Great Explorations CROATIA. Cycling 7 Days

Transcription

1 Great Explorations CROATIA Cycling 7 Days

2 5 UL. PETRA HEKTOROVICA LAPADSKA OBALA VUKOVARSKA UL. VUKOVARSKA UL. UL. IVA VOJNIVICA a visit. 4 ambience is playful and casual, the E info@greatexplorations.com W UL. BRUNA BUSICA dubrovnik Lokanda-Peskarija konoba ribar Gil s hilton imperial hotel Lapad Café bar buza Dubrovnik Great Explorations Croatia 2 CROATIA Close your eyes and picture yourself draped lazily on a beach towel, the warm breeze carrying the songs of swirling birds and the gentle laps of water, you try to figure out the cries of fishermen hauling in their catch while you re digging holes with your feet into the sand to reach the cooler under layer. It s Tuesday. Welcome to the Dalmatian Coast, where everything feels like a wanton luxury. This alternate trip begins in spoiled Split, a cultural Mecca of Croatia full of flare, ambience and romance. After exploring Split we cruise between various islands of the Dalmatian Coast enjoying their dramatic karst rock outcrops, secluded coves, prime beaches, culinary wealth and fresh water springs. The high water quality of the Adriatic makes it an inviting destination with excellent swimming opportunities as well as regular nautical races and tourism. You might even get to see an olm, the only known aquatic cave vertebrate. As far as we can tell Croatia has all the essential elements for a perfect cycling vacation; quiet roads, breathtaking scenery, an abundance of historical sites and now, wonderful hotels and restaurants into which we encourage you sink your cultureseeking teeth. Trip Dates Please note this is an alternative to our regular trip, based on participants number. Custom trips available and can start any date. Call or for details. Activity Level Moderate Cycling average 50k/30miles Cost USD $2,650 Single supplement USD $660 Bike Rental USD $180 Dubrovnik Extension Option USD $495 Temperature in Split, Croatia (Avg. Daily High) C F May June July August September October What s Included? Six nights lodging All breakfasts, two lunches, all dinners but one Detailed map and route instructions Full-time English-speaking guide All baggage transportation Private guide in Hvar for the historical walking tour Private boat transfer City Guide: Dubrovnik (for extension) GORNJI KONO Recommended UL. JOSIPA KOSORA First Impressions Last 0900 Breakfast at Stradun Stradun, Dubrovnik s polishedlimestone pedestrian walkway lined with open-air cafés and designer shops, is an ideal spot for resting your jet-lagged mind and a spot of people watching. It s also a great place to fortify yourself with an espresso and rozata for your exploration of this magical city Up, Up and Away! Dubrovnik s cable car has reopened after a 19-year hiatus and thank goodness for that! It offers the most supreme views and the best perspective on the city, here you get a feel of its layout and get your bearings. In a speedy four minutes you re whisked up Mt. Srd s 405 meters, high above the terracotta tiles of the city Mea Culpa! The Lokanda-Peskarija is a popular seafood restaurant for good reason, UL. DR. VLADKA MACEKA UL. KNEZA BRANIMIRA UL. OD MONTOVJERNE UL. DR. ANTE STARCEVICA HOTELS UL. ANDRIJE HEBRANGA Karmen Apartments UL. PERA BAKICA Bandureva This complex of private apartments close to the old town offers four artfully outfitted units with a touch of the Bohemian, in a great location. Rates range from ć55-ć155 per night. Hotel Bellevue Pera Cingrije despite its over-the-top sailing motifs. But given its location in the harbour, we ll forgive them for continuing with the obvious theme. It s renowned for its octopus salad and cuttlefish risotto. Na Ponti, , open 8am-midnight This luxury hotel was carved into a sea-facing cliff, for a peacefully secluded refuge. Featuring two restaurants, a spa, fitness center and a private stretch of beach, Bellevue starts at about ć280 euros for a double with a sea view Seriously Old Pharmacy After some 700 years in business, you d expect a little dust on the shelves, but not in here. Down a narrow passageway between a rock and hard place you ll find the aptly named Old Pharmacy. Many of the containers and poisons you see date from the 15th Century. The Franciscan Monastery next door is also worth Pucić Palace JADRANSKA CESTA city guide Dubrovnik in 48 hours UL. BRANITELJA DUBROVNIKA UL. ANICE BOSKOVIC Gundulić Square This glorious hotel, a former nobleman s home, is surrounded by key cultural and historical monuments, countless restaurants and lively squares of Dubrovnik s Old Town. It s one of only two hotels in the Old Town s Medieval wall. Apart from its luxurious ambiance and stellar service it offers three restaurants, an exclusive beach club and an excellent peoplewatching raised terrace. Prices range based on room selection, please check the website for offers. You can Like many ancient buildings in Dubrovnik, the original Franciscan Monastery, built in 1317, was destroyed in the 1667 earthquake. One of the few original features that survived E info@greatexplorations.com W - ZAGREBACKA AL. UL expect to pay a premium to stay here, typical prices start around ć230 per night, double occupancy. Hotel Splendid Masarykov put 10 Lapad This resort is located close to Lapad Beach on Dubrovnik s waterfront just outside the city, at the foot of Petka Mountain. Enjoy a private retreat away from the bustle of town, but with easy access by bus or taxi. Average rate per night is ć60, double occupancy. Hotel Stari Grad Od Sigurate 4, Old Town A beautiful and well-appointed small hotel offers only eight rooms, it s one of only two hotels within the walls of the city. Prices range based on the type of room you book, but doubles start from ć150 per night. In the summer months you ll enjoy your breakfast on the rooftop terrace, enjoying the superb city view. RESTAURAnTS nishta the disaster is the south door and its magnificent carved pietà, from Inside the building you ll find a mid- 14th Century cloister, one of the most beautiful late-romanesque structures in Dalmatia, and an impressive library containing ancient writings, music manuscripts and gold and silver artifacts from Dubrovnik s long history. Stradun Dubrovnik This is Dubrovnik s answer to chic and contemporary dining. Set within the great walls of the city and overlooking the port it boasts stunning views and a stylish atmosphere. Enjoy an unusual mix of regional and imaginative cuisine, a stylish lounge bar and extraordinary wine cellar. Svetog Dominika bb Prijeko This small, purple-hued restaurant on the tourist-clogged Prijeko Street serves only vegetarian dishes with vegan and gluten-free options. The food is inventive and tasty. They re closed on Sundays. Rozariji 4 Zladarska/Prijeko This great restaurant is known among the locals for its traditional preparations of seafood, such as buzzara. It sits on a corner within the tourist-trap of the city, but seek it out because this place has managed to set itself apart from that busy world. The white shrimp risotto has the locals buzzing, so, when in Rome... Pizzeria Baracuda Bozidareviceva Heading down a narrow side street might bring you to this little gem, a pizzeria with a quaint courtyard. Its super thin pizza crust sets it apart from the rest and you ll soon realize the awkward tight space of the restaurant is worth it. Steak House Domino Ulica Od Domina If steak is your thing then Domino is your place. Just off the lovely Stradun with a welcoming terrace for al fresco dining, this restaurant specializes in grilling steaks and offers generous portions. The grilled calamari with blitva come highly recommended.

