the ‘buhavica’ and is very uncommon. Be sure to taste the olive oil before you leave.
Your captain will set sail for Hvar island in anticipation for your next ride.
NB. It is possible to vary the distance and elevation according to group requirements.


Overnight location – Vela Luka, Korčula
You will see a different side of Croatia on Hvar. It is often referred to as Croatia’s ‘Saint Tropez’. If you want to find some lively areas then this is your islands. Taking a step back from Venetian influenced Hvar town and you will find a more relaxed pace of life. If you’re looking for a relaxed place to take in some swimming and enjoy the clear waters then the Pakleni Islands just off the coast of Hvar will provide the perfect place.
The beautiful island of Hvar would allow an out and back to explore the backbone of the island, it is in fact the longest island in the Adriatic at 68m and we’ll explore the entire length. It is undulating without being mountainous but accumulates metres of climbing all ride. The roads are quiet and beautiful and well paved.
Your skipper will set sail for Vela Luka for your overnight on the island of Korčula in anticipation for the next ride.
NB. Should you wish to cut the ride short it is possible to turn around early and reduce distance and climbing elevation.


Overnight location – Korčula town, Korčula
Korčula lays claim to the birthplace of Marco Polo. With the area being under Venetian rule at the time, the explorer is more popularly thought of as Venetian but the locals will claim him as one of theirs. The name of the island originates from the dense pine forests which look almost black, the Greeks referred to it as ‘Black Corfu’ or ‘Corcyra’. These forests are still seen today on the northern slopes but there are just as many vines which line the sunnier southernmost slopes. The island is known locally for its popular white wines of Posip and Grk.
You’ll start the ride on the western tip and make your way through the hilly interior to Korčula town, which is known as a ‘mini Dubrovnik’ due to its similar architecture of terracotta line roofs and walled towns. You’ll ride the whole length and finish in the town of Korčula where La Gatta awaits. Road quality is quality as good as Hvar but you’ll likely to see even less traffic.
Your skipper will moor the boat in Korčula or take the short journey across to Orebić if you prefer to be ready for tomorrow. The distance is very small and will take only 30 minutes or so to cross.
NB. Other route options are available to take a more direct route to Korčula and reduce distance and climbing.


Overnight location – Mljet
Depending on last nights location you may have a short hop to Orebić. The ride will take you to the western tip at Loviste before heading back to your start point. You’re actually on a peninsular of the mainland but it still feels like one of the narrow islands. You’ll find a peninsular decorated with vines, olives and forests and one which protects your previous islands from the northerly winds in the winter. The peninsular if much less devoted to tourism and sustains a vibrate agricultural economy,
You’ll experience some different landscapes in the centre of the island before heading along the coastal sections and the shimmering waters then arriving in Žuljana.
Your skipper will take you to Mljet island for your overnight mooring.
NB. It’s easy to cut a 20km section out of the ride containing one of the climbs of the day.


Overnight location – Dubrovnik
Mljet island is a protected national park and you will see a lot less tourism on this island. The island boasts thickly forested areas and two beautiful lakes to the northern part of the island.
This island has been well known since ancient times. The story goes that Odysseus, one of Homer’ heroes, lived in a cave on the island. Veliki grad (514 m), the cave is located on the highest mountain on the island.
The final island ride along Mljet takes you the whole length of the island but beware, there is hardly any flat in the short 66km ride.
NB. Your ride doubles back from the eastern tip to the village of Sobra. Should you wish to cut the ride short you can end in Sobra before journeying to the eastern tip.


The originally planned ride on the final day takes you from Dubrovnik to the border with Montenegro before heading back all the time with beautiful views over the shimmering Mediterranean below. It’s possible to do a shorter loop of 30km which will allow the group to get a flight around midday back to London.


Accommodation
LA GATTA features elegantly designed guest cabins. Each of these are fitted with an island bed, ample storage, and private bathroom. The spacious master suite features a hydraulic platform which opens to create a private “beach” giving direct sea access and a special spot to sunbathe.