CYCLING CROATIA – NATIONAL PARKS & ISLANDS
Cycling National Parks & Islands
This cycling tour is a unique opportunity to visit the best of Croatia on 2 wheels, travelling from inland to the coast and exploring the countryside, local villages, medieval towns, rivers & lakes, national parks, mountains, Adriatic coastline and islands.
Croatia is a small Mediterranean country that offers a stunning variety of landscapes. The beautiful Adriatic coastline with more than 1000 islands is just the beginning. Rugged mountains that arise directly from the sea provide shelter for stunning rivers, lakes and waterfalls with clear turquoise water. Warm friendly people and rich gastronomy evidence the culture and history more than 2000 years old.
Experienced guides will take you off the beaten path to explore not only hot tourist spots but also hidden treasures and the way real Croatian people live.
You can expect to bike 40-60 km (25-37 mi) per day and have vehicle support for security and comfort.
With varieties of landscapes, rich culture and gastronomy and professional service we promise you this will be a journey you will never forget!
ITINERARY
- Day 1: Arrival
- Day 2: Plitvice Lakes NP Cycling
- Day 3: Northern Velebit NP Cycling
- Day 4: Krka River NP Cycling
- Day 5: Split visit. Travel to Brac Island. Beach.
- Day 6: Brac Island Cycling
- Day 7: Hvar Island Cycling
- Day 8: Departure
DETAILED ITINERARY – Cycling Croatia, National Parks & Islands
Day 1: Arrival to Zagreb
Arrival to Zagreb, lively capital with many interesting spots to visit, nice bars, restaurants and museums. If you have time, we suggest you arrive a day or two earlier to explore it on your own.
Transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park area where we will settle in one of the peaceful villages and talk about our upcoming cycling adventure over dinner.
Night: 3*** guesthouse in Plitvice National Park area
Driving: 2 hours
Day 2: Plitvice Lakes National Park Cycling
After a good night’s rest we start our first activity day exploring Plitvice Lakes, the oldest Croatian national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The sequence of 16 turquoise lakes linked together with beautiful waterfalls and travertine pools are really as beautiful as in the photos, even more. We will observe the most crowded parts of the park from viewpoints and spend most of our time exploring off the beaten path locations hidden in beech and pine forests.
Cycling is a very special way to visit Plitvice Lakes that not many people know about. We will enjoy riding on quiet park roads and paths, admiring crystal clear water and breathing fresh air. Occasional stops for walking by the lakes and relaxing are also the highlights of the day.
Level: 2/5
Night: 3*** guesthouse in Plitvice National Park area
Day 2: Plitvice Lakes National Park Cycling
After a good night’s rest we start our first activity day exploring Plitvice Lakes, the oldest Croatian national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The sequence of 16 turquoise lakes linked together with beautiful waterfalls and travertine pools are really as beautiful as in the photos, even more. We will observe the most crowded parts of the park from viewpoints and spend most of our time exploring off the beaten path locations hidden in beech and pine forests.
Cycling is a very special way to visit Plitvice Lakes that not many people know about. We will enjoy riding on quiet park roads and paths, admiring crystal clear water and breathing fresh air. Occasional stops for walking by the lakes and relaxing are also the highlights of the day.
Level: 2/5
Night: 3*** guesthouse in Plitvice National Park area
Day 3: Northern Velebit National Park Cycling
Our today’s cycling itinerary starts in Krasno village, headquarters of Northern Velebit National Park.
Northern Velebit is just one small part of magnificent Velebit mountain recognized for its preserved biodiversity, richness of natural phenomena and pristine wilderness.
We will bike from Krasno all the way to Gacka River Valley and the river source. Apart from clear serene water that flows through the valley surrounded by mountains, the attraction of the Gacka River are charming water mills where we will be able to buy flour made on site!
We will wrap up our wonderful day with a visit to a small cheese factory in Otocac town where we will taste some delicious local cheese.
Drive down south to the small charming town of Skradin situated at the doorstep of Krka River National Park.
Level: 3/5
Night: 3*** guesthouse in Skradin
Driving: 1h+1h45
Day 4: Krka River National Park Cycling
With its seven travertine waterfalls and a total drop of 242 m, the Krka River is one of the most beautiful natural and karst phenomena in Croatia. It has been protected as a National Park due to its very rich and diverse living world, with numerous endemic, rare and threatened species. The main attractions are the big Skradinski Buk waterfall, the small island of Visovac with a Franciscan monastery and the Roski waterfall.
