Croatia: The Dalmatian Coast, Korčula & Dubrovnik

Depart home for Croatia. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed in your flight itinerary.

Upon arrival at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), make your own independent travel arrangements to the nearby seaside town of Cavtat. (For details, refer to your Vacation Preparation Handbook.) Check in at your leisure to the Hotel Croatia Cavtat, your sea-view accommodation perched on a wooded peninsula above the Adriatic. This elegant, full-service resort features spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the sea or gardens, two private beaches, indoor and outdoor pools, a wellness center, and several bars and restaurants. It’s an ideal place to unwind before your tour begins.

VBT provides city information with recommendations for what to see and do in Cavtat. Nestled around a picturesque harbor at the foot of forested hills, Cavtat was originally founded by the ancient Greeks and later ruled by the Romans and Slavs. Today, it is one of the most scenic towns on the Dalmatian Coast’s mainland, known for its peaceful charm, waterfront promenade, and relaxed atmosphere. You’ll find inviting shops, cafés, and restaurants along the shore, and the town’s vibrant gardens and green spaces earned recognition in the 2004 European Competition for Towns and Villages in Bloom.

Enjoy the rest of the day to relax at the hotel or begin exploring this beautiful seaside town on your own.

Dinner is included at your hotel this evening. Please ask the receptionist for restaurant details and dinner hours when checking in.

Included Meals: Dinner

Meet your driver at 10:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Hotel Croatia Cavtat, along with any other VBT guests departing on the same day. Your journey to the Pelješac Peninsula (approximately 1.5 hours) begins with scenic coastal views and passes vineyards and shellfish farms, where oysters and mussels are cultivated in abundance.

En route, stop in the 13th-century town of Ston, home to some of the longest preserved defensive walls in Europe—5 kilometers in length and often referred to as the “European Great Wall of China.” Enjoy free time to explore the town’s walls or charming streets. Then, have lunch on your own at one of the town’s restaurants, many of which highlight the region’s fresh seafood and wines.

After lunch, continue to the seaside resort town of Orebić, your home for the next two nights. Once settled in, meet your VBT Local host at the hotel for a Welcome Orientation and bike fitting. Your host will be carrying a VBT sign and/or wearing a VBT garment.

Orebić is a lively coastal town with a rich maritime history dating back to prehistoric times. It served as an important hub during Roman and Venetian rule and later took its name from a local family that prospered through the salt trade. Along the waterfront, you’ll notice stately sea captains’ homes, many featuring lush gardens and elegant stonework. Today, Orebić remains a vibrant port town and gateway to the island of Korčula.

Following the orientation, enjoy a short warm-up ride along the Adriatic coast of the Pelješac Peninsula. You may wish to take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters upon returning to your beachfront hotel.

This evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll from your hotel along the waterfront to explore Orebić, the largest town on the peninsula. Dinner is on your own tonight—perhaps sample freshly prepared seafood at one of the town’s inviting restaurants.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Loop Ride from Hotel Bellevue — 11 km (7 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s warm-up ride is a loop that begins and ends at your hotel, following flat roads along the scenic Adriatic coast of the Pelješac Peninsula. This easy ride is designed to help you get comfortable with your bicycle while enjoying beautiful coastal views.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycle from your hotel this morning along a beautiful Adriatic coastal road. Today’s ride begins by retracing the previous day’s warm-up route before ascending into the verdant hills of the Pelješac Peninsula, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation. From these breathtaking heights, enjoy sweeping views of Croatia’s mainland and the islands of Korčula and Hvar, before descending into the small seaside village of Lovište. Nestled on Luka Bay, this area is known for its figs, almonds, and carob. You may wish to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch before cycling back to your hotel in the afternoon.

Your hotel can also assist with a variety of non-cycling excursions. Wine lovers may enjoy a tasting tour of the peninsula’s wineries, sampling some of Croatia’s most acclaimed wines. If the sea calls, consider boarding a semi-submersible vessel for a fascinating glimpse of the abundant marine life that inhabits these crystal-clear waters.

