DALMATIAN COAST BIKING CASUAL INNS

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1 BIKING DALMATIAN COAST CASUAL INNS 245 days of sunshine a year. Sapphire waters. Fresh squid. Whitewashed limestone villages. Ride in the morning, taking in the views of the Adriatic on the islands of Hvar, Brac and Korcula, then be a part of the view as you boat between isles. And end the day with a swim. Everyone should experience this. It s as relaxing as the Caribbean, as historic as Venice. Nowhere near as crowded as the French Riviera. People have traveled here for more than 140 years. And yet it still feels like, as the Croatians say, The Mediterranean as it once was. 15BDCQR1H (10/15/14)

2 NEVER SUBCONTRACTED We operate our own trips around the globe. That way we control the quality and we're fully responsible for your great experience. 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. You could never pull something like this off by yourself. Backroads really shined in this trip. Cristina DeKraay- Charlotte, NC Click HERE to read more guest reviews TWO SUPPORT VANS We provide two support vans on all of our trips* so you can count on us to be there when you need us, regardless of the route you take. THREE LEADERS Our trips have three leaders*, for an average 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio. Guests consistently score our leaders 9.7 out of 10, telling us they make all the difference. THOUGHTFUL TRIP DESIGN We know how to create exceptional travel experiences, ensuring that you get the most from every moment as your trip unfolds. MULTIPLE DAILY ROUTES Being able to choose among several expertly designed routes each day gives you the freedom to enjoy the best of a region at your own pace. WE CELEBRATE MIXED ABILITIES To accommodate varied activity levels, you need three leaders, two vans, multiple route options, detailed directions, a rating system showing if shuttles are required, and plenty of well-matched riding/hiking companions. *95% of Backroads guests travel with the support of two or more vans and three leaders. The remaining 5% are on trips with very few guests where only one van and two leaders are needed to maintain our high standards. Click HERE to learn more about the Backroads Quality Index 6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS Click HERE for departure dates and pricing details ROUTE RATING LEVELS 2 4 See below for details TO RESERVE YOUR TRIP Sign up online HERE or call 800-GO-ACTIVE ( ) or Open daily 6 a.m. 6 p.m. Pacific time

3 Day 1 On the first day of the trip, meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks in Backroads T-shirts) at 9 a.m. in the lobby of Cornaro Hotel (+385-(0) ), located at Sinjska 6 in Split, about a 10- minute walk from the ferry, bus and train terminals. (For more information on Cornaro Hotel, see Where to Stay Before & After Your Trip. ) You can either arrive dressed to ride or bring your bike clothes in a small daypack (along with your rain gear, bathing suit, jacket and anything else you may want for today s ride) and change on the private boat to Brac Island. We ll be having a late lunch today so fuel up on a hearty breakfast before we meet. Boat to Bobovisca, Brac Island 1½ Hours Biking Options: Bobovisca Route: 15 Miles* (800 elevation gain) Pucisca Route: 26 Miles (1,400 ) Pucisca Town View Route: 29 Miles (1,600 ) *with shuttle Welcome to Croatia! After meeting in Split we take a boat to the fishing and yachting town of Bobovisca on Brac Island. Brac (pronounced BRATCH) is the largest island of Dalmatia and, with its arid scrub-covered uplands, cypress forests, orange and olive trees, drystone walls and famed cheeses, is also the most Mediterranean of the archipelago. Since ancient times, Brac has been renowned for its milky-white marble, used in the construction of Diocletian s palace in Split, numerous buildings in Venice and reputedly the White House in Washington, DC. Once on dry land, your Backroads Trip Leaders fit your bike and give a brief talk on biking techniques and safety. Then head out on two wheels and see for yourself that Croatia is anything but flat. Get your blood pumping with a mile-long climb that s a good warm-up for a beautiful ride through picturesque stone villages perched on hillsides. After stopping for lunch in a traditional konoba (tavern), enjoy vistas of the mainland, old olive groves, ancient crumbling stone walls and white woolly sheep. You ll also enjoy your first taste of some big hills! Our ride concludes at tonight s hotel, Deškovic Palace, which dates to the 15th century. A refurbished cultural monument located on one of the many bays of the island s north coast, the Deškovic retains the intimate feel of a family home albeit a large opulent one, where a countess still resides! This evening we gather for a festive welcome dinner of slow-cooked regional dishes. Lodging: Deškovic Palace Day 2 Biking Options: Skip the Hill, Get the View Route: 29 Miles* (1,100 elevation gain) Pucisca to Bol Route: 33 Miles* (2,600 ) Vidova Gora Route: 40 Miles (3,200 ) Boat to Hvar Island 2½ Hours KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE We are always seeking opportunities to enhance this itinerary. We ll be certain to notify you of any important changes prior to departure; other changes may be communicated on trip by your leaders. Shuttle to/from Milna, Hvar 45 Minutes Round-Trip *with shuttle Today s route leaves from Pucisca, following the contours of the coast past Lovrecina Beach. The next leg of the ride serves up the single most difficult series of climbs on the trip, so if you re feeling extra ambitious, 3 QUESTIONS? Call

