Trip Overview
With more than thousand islands off the Adriatic coast, Croatia is a real jewel of the Mediterranean. Mild Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal active and adventure destination with its beautiful National Parks, untouched clear rivers, secreted canyons and rural households hidden in the lovely Croatian hinterland.
Greek, Roman and other Mediterranean specialties such as fresh seafood, organic vegetables, home-made pasta, extra virgin olive oil and traditional spices like garlic, influence the local cuisine which is one of the healthiest diets in the world.
Our guests will have an opportunity to cycle the dirt roads through hidden small picturesque villages. We will bike the Elaphite islands and beautiful region of Konavle. Guests will experience biking through quiet forests and secluded beaches on the island of Calypso and Odysseus, Mljet.
Trip Highlights
- Tasting traditional local food
- Biking on beautiful island of Mljet and Elaphite islands
- Sightseeing of Dubrovnik
- Discovering the hinterland of Konavle region
Route | Dubrovnik-Konavle-Elaphite islands-Dubrovnik Riviera-island of Mljet |
Duration | 9 D / 8 N |
Level | Moderate |
Season | Avoid (December and January) |
Total activity time | 13 Hours |
Day 1: Arrival
Transfer from Dubrovnik airport to the city of Dubrovnik.
Accommodation | Dubrovnik: selection of hotels upon request |
Meals | BB |
Transfer time | 1 Hour |
Day 2: Biking on Srđ
We will start our tour in the morning from the heart of the Old City, the main street Stradun. We will continue towards the 15th century Rector’s Palace and Dubrovnik’s Maritime Museum located in St. John’s fort. It was rebuilt after a heavy earthquake which damaged it in 1979.
The museum reopened in 1986 and displays 4,000 works that illustrate the naval history of Dubrovnik and its surrounding regions. You can also find ship models dating back to the 17th century, as well as flags, cannons, guns and busts, nautical instruments and more. The museum also houses a library with several “peculiar” books and important archival material.
After that, we will visit the Rector’s Palace (15th century) which has been the seat of the government of formerly independent Republic of Dubrovnik (abolished by Napoleon in 1808). Today this place shows us the way aristocracy of the place used to live. Our tour will continue through “Sponza” Palace, famous for its atrium and carved stone columns. You will also visit elegant cathedral built on the ruins of a 12th century church.
Cycling finally starts in front of Imperial fortress, upon our arrival to Srđ hill. Dirt road ride takes us through the untouched nature near the Strinjčera fortress towards the picturesque village of Bosanka. After a short break, cycling continues along Medena Valley towards the village of Brgat and beautiful St. Ana church.
Accommodation | Dubrovnik: selection of hotels upon request |
Meals | BB |
Activity time | 2 Hours |
Altitude | 375 m |
Distance | 10 km |
Day 3: Biking in Konavle
Throughout centuries, the region of Konavle has managed to maintain a traditional lifestyle along with many chapels, cloisters, and summer houses that once hosted the aristocracy of Dubrovnik.
Our biking excursion starts in the morning through an oasis of vineyards and olive groves, as well as charming villages that still reflect the traditional culture of old Dubrovnik.
We will start from the village of Čilipi towards Cadmos Village. Cypress trees forest, vineyards and olive groves decorate the paths overlooked by the magnificent mountain of Sniježnica and Soko fort, dating from the medieval Dubrovnik Republic.
After a short break and enjoyable view from the tree hut in scenic Cadmos Village, we will cycle towards the village of Ljuta. You will have the opportunity to discover an old watermill where a local will explain traditional way of making flour. Enjoy a welcome drink with local brandy in front of the mill, snack on local delicacies and sip some local wine.
Accommodation | Dubrovnik: selection of hotels upon request |
Meals | BB + lunch |
Activity time | 3 Hours |
Altitude | 450 m |
Distance | 18 km |
Day 4: Biking on Elaphite islands
Today we will bike on two Elaphite islands, Koločep and Lopud. Koločep, locally known as Kalamota, is one of the Elaphite Islands west of Dubrovnik. We’ll reach it by boat from Dubrovnik harbor which will take us to the port of Donje Čelo. Our first activity will be biking along scenic paths of this charming island.
