Croatia: Trieste to Dubrovnik! Dalmatian Coast Islands

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $150 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

Ride Description

Experience Croatia’s Istria and the Dalmatian Coast and Islands: There is spectacular and varied scenery: small medieval towns and bustling modern cities; beautiful natural parks, farms and abundant vineyards.  Finish in the wonderful city of Dubrovnik.

This is a new ride created with the assistance of NZ Pedaltours to feature the quiet rural roads of Croatia. Pedaltours is New Zealand’s original cycle touring company and have supported over 30 BAC tours through the years. They have facilities in the Europe with quality rental bicycles available. We have designed this ride to travel the length of Croatia using quiet roads. We will use one minibus and one bike trailer so a limited number of 2B riders can be accommodated.

MEETING DAY / DAY ONE:

The tour starts in Trieste, a port city in northeast Italy. Italian, Austro-Hungarian and Slovenian influences are all evident in its layout, which encompasses a medieval old city and a neoclassical Austrian quarter.  Pedaltours will transfer you from the Trieste airport or your Trieste hotel to the hotel Delfin in Izola. Your tour leader will hold a trip orientation meeting. Time will be set aside to fit you to your Pedaltours rental bike or unpack your own and take a short safety ride:

Schedule:
18.00 -18.30 Welcome drink
18.30 -19.30 Final bike fitting
20.00 Dinner at Hotel Delfin

Day Two: Izola to Motovun

Ride 48km, 761m / 30mi, 2496ft

After breakfast we leave Izola and head to Motovun. We’ll ride down the Istrian peninsula and enjoy beautiful views of undulating terrain. On the way, we pass the Motovun Forest also called ”Truffles forest”. Motovun is a medieval town situated on a hilltop at 270 meters (886 feet) above sea level. From 1278AD, it was taken over by Venice and surrounded by solid walls which are still intact today, and used as a walkway with unique views over the four corners of Istria.

Meals: B, L, D Lodging: Hotel Kaštel, Motovun

Day Three: Motovun to Pula

Ride 87km, 819m / 54mi, 2686ft

Day three brings us to part of the 15th stage on 87th Giro d’Italia. We continue to a hillock overlooking the Brtonigla River, offering a wonderful view on the central Istria. Continuing along the route, you will reach Rovinj known as “the little Venice of the eastern Adriatic coast”, a Mediterranean resort you will love. Continue along its narrow medieval streets to the Church of St Euphemia located on the top of the hill! Pula, like Rome, lies on 7 hills and proudly boasts a magnificent Amphitheatre. This seafront town is the largest on the Istrian peninsula. It offers a diversity of attractions to lovers of culture.  While strolling through Pula you will come across numerous monuments of Roman architecture.

Meals: B, L Lodging: Park Plaza Istria

Day Four: Pula to Optija / Kastav

Ride 98km, 1813m / 61mi, 5947ft.

On day four, we depart Pula with a long gentle climb of about 30km which takes us to the village of Barban and Rasa – the most famous mining town in Istria. Our destination is the town of Kastav. Its surroundings are synonymous with rich history, geographical diversity, interesting architecture and a unique tourist centre.

Meals: B, L Lodging: Boutique Hotel Kukuriku

Day Five: Opatija / Kastav: Rest Day!

Opatija is the Croatian Monte Carlo. It has a long tradition of tourism. Well-maintained public gardens, the illuminated 12 km long coastal promenade known as the "Lungomare", well-kept beaches and fountains provide a stunning backdrop for the villas and hotels. The contrasts of sea and mountains, old buildings and modern comforts, entertainment venues and quiet destinations for excursions all combine to make Opatija and its surroundings a very attractive tourist resort. Opatija's ideal position at the juncture between sea and mainland is reflected in its gastronomy. Creative menus mix continental and Mediterranean cuisine.

Meals: B Lodging: Lodging: Boutique Hotel Kukuriku

Day Six: Kastav to Rab (via Krk) (115km including Ferry from Krk to Lopar)

Ride 84km, 1180m / 52mi, 3870ft

Rab Island has some of the most diverse landscapes in the Kvarner Bay region, leading to its declaration as a Geopark in 2008. The cultural and historical highlight of the island is enchanting Rab Town, characterized by four elegant bell towers rising from the ancient stone streets. You still get a sense of discovery wandering its old quarter.