4 keep pushing onward and upward! You ll ascend straight to Skrip, the oldest village on the island, and on toward Vidova Gora. Continue past the turnoff to Vidova Gora (or take this detour to the top of the mountain on a clear day the views are unbeatable!) before spinning through rolling hills then enjoying a winding descent all the way into Bol. Depending on when you arrive, you may have some time to walk around Bol. Stroll down the promenade to check out the famous Zlatni Rat beach and stop at a café to refuel with lunch on your own. From Bol we boat to Hvar Island the chicest and most popular destination of the southern Dalmatian archipelago to arrive at our hotel for the next two nights, the spectacular Hotel Amfora. Its central location provides easy access to Hvar Town s attractions and bustling nightlife. Tonight we re treated to a truly local experience in the island town of Milna. Our friends Mate and Michaela invite us into their home for dinner, serving us fresh seasonal dishes they ve prepared from scratch. Weather permitting, we ll savor their home cooking outside among the olive trees. Lodging: Hotel Amfora Day 3 Biking Options: Brusje Route: 23 Miles* (800 elevation gain) Stari Grad Route: 28 Miles* (1.900 ) Climbing on Hvar Route: 40 Miles (3,300 ) Climbing on Hvar with Villages Route: 44 Miles (3,600 ) *with shuttle We devote ourselves to an in-depth exploration of Hvar Island today. A long thin piece of land, Hvar is filled with fragrant lavender, heather and pines, while ragged inlets lapped by translucent waters and a steep limestone ridge add to the landscape s beauty. Our ride offers plunging views in both directions, with the panorama becoming increasingly dramatic during your ascent along Sveti Nikola, the limestone ridge stretching across the middle of the island. Pedal past ancient stone terraces topped by tiny plots of lavender, veggies, grape vines, fig trees and olive groves. After a long winding downhill, enjoy a stretch of mostly flat riding interspersed with some short steep climbs. If you like, take a breather in the quiet town of Vrboska to sip a coffee at a seaside café or take a refreshing dip in the sea. Then continue pedaling along narrow, lightly trafficked roads to the sleepy Greek-settled town of Stari Grad, whose CASUAL INNS* DESKOVIC PALACE 1 NIGHT A Renaissance family palace on the waterfront and a registered cultural monument dating from Pucisca +385-(0) HOTEL AMFORA (2 NIGHTS) Set on an idyllic bay and surrounded by thick pines. (pool) Hvar Town +385-(0) HOTEL KORKYRA 1 NIGHT Overlooking the port and recently renovated with a sleek contemporary design; Korcula Island s best option. (pool, spa) Vela Luka +385-(0) HILTON IMPERIAL DUBROVNIK 1 NIGHT (ABOVE) Located just outside the old town gates with plentiful amenities and a history of entertaining dignitaries and celebrities. (pool) Dubrovnik +385-(0) *With 1 Premiere Inn night at Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik Dalmatian Coast Biking 4