We will proceed on a boat ride towards the island of Lopud. According to archaeological findings, Lopud has been inhabited for thousands of years. It is home to many ancient Greek, Roman, and Slavic buildings and ruins.
The island is covered in lush pine forests (Aleppo, coastal and pine groves) and Mediterranean maquis. We will bike from the village of Lopud to the southeast side of the island and an attractive sandy cove with famous Šunj beach. We will have lunch and slowly head back to the city of Dubrovnik by boat.
Accommodation | Dubrovnik: selection of hotels upon request |
Meals | BB |
Activity time | 3 Hours |
Altitude | 100 |
Distance | 10 km |
Day 5: Free day
Accommodation | Dubrovnik |
Meals | BB |
Day 6: Biking on Dubrovnik Riviera
Dubrovnik Riviera is a small region located northwest of the city of Dubrovnik. Our biking adventure will take you through the hidden villages of this interesting region. We will cycle and visit few picturesque villages in its hinterland like Osojnik, Gromača, Trsteno, Kliševo.
Our tour will start in the village of Osojnik where the old dirt road will take us towards small villages of Ljubač, Mrčevo and Kliševo. After a short break, we will proceed towards villages of Majkovi and Trsteno.
Trsteno is a charming coastal village which hosts a beautiful arboretum that we will visit. Impressive 15th century renaissance summer villa of Gučetić-Gozze family is also part of the Arboretum, with a garden which has been maintained from the 15th century to present day.
Accommodation | Dubrovnik: selection of hotels upon request |
Meals | BB |
Activity time | 3 Hours |
Altitude | 450 |
Distance | 20 km |
Day 7: Biking on the island of Mljet
The Island of Mljet is located in the south of the Adriatic coast in Croatia. This spectacular island is situated south of Pelješac peninsula, divided from it by Mljet channel. It was discovered by ancient Greco-Roman geographers, who wrote the first records and descriptions around the 6th century BC. Today, parts of the island are protected as a National Park, including the western part of the island, the Big Lake, the Small Lake and Soline Bay.
Perhaps the most famous story about the island of Mljet is the legend of Odyssey. There are also tales of Mljet being one of the islands “lost” at sea, not easily reached alone. You will have the opportunity to explore this famous historical spot.
We will enjoy a morning boat ride from Dubrovnik to Pomena, a scenic port located on the west end of the island.
Our biking tour will begin in the National park Mljet. First we will pass by two saltwater lakes, the most visited attractions on the island. Then we will cycle to the central part of the island to explore the deep pine forests and pristine natural surroundings. We’ll head towards the port of Sobra where we will embark the boat for our return to Dubrovnik.
Accommodation | Dubrovnik: selection of hotels upon request |
Meals | BB |
Activity time | 2 Hours |
Altitude | 100 m |
Distance | 15 km |
Day 8: Departure
Transfer from the city of Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik airport.
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Trip leader Zoran Ateljević (Certificates): | |
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The key to be comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, this will help you and the field staff.
Gear Checklist
Provided
• 24 Speed mountain Bike
• Cycling Helmet
• Group First Aid Kit
Recommended
• Camp Towel
• Casual Clothing for Travel and Town Wear (Lightweight, Easily Washable)
• Casual Shoes for Travel and Free Time
• Cycling Shorts
• Day Pack (21L-35L)
• Day Pack Rain Cover
• Fleece/ Sweater
• Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
• Luggage (1 Piece)
• Luggage Tags and Locks
• Passport/Money Belt or Pouch
• Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
• Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
• Sun Block and Lip Balm
• Sun Hat
• Sunglasses and Accessories
• Swimwear
• Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
• Toiletries
• Water Bottles (Two 1-Quart) or Hydration System
• Water Shoes
Optional
• Camera and Accessories
• Cycling and/or Paddling Gloves
• Dry Bag (5L-10L)
• Ear Plugs
• Electrical Adapter Plug and Converter
• Eye Mask
• Insect Repellant
• Reading and Writing Materials
• Stuff Sacks
• Travel Alarm Clock
• Travel Pillow
• Trekking Poles
• Waterproof Camera
Travel Documents
• Airline Tickets (Confirmation and Itinerary)
• Valid Passport