Internationale groepsreis Cycling the Dalmatian Coast

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

My first cycling holiday and I loved it! A great alternative way to seeing a new country.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The lovely day cycle across Hvar island, truly beautiful.

What did you think of your group leader?

Krsto was good at organising the group without it feeling too much like a school trip

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Gel saddle

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Enjoy!

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

A fantastic trip that left me wanting more, and which really showed just how beautiful Croatia is.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were a lot of high points on the trip - sometimes literally: there are some quite tough climbs to get up which gave me a real sense of achievement when they were done. Some of the downhill rides were really exhilerating as well, and the last one in particular was on a stunning road.  Swimming in one of the lakes on Mljet was amazing - so quiet and peaceful, and in such clear water - I felt like I could have stayed there forever.  Getting to Dubrovnik old town just as the sun was going down and having a guided tour with a wonderful local guide seemed to leave everyone completely enchanted and in love with the place. Having cocktails at the top of the hill above Dubrovnik was beautiful as well.  Sea kayaking in Dubrovnik was really good fun too.  And, the homestead lunch with the homemade pate was delicious. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Ana was great - very organised, very enthusiastic, loads of energy and funny and friendly as well. She was always happy to help and was really approachable.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

There are some pretty big climbs along the way so maybe get a bit of hill practice before you go. Other than that: book it and enjoy it. The week was over in a flash so drink it all in and savour every moment.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I went on my first Exodus trip last year and had an amazing time - after that I knew that I would definitely book another trip with them but always had a slight nagging doubt that it would never be able to live up to the first. Thankfully, I was wrong. This was wonderful as well. I met some fantastic people and seemed to spend a lot of the holiday laughing. Ana, the guide, really helped to make the trip great as well - not only did she keep everyone organised and informed, but she was great fun too. All in all, a fantastic trip that I will remember for a long time.

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

Excellent! Well organised, excellent on ground support, lovely place, can't fault any thing, it's just what Exodus do...well.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Hills. Undulating hills.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent, very calm, organised.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Enjoy! Book your next one ASAP.

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

Croatia is a truly beautiful country and biking around is a fantastic way to appreciate the views.  The Dalmation coast is stunning with the route being challenging in some areas but anybody with a general level of fitness will manage it. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Being with a member of the group who was in their early 70s being in the lead group for the whole week.  It made me want to keep on going and inspired me to keep my fitness levels up so that life remains sweet and fun.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ana was wonderful and looked after everybody in the group through ups and downs (no puns intended).  She was very supportive and made sure we were all enjoying ourselves.  The lunch and dinner locations Ana choose for us were really enjoyable.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't be afraid of wearing lycra - you need it for 5 days in the saddle.  The bikes were really good but if you have a comfy saddle at home bring it with you........!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was our first holiday with Exodus and it excelled our expectations.  The organisation was superb and everything went according to plan (where nearly - large trucks hogging the ferry excluded)!  Word of advice make sure you make allowances for meals and don't expect Croatia to be the bargain you might think it to be.

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

Best Exodus cycling trip so far, Brilliant rep in Ana, beautiful country, outstanding views, great group of like minded people.  Would recommend this trip as a must on anyones 'wish list.' Just loved the whole experience cycling in sunshine with my daughter and new group of friends. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Boat trip to Mljet and cycling around the lakes plus swimming in beautiful crystal waters. Lunching on fresh mussels over looking the lake.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ana was amazing, strong, fit and just a wonderful personality.   Made the trip for us.  Local knowledge re the rides and local resturants.   Very confident and organised.   10 out of 10 for her enthusiam.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I am a mature lady and just cycle for pleasure, you just need a reasonable level of fitness and confidence on the bike. This trip is just the most amazing way to see Croatia.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I must say I think Exodus has got the cycling trip holidays just right,  this was our third one plus one walking holiday in Maderia. You must be doing something right because most on the trip and enjoyed other Exodus trips.

