Call toll-free from the United States or Canada:
1.800.960.2221
International calls:
(001) 970-230-5896
info@pure-adventures.com
Semi-Supported Croatia Bike & Kayak Tour: In order to give you the best experience, this tour is a mix of self-guided, semi-supported, and guided! As Croatia grows in popularity, so does its rustic beauty! Experience everything from the Dalmatian Coast, to the rolling lavender fields of Hvar, to the monasteries of Korcula Island. Pure Adventures Tours takes adventure enthusiasts on an incredible self-guided bicycle and kayaking tour through the Dalmatian Coast and surrounding islands. See where the Romans impacted this region in Split, then bike along Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO world heritage site. Ride through quaint towns, past fishermen’s villages, and kayak around the Korcula Archipelago. Finish in Dubrovnik – nicknamed the Pearl of the Adriatic – to round out the trip. With the vast amount of scenic roads and gentle seas, this combination of kayak and bicycling vacation is the best way to spend a spring or summer vacation abroad. Book early to ensure space – it can be busy during July and August.
This trip begins in Split and finishes in Dubrovnik.
Not Included:
Standard Lodging
Mix of 3 & 4-Star Hotels:
Upgraded Lodging in 4-Star Hotels:
Note: All lodging is subject to availability at the time of booking. All lodging includes a private bathroom and breakfast daily. Please visit hotel websites for a complete & up-to-date list of services & amenities.
Local Experts: Ante or Snježana will meet you for orientation in Split, upon your arrival. Ante is originally from Split and has a degree in Economics. He is a cycling enthusiast and assists with creation of routes, itineraries and maps for Pure Adventures. Snjezana, also a native of Split, is a world traveler, has a degree in chemistry and is a crafts artist. She supports the trips from “behind the scenes” and will be available throughout your travels by phone. Both are fluent in English and look forward to welcoming you!
Need to Know:
Details regarding transfers between islands: On Days 2, 3, and 7 you will travel by regularly scheduled ferries. On day 5 you go by private boat transfer. These private boat transfers are fast, safe and reliable. They are from 26″ to 40″ long and have speed of approximately 20 – 25 knots. In case of bad weather – regular ferries usually depart – and they are safe. For private boats – in case it is not safe we cancel those in accordance with the skipper and make alternative arrangements. The ferry and boat transfers are completely detailed in the roadbook which is covered at orientation. Luggage also travels on the ferries but is handled by our in-destination representatives so you can ride!
Upon your arrival in Split, you will meet our representative and get familiar with the area, learn the most important sites and dining areas, get your bike fitted, and receive an explanation of all the bike routes and options. The most important site to see in Split is Diocletian’s Palace, now recognized on UNESCO’s World heritage list. The locals have their homes molded in the old walls of the Palace and inside of it, you will find numerous cafes and restaurants serving fresh Mediterranean food! In front of the Palace you might enjoy an evening walk, along its beautiful waterfront promenade. Depending on your arrival, you can enjoy an easy, car- free 20 km bike ride or take an 80 km loop into the interior of the land.
Distance biked: optional test rides, 0-20 km / 12 miles, extra ride 80 km / 50 miles, unsupported cycling (easy bike routes)
Highlights: Split, Diocletian’s Palace, coastal roads of Marjan hill
Overnight: Split
Today you can decide whether you prefer morning or sunset for a 4 hour, scenic adventure around Marjan Peninsula. This is a perfect paddling experience for all beginners, as we keep close to the shore. After an introduction in paddling techniques and safety, we’ll start on our way around the peninsula. As the scenery changes from secluded bays in shaded pine forests to pebble beaches, we`ll stop for a dip in one of the bays—a perfect location for snorkeling as well! Explore the “wild side” of Split from the sea level perspective, just minutes away from the busy city center! Don`t forget to pack your swimming gear as we stop for a swim and snorkeling in one of Marjan’s secluded coves.
Meals: breakfast
Distance biked: optional
Highlights: 3-4 hours sea kayak tour
Overnight: Split
Welcome to the island of Hvar! For the morning ride, we suggest an easy ride around the UNESCO site of Stari Grad. Stari Grad (translates to Old Town) is an ancient Greek colony dating back to 400 B.C. Besides historical sites, you will discover charming towns and roads where you will be biking, passing next to private gardens, along the coast and also olive groves. For the afternoon bike ride, take the famous and probably most beautiful road along the lavender fields to reach the town of Hvar. Once in Hvar, enjoy a well deserved café or aperitif at one of the most beautiful Venetian style piazza’s in the Mediterranean. Relax and watch the world go by!
Meals: breakfast
Distance biked: 20-50 km. car/van support (during the climb)
Highlights: Jelsa, Vrboska, UNESCO Site of Stari Grad, beaches, lavender road, Hvar
Overnight: Hvar
After a leisurely breakfast, set off to the group of small islands called the Pakleni. The origin of the name goes back to old days when the islands were the main source of rosin (a sealant) used by local shipbuilders. Today, just like then, the islands are covered with thick pine woods providing refreshing shade, even during the hottest summer days. The route through narrow straits and along the islands reveals small, hidden pebble beaches where you can enjoy the privilege of having, at least temporarily, a beach of your own. Here you can swim, snorkel and relax, returning back to Hvar around 2pm. Dinner is on your own tonight in the town of Hvar.