Meals: B, L, D Lodging: Hotel Istria

Day Seven: Rab to Pag (65km including Ferry)

Ride 58km, 918m / 36mi, 3011ft and Ferry - Misnjak to Stinca (15min) and Ferry - Prizna to Zigljen (15min)

Once you reach the island of Pag, the landscape completely changes, it looks like a moonscape! Pag Island is well known for at least 3 things. Due to the high concentration of salt on the Island, the sheep diet consisting of grass and wild herbs gives the lamb dishes a very special flavor. It is considered to be the best lambs available in Europe.The second thing is the Paški cheese, and the third is the salt fields found just before the town of Pag. While the earliest historical records of salt production on the island date to 999, it is believed salt was produced on Pag in Roman times.

Meals: B, L, D Lodging: Hotel Belvedere

Day Eight: Pag to Zadar

Ride 68km, 655m / 42mi, 2148ft

Immediately after crossing the bridge we come to Nin, the first Croatian royal town settled 3,000 years ago and linked with the mainland by two stone bridges from the 16th century. Nin today is a historical and tourist town. In recent years, many monuments have been restored including two symbols of the old town: the church of Holy Cross from the 9th century, called “the smallest Cathedral in the world” and the coronation church. The finish in Zadar gives riders opportunity to visit some of Zadar's many cultural institutions. Zadar is also known for the Roman and Venetian ruins of its peninsular Old Town.

Meals: B, L, Lodging: Hotel Portio

Day Nine: Zadar to Skradin

Ride 88km, 690m / 55mi, 2263ft

Riding towards the Skradin, we will come across a natural phenomenon - the two equally beautiful, and yet, completely different azure blue waters. On one side, you will encounter the indented Adriatic Coast, famous for its alluring beauty and clean sea, and on the other side, the largest natural lake in Croatia. It is known for water-birds, as well as for its fresh water springs and immense biodiversity.

Meals: B, L, D Lodging: Hotel Skradinski Buk

Day Ten: Skradin – Rest Day!

The most recognizable symbols of Skradin are the tower clock (campanile) from 1872 built on the cliff and the Baroque Catholic Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary which was built in the 18th century. Skradin is the gateway to Krka National Park. It's known for a series of 7 waterfalls. Skradinski Buk is a massive, clear, natural pool with high waterfalls at one end and cascades at the other. Skradinski Buk is considered to be one of the most beautiful calcium carbonate waterfalls in Europe. Nearby is the UNESCO Heritage site of Šibenik. It is the oldest original coastal Croatian town.

Meals: B Lodging: Hotel Skradinski Buk

Day Eleven: Skardin to Split

Ride 100km, 1166m / 62mi, 3824ft

Following our “rest” day, we cycle to Split. Split is known for its beaches and the fortress like complex at its center, Diocletian's Palace, erected by the Roman emperor in the 4th century. Within its white stone walls and around its courtyards are a cathedral, shops, bars, cafes, hotels and houses.

Meals: B, L, D Lodging: Hotel Bellevue, Split

Day Twelve: Split to Korcula (138km including ferry)

Ride 54km, 1075m / 34mi, 3526ft and ferry – Split to Vela Luka (Korcula Island)

 On day 12, September 27, we take a 50 mile ferry ride to the island of Korkula then cycle to Korkula town. Rich in vineyards, olive groves and small villages, the island of Korčula is the sixth-largest Adriatic island. The town Korčula is known for the medieval towers and walls fortifying its harbor. Its central square features the Cathedral of St. Mark, begun in the 14th century. Wine lovers will adore sampling its wine. Arguably the best of all Croatian wines are produced on Korcula.