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

 A great way to see the Dalamatian coast, fanatastic views

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Ana -was a great guide, sharing lots of local knowledge and keeping us all organised and good at issuing clear instructions so we didn't get lost.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I would recommend being reasonably fit- the coast line isn't flat, but nothing too steep.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

(without a doubt) The most enjoyable cycling trip I have been on.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The bluest sea I have ever seen. 

What did you think of your group leader?

She was fabulous.  She was knowledgeable and humourous.  Also she kept it real, told us the length of the hills, the gradient, gave clear and concise directions.  As a group we were really well looked after.  Excellent choice of restaurants and routes and stopping points.  Also she took us to the best IceCream in Europe.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is a must do trip.  Big Hills but lots of time to do them.  Big Downhills too!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go to Mjet.  In fact do all the optional rides. 

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

Perfect way to discover the Dalmatian coast and it's islands.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Cycling along the coastline and on the different islands and visiting beautiful cities like Dubrovnik, Hvar and Split

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent handling during the trip, good knowledge and funny.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just go for it

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Enjoy your trip

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

It's quite simething at the age of 64 having had many previous holidays of all kinds, to say that this was the best holiday that I have ever had. However, that's the truth, from begining to end it exceeced all my dreams. The country is beautiful, the guide could not have been better and the people that I travelled with were great company.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The last day in Dubrovnik was truly memorable, the weather was perfect and the city had so much to offer. My abiding memery was relaxing for an hour alone with coffee and cake watching the world go by, and contemplating what I had experienced over the previous few days. The cycling was hard but the views were amazing, lunch at the family restaurant and dinner at the farmhouse were extremely good but most of all I remember the group of people that helped to make this such wonderful holiday.

What did you think of your group leader?

Krsto was very good company and fun to be with, spoke perfect english and had a wry sense of humour. He was very organised and capable, I had complete confidence in his ability to cope with any situation that may have arisen. Exodus are lucky to have him as their representative.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just for anyone who may be apprehensive about a cycling holiday. This was my first ever activity holiday and I only started cycling six months ago, so I was concerned that I may have been too old, unfit and inexperieced to enjoy it. Well I took longer that most to complete the hills but did manage without having to resort to the bus, and I felt under no pressure from the faster riders. So give it a try, no more beach holidays or cruises for me it's cycling from now on.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just a brilliant holiday. Can't wait for the next one.

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

This was a really good trip with a nice balance of cycling and sight seeing. The islands were the high point with some simply beautiful scenery and unspoilt towns and countryside.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The towns of Hvar and Korcula. We had two meals at small, family run restaurants which were some of the best on the trip.

What did you think of your group leader?

Bojan was a good tour leader, he was well organised and compentent. Some more details on the local history and things to look out for on the rides would have been nice but he was very proficient and we felt well cared for. Boris needs a new van though, preferably one with air conditioning as some of the transfers were a bit uncomfortable, especially with 16 hot cyclists and lots of bags, cycle hats, rucksacks etc!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The cycling is not too challenging and the longer days are broken up with lots of stops. The hills are steady climbs and the views from the top are well worth it, as are the downhill sections!! I would also recommend buying your own water if you have a senstive digestive system. The bottled water provided by the tour leader ran out on day three and was then replaced with tap water.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If possible it would have been nice to spend longer in the town of Hvar which seemed to have a lot of history to it. Options for longer cycle rides would have been a good extra as well but having said that it was quite nice to have a relaxing pace and not be rushing to get to dinner in the evenings. Overall it was a really good holiday and a great way to see Croatia which left us wanting to go back and do more exploring in the future!

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

Good as a holiday, but not great as a cycling holiday; Much too short and really should either be improved (ideally) or reclassified as a leisurely/moderate trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Bojan did his job well. Nice guy, speaks English well. No complaints really.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Mind your Bus ticket in Dubrovnik. They're made of paper and get damaged pretty easily. Tickets bought as part of the Dubrovnik card package aren't silly cheap and as mine got sweaty, it never worked at all and I couldn't replace it (Had to fork out for a new one!). Non-Dubrovnik card tickets however can be replaced though and as the 'free' Museums are a bit boring and/or small, might be better to buy bus tickets separately anyway and just do the things that are worthwhile; like city walls andcable car/museum. I recommend the kayak trips though. Did one on a free day between flights. Nice alternative to old stones, museums and masses of cruise ship tourists. There's also a bike and wine tasting trip available from the same companies.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

As already mentioned, the bottled water ran out pretty early on in our trip and was thus refilled, presumably from mains water. Many of us felt ill or otherwise off-kilter and the it seemed to be the water. Would be better to use bottled water for the whole week. Boris needs to fix his aircon or replace his bus; The trip from Ston to Dubrovnik was miserably uncomfortable!

