mountain bike Croatia

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TREASURE ISLANDS

DEtails:

2025 DATES: May 30-June 6, 2025 | June 6-13, 2025 (SOLD OUT) | September 5-12, 2025 | September 12-19, 2025 (SOLD OUT) | September 19-26, 2025 (SOLD OUT)

Duration: 7 Nights, 8 Days

Joining In: Split, Croatia

Land Cost: $3195 USD/person | Currency Conversion

Single room supplement: $1,595 USD

Activity Level: Intermediate | more info »

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There’s only one way to mountain bike Croatia! Join us on a 101-foot private motor yacht for a week of island bliss as we ride Croatia’s Southern Dalmatia islands, one of Europe’s most beautiful destinations. Sip a beer post ride at a rustic cafe, walk beaches with a gelato, stroll narrow streets of historic harbor towns, enjoy a private dinner at a small restaurant or meals on the boat prepared by our onboard chef. Learn about the deep history of the region, anchor in a quiet cove for a swim off the deck into turquoise waters or an exploratory SUP, then sail off to the next island to do it all over again. This trip also features a Canadian on-board RMT masseuse for post-ride massages (additional cost). All 12 spacious cabins (11 above deck over 2 floors, 1 below deck) feature air conditioning, private bathrooms with shower and hair dryer. Two separate guided rides daily with our Croatian leaders and Big Mountain leader. Riders can expect scenic singletrack and doubletrack winding through the hills and some quiet ashphalt climbs.

*This trip is amazing for private groups, especially a mixed group from uber-fit to cruisy riders and even non-riders.

*2025 Croatia departures can be done on eMTB or MTB (same departure). eMTB or MTB rentals are not included in the trip price.

Photo: Leslie Kehmeier.

HIGHLIGHTS

Trip Highlights:

1. The excitement of yachting from island to island on a private hotel (our yacht) with an onboard chef & RMT masseuse. Unpack once, ride, eat, sleep & enjoy.
2. Exploring the town of Stari Grad on Hvar Island, one of Europe’s oldest towns that dates back to 3500 BC and is a UNESCO world heritage site.
3. Riding beautiful and little-known Vis island followed by a swim in turquoise waters and then tucking into a fresh seafood lunch.
4. Stepping off the ship to explore the captivating city of Split and its Roman-built Diocletian’s Palace. Then stopping at a café in a little courtyard to watch the world go by.
5. Conquering the Vidova Gora climb on Brač Island and then descending to Zlatini Rat, one of the top beaches in Europe for a deserved gelato.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Welcome to Split, Croatia. Sail to Šolta Island. Warm-up Ride.

Our boat will be anchored in the historic town of Trogir, a small island that’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and conveniently located 10 minutes from the Split International airport. After building bikes we’ll check in to the yacht at 2:00PM and set sail to Šolta Island, know for it’s honey,olive oil and red wine. Before dinner we’ll head out on a warm-up ride past dry stone walls, olive groves and fig trees with the smells of sage and rosemary in the air. Then it is downhill to the sea and the ship where we’ll spend the evening in a charming harbor town.

Distance: 15km (9 miles), 300m + (1000ft)

Day 2 – Sail to Vis Island. Ride Vis Island.

In the morning we cruise to the island of Vis, the furthest island on the Dalmatian archipelago and one of the most beautiful and remote with diverse terrain for mountain biking and fantastic views. After a traditional lunch we ride back to the ship and spend the night in the harbor.

Option 1: Distance: 39km (18 miles), 900m+ (2950ft). Option 2: Distance: 25km (16 miles), 670m+ (2200 ft)

Day 3 – Sail to Korcula. Ride Korcula.

Morning cruise to the island of Korčula stopping for a swim from the boat. Today’s ride starts on coastal trails, then some asphalt and gravel roads to the archaeological site of Vela Spila and its incredible rock formations. After a coffee stop at the harbor we’ll continue on more singletack back to the ship anchored in the historical village of Vela Luka.

