We meet in the morning in Split before we ferry to beautiful Hvar Island, disembarking at the quaint harbor town of Stari Grad, home to the fortified Tvrdalj castle, the impressively restored Bianchini Palace and a Dominican monastery. Mount up and pedal to Jelsa, admiring the octagonal Renaissance Church of Saint John. Continue on to Vrboska, also known as “Little Venice” for its plethora of small bridges. Explore the 16th-century church of Saint Mary of Charity and the Renaissance works of Veronese and Bassano at the Church of Saint Lawrence.
We’ll enjoy lunch in Stari Grad, a 2400-year-old city, before a short but steep incline. Your ride will finish with a downhill into Hvar, whose long waterfront promenade, yacht-lined quays, traffic-free marble streets, and tasteful harbor-front bars and cafés offer the perfect retreats for relaxing and people-watching. Explore beautifully ornamented Gothic palaces, a Franciscan cloister, and a historic arsenal before climbing to a Spanish fort for spectacular views of the city at sunset.
This evening we gather for a festive welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Adriana, Riva Hotel, or Pharos - Hvar Bayhill Hotel, Hvar
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Biking: Up to 27 miles (43.5 kilometers), easy to moderately strenuous