5 picturesque promenade provides a perfect end to our ride. We enjoy a light lunch with our friends Vinko and Darinka Lupi, who open their home to us and share the bounty from their garden including their homemade wines and grappa! Their family has been making wine for generations and you can explore their home and gorgeous garden. After having your fill, tackle the hills back to Hvar or take a seat in the van. Later this afternoon in Hvar Town, spend time peoplewatching in the central square, which is paved entirely with marble and is the largest in Dalmatia. Other architectural gems worth seeing are the 17th-century Venetian arsenal, housing a beautiful theater (the first in Europe to be accessible to the public), and the stunning 15th-century Franciscan monastery with gardens overlooking the sea. This evening you re on your own for dinner in Hvar Town; your leaders are always happy to recommend the best restaurants for such local delights as mussels, fresh fish and risotto. Lodging: Hotel Amfora ROUTE RATING INFORMATION The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2 4. LEVEL miles 2 4 hours LEVEL miles 3 5 hours LEVEL miles 4 6 hours Review the Route Rating section on the web for more details on daily route options. Day 4 Private Boat to Korcula Island 3 Hours Biking Options: Smokvica Route: 20 Miles (1,500 elevation gain) South and North Coast Loop: 36 Miles (2,300 ) Following breakfast we board a private boat for a scenic sail to Korcula (pronounced KOHR-choo-lah), an island dotted with vineyards, olive groves and forests of pine, oak and cypress. Kick back and enjoy our excursion it s exhilarating to travel amid such beauty. We may even stop for a swim before our picnic lunch onboard. At the port of Vela Luka, choose to spin through charming seaside towns or gear up for a more challenging effort that explores the coastal roads of the island. Either way, finish your ride in the heart of Vela Luka and settle in at our next hotel, the polished Hotel Korkyra. You can take a short, scenic boat ride to the hotel s private pebble beach for a swim or stroll around town before we shuttle to another delicious Croatian meal. Lodging: Hotel Korkyra Day 5 Biking Options: Climbing on Korcula Route: 19 Miles* (1,300 elevation gain) Racisce Out-&-Back: 32 Miles (1,700 ) Vela Luka to Korcula Route: 43 Miles (2,500 ) Boat & Bus to Dubrovnik 2½ Hours *with shuttle If you re up for a big ride and a long climb this morning, get going early to take on the Vela Luka to Korcula Route, also known as the whole shebang. Or hop in the van for a boost from the hotel before tackling an 5 QUESTIONS? Call

6 invigorating ascent with a side of stunning sea views. Upon reaching the top you re in the clear, so settle in for a nice downhill cruise into Korcula Town, the island s elegant centerpiece and a reputed birthplace of Marco Polo. Huddled around St. Mark s Cathedral, the atmospheric old quarter is known for its narrow rib-like lanes that branch off the spine of the main street a clever layout designed to protect locals from the sun and wind. The Venetians came here in the 10th century and ruled on and off for more than 800 years, leaving a distinct mark on the town s culture and architecture. Today Korcula Town is a trove of rough-hewn stone Gothic and Renaissance palaces, courtyards, churches and graceful arched bridges. Korcula s thick walls and imposing towers once a defense against passing pirates and other enemies date from the 14th century. After exploring town and refueling with lunch on your own, meet up with the group on the waterfront, where we board a boat for a short cruise across the channel to the Peljesac Peninsula. After disembarking we take a scenic bus ride through vineyards, mussel farms and fortified walls to Dubrovnik and our home for the night, the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, located just outside the old town s gates. The sunlit indoor pool may be calling your name, or you can join your leaders for a drink at their favorite Dubrovnik bar before we head out for this evening s farewell dinner in the city s historic center. Lodging: Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik Day 6 Guided Walk on Dubrovnik s City Wall 45 Minutes This morning we take a guided walking tour atop Dubrovnik s ancient city wall, an enormous defensive structure replete with turrets and towers. Enjoy commanding vistas of the old town, a World Heritage site, the harbor and the Adriatic Sea. Our tour and our trip ends on the city walls, where we say our goodbyes. See Arriving & Departing for end-of-trip logistics. Dalmatian Coast Biking 6

7 Arriving & Departing See Day 1 for meeting time and location. To make our morning meeting time, plan to arrive in Split at least one day before the trip starts. All prices are in US dollars and subject to change. The standard unit of currency in Croatia is the kuna (HRK). At the time of printing 5.71 HRK = 1 USD. CONCLUSION OF THE TRIP Our trip ends at around 11 a.m. in Dubrovnik. Our last night s hotel, the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, can help you arrange transportation to the airport. If you re flying out of Dubrovnik on the last day of the trip, we suggest booking a departure after 2 p.m. See Flight Arrangements for more information on flights out of Dubrovnik. Returning to Split Buses leave regularly for Split from the bus station near the ferry docks in Dubrovnik harbor. The trip takes about 4 hours, but be aware that the posted schedules are often incorrect. You may prefer to rent a car and drive the 135 miles; Euro Car and Budget have proven themselves to be reliable companies with very helpful employees. More information on these options can be found at Croatia Airlines ( ) may also be able to arrange transportation for you. FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS This trip begins in Split and ends in Dubrovnik. We suggest flying into the Split-Kastela airport (airport code: SPU; and out of Dubrovnik s international (Cilipi) airport (DBV; Because of our early meeting time, you may need to arrive in Split the day before the trip starts. Many people have found it cost-effective and convenient to purchase round-trip tickets from home to a European gateway city, and then buy two one-way tickets: one to Split, and one to return from Dubrovnik. For help arranging air transport to and from your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agent or you may choose to work with the Backroads Travel Desk. Our expert travel advisors are ready to share their insiders knowledge of Backroads and our worldwide destinations. These professional agents are available to assist you with any of your travel needs. Call 800-GO- ACTIVE ( ) to be connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services requested. The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday Friday, 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Pacific time. If you re having difficulty booking a flight into the Split- Kastela airport, you can also contact Croatia Airlines directly at (North American office). Their helpful agents can assist you with your flight arrangements. Or book online at TRANSPORTATION FROM SPLIT AIRPORT TO CENTRAL SPLIT The Split airport is about 16 miles from central Split. Taxi service from the airport to Cornaro Hotel takes about 30 minutes and costs around $40. Pleso Transport Company Ltd. ( (0) ) provides bus service to the city center (Lazareta Beach) with buses departing shortly after arrival of regularly scheduled foreign and domestic flights. The trip takes about 1 hour, and the fare is around $6. In addition, local bus service is available, departing from the airport every 20 minutes. PRICES & SCHEDULES All prices and schedule were current at the time of printing, but are subject to change at any time. 7 QUESTIONS? Call