After an invigorating day exploring the region, enjoy dinner in Orebić or at your hotel’s restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Out-and-Back Ride to Lovište — 38 km (24 miles)

What to Expect:

The majority of today’s ride is along the Adriatic coast of the Pelješac Peninsula, beginning and ending at your hotel. After a coastal start, you’ll enjoy a gradual ascent through a scenic valley. Please note that there may be seasonal traffic on the paved two-lane roads, particularly when entering and departing the small resort village of Lovište.

Included Meals: Breakfast

You depart the Pelješac Peninsula today by boat for the short crossing to Korčula Island, the sixth-largest Adriatic island and an exceptional cycling destination, known for its quiet country roads and stunning vistas.

From the port of Korčula Town, travel across the island to Vela Luka (“Big Harbor”). As you ascend to the island’s heights and cycle along its scenic spine, you’ll pass through charming villages such as Čara, Pupnat, and Žrnovo. Your route weaves in and out of cypress forests, skirts vineyards known for the local Grk grape, and follows trails perfumed by low-lying Mediterranean maquis. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the dolomitic mountains of the Pelješac Peninsula across the channel. By ride’s end, you coast into Korčula Town, the fabled birthplace of Marco Polo, often called a miniature Dubrovnik for its enchanting medieval architecture.

The heart of Old Town is a cluster of Renaissance and Gothic buildings that juts into the channel like a thumb. Its clever fishbone street layout was designed to embrace the cooling summer mistral winds from the west and shield against the icy bura winds from the northeast. With its red-roofed skyline and round defensive towers, Korčula Town is a visual delight.

Settle into your hotel, your base for the next two nights. For dinner on your own, enjoy the hotel’s offerings or explore one of the many konobas (taverns) in town.

Today's Ride Choices

Vela Luka to Korčula Town — 57 km (35 miles)

What to Expect:

Cycling from the small port of Vela Luka, you quickly enter the countryside and begin gaining elevation for approximately 6 km (4 miles) after passing through the town of Blato. Winding through forests and vineyards, the route follows rolling terrain through Čara. A steady climb, interspersed with short steep ascents and descents, brings you to the highest point of the day. From here, ride along a plateau for about 4 km (2.5 miles), passing through the town of Pupnat before beginning your descent through the village of Žrnovo. You’ll finish your ride back in Korčula Town at your seaside hotel overlooking the historic center.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Your focus today is the spectacular Mljet National Park, which covers the entire northwestern region of Mljet, the southernmost of the larger Adriatic Islands. The ancient Greeks called it Melita, meaning “honey,” a nod to its enduring natural beauty. After a scenic ferry ride, disembark into an unspoiled paradise of turquoise waters, lush forests, and rugged limestone and dolomite ridges. Enjoy opportunities to swim in the sea, kayak along the island’s shores, or hike around two saltwater lakes. You may also choose to take a small boat across Veliko Jezero, Mljet’s large inland lake, to visit the 12th-century Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary. Lunch is available at the island restaurant or back at the port, depending on your preference.

Dinner tonight is on your own back in Korčula Town.

Today's Ride Choices

Korčula Town Loop — 14 km (9 miles)

What to Expect:

A short loop ride from your hotel leads along the waterfront before climbing the hill behind Korčula Town, passing through small villages, and descending back to the seaside. Enjoy sweeping views of Korčula and Orebić along the way. This loop can be combined with one or both of the rides on Day 5 for additional mileage.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Tranquil, picturesque, and resplendent in its seaside setting, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Korčula is precisely the kind of town where you’ll want to spend a leisurely day. Our Stay Put Day allows you to do just that—pursuing your own interests by bike, foot, or water.

As this is your final day with your bike, you might take the opportunity to explore more of the island’s hidden corners. Cycle to the village of Lumbarda, known for its calm, sandy beaches and ancient vineyards that produce Korčula’s renowned Grk white wine. Alternatively, follow scenic coastal roads to the town of Račišće. While the traditional wooden schooners—called trabakula—have largely disappeared from its harbor, the fishing boats and sailing vessels that remain preserve its maritime charm.

Prefer to explore on foot? Wander Korčula’s fortified Old Town, climb the medieval towers, or visit cultural highlights such as St. Mark’s Cathedral and the Abbey Treasury. Dive into local lore at the Marco Polo Museum or the Korčula Town Museum, and browse the many inviting art galleries and boutique shops.