We will explore the area by bike, which is a great and time-saving way to see the many beauties that can be found along Krka’s shores.
After our bike tour we will have time off to enjoy Skradin town. It’s situated on Prokljan, a lake with brackish water formed by the Krka River before reaching the sea. You can swim, hike up to the 14th century fortress and check out the town’s marina, some nice local shops, bars and restaurants. Optional visit of nearby Sibenik town and its cathedral protected by the UNESCO.
Level: 2-3/5
Night: 3*** guesthouse in Skradin
Driving: Skradin-Sibenik 20 min one way
.
Day 4: Krka River National Park Cycling
With its seven travertine waterfalls and a total drop of 242 m, the Krka River is one of the most beautiful natural and karst phenomena in Croatia. It has been protected as a National Park due to its very rich and diverse living world, with numerous endemic, rare and threatened species. The main attractions are the big Skradinski Buk waterfall, the small island of Visovac with a Franciscan monastery and the Roski waterfall.
We will explore the area by bike, which is a great and time-saving way to see the many beauties that can be found along Krka’s shores.
After our bike tour we will have time off to enjoy Skradin town. It’s situated on Prokljan, a lake with brackish water formed by the Krka River before reaching the sea. You can swim, hike up to the 14th century fortress and check out the town’s marina, some nice local shops, bars and restaurants. Optional visit of nearby Sibenik town and its cathedral protected by the UNESCO.
Level: 2-3/5
Night: 3*** guesthouse in Skradin
Driving: Skradin-Sibenik 20 min one way
.
Day 5: Brac Island
Drive to Split where we will have time for a short visit of its Diocletian’s Palace protected by the UNESCO with rich and interesting history dating back to the 4th century.
In Split we will board the ferry to Brac, lovely island that will enchant you with its beautiful beaches, incredibly clear sea and relaxing Mediterranean atmosphere. The island was blessed with an abundance of sunshine and the kind of nature where the sound of crickets, smell of pine trees and view of olive groves work together to create a magical experience.
Today we can choose to relax on the famous sandy beach Golden Cape in Bol town or taking an optional boat trip and short hike to Hermitage Blaca – 16th century monastery carved in a rock.
Night: 3*** guesthouse in Bol town (Brac Island)
Driving Skradin-Split: 1h15; Ferry Split-Brac: 1h
.
Day 6: Brac Island Cycling
We start our day with a drive to Mt Vidova Gora, the highest peak of Croatian Islands at 778 m / 2552 ft where we will enjoy amazing views over the surrounding islands, the coast and Golden Cape beach.
From there we start exploring Brac Island on 2 wheels. Our first stop is the olive oil museum in Skrip village where we will hear about the tradition of olive oil making on the island and enjoy a delicious lunch. We then continue towards Supetar town situated by the sea, with an optional extension to Postira and Pucisca where we can visit the unique Stonemasonry school.
Once we reach Supetar, a car will transfer us back to Bol town for another beautiful evening on the island.
Level: 2-3/5
Night: 3*** guesthouse in Bol town (Brac Island)
Driving Bol-Vidova gora: 45 min; Driving Supetar-Bol: 45 min
.
Day 6: Brac Island Cycling
We start our day with a drive to Mt Vidova Gora, the highest peak of Croatian Islands at 778 m / 2552 ft where we will enjoy amazing views over the surrounding islands, the coast and Golden Cape beach.
From there we start exploring Brac Island on 2 wheels. Our first stop is the olive oil museum in Skrip village where we will hear about the tradition of olive oil making on the island and enjoy a delicious lunch. We then continue towards Supetar town situated by the sea, with an optional extension to Postira and Pucisca where we can visit the unique Stonemasonry school.
Once we reach Supetar, a car will transfer us back to Bol town for another beautiful evening on the island.
Level: 2-3/5
Night: 3*** guesthouse in Bol town (Brac Island)
Driving Bol-Vidova gora: 45 min; Driving Supetar-Bol: 45 min
.
