With Christmas and New Year approaching, it is time to set some goals for 2018; and, after perhaps too much eating and drinking over Christmas, how about ringing in the New Year by booking an active holiday? Exploring Croatia by mountain bike with AndAdventure could be just the thing.
AndAdventure is a leading adventure company with more than a decade’s worth of experience in the adventure tourism industry along the Adriatic. We have written before about the unique kayak and sail tours they offer and their shorter 3 – 5-day sailing tours but let’s take it up a notch and go a little off-road, shall we?
While some people view a holiday as a chance to ‘veg-out’ beside a pool or simply take in the sights at a mild-mannered pace, others want a little more action and adrenaline in their holiday. What could be better than exploring some of the most breathtaking regions in Dalmatia, including UNESCO sites and stunning landscapes on a mountain bike adventure?
AndAdventure offer just this on their 6-day mountain bike tour. Over the course of 6-days, you will be lead from Split to the islands Brac, Hvar and Korcula before finishing in the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’ – Dubrovnik.
Day 1 begins nice and easy, in the beautiful city of Split where you will have a chance to walk through Diocletian’s Palace, meet the rest of the members in your ‘team’, meet your guide, do a bike fitting before enjoying some traditional cuisine and getting a good night’s sleep before the real adventure begins.
On island Brac, you will take in the view from Vidova Gora and see one of the world’s most beautiful (and photographed) beaches – Zlatni Rat, before heading to the Blaca Monastery which was built during the 16th Century.
Credit: Romulic and Stojcic, view above Zlatni Rat Beach on island Brac
Biking through Hvar, you better believe the tour takes your thought the Stari Grad Plain which is a UNESCO Heritage protected site, founded by the Greeks 2,300 years ago. Then explore some of the gorgeous villages along the way before reaching the peak of Saint Nikola for incredible 360-degree views over the island.
Credit: Romulic & Stojcic, Hvar town
On day 4, a private boat will take you to the island of Korcula, where you will spend two days exploring this beautiful island, including caves, inland communities and the ‘mini-Dubrovnik’ – the fortressed old town.
On the final day, a short ferry ride will take you from Korcula island to the Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula, where you can wind your way through beautiful vineyards, greenery, towards the walls of Ston (one of the longest stone walls in Europe) and the home of the famous Ston oysters and clams. After dinner, a transfer will take you to Dubrovnik, where the tour ends.
Along the entire route, there are also gorgeous dinners included, walking tours, options for wine tastings… You will be in the hands of an experienced guide and your entire trip – accommodation (in 3 and 4-star hotels), meals, transfers etc. are all included. All you have to do is turn up, be prepared to do a little hard work, then reap the rewards in the evenings while exploring or sipping on a lush glass of wine, watching the sunset over the Adriatic.
The Tourist Boards have also realised what a great opportunity they have here with biking tourism and produced a fantastic video, featuring Ivan Basso (Italian professional road racing cyclist and two-time Giro d’Italia Champion). Check it out below to get a taste of what you are in for.
Why not start 2018 with a bang and book a tour with a difference? You can find more information about AndAdventure and the 6-day Mountain Biking tour here.
Here’s to a happy and healthy New Year!