Meals: breakfast
Distance biked: optional 0-20 km / 0-12 miles
Highlights: 3-4 hour guided sea kayak tour Hvar, Pakleni islands
Overnight: Hvar
After the private boat transfer, start your bike ride on Island Korcula, about 46 kilometers to the town of Korcula. This island was very early populated, even before Greek times, and evidence of this can be seen on your ride! During historical times, it was chosen by the Venetians as a spot to build their important walled city on the northern shores of the island. Nowadays and because of this, we have the most magnificent walled Korcula Old Town, preserved and nearly intact for centuries. This is where you will sleep for next 2 nights.
Enjoy the scenic south side of the island with amazing views of beautiful hidden beaches and coves, ride alongside small villages and hamlets, stopping in some of the few great local konoba (taverns) for the most amazing locally prepared food!
Meals: breakfast
Distance biked: 46 km / 29 miles, car/van support today for the bike ride
Highlights: private boat ride, Korcula town, Island Korcula, charming stone villages, vineyards, local restaurants
Overnight: Korcula
As you stay for another day in Korcula, take some time to explore the island with its hidden coves, beautiful old towns, unique small villages and dark pine forests that cover the island. A guided sea kayaking tour takes you along islets and rocks, scattered between Korcula, Lumbarda and Orebic. Besides the monastery on Badija and stone quarries of Vrhnik, you will enjoy crystalline waters and the tranquility of Korcula’s archipelago.
As for the cycling, there are a few loop options today. Whatever you choose, you will be making your way past vineyards, olive groves and along the beautiful coast of the island. Taste traditional food, like home made gnocchi, homemade macaroni, pasticada….and other meals which have been traditionally prepared by the locals for centuries. Some of the best Croatian white wines are produced on this island, which will add great flavor to your lunch or dinner. Did we mention Marco Polo was born here and started his life’s journey from Korcula?
Meals: breakfast
Distance biked: 0-45 km / 0-28 miles, unsupported cycling (easy bike routes)
Highlights: 4-5 hours guided sea kayak tour, Korcula town & Island Korcula, beaches, vineyards
Overnight: Korcula
For the final ride of your trip, you will be cruising along Peljesac Peninsula. Ride along vineyards of Dingac and Postup, made from the Plavac Mali vines, which are a close cousin to the Zinfandel of California, and Primitivo from Calabria. There are many wineries which can be visited along the ride. Enjoy great views of Peljesac, offering you Mljet and Korcula Island on your right and the mainland on your left. The ride today has a couple of hills, coastal rides, vineyards and more. Your final bike destination is Ston, from where you will be transferred to Dubrovnik. Ston, a salt producing village on Peljesac Peninsula, was built in the 14th century town and boasts the longest fortified walls in Europe – 5.5 km. Ston was an important town for the Dubrovnik Republic. It was considered the strongest and most prosperous town in the 14th century, as you are about to see!
Meals: breakfast
Distance biked: 60 km / 37 miles, van support today during the ride
Highlights: Peninsula Peljesac, Ston and Dubrovnik
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Your tour ends today, after breakfast. We highly recommend extending your stay in Dubrovnik, to explore the historical sites along with the magnificent wall that surrounds Old Town. Please let us know as we are happy to book you additional nights!
Meals: breakfast
Dates: Plan your trip at a time that fits your schedule best! Pure Adventures tours have flexible start dates and do not have fixed departure dates. Requested dates can only be confirmed at the time of booking. Don’t delay – book your tour today!
2025 Tour Rates:
(per person, based on double occupancy)
Hybrid or Road Bikes Included:
Standard Lodging:
(see Lodging section for list)
Upgraded Lodging:
(see Lodging section for list)
Other Notes:
New! Travel Insurance is now required to participate in this tour. You can book through our preferred vendors or your own. Proof of coverage will be required.
Such an awesome trip to do with my son! He is more into biking and I am more into kayaking, so we were both happy!
A+++!
Referred by some friends that did a biking only tour, and we wanted some paddle time. Overall, great trip for our family – kids 16, 17, 19 and everyone was happy! Hotel were comfortable, clean, small, and a in nice locations. My wife and I loved the food, beer and wine in Croatia. Squid rissotta is a must! Luggage transfers and island hopping went off without a hitch. We never in a million years could have planned this on our own. Thanks Pure!
Great trip and super chill.
Julie and I did the Pure Adventures bike kayak tour for our honeymoon and it was incredible! We loved the flexibility to do things on our own combined with pre-planned activities, like the kayaking. LOVED the kayaking! The support on the ride days was a big help – we would probably consider ebikes the next time we visit, lol. And, we will be back! A big thank you to Pure Adventures for making our trip so memorable and fun for the both of us. Next stop, Spain?