8 Climate The Dalmatian Coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot dry summers (temperatures in the 90s are common) and mild winters. July and August can be downright hot. Bring plenty of moisture-wicking workout clothes, including lightweight long-sleeved shirts, to stay as comfortable as you can. Even though the islands receive minimal rainfall, it s still important to bring lightweight breathable rain gear with you, as storms are always possible. In the morning, you might want to start off with a lightweight jacket or vest, arm warmers and knee/leg warmers. Be sure to bring a jacket for our boat rides, as it can be chilly on the water. See Suggested Packing List in your Travel Planner for more recommended clothing and gear. Split Hvar Average: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun High F Low F Wet Days Average: Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec High F Low F Wet Days Dubrovnik Average: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun High F Low F Wet Days Average: Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec High F Low F Wet Days Temperatures in Europe are measured in degrees Celsius. Zero degrees Celsius is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. For a quick conversion, double the Celsius reading and add 30 to determine the approximate temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. Average: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun High F Low F Wet Days Average: Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec High F Low F Wet Days Dalmatian Coast Biking 8

9 Where to Stay Before & After Your Trip For help making hotel reservations for before and after your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agent, or you may choose to work with the Backroads Travel Desk. Call 800-GO-ACTIVE ( ) to be connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services requested. The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday Friday, 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Pacific time. Of course, we also recommend extending your stay at any of the hotels we visit on this trip; see the accommodations sidebar for details. Refer to the Hotel Room Rate Guide for starting doubleoccupancy rates. Note that the chart reflects the internet and/or best available rates, which were accurate at the time of printing, but hotel rates are always subject to change. Also be aware that some hotels may require a minimum stay. We recommend that you consult directly with the hotels for specific details, as these requirements can change depending on the season and time of the week. Book early, especially during peak travel season! Keep in mind that even in first-class hotels, rooms may be smaller than those in typical US hotels. Rooms on the street tend to be noisy, so you might want to request a room overlooking the hotel s garden or courtyard. SPLIT Historic Split is worth exploring if you have a little extra time. Home to the spectacular Diocletian s Palace, a World Heritage site, and set against a dramatic mountain backdrop, Split is home to numerous museums, galleries, wine cellars and the Marjan Forest Park, an oasis of greenery with pleasant promenades, nature paths and vista points. Additional attractions include the seasonal festivals and concerts scheduled throughout the warmer months of the year. For more information on visiting Split, go to and Cornaro Hotel (Our meeting location on Day 1) Conveniently located a stone s throw from Diocletian s Palace and within walking distance of the city center, seafront promenade and ferry terminal, this four-star hotel offers contemporary accommodations in the heart of historic Split. Sinjska (0) rooms & suites Rates: Hotel Peristil Located within Diocletian s Palace, smack-dab in the middle of the emperor s former living room, is the charming Hotel Peristil. Poljana Kraljice Jelene (0) rooms Rates: Hotel Vestibul Palace This small boutique hotel, also within Diocletian s Palace, blends centuries-old history with 21st-century design. Make your reservation early, as the limited number of rooms book up quickly. Iza Vestibula (0) rooms & suites Rates: Le Méridien Lav This stylish full-service resort features landscaped gardens, a casino and nightclub, eight restaurants and bars, a spa and tennis courts all just 5 miles south of Split in Podstrana. (pool, spa, tennis) Grljevacka 2A, Podstrana (0) rooms & suites Rates: Hotel Consul Hotel Consul offers cozy and welcoming accommodations not far from the city center. Simply decorated guest rooms offer air-conditioning, direct-dial phones, satellite televisions, a minibar and a bathroom with whirlpool tub. Tršcanska (0) rooms & suites Rates: Private Accommodations Private accommodations are also available in Split. You can book through Turist Biro ( turist.biro.split@st.t-com.hr; +385-(0) ). 9 QUESTIONS? Call