The surrounding crystal-clear waters are ideal for adventure, too. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the coastline at your own pace. If you’re feeling daring, try windsurfing. For some relaxation, visit the sister hotel of your accommodation for a massage, sauna, whirlpool, or swim at the wellness center (available at an additional cost).

This evening, your hotel concierge can recommend the perfect restaurant to toast your unforgettable Dalmatian Island adventure.

Today's Ride Choices

Out-and-Back Ride: Korčula Town to Lumbarda — 17 km (11 miles) | Out-and-Back Ride: Korčula Town to Račišće — 29 km (18 miles)

What to Expect:

Out-and-Back Ride: Korčula Town to Lumbarda
This relatively easy ride features gently rolling terrain with short ascents and descents, leading to the sandy beaches of Lumbarda and the Ražnjić Lighthouse at the tip of a peninsula. The final stretch includes a gravel section.

Out-and-Back Ride: Korčula Town to Račišće
Follow the scenic northern coast of the island, passing small villages and enjoying sweeping sea views en route to the sheltered port of Račišće. Your return route takes you inland through olive groves and quiet countryside back to Korčula Town.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, board your ferry to Dubrovnik, the celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site affectionately known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

Upon arrival, shuttle to your luxurious waterfront hotel. You’ll have time to indulge in the hotel’s seaside spa amenities (at your own expense), take a refreshing dip in the Adriatic, or hop on the convenient city bus to explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Dramatically set on a limestone promontory between the sea and rising hills, Dubrovnik was the center of the Ragusa Republic for 450 years and a formidable rival to the Venetian Republic. Today, its remarkably preserved medieval ramparts still encircle the Old Town. Walking the 1.3-mile perimeter offers one of Europe’s most scenic and memorable walks, with bird’s-eye views of the historic city and its red-tiled rooftops. Continue your exploration at street level through narrow alleys leading to Romanesque cloisters, the Rector’s Palace, and the bustling marble-paved Placa.

You’ll find plenty of dinner options in the Old Town or may choose to dine at your hotel.

What to Expect:

Non-Riding Day

Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. The bike tour officially concludes this morning after breakfast, and the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. VBT provides city information and recommendations for what to see and do in Dubrovnik. In the UNESCO-listed Old Town, you might visit the grand Dubrovnik Cathedral or the striking 16th-century Sponza Palace. You may also wish to explore the Franciscan Church and Monastery, home to a historic library housing nearly 30,000 volumes. Later, return to your four-star waterfront hotel to relax—perhaps unwind by the pool or enjoy a spa treatment overlooking the Adriatic.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, make your way independently to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV). Please allow a minimum of 2.5 hours prior to your flight departure, including an approximately 30-minute taxi ride and two hours of recommended pre-flight check-in time. The hotel concierge will be happy to assist you with arranging transportation.

Included Meals: Breakfast

We suggest arriving in Croatia at least one day prior to the tour’s start date. Make your own independent travel arrangements to the seaside town of Cavtat to meet your leaders and any other VBT guests departing on the same day at our pre-tour hotel, the Hotel Croatia Cavtat, at 10:00 a.m. For travel details, please refer to your VBT Vacation Preparation Handbook.

Your journey to the Pelješac Peninsula (approximately 1.5 hours) begins with scenic coastal views and passes vineyards and shellfish farms, where oysters and mussels are cultivated in abundance.

En route, stop in the 13th-century town of Ston, home to some of the longest preserved defensive walls in Europe—5 kilometers in length and often referred to as the “European Great Wall of China.” Enjoy free time to explore the town’s walls or charming streets. Then, have lunch on your own at one of the town’s restaurants, many of which highlight the region’s fresh seafood and wines.

After lunch, continue to the seaside resort town of Orebić, your home for the next two nights. Once settled in, meet your VBT Local host at the hotel for a Welcome Orientation and bike fitting. Your host will be carrying a VBT sign and/or wearing a VBT garment.