Cycling the Dalmatian Coast

This was a very well organised and thoroughly enjoyable trip, cycling through some beautiful unspoilt countryside. Some of the scenery is stunning. The hotels are fairly basic, but we only needed a comfy bed after each day's cycling and far too much food and wine for afters. I would highly recommend the trip and we will certainly be back for more cycling with Exodus

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The stunning views at the top of some of the climbs

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

Beautiful country, friendly people, excellent guide, really good food. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Completeing the 10km climb in 30+ degC.

What did you think of your group leader?

Very fit and very tolerant young guy. We would have liked to hear a bit more about the history and culture of Croatia but realise that some of it might still be quite raw.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Some of the hotels are a little basic.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

An amazing holiday in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. The islands were beautiful and the towns of Hvar and Korcula inspirational. It was great to have all of the travel arrangements organised, especially the ferries, and excellent restaurants recommended and booked. It was also fantastic to have the back up vehicle on hand for the transfers, snacks and the 'just in case' moments. The bikes were easy to ride and in good condition.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I was very nervous prior to the holiday about being able to cope with all the uphill rides. I had a real buzz from completing all the rides and loved the challenges they set. Visiting the islands was superb and the scenery made you forget the undulating routes. Having risen to the challenge of the uphills the downhills were exhilarating with truly amazing views.

What did you think of your group leader?

Krsto was excellent. He was supportive to those at the back of the 'peloton'. He was knowledgeable about the places we visited and had a great sense of humour. He made arrangements for us to visit some amazing restaurants. A truly inspirational leader!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I took my own saddle as well as others who also took their own peddles - a good move! Although I had been out cycling prior to the trip the uphills were certainly longer than I had anticipated. To get the most from the trip it would be prudent to do some uphill training prior to the trip. Having said that, the ascents are not particularly steep, just long and the superb scenery and lovely descents make up for all the undulations!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was my first organised group holiday and I have been waxing lyrical to everyone I meet about the whole trip. The cycling was a challenge but on completion of each ride I had a real sense of achievement. The others on my trip were great company and I thoroughly enjoyed cycling with different people at different times. We cycled together, ate together and laughed together - fantastic people. This has been a truly amazing holiday. I am already looking through the Exodus brochure for my next 'challenge'.

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

Great group, Great guide, Great country. The weather was hot! This made a swim in crystal clear waters at the end of the day even better!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

After some long climbs, the joy of a downhill through stunning countryside. Olive groves and Vineyards The last 20km to Sucuraj and the final days ride around Korcula were my favourites. The trip to the Mljet National  Park is a must. Swim in the clearest water I have ever seen! The meals at Pupnat and the Homestead were by far the best of the trip.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ana was great. Probably one of the best cycling guides I have met. She can heard cats! Sixteen of them! Her instruction are VERY clear. LISTEN to them. Some of the downhills are very narrow. We did come across some cars coming the other way! So when she says go slow. G Her humour very dry! An amazing ambassador to Croatia. My only suggestion would maybe to produce some simple maps of the daily rides. With turning points and distances. With sixteen people it can sometimes be difficult to hear instructions.    

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Croatia is not cheap. I would work on the upper guide of £35 a day at least.  The best food and wine we had was at Pupnat and the homestead. All home made. Some of the food in the restaurants was a bit dissapointing. Most of the wine seemed to be watered down. Stick to beer! July is hot! Most of the hotels are basic and clean. If fans could be added to some of them that would be great. I use a Camel pack which is great. If you are using a water bottle make sure it is a good size. You will drink a lot of water! 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

There is a direct flight from Dubrovnik back to Gatwick with Easyjet at about 11:00 which I didn't know about. The group flight via Zagreb leaves at 6:25 so a 4:00 transfer! We didn't go to bed! This a great trip. Only a week. All the other trips I have been on were two weeks and I wish I had stayed on longer.

