After checking in at Auckland Airport we board our Emirates flight to Dubai.
On arrival in Dubai early this morning we clear customs and immigration and transfer to our hotel.
We can check in straight away because we have booked an early check in.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Early this morning we go to the airport for our flight to Zagreb in Croatia.
On arrival at Zagreb airport this afternoon we are met and transfer to our hotel.
This evening we have an early dinner at a nearby local restaurant.
Zagreb being a capital city is a large place with a rich and diverse history. It dates back to Roman times and was an important city in the Austrian-Hungarian empire.
Our morning sightseeing tour will concentrate on the historic Upper Town, including visiting the 13th century cathedral with its medieval frescoes.
Late morning we depart on a coach and travel south to our hotel in Zadar, a city on Croatia’s Dalmation coast.
Late this afternoon we meet our Cycle team and explore Zadar.
We leave the old town of Zadar this morning by ferry, avoiding the busy coastal roads. Within minutes, we reach our first island of the journey and will traverse it almost entirely from North to South.
Small towns, villages, and holiday resorts accompany us throughout the day, allowing you to get familiar with your e-bike, before taking an evening ferry back to the mainland and arriving at Biograd.
In the morning we depart from Biograd, the “white city by the sea”, and explore the Vransko Jerzero Nature Park. Riding along the largest lake in Croatia, Lake Vrana, our route leads us to the picturesque coastal town of Vodice.
This evening we stroll along the lovely waterfront promenade and indulge in the culinary delights of Dalmatia.
Today we’re off to Split. We cross the Krka River, whose course near Vodice transforms into a long and deep bay. We continue our journey from the regional capital, Sibenik, to Trogir.
Here we explore the well-preserved old town, known for its mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and Romanesque buildings situated on a small island.
Then, to avoid traffic, we travel by ferry from Trogir to Split.
Like most of this area Split was once a Roman settlement.
This morning we enjoy a guided walking tour including the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace.
This afternoon is at leisure.
This morning, we have a ferry ride ahead of us, taking us directly from Croatia’s second-largest city to the island of Korcula.
We arrive at Vela Luka and check in to our hotel.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Today we cycle on the island of Korcula, and are greeted by a breathtaking natural landscape – it’s no wonder Korcula is also known as “the green island”. It’s a delightful place for cycling, free from the stress and noise of the city traffic.
When we reach the eastern end of the island we catch a ferry to Orebic on the Peljesac peninsula.
Today, we will explore the peninsula; passing countless vineyards and the longest defensive wall in Europe in Ston.
We cycle back to the mainland, where we spend the night in the bay of Slano.
It’s our last day of cycling, and our destination is Dubrovnik. Once again, we benefit from our e-bikes and overcome some hills at the beginning of the day.
After that, we proceed on almost deserted roads high above the busy coastal highway.
Dubrovnik is another beautiful city, especially the old town with its walls and sea access.
This morning we have a guided walking tour of “Old Dubrovnik”. Dubrovnik was severely damaged during the Croatian War of Independence and its restoration has made the town even more lovely.
This afternoon is at leisure and this evening we have a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
This morning we travel by coach to Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Mostar is known for the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a reconstructed medieval arched bridge. We have a walking tour here with a local guide and have lunch at a local restaurant.
Then we continue to Sarajevo and check in to our hotel.
After breakfast we have a sightseeing tour of Sarajevo and then transfer to the airport for our flight to Dubai.
On arrival in Dubai this evening we transfer to our hotel.
This morning we transfer back to Dubai airport and fly to New Zealand.
Home to New Zealand with special memories of enjoying the active life in wonderful Croatia.