Orebić is a lively coastal town with a rich maritime history dating back to prehistoric times. It served as an important hub during Roman and Venetian rule and later took its name from a local family that prospered through the salt trade. Along the waterfront, you’ll notice stately sea captains’ homes, many featuring lush gardens and elegant stonework. Today, Orebić remains a vibrant port town and gateway to the island of Korčula.

Following the orientation, enjoy a short warm-up ride along the Adriatic coast of the Pelješac Peninsula. You may wish to take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters upon returning to your beachfront hotel.

This evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll from your hotel along the waterfront to explore Orebić, the largest town on the peninsula. Dinner is on your own tonight—perhaps sample freshly prepared seafood at one of the town’s inviting restaurants.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Loop Ride from Hotel Bellevue — 11 km (7 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s warm-up ride is a loop that begins and ends at your hotel, following flat roads along the scenic Adriatic coast of the Pelješac Peninsula. This easy ride is designed to help you get comfortable with your bicycle while enjoying beautiful coastal views.

Cycle from your hotel this morning along a beautiful Adriatic coastal road. Today’s ride begins by retracing the previous day’s warm-up route before ascending into the verdant hills of the Pelješac Peninsula, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation. From these breathtaking heights, enjoy sweeping views of Croatia’s mainland and the islands of Korčula and Hvar, before descending into the small seaside village of Lovište. Nestled on Luka Bay, this area is known for its figs, almonds, and carob. You may wish to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch before cycling back to your hotel in the afternoon.

Your hotel can also assist with a variety of non-cycling excursions. Wine lovers may enjoy a tasting tour of the peninsula’s wineries, sampling some of Croatia’s most acclaimed wines. If the sea calls, consider boarding a semi-submersible vessel for a fascinating glimpse of the abundant marine life that inhabits these crystal-clear waters.

After an invigorating day exploring the region, enjoy dinner in Orebić or at your hotel’s restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Out-and-Back Ride to Lovište — 38 km (24 miles)

What to Expect:

The majority of today’s ride is along the Adriatic coast of the Pelješac Peninsula, beginning and ending at your hotel. After a coastal start, you’ll enjoy a gradual ascent through a scenic valley. Please note that there may be seasonal traffic on the paved two-lane roads, particularly when entering and departing the small resort village of Lovište.

Included Meals: Breakfast

You depart the Pelješac Peninsula today by boat for the short crossing to Korčula Island, the sixth-largest Adriatic island and an exceptional cycling destination, known for its quiet country roads and stunning vistas.

From the port of Korčula Town, travel across the island to Vela Luka (“Big Harbor”). As you ascend to the island’s heights and cycle along its scenic spine, you’ll pass through charming villages such as Čara, Pupnat, and Žrnovo. Your route weaves in and out of cypress forests, skirts vineyards known for the local Grk grape, and follows trails perfumed by low-lying Mediterranean maquis. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the dolomitic mountains of the Pelješac Peninsula across the channel. By ride’s end, you coast into Korčula Town, the fabled birthplace of Marco Polo, often called a miniature Dubrovnik for its enchanting medieval architecture.

The heart of Old Town is a cluster of Renaissance and Gothic buildings that juts into the channel like a thumb. Its clever fishbone street layout was designed to embrace the cooling summer mistral winds from the west and shield against the icy bura winds from the northeast. With its red-roofed skyline and round defensive towers, Korčula Town is a visual delight.

Settle into your hotel, your base for the next two nights. For dinner on your own, enjoy the hotel’s offerings or explore one of the many konobas (taverns) in town.

Today's Ride Choices

Vela Luka to Korčula Town — 57 km (35 miles)

What to Expect:

Cycling from the small port of Vela Luka, you quickly enter the countryside and begin gaining elevation for approximately 6 km (4 miles) after passing through the town of Blato. Winding through forests and vineyards, the route follows rolling terrain through Čara. A steady climb, interspersed with short steep ascents and descents, brings you to the highest point of the day. From here, ride along a plateau for about 4 km (2.5 miles), passing through the town of Pupnat before beginning your descent through the village of Žrnovo. You’ll finish your ride back in Korčula Town at your seaside hotel overlooking the historic center.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Your focus today is the spectacular Mljet National Park, which covers the entire northwestern region of Mljet, the southernmost of the larger Adriatic Islands. The ancient Greeks called it Melita, meaning “honey,” a nod to its enduring natural beauty. After a scenic ferry ride, disembark into an unspoiled paradise of turquoise waters, lush forests, and rugged limestone and dolomite ridges. Enjoy opportunities to swim in the sea, kayak along the island’s shores, or hike around two saltwater lakes. You may also choose to take a small boat across Veliko Jezero, Mljet’s large inland lake, to visit the 12th-century Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary. Lunch is available at the island restaurant or back at the port, depending on your preference.

