The Blue Gold of Croatia

Day by day

1. 01

   Arrival

   Arrival at Split airport, transfer to the Makarska Riviera and check in at the hotel, dinner.

2. 02

   Baćina lakes and the Neretva delta

   In the morning we follow the beautiful Croatian coastal road towards the Neretva delta. By boat we explore the waterways of the Neretva and cross an ornithological reserve before reaching the delta, where the river meets the sea.

   After a lunch of local specialities in a traditional tavern we carry on to the Baćina lakes, where the e-bikes are already waiting. We ride along the shores of the lakes and take in the landscape.

   After the ride we return to the Makarska Riviera, which lies at the foot of the imposing Biokovo range and right on the sea.

3. 03

   Lake Peruća and the source of the Cetina

   In the morning we drive through the Cetinska Krajina region to Lake Peruća, created in the 1950s by the building of a hydroelectric plant. Here we get back on the bikes and ride in the shadow of the Dinara, the highest mountain in Croatia, as far as the striking source of the Cetina and on to Vrlika, where we enjoy the local specialities of the region.

   In the afternoon we continue over the Svilaja range to Vodice, where we stay the night.

4. 04

   Krka National Park

   From Skradin we head towards Roški slap and Lake Visovac in Krka National Park. Lake Prokljan is the second largest lake in Dalmatia.

   In the park we visit the Franciscan monastery on the island in Lake Visovac and learn about the rich history of this singular region.

   Afterwards we return to Vodice for the night.

5. 05

   Vransko jezero Nature Park

   Today we visit Vransko jezero Nature Park, the largest natural freshwater lake in Croatia. It is separated from the sea only by a narrow limestone ridge and offers an important habitat and wintering ground to many endangered bird species.

   On our e-bikes we ride along the lake up to the Kamenjak viewpoint. From here there is a singular view over the lake, the surrounding islands and the Kornati National Park.

   Afterwards we return to Vodice for the night.

6. 06

   The Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre in Smiljan

   In the morning we reach Gospić. From there we take a fine ride along the river Lika and through the forests of the Lika region to Smiljan, the birthplace of the great inventor Nikola Tesla.

   Here we visit the Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre and learn about his life and his major inventions.

   After the ride we continue to Plitvice Lakes National Park, where sixteen blue green lakes are strung together like precious pearls, joined by cascades and glittering waterfalls and set in the magical green of forests, meadows and clearings.

   Overnight near the national park.

7. 07

   Plitvice Lakes, a day off the bike

   Today we visit Plitvice Lakes National Park. Walking along the lakes we take in the landscape and the many waterfalls and cascades.

   After the park we continue to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. On an easy walk we learn about the history of the city and its cultural and political weight.

   To close the day we check in at our hotel and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. On a culinary journey through the different regions of Croatia we discover the range and the richness of Croatian cooking.

8. 08

   Departure

   Journey home, or the chance to extend the stay.