
Dalmatian Coast Biking
Join us to experience the unspoiled beauty and unique seduction of Croatia. Traveling on our private boat each day, we sail between islands, enjoying the brilliant Adriatic waters, historic treasures and inviting Mediterranean climate. Meet in Dubrovnik, one of the world's most spectacular fortified cities. Boat to the untamed island oasis of Mljet, blanketed by dense forests and edged with hidden limestone coves. Discover verdant Korcula, an isle draped in pine, cypress and oak. Sail on to the sun-soaked island paradise of Hvar, accented with vineyard-covered hills, fragrant lavender fields and friendly coastal villages. Visit the isle of Brac, renowned for its milky-white marble, before returning to the mainland.
Day 1 Mljet National Park
Meet in the World Heritage site of Dubrovnik and set sail on our private boat for the island of Mljet
Warm up your legs on a panoramic and hilly ride through the green and unspoiled Mljet National Park, noteworthy for its two 10,000-year-old inlets.
Day 2 Brna
Sail to the isle of Korcula
Explore the walled medieval town of Korcula, the island's elegant centerpiece (and one of several reputed birthplaces of Marco Polo)
Pedal a hilly route around the island, lush with vineyards, olive groves and forests
Visit a winery and taste local varietals.
Days 3-4 Hvar Town
Start the day with a beautiful coastal ride
Sail to sunny Hvar, a chic Adriatic island where the average "sun fall" is 2,724 hours per year
Bike in a dramatic landscape of jagged limestone cliffs and undulating fields of rosemary and lavender
Stop for a swim at one of the island's many quiet beaches
Round out the day with a sunset stroll along the Hvar Town harbor and a tasty local meal.
Days 5-7 Pucisca
Embark on a scenic cruise to the island of Brac, renowned since Greek times for its milky-white marble - used in the construction of the White House
Say your goodbyes in Split, home to the famous Roman Diocletian Palace, another World Heritage site.
DALMATIAN CHARM: Casual Inns
Hotel Odisej (1 night): A quiet and simple national park hotel.
Hotel Feral (1 night): Located in a tranquil cove overlooking the sea and featuring an open-air pool.
Hotel Podstine (2 nights): This beautifully restored and romantic hotel is surrounded by palms, pines and citrus trees, and offers a private beach and tennis courts.
Deskovic Palace Hotel (2 nights): This Renaissance family palace has been transformed into a four-star hotel, decorated with exquisite antiques.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 2
1 Route Option Available
- 19 miles
- 2000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 3 to 5
2 Route Options Available
- 29, 41 miles
- 2000 - 3500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3
2 Route Options Available
- 16, 24 miles
- 1000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 5
4 Route Options Available
- 14, 18, 26, 40 miles
- 500 - 4000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 3
1 Route Option Available
- 32 miles
- 2000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 2 to 4
5 Route Options Available
- 18, 23, 27, 31, 32 miles
- 1000 - 5500 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Conclusion of Trip
Please note: The levels of difficulty shown for these routes take into account elevation gain.
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/9-15Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
- 5/18-24Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
- 5/27-6/2Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/5-11Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/31-9/6Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/18-24Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/4-10Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/13-19Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
Your Staff on the trip was terrific and the routes selected provided some of the most beautiful vistas I have ever experienced. The bikes were sturdy and reliable. I had great confidence in them, which was important as we had so many very fast down hills.- Belvedere, CA

Another fabulous Backroads vacation!! I loved sailing from island to the next and then bicycling each day. I enjoyed the challenging biking with lovely scenery.-Denver, CO

The Croatia trip was wonderful! We loved the scenery. The poppy flowers and olive trees made for dramatic scenery over the cliffs with the panoramic views over the Adriatic. It was the most breathtaking scenery I have ever witnessed. It was so nice to be on a vacation where you do not have to worry about travel arrangements or timing. Having our personal boat made the trip worry free. It was very well organized. You could never pull something like this off by yourself. Backroads really shined in this trip.- Charlotte, NC

This trip exceeded all my expectations!!! The logistics of moving people and equipment from site to site appeared to happen seamlessly. The trip leaders were very informed and flexible. I cannot say enough good things about the trip leaders and Backroads!- Frankfort, IN

I had high expectations going into this trip, so I was prepared to be a little underwhelmed. In fact, the opposite was true. It far exceeded my expectations. Everything was so well organized, having the chartered boat was a big surprise, and the islands were incredibly beautiful. It was just incredibly fun. I hesitate to say this, but I think it was the best vacation we have ever gone on.- Salt Lake City, UT

You've heard talk about the new romance travelers are having with Croatia and the dramatic Dalmatian Coast? Well, come with us on our new biking journey and find out what all the fuss is about. Island hop from Mljet to Hvar, biking the rolling pine-clad hills, exploring medieval towns and breathing in the lavender-scented Mediterranean breezes. Our casual accommodations have enviable locations with spectacular views of the Adriaticwhat more could you ask for?- Regional Manager, Europe

This was my first Backroads trip and it did not disappoint! Thanks for a fabulous vacation in magical Croatia. Great itinerary... loved the opportunity to experience the country with personal touches from the locals, amazing scenery and epic bike rides. I am sad to be back home :(- Littleton, CO

Croatia is a fabulous place. The cycling was beautiful. Our yacht was incredibly luxurious and comfortable and a real treat. It's a great idea to cycle and sail on the same day. The leaders were top notch and lots of fun. We had a great time.- San Francisco, CA

This was one of the best trips if not the best I have ever taken. Croatia was so beautiful and the routes were great.- Lone Tree, CO

It exceeded my expectations... The leaders, hotels, restaurants/food, yacht elements (and captain) vistas and daily schedules were all extraordinary. I have been raving about it to everyone who will listen.- New York, NY

Just awesome - I was so struck by the views - so breathtaking, unreal. The boat added so much to the trip. I love the water and having the boat was just great and really made the trip for me - and the swim stops we made. Nice weather, super crew and great views! Oakhurst, NJ

Even though this was one of the most challenging trips we have taken with you we loved it! The leaders were the best, the scenery was spectacular and we liked how the trip was set up with the boat and biking.- Edwards, CO

We spent a month in Croatia including the Backroads trip and a trip of Istria with one of your competitors. Your trip was superior. The logistics of your trip were quite challenging and the three guides really made it seamless. The bike routes were very enjoyable and had minimal traffic. The boat was excellent and the crew on the boat was very accommodating.- Boston, MA

Having taken 15 trips with Backroads now, I would say this trip overall ranks in our top three. A good balance of riding and other activities, and the boat time was wonderful. The Dalmatian coast combines old world charm with sunshine and water making for a near perfect mix.- Denver, CO