Day 7: Hvar Island Cycling
Our next destination is Hvar Island, just a short boat ride away from Bol town. Hvar is considered the sunniest Croatian island with an annual average of 2800 hours of sun!
Once we arrive to Jelsa on Hvar Island we will bike to Starigrad town and its famous Plain protected by the UNESCO. The original agricultural activity of this fertile plain, mainly centering on grapes and olives, has been maintained since Greek times to the present. The landscape features ancient stone walls and bears testimony to the ancient geometrical system of land division used by the ancient Greeks, which has remained virtually intact over 24 centuries.
We continue our ride across the island until we reach our final destination – ancient Hvar town with a rich history where we will spend our final evening. Must see attractions in Hvar town are the cathedral of St Stephen and the fortress Fortica offering an amazing view over the old town and surrounding islands.
To celebrate our adventure, we will have a final dinner together and exchange experiences before saying goodbye.
Level: 3-4/5
Night: 3*** guesthouse on Hvar Island
Boat Bol-Jelsa: 20 min
Day 8: Departure
Today we will board the ferry from Hvar back to Split, but if you wish to continue with island hopping on your own (or with Go Explore Croatia) feel free to contact us for advice or travel arrangements.
NOTE
The itinerary of Cycling National Parks & Islands is subject to change without prior notice. Our primary concern is the safety and comfort of our guests. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned, but alterations may still occur due to weather conditions, water levels, group preferences and abilities and other exceptional situations.
PHOTO GALLERY
PHOTO GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION EXAMPLES
INTERACTIVE MAP
PRICES & DATES – Cycling Croatia, National Parks & Islands
April, May, October
- Single room: 1790 € per person
June-September
- Single room: 2030 € per person
April, May, October
- Single room: 1790 € per person
June-September
- Single room: 2030 € per person
ALL PRICES INCLUDE
– 7 nights’ accommodation
– 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners, cheese tasting
– transfer from Zagreb airport
– transfer to Dubrovnik airport
– transport throughout the trip
– activities and equipment
– National Parks entrances
– ferry tickets
– English speaking guide
– basic insurance
– local taxes
NOT INCLUDED
– airfare to/from Croatia
– beverages
NOTES ON PRICES
– Prices are fixed in Euros
If you wish to pay in another currency than the Euro, the exact value will be calculated according to the exchange rate of the Croatian National Bank on the day of booking.
– Base price is per person in a Double/Twin or Triple room
Single room supplement is approximately 20%, as marked in the price list above
– Children: minimum age is 12 years old
– Single room price
If you are travelling alone and wish to share a room with another fellow traveller to avoid paying the single room supplement, that might be possible – please contact us for details.
– Family and group discount
Feel free to send us your family/group details and we’ll let you know if we can offer a discount for those dates and group size.
DEPARTURE DATES 2024 (standard = Saturdays)
MAY: 4, 11, 18, 25
JUNE: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
JULY: 6, 13, 20, 27
AUGUST: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
SEPTEMBER: 7, 14, 21, 28
OCTOBER: 5, 12
DEPARTURES CAN BE ORGANISED ON ANY DATE OF YOUR CHOICE, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US FOR AVAILABILITY.
If the majority of you trip happens on summer dates (Jun-Sept), summer prices apply.
The trip can be organised all year round, with some itinerary modifications in winter time. We don’t recommend the trip during extreme heats (July and part of August) but we can organise it upon request.
DETAILS – Cycling Croatia, National Parks & Islands
- Group size: 2-8 persons (we usually work with small groups in order to provide high quality service, but we can also accommodate bigger groups on request).
- If you are interested in a private customized trip please contact us for details and quote.
- Meals: The price of Cycling Croatia Parks & Islands includes halfboard meals. Sometimes our guides might offer to pay for lunch instead of dinner in case you prefer to have dinner on your own. Our guides will be happy to recommend a local restaurant or grocery store for meals that are not included in the tour. We can provide vegetarian or vegan meals with advance notice. If you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, please let us know as soon as possible.
- Accommodation: private ensuite rooms in charming 3-star hotels and guesthouses. For families or groups of friends it’s possible to get a whole private house or apartment with advance notice. If you prefer to upgrade to a 4 or 5-star hotel stay throughout the Cycling Croatia National Parks & Islands, please contact us to check availability and surcharge.
