You're surrounded. Sapphire waters to your left. Exquisite Renaissance façades on your right. Centuries-old cobblestones beneath your feet. Sun-drenched islands on the horizon. The fragrance of lavender and sweet mandarin oranges wafting from an outdoor market. A scenic morning ride, a swim at midday and an impossibly fresh seafood dinner. It's your new routine. How do you like it?
Day 1 Dive into the rich history and culture of Croatia's reborn Dalmatian Coast
From bustling Split, home to Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, sail by private boat to Brac Island Old olive groves, crumbling walls and white woolly sheep line a coastal - and hilly! - bike ride to Pucisca, a quiet fishing village.
Days 2-3 Hang out on untouched Adriatic beaches where the swimming is incredible
Enjoy a boat ride (and possibly take a dive off the upper deck!) before exploring the island of Hvar on a coastal hike Check out Croatia's most impressive collection of Venetian Renaissance architecture in Hvar Town Spin past ancient stone terraces topped by tiny plots of veggies, grapevines, fig trees and lavender en route to Stari Grad.
Day 4 Explore ancient island towns where sentries once kept watch for pirates
Kayak the coves of the Pakleni islets, stopping to snorkel, swim and kick back on a tranquil beach It's a relaxing boat trip to Korcula Island - a great time for reading or siesta-ing!
Days 5-6 Stroll 82 feet above dazzling Dubrovnik
during a guided walk on the city's defensive stone walls Awesome island views keep you pedaling along Korcula's hills past quaint villages, vineyards and almond groves Need a break? Pull over at a family winery to sample sweet white wine The medieval town of Korcula, a treasure trove of stone palaces and arched bridges, is a fun place to discover.
Trip Highlights
- Experience the reborn Dalmatian Coast by bike, foot and kayak
- Croatia's fascinating history and culture
- Island-hop along the sunny Adriatic and splash in hidden coves
- The freshest seafood and local cuisine
- The exquisite World Heritage site of Dubrovnik
Casual Inns
Deskovic Palace (1 night): Set on the waterfront, a welcoming Renaissance family palace and registered cultural monument dating from 1497.
Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort (2 nights): Set against an idyllic bay and surrounded by thick pines. (pool)
Hotel Korkyra (1 night): Overlooking the port and recently renovated with a sleek contemporary design, it's Korcula Island's best option. (pool, spa)
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik (1 night): Located just outside the old town gates with plentiful amenities and a history of entertaining dignitaries and celebrities. (pool)
Routes 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.
| Daily Route Options | |||||||||||
| Day | Activity | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | |||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | ||
| 1 | Biking | 14* | 700 | 28 | 1600 | ||||||
| Other | Boat to Brac Island (1 hour) | ||||||||||
| 2 | Walking | 3.0* | 100 | 7.0 | 200 | ||||||
| Other | Boat to Hvar Island (2.5 hours) | ||||||||||
| 3 | Biking | 15* | 400 | 21* | 400 | 38 | 2700 | ||||
| Biking | 26* | 1400 | |||||||||
| 4 | Kayaking | Around Hvar Island (2 hours) | |||||||||
| Other | Boat to Korcula Island (2 - 3 hours) | ||||||||||
| 5 | Biking | 8* | 300 | 17 | 1100 | ||||||
| Other | Boat and shuttle to Dubrovnik (2.5 hours) | ||||||||||
| 6 | Other | Guided walk in Dubrovnik (45 minutes) | |||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
FAMILY TRIPS
- 6/23-28 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/25-30 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/30-7/5 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/2-7 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/7-12 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/16-21 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/23-28 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/30-8/4 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/4-9 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/6-11 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/11-16 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/13-18 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/20-25 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $790 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Recommended Kids Ages
Minimum Ages:
- Recommended minimum age for the trip: 9 years
- Minimum age restriction to ride own bike: 9 years
- No Burleys or Piccolos available on this trip
General Info on Minimum Ages:
We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips, designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum ages based on the following criteria:- 12+ amount of cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities, routes
- 9+ difficulty of activities/activity age restrictions, routes
- 6+ several longer dinners; routes are difficult for pulling a Burley and therefore not appropriate for younger children; difficulty of activities/activity age restrictions
Guest Trip Reviews
Of the four absolutely awesome Backroads trips I've taken, this has been the best. Croatia is heavenly and the Bozidar experience was what made it for my family. Diving off the boat into the Adriatic was spectacular, and Stipe and crew were fabulous--what great food and kindness!- Sunnyvale, CA
Best vacation ever! Great guides; beautiful places; interesting culture and fun, fun, fun! Thank you!- Berkeley, CA
The Dalmatian Coast was gorgeous, the Croatian Riviera. I don't think most people realize that it's so tropical and a sailor's delight. The people are very friendly and helpful, and English was spoken everywhere we went. Dubrovnik is a very unique and fascinating city. I would highly recommend this trip to everyone. As usual we put our faith in Backroads in traveling to an exotic location and were not disappointed.- Billings, MT