3 Great Explorations Croatia 3 ITINERARY Day 1 Split Our tour begins in the historical city of Split, boasting a Roman palace in its center and a labyrinth of cobblestone streets filled with bijou cafés and bustling restaurants. You can check in after 2pm, if you d like to check in early and explore this city a bit more beforehand we offer a two-day Split extension. Today we meet at 4pm for a walking tour of Split, then at 7pm for a welcome dinner. Day 2 Brač After a leisurely breakfast we ll enjoy a walking tour of Split then catch the 11am ferry to Brač, for your bike fitting and lunch. Brač is the largest of the central Dalmatian group of islands and dominated by contrasting rocky limestone coasts and low sandy beaches. We cycle along beautiful roads to Bol where you ll have a chance to bask on the golden, pebbly beaches of the unmistakable Golden Cape. This sandy isosceles jutting out into the crystalline, blue waters of the Adriatic is one of the most beautiful and most visited beaches in the world. Cycling distance: 39km/23miles Day 3 Postira, Brač Today s rides take you on a looped route through the island s oldest settlement, Pucisca. Set against the startling turquoise bay the creamy-white locally quarried stone makes this beautiful town a Mediterranean paradise. Famous for its olive oil, vine and fig production, it s awash with culinary delights. Our hotel for tonight is the glorious Elaphusa in Bol. The town of Bol is one of the most visited in the Dalmatia region and recipient of many tourism awards. Cycling distance: 48-83km/29-50miles Day 4 Brač to Hvar Today we cross over to the Queen of the Dalamtian Islands, Hvar, by private boat to charming village of Jelsa where we start cycling to the town of Hvar. This majestic town has been compared to Cannes, for its yacht-lined harbor and well-preserved Venetian buildings. The hilltop castle and Europe s oldest theatre make for a fairytale town. Your accommodation here, the Podstine Hotel, is one of Hvar s best, with a private beach, swimming pool, and excellent restaurant. Cycling distance: 27km/16miles Day 5 Hvar From Hvar town we suggest a looped ride to Stari Grad, Jelsa and Vrboska. Located in the centre of the island and snuggled between the two highest mountains on Hvar, Jelsa has a dramatic air laden with history and romance. Stari Grad is rich in archaeological sites dating back to pre-history and classical eras and the fishing town of Vrboska is a UNESCO protected world heritage site. For dinner, there is an option for a cooking course with a local chef in a private house; this opportunity is not included in the cost of your tour. Cycling distance: 40-61km/24-37miles Day 6 Historic Hvar On the menu today is a morning walk with a knowledgeable guide who can tell you everything you never knew you didn t know about this town! Roam its cobbled alleys, visit its monuments, soak up the ambiance of its piazzas and linger on its cafe patios. Afternoon options include a coastal ride to Milna, a short boat ride to the Pakleni Islands, kayaking along the coast, hike up to the Venetian citadel or relax and enjoy the comforts of your hotel. You have numerous opportunities for an array of activities today, these extra activities are not included in the tour cost. Cycling distance: Options Day 7 Departure Day Without a doubt you ll leave Croatia wanting more, so for now it s doviđenja, instead of goodbye. Ferry times for your departure today are 7:45am and 11:30am and the crossing takes an hour and 45 minutes.