Dinner tonight is on your own back in Korčula Town.

Today's Ride Choices

Korčula Town Loop — 14 km (9 miles)

What to Expect:

A short loop ride from your hotel leads along the waterfront before climbing the hill behind Korčula Town, passing through small villages, and descending back to the seaside. Enjoy sweeping views of Korčula and Orebić along the way. This loop can be combined with one or both of the rides on Day 5 for additional mileage.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Tranquil, picturesque, and resplendent in its seaside setting, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Korčula is precisely the kind of town where you’ll want to spend a leisurely day. Our Stay Put Day allows you to do just that—pursuing your own interests by bike, foot, or water.

As this is your final day with your bike, you might take the opportunity to explore more of the island’s hidden corners. Cycle to the village of Lumbarda, known for its calm, sandy beaches and ancient vineyards that produce Korčula’s renowned Grk white wine. Alternatively, follow scenic coastal roads to the town of Račišće. While the traditional wooden schooners—called trabakula—have largely disappeared from its harbor, the fishing boats and sailing vessels that remain preserve its maritime charm.

Prefer to explore on foot? Wander Korčula’s fortified Old Town, climb the medieval towers, or visit cultural highlights such as St. Mark’s Cathedral and the Abbey Treasury. Dive into local lore at the Marco Polo Museum or the Korčula Town Museum, and browse the many inviting art galleries and boutique shops.

The surrounding crystal-clear waters are ideal for adventure, too. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the coastline at your own pace. If you’re feeling daring, try windsurfing. For some relaxation, visit the sister hotel of your accommodation for a massage, sauna, whirlpool, or swim at the wellness center (available at an additional cost).

This evening, your hotel concierge can recommend the perfect restaurant to toast your unforgettable Dalmatian Island adventure.

Today's Ride Choices

Out-and-Back Ride: Korčula Town to Lumbarda — 17 km (11 miles) | Out-and-Back Ride: Korčula Town to Račišće — 29 km (18 miles)

What to Expect:

Out-and-Back Ride: Korčula Town to Lumbarda
This relatively easy ride features gently rolling terrain with short ascents and descents, leading to the sandy beaches of Lumbarda and the Ražnjić Lighthouse at the tip of a peninsula. The final stretch includes a gravel section.

Out-and-Back Ride: Korčula Town to Račišće
Follow the scenic northern coast of the island, passing small villages and enjoying sweeping sea views en route to the sheltered port of Račišće. Your return route takes you inland through olive groves and quiet countryside back to Korčula Town.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, board your ferry to Dubrovnik, the celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site affectionately known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

Upon arrival, shuttle to your luxurious waterfront hotel. You’ll have time to indulge in the hotel’s seaside spa amenities (at your own expense), take a refreshing dip in the Adriatic, or hop on the convenient city bus to explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Dramatically set on a limestone promontory between the sea and rising hills, Dubrovnik was the center of the Ragusa Republic for 450 years and a formidable rival to the Venetian Republic. Today, its remarkably preserved medieval ramparts still encircle the Old Town. Walking the 1.3-mile perimeter offers one of Europe’s most scenic and memorable walks, with bird’s-eye views of the historic city and its red-tiled rooftops. Continue your exploration at street level through narrow alleys leading to Romanesque cloisters, the Rector’s Palace, and the bustling marble-paved Placa.

You’ll find plenty of dinner options in the Old Town or may choose to dine at your hotel.

What to Expect:

Non-Riding Day

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at your hotel in Dubrovnik, depart independently. For details, refer to your VBT Vacation Preparation Handbook. Depending on your destination, it may not be possible to return to the U.S. on the final day of the tour. Please review airline schedules carefully.

Included Meals: Breakfast