Option 1: Distance: 29km (18 miles), 630m+ (2060 ft). Option 2: Distance: 27km (17 miles), 450m+ (1500 ft)

Day 4 - Sail to Hvar Island. Ride Hvar Island.

Another beautiful morning sail, this time to the beautiful town of Hvar on the island of the same name, know as lavender island. After unloading bikes we’ll start with a climb on asphalt and gravel and some nice trail sections. Halfway across the island we enjoy a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant before reaching the highest point before descending down to seaside Stari Grad, known as the oldest town in Europe, settled by tribes as early as 3500 BC.

Option 1: Distance: 38km (24 miles), 1000m+ (3280 ft). Option 2: Distance: 29km (18 miles), 350m+ (1150 ft)

Day 5 – Sail to Brač Island. Ride Brač Island.

While eating breakfast we cruise to Milna on the Island of Brač. Today is the trip’s longest ride and we start with a big climb to the highest peak of the Adriatic islands past olive groves, herb meadows and karstic formations to the 780 m high Vidova Gora with beautiful views of the mainland and Bol and the iconic Zlatini Rat Beach, one of Europe’s most beautiful. The descent is technical at first but then get more flowy, to the seaside town of Postira where we spend the night.

Option 1: Distance: 38km (24 miles), 1,000m+ (3280 ft). Option 2: Distance: 31km (19 miles), 700m+ (2300 ft)

Day 6 – Sail to Split. Ride Split (or hit the beach!). Afternoon explore Split.

Start the day with a cruise to the city of Split, Croatia’s second biggest city, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its palace of the Roman Caesar Diocletian. Today’s morning ride is mellow after yesterday’s big pull, through the Marjan forest park in the heart of Split with its short but fun trails. Or, you can opt to go to the beach instead and take a day off the bike. This afternoon we can explore this bustling city before dinner on the town. Overnight stay in Split.

Option 1: Distance: 37km (23 miles), 850m+ (2790 ft)

Day 7 – Sail to Trogir. Ride Čiovo Island.

This morning we enjoy our last cruise back to Trogir. Once in Trogir our last ride will take us across the bridge to Čiovo Island, often covered in flowers and the aromatic scent of wild herbs hangs in the air. Today’s ride is easier along gravel roads and some singtrack with wonderful views over the sea. This afternoon we’ll have time to relax in Trogir before our last night’s festivities.

Option 1: Distance: 20km (13 miles), 410m+ (1350 ft). Option 2: Distance: 24km (15 miles), 220m+ (722 ft)

Day 8 - Flights home. Bon voyage!

This morning we’ll disembark from the ship at 9:00AM for flights home, or to continue travels on your own. For earlier departures you can of course disembark earlier. We will help all riders with taxis to the Split airport.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

• Big Mountain leader & two local leaders.
• Daily guided riding groups (two distances) & daily ride briefing.
• Basic tool kit & floor pump.
• Bike case storage during trip.
• Seven nights on the ship.
• Meals included: all breakfasts, nine lunches or dinners (depends on day/island), starts with dinner on Day 1, ends with breakfast on final day.
• Crew (captain, several deck hands, full-time chef, maintenance person).
• On-board Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), massages additional cost.
• Linens and towels and daily cabin cleaning service.
• Wine tasting at a local winery.
• Welcome Reception with drinks & snacks.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

• Your bike & related equipment to ride (see rental bike details below).
• Five lunches or dinners. (expect to pay €15-20 per person lunch, €30 for dinner. Drinks on board (specialty coffees, cold beer & wine available on an honor system, to be paid to boat crew at end of trip).
• Entrance fees to sights not included with the trip.
• Flight to/from Split, Croatia, airport taxes and excess baggage charges (if any).
• Additional hotel stays pre/post trip.
• Return taxi from Split Airport to port (approx.€15-20 one way).
• Tipping to local guides and boat crew.
• Energy supplements; gels, powders & bars.
• Personal travel & medical insurance.

