Croatia Adventure

We meet in the morning in Split before we ferry to beautiful Hvar Island, disembarking at the quaint harbor town of Stari Grad, home to the fortified Tvrdalj castle, the impressively restored Bianchini Palace and a Dominican monastery. Mount up and pedal to Jelsa, admiring the octagonal Renaissance Church of Saint John and the turquoise, pine-fringed waters of Mina Bay and Grebišce. Continue on to Vrboska, also known as “Little Venice” for its plethora of small bridges. Explore the sixteenth-century church of Saint Mary of Charity and the Renaissance works of Veronese and Bassano at the Church of Saint Lawrence. Finish your ride in Hvar, whose long waterfront promenade, yacht-lined quays, traffic-free marble streets, and tasteful harbor-front bars and cafés offer the perfect retreats for relaxing and people watching. Explore beautifully ornamented Gothic palaces, a Franciscan cloister, and a historic arsenal before climbing to a Spanish fort for spectacular views of the city at sunset. This evening we gather for a festive welcome dinner.Hotel Adriana, Hvar (Lunch, dinner)Stari Grad to Hvar Biking Distance: Up to 43.5 kilometres (up to 27 miles), easy to moderately strenuous

This morning we set off to explore the peaceful Pakleni Otoci Islands by sea kayak. Scattered off the southwest coast of Hvar and blanketed in the low pine forest, the archipelago originally derived its name from the native paklina, a pine resin once used as a ship sealant. Paddle the idyllic bays of Marinkovac Island and savour the ubiquitous scent of pine, lavender, and rosemary as you coast along the sandy beach at Sv. Klement Island. This evening, enjoy a cooking class and dinner at a local restaurant, and try your hand at a Croatian speciality such as ćevapčiči (spiced sausages) with ajvar sauce, mussels, and black risotto.Hotel Adriana, Hvar (All meals)Sea Kayak Pakleni Otoci Islands: 3.5 hours including lunch, easy

Travel by private boat from Hvar Town to Vela Luka on Korčula Island for a day of biking. Set on a tiny peninsula on the Pelješac channel, Korčula was first home to Slavic pirates who used the island as a base from which to attack passing ships; in the year 1000, it was taken over by Venice, marking the start of an 800-year on-and-off Venetian rule. Today, the island is renowned for its gorgeous, white quarried stone, countless secluded bays, small, uninhabited islands and breathtaking views. Make a stop in Smokvica to enjoy lunch as a group. Explore several small villages on today’s ride, which culminates in the medieval walled town of Korčula, whose Old Quarter boasts a harmonious mix of 15th century Gothic and 16th century Renaissance trimmings. Visit the home of Marco Polo, Saint Mark’s Cathedral with paintings by Tintoretto, the Town Museum, and the Byzantine Icon Museum. Feast on some fresh and authentic Croatian seafood tonight at Restaurant Riblji.Hotel Liburna, Korčula Island (All meals)Korčula Island Biking Distance: Up to 48 kilometres (up to 30 miles)