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

Amazing views of the Adriatic help with the tough climbs on this trip, and the thought of jumping in the sea at the end has you sailing down the descents. A really exhilarating trip with varied routes and fun downhill curves. You are continually breathing in the scent of lavender fields and pine trees which is absolute bliss. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

All the downhills felt inspirational. Other top moments included stacking the bikes on the roof of a boat to go island-hopping, a fish barbeque on board which was cooked using a blow-torch and all of us jumping one by one off the roof of said boat. Another one was deciding at the end of another long, sweltering ride that it was ok to strip down to sports bra and inner shorts to jump in the sea! Totally liberating.

What did you think of your group leader?

Great fun, bubbly and enthusiastic but above all extremely strict about safety so you knew you were in good hands. A dab hand at fixing punctures too.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

As a newcomer to cycling I found I needed to wear two pairs of padded shorts most days and was very happy I'd brought a camelbak and (don't laugh) a fan for the hot evenings. I took a couple of extra days at the end as Dubrovnik (and all Croatia) is just too fascinating a place to do in a day. Some of us also went down to Montenegro at the end. Otherwise, it can all flash by a bit too quickly what with physical fatigue and the quick pace of the trip. I was also glad I travelled with a backpack, rather than suitcase as some did, and make sure you leave some space to bring back local olive oil and grappa.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Be warned that these trips are addictive, I am now hooked...

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

A well balanced and varied week of cycling, swimming and sight-seeing amongst some breathtaking scenery.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Island-hopping, taking our bicycles on various ferries, and especially our optional day on Miljet when we cycled around the lake and found a little paradise at the end of the track where we swam in crystal clear turquoise waters...

What did you think of your group leader?

Ana was very much in control of the group and excellent at organising everything including restaurant bills which can be a headache! She has a strong personality but she was also sensitive to other people's wishes and needs, and did all she could to accomodate everyone. Great sense of humour too, and very supportive with people cycling at the back. A group leader one will remember.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for some tough uphills at times, especially on hot summer days and as soon as your first day, but the freewheel downhills are exhilarating and make it all worhwhile! A real adrenaline rush...

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Croatia and its islands are a little paradise and it is great to admire all the work and repair done to the damaged buildings during the recent conflict. I just hope mass tourism is not going to overwhelm its coasts and pollute its beaches and eventually spoil it as it has in other parts of the world.

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

The trip was fantastic! The route was beautiful, the group friendly, and the leader outstanding. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It was great to see everyone make it to the top of the hill on day two. And the decent wasn't bad either.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ana was exceptional! She was organized, accommodating, and fun. She went out of her way to make sure the needs of everyone in the group were met and that everyone was enjoying themselves.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

While the trip is graded "moderate," there definitely were some difficult hills. I recommend doing some hilly training rides if you're not a regular cyclist.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

While I thoroughly enjoyed my time on trip, some of the accommodation was a little disappointing considering the cost of the holiday. 

Cycling the Dalmatian Coast

Excellent trip with an interesting bunch of people from all walks of life. We all had something to bring to the table.Had some great laughs and the leader was a good Captain guiding us to some amazing places.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

We visited Mijet and I loved it. The island was amazing and did some great swimming in the sea

What did you think of your group leader?

Ana went over and above to meet all of the groups needs which were varied.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take padded shorts and a lot of change of clothes

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Book as you will not be disappointed

Cycling the Dalmatian Coast

This trip was a 12 out of 10. The group of 16 gelled very well. The ages ranged from the 30s to upper 70s. The guide, Ana was very personable. We could travel at our own speed and there was plenty of time to savor our surroundings.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Making it to the top of the long hills without dismounting.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ana was awesome. Very knowledgeable of the countryside. Knew all the good restaurants. Very personable.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This will NOT be my last Exodus trip.