4 Great Explorations Croatia 4 HOTELS Le Meridien Lav Located 6 kilometers outside Split, this hotel features a high-end spa, large infinity swimming pool, a private, unique beachfront and panoramic views to write home about. Hotel Elaphusa Bol Renovated in 2006, this 4-star hotel is located in a pine forest along a walking promenade midway between Bol and Zlatni Rat, Croatia s most beautiful beach. The hotel s spa, outdoor pools and other amenities make it a favorite getaway location. The vibrant town of Bol is approximately a 10-minutes walk along a seaside path and has many excellent restaurants. Hotel Podstine Hvar This peaceful, seaside 4-star hotel boasts outstanding views, terraced gardens and decks leading down to the sea and a glorious private beach. Situated in an arboretum full of palm and citrus trees and centenary pines, you can relax in the excellent spa, dine on regional specialties in the contemporary restaurant and enjoy a cocktail overlooking the sea. Hotel Podstine Le Meridien Hotel Elaphusa

5 Great Explorations Croatia 5 OUR GUIDES Our guests tell us time and time again that our guides are what set us apart from other companies. Caring, knowledgeable, athletic, articulate and fun-loving, each one is a natural leader Here at Great Explorations, we are tremendously proud of our guides. A diverse group of passionate and charismatic professionals, they have the local know-how and expertise to make your vacation incredibly rewarding. Whether it s fitting your bike, arranging a one-ofa-kind activity or being your personal interpreter, our guides wear many hats with ease. They are intimately familiar with their travel regions, having either lived or traveled there extensively. Comfortable speaking the local language and knowing all of the off-the-beaten track secrets, our guides ensure you ll have the journey of a lifetime. Our website features detailed bios on some of the more than sixty guides who lead trips for us worldwide. Ready to reserve? Call or Travel Advisor with any remaining questions and to reserve your space Reserve your flights to and from the region Book your night before hotel, if necessary Consider travel insurance Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at OUR BICYCLES The majority of our bicycle fleet are Cannondale bikes; Cannondale is the premier bicycle manufacturer in North America and Europe. You can choose between hybrid or racing (dropped handlebar) style bikes. Our Croatia bike fleet includes Twinroad Sport 2010 hybrid bikes with Shimano Alivio components Our Cannondale racing bikes are CAAD 8 aluminum frames with components as follows: Components: Shimano Tiagra Crank (triple): 30/39/50 Cassette: SRAM PG-950, Hybrid bikes come with handlebar bag and rear rack. Racing bikes come with map case, and rear rack.

6 Great Explorations Croatia 6 BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA SPLIT START ŠOLTA ISLAND Supetar Postira ADRIATIC SEA HVAR FINISH Bol BRAČ ISLAND Stari Grad Jelsa HVAR ISLAND PAKLENI ISLANDS DUBROVNIK DUBROVNIK HOW TO GET THERE The tour starts and finishes in Split, the major city on the Adriatic Coast. Split has an international airport with frequent flights leaving from the capital Zagreb, as well as from other European capitals. BON APPETIT Croatians have a saying A guest will not know what fasting means and how true that is! Croatia is full of culinary inspiration, opportunity and tradition; you ll never experience a hungry moment on this trip. There are two notable cuisines of Croatia; the Slavic-influenced mainland cuisine and the Mediterranean-infused coastal traditions. Charcuterie is a long tradition spanning all regions of the country so be sure to sample some. The island of Hvar is a well-regarded winemaking area producing rich reds and excellent white dessert wines. It s a good thing you ll have three days to adequately sample these particular offerings! Fritule is a traditional pastry of Dalmatia and a good way to start off a morning of cycling. All along the coast you ll be treated to excellent seafood but we recommend trying the brudet and fried red mullets for an authentic Croatian culinary experience. DID YOU KNOW? We owe the modern necktie to 17th Century Croatian soldiers, serving in the Thirty Years War, who wore cravats arousing the attention of the fashion-conscious Parisians. Thus a trend was born. The US President s home, The White House, was built of Croatian stone from the island of Brač. The Dalmatian breed of dog is said you have originated in Dalmatia. Maybe its spotty coat reminded residents of the spotty archipelago of the Dalmatian Coast.

7 Great Explorations Croatia 7 ACCOLADES Just wanted to pass along how much Glen and I enjoyed our bike trip in Croatia. It was outstanding - the locations, the hotels, but especially your contacts. We were well taken care of and everything went smoothly. The bike routes were challenging, but very enjoyable and allowed us to truly see the countryside. We absolutely loved it and look forward to our next bike excursion. G. Grossmith - Mississauga, ON For additional testimonials, please visit