10 DUBROVNIK If you extend your stay in Dubrovnik at Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, our last night s accommodation, let the reservations agent know that you re traveling with Backroads; that way you may not have to switch rooms. See the accommodations sidebar for the hotel s contact information. We highly recommend adding a couple days to your trip to explore Dubrovnik. Note that old town has very few hotels; the Ploce area is located just east of the city walls within a 10-minute walk of the old town; Lapad is located a little farther away and has many lodging choices. Buses run regularly from Lapad to the old town to the Pile Gate entrance. Look for buses #1a, #1b and #6. On average, the trip into the old town from Lapad takes about 10 minutes. The Pucić Palace (Old Town) Set on Dubrovnik s picturesque main square, this 300- year-old former nobleman s house retains its traditional atmosphere, thanks to the wood-beam ceilings, wrought iron balustrades, green marble accents, antiques and historic artwork throughout. Ulica Od Puca (0) rooms & suites Rates: Grand Villa Argentina (Ploce) The Grand Villa Argentina consists of four villas and one hotel each with its own distinctive and elegant atmosphere surrounded by gardens. Sea View rooms look out on the old town, the gardens and the isle of Lokrum. (pool, spa) Frana Supila (0) rooms & suites Rates: Hotel Stari Grad (Old Town) Once the home of an aristocratic family and now a cultural monument under UNESCO s patronage, this small hotel offers simple rooms with air-conditioning, satellite television, minibar and direct-dial phone. From the fifth-floor terrace, you can enjoy a fine view of the old town. Od Sigurate (0) rooms Rates: Dubrovnik Palace Hotel (Lapad) Restored after the 1990s conflicts nearly destroyed it, this chic four-star resort perched on the Lapad Peninsula is a wonderful base from which to explore Dubrovnik s old town (just a 10-minute bus ride away). (pool, spa) Masarykov Put (0) rooms & suites Rates: Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel (Lapad) This sprawling ultra-modern resort one of the newest kids on the block is earning fans with its up-to-date amenities, excellent service and lovely setting amid peaceful woodland near the sea. (pool, spa) (0) rooms & suites Rates: Hotel Uvala (Lapad) Noted for its contemporary design by Split architect Dinko Kovaccicc, the Uvala prides itself on providing a culture and spirit of wellness. (pool, spa) Masarykov Put (0) rooms Rates: Private Accommodations Private accommodations are often less expensive than hotels but occasionally involve sharing a flat with the owner s family. Be sure you confirm the location of the apartment in advance. For a listing of apartments in Dubrovnik, visit the Dubrovnik Office of Tourism s website at and select the Accommodations link. SPECIAL HOTEL SAVINGS Backroads has negotiated special rates for our guests at many hotels around the world. To find hotels with these exclusive Backroads savings, please visit Dalmatian Coast Biking 10

11 EXTENDING YOUR VACATION Bosnia-Herzegovina If you have time before or after your Backroads trip, we recommend a visit to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia- Herzegovina and its largest city. It s the historical crossroads of East and West, whose character has been shaped over the centuries by its sheer diversity of cultures and religions. It s this diversity the mélange of mosques, churches and synagogues, an Ottoman bazaar, grand Austro-Hungarian buildings and broad avenues, and austere socialist-style high rises that makes Sarajevo one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. It s been said, If you want to experience Vienna, Istanbul and Belgrade at the same time, go to Sarajevo. Sarajevo is about a 6-hour drive from Dubrovnik. For more information on traveling in Bosnia- Herzegovina, visit Montenegro Journey farther south along the Adriatic Coast and you ll discover the newly independent nation of Montenegro. We recommend visiting the historic walled town of Kotor, a World Heritage site. Situated at the head of southern Europe s deepest fjord, picturesque Kotor has Montenegro s most dramatic setting. Here you can stroll the winding cobbled streets of Stari Grad (Old Town) to discover small squares containing ancient churches and former aristocratic mansions. Some sites worth a stop include the Church of St. Luke, the Maritime Museum and St. Tryphon Cathedral, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. From Dubrovnik, you can get to Kotor by bus in around 3½ hours. Nature lovers can head into the mountains of northwest Montenegro to explore Durmitor National Park, a pristine landscape of glacial lakes, old juniper-fir forests, sparkling fast-moving rivers and spectacular canyon valleys. The park also boasts a number of cultural monuments, including ruins dating back to medieval times. For more details on visiting Montenegro, go to 11 QUESTIONS? Call