EQUIPMENT

Bike and equipment

High-performance rental bikes and eMTB’s are available on this trip. As it is on most of our trips it is recommended that riders bring their own bikes. A current lightweight full-suspension trail bike with 130-140mm travel that climbs and descends capably is best for this adventure. As the terrain is rocky tires should be tubeless, 2.30” or above, aggressive tread, one to two-ply casing for durability, puncture resistance and added control. Eye protection and knee pads that you can comfortably pedal in are highly recommended. Helmets are mandatory when on your bike. A 16L backpack is recommended.

Suggested Bike

Trek Remedy

Suggested pack

EVOC Trail Pro 16

WHAT TO EXPECT

ACTIVITY LEVEL

The minimum technical ability required for Croatia is Intermediate. This trip is suitable if you have been riding consistently for one to two years or more and are keen to improve your riding skills. You can climb and descend in control on mildly steep singletrack with loose rocks (Croatia is generally rocky). This trip is a Level 3/6 or 4/6 for fitness. On all days there are longer and shorter ride distance to choose from. The accumulation of multiple days of riding will add up, as it is on all of our trips the fitter you are, the more fun you’ll have.

THE RIDING

All rides start with a climb from sea level on asphalt, gravel or double- track and descents are mostly singletrack. Stronger groups will ride singletrack descents on surfaces that are dry with fixed and loose rock gardens and rocky sections, sometimes flowy, on old hiking paths. Less-technical groups often descend on doubletrack and gravel roads. Excluding the first ride, each day will feature two guided ride distances. Riders can expect mostly singletrack but also some doubletrack, gravel roads and some quiet ashphalt sections. The riding on the Dalmatian Islands is generally rocky, but there will be some buffed sections also.

LODGING AND CUISINE

The San Snova ship is very comfortable and the cuisine is prepared by our full-time on board chef. You can expect great home-cooked meals typical of Croatia. Launched in 2009, the MS San Snova is an entirely oak ship that stands at 101- feet long. All 13 spacious cabins (eleven above deck, three below deck) feature air conditioning, private bathroom with shower and hair dryer. Cabins are 30 to 45 square feet in size. Two-person beds are 200 X 140 cm (slightly bigger than a double size), single beds are 200 X 80 cm.

CLIMATE

Depending on the time of the year you visit Croatia, it can be hot for riding. The best times to visit are mid-May through end of June and September through mid-October. There can be rain but it’s minimal.

YOUR SAFETY

Our trips take place in remote regions with limited evacuation options available. Our guides have basic first aid training, if a serious injury is suspected they will call helicopter search and rescue at the cost of the participant. Personal medical travel insurance is mandatory for all riders. If you choose to participate in our trips it is up to you to ride well within your limits, to ride conservatively, to walk sections if needed and to be safe as mountain biking is a dangerous sport. There are always risks and hazards on all trails that we ride. It is your responsibility to inspect your bike or rental bike daily and keep it in excellent condition. Helmets are mandatory and alcohol and drugs are not permitted while riding your bike.

THE NEXT STEPS

Please read and understand our Terms and Conditions and our Waiver. Then, email or call us to make sure that your desired departure is confirmed and there’s still space available. We’ll then send you a short Rider Questionnaire to learn about your riding experience and ensure that you are suitable for the trip. The last step is to complete our secure online Registration Form and pay your 25% deposit, and we’ll send you detailed Trip Preparation Guide that includes steps on preparing for your adventure.

TRAVEL PROTECTION

A Travel Protection Plan protects your travel investment, your belongings, and most importantly, you. We strongly advise travelers to enroll in a Travel Protection Plan in case an unexpected event causes you to cancel or leave your trip. Please review Big Mountain Bike Adventures’ Cancellation Policy:

A Travel Protection Plan should be purchased once a deposit or any payment is made for a trip. Insurance must provide coverage for personal accident, death, emergency remote evacuation including helicopter evacuation, medical expenses and emergency repatriation. We advise travellers to confirm that it covers trip cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You will be asked for proof of insurance in lead up to your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without it. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance coverage, Big Mountain will not be liable for any losses howsoever arising, in respect to insurance coverage that would have otherwise have been available.

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“Dream trip! We had so many memorable experiences. A huge thanks to our amazing guides and boat crew for everything.”

— Tanya P.

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