Meals: B, L, D Lodging: Hotel Tara’s Lodge

Day Thirteen: Korcula to Slano (84km including ferry)

Ride 80km, 1425m / 50mi, 4674ft

Slano is a tourist resort in a gentle bay covered with Mediterranean vegetation and sandy beaches. Slano boasts numerous cultural and historical monuments including Illyric tumuli, Roman sarcophagi from the 5th century, and several other churches and chapels from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Meals: B, L, D Lodging: Hotel Osmine

Day Fourteen: Slano to Dubrovnik 59km, 1144

Ride 43km, 912m /  27mi,  2991ft

Dubrovnik - the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', situated on the Dalmatian coast, became an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards.  It's known for its distinctive Old Town, encircled with massive stone walls completed in the 16th century. Its well-preserved buildings range from baroque St. Blaise Church to Renaissance Sponza Palace and Gothic Rector’s Palace, now a history museum. Paved with limestone, the pedestrianized Stradun is lined with shops and restaurants.

Meals: B, L, D Lodging: Hotel Petka

Day Fifteen: Departure after breakfast. A transfer to the Dubrovnik Airport is included.

Meals: B

RIDE RATING:
This ride is 3B based on a ride potential in the point to point sections with an average of 3403 feet of ascent and 46 miles per day. There are four days that exceed the 3B rating.  Day 4 has 5947 feet of ascent and 61 miles (4C). Day 6 has 3870 feet of ascent and 52 miles (4C). Day 11 has 3824 feet of ascent and 62 miles (4C). Day 13 has 4674 feet of ascent and 50 miles (4B).

ITINERARY:
A detailed itinerary will be posted with the Ride Leader Documents.

WEATHER:
September in Croatia has average day time temperature of 25C (77F) with overnight lows of 15C (60F). September is their second driest month of the year. Extreme weather is possible everywhere and adequate preparations are prudent.

LODGING:
Our accommodations are planned to be in 3 and 4 star hotels. Some villages on the route are small and have limited choices. Many hotels are historic and have considerable European charm!

LOGISTICS:
Pedaltours will transfer you from the Trieste airport or your Trieste hotel to the Hotel Delfin in Izola, Slovenia. There are no trains to Izola.  Luggage must be kept to 40 pounds per person.

Pedaltours will provide a minibus and bicycle trailer to provide limited emergency assistance and transfers for riders as necessary – e.g., rider illness or injury, sections that are outside the ride’s rating, inclement weather, etc. This is a challenging tour and a 3C  level of riding ability is desired and preferred. However, the plan is to offer daily support to a limited number of 2B riders so that couples and friends of varied ability can do this ride. Pedaltours will provide one experienced English speaking guide and a bicycle mechanic.

Pedaltours rents high end road bikes and all rentals must be arranged directly with them. For those using personal bikes, bike boxes will be stored by Pedal Tours and transported to the finish point in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik has an International airport. A transfer to the airport on the departure day is included. There is no train service to Dubrovnik. There is a ferry to Bari, Italy. The crossing takes 10 hours

INCLUSIONS:
The tour cost includes 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 9 dinners.  BAC Happy Hours will be held in hotel facilities and snacks will be provided. Due to European laws, alcoholic beverages will not be provided and personal alcohol can not be brought to meetings. Participants will buy their own drinks. All riders will receive 2 water bottles, a map of Croatia, daily maps with cue sheets and profiles, gpx files and a bike jersey. The tour fee includes tips for the guides. . 

COST & ADMINISTRATION:
In addition to the non-refundable $100 BAC ride registration fee, the tour cost per person is estimated at $3825 (based on an exchange rate 1 Euro to 1.24 US Dollars). This is based on two per room AND 20 cyclists. The initial deposit is $1500.00 due on acceptance. The final payment of $2325.00 may be adjusted for fluctuation in the exchange rate. It is due on June 1, 2018. Excluded are airfares and airport taxes, alcohol other than specified, cycle hire, laundry and sightseeing.

SINGLES:
Singles are welcome. We will work to match roommates. Single room charge for those requesting a single room: $730.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
The $100 BAC ride registration fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled.  Refunds will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour's remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report has been completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped, the canceling roommate may be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase personal trip cancellation insurance.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY:
Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support.  Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.   All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour.  We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader.  While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up.  Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour.  Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

SIGN-UP:
To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the non-refundable BAC fee ($100) and tour deposit of $1500  by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. To contact the Ride Coordinator, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.