Cycle The Dalmatian Coast

Arrive in the seaside town Kastel Kambelovac, 10 kilometres from Split. Our sea front hotel is ideally located with great views over the bay and easy reach from the airport as well as Split town and Trogir. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Kastel Kambelovac at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Split Airport (SPU), which is 10 kilometres and 15 minutes drive from Kastel Kambelovac. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to check in to the hotel then head to nearby medieval harbour town of Trogir, wander the cobbled streets and visit Saint Lawrence Cathedral. Alternatively, you may wish to take advantage of the beach in front of the hotel, and excellent restaurant offering traditional dishes that is very popular with the locals.

We start the day with a 16 km cycle ride to Split after breakfast and checking out of our hotel. Lying on the eastern shores of the Adriatic, Split's historic heart is centred around the ancient Roman Palace of Diocletian, which dates back to the early years of the 4th century AD. After spending the morning exploring this beautiful World Heritage town and stopping here for lunch (not included) we head for the port. A two hour ferry journey takes us to Stari Grad on the beautiful island of Hvar, arriving in time to enjoy a late afternoon cycle to the picturesque harbour town of Jelsa, where we spend the next two nights. Before dinner, depending on availability, we plan an optional wine tasting at Caric winery in Vrboska village. The Fontana hotel consists of two single story blocks of accommodation in a wooded hillside on the outskirts of Jelsa. The hotel has a swimming pool and great views of the bay from the breakfast room. The individual rooms are en suite and have a fan. We have graded the hotel as simple as the cabins themselves are basic in their finish and the décor looks dated. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 32 kilometres (300 metres total accumulated ascent).

Today we have a full day to explore more of this beautiful island by bike. Our day starts with a lengthy ascent up to the highest point of the island, cycling past the lavender fields that were once the workplace of all of Hvar's inhabitants. Tourism is the main source of employment now and it's easy to see why the island attracts so many visitors as we finish our climb and enjoy sweeping views across the island. Our descent then takes us through the village of Brusje to the charming town of Hvar. Here we will have lunch (not included) and free time to explore the historic old streets of this old Venetian town and take a dip in the crystal clear water. In the afternoon we drive back to Jesla. If you would like more time in the saddle there is the option to cycle back to Jesla along a different route on a quiet paved road through the villages of Malo Grabjle and Veliko Graglje, encountering one short, steep climb and beautiful scenery. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 32 kilometres (480 metres total accumulated ascent) with an additional 32 kilometres (and 450 metres ascent) if you chose to cycle back from Hvar. There is one big hill today, the support bus is with us should you wish to sit it out and just enjoy the downhills and flatter sections.