Compare Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike by UTracks vs Venice & the Croatian Coast - A Women Only Tour - 2022 by Insight Vacations
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 8 days | 14 days |
Price From | $ 1,350 | $ 4,750 |
Price Per Day | $ 169 | $ 339 |
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Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description | Cycle the Adriatic coast from Venice in Italy, through to Slovenia and Croatia | Explore the beauty of Venice at your leisure before discovering the glorious Dalmatian Coast on this guided tour. Designed for women with a focus on sustainable travel, fully immerse yourself with the guidance of Local Experts as you wander the cobbled streets of Istria and walk the Old Town of Dubrovnik before enjoying a sunset cruise around the bay. In Hvar, learn about and taste delectable local wines at a family-run vineyard, enjoy a farm -to-table lunch in Barban, and devour a fresh seafood meal while marveling at the stunning seafront in Piran. Learn the art of silk and embroidery traditions in Konavle, discover the fish conservation work at a family fish farm in Slovenia and sip beer at Croatia’s first women co-op brewery. While in Korcula, stretch your legs and hike through the healing wilderness outside of Korcula Town and partake in a yoga class with the perfect sea view. |
Day 1 Arrive Mestre/Venice
Make your own way to Mestre on the mainland of Venice. On arrival at your hotel you will find your luggage labels and ferry ticket. From here it is easy to venture into the famous canal city. On the morning of day 2 you will collect your rental bike - note that bikes (like cars) are not allowed on the island (in Venice the transit with bicycles is forbidden even when pushed by hand. By bike it is only possible to reach Piazzale Roma or the train station Santa Lucia). The city of Venice will captivate you with its splendour and history.
Day 2 Ferry to Punta Sabbioni, cycle to Caorle or surrounds (40 or 65km/25 or 40mi)
Today you collect your bike, then after a short ride you take the ferry and then the vaporetto, passing in front of Piazza San Marco. The first part of the day will guide you from Mestre to Tronchetto island, where you will take a ferry to reach the island of Lido. From Lido a motorboat will take you to Punta Sabbioni, the southern-most area of the Adriatic coast, which is north of Venice. From here you cycle along the stunning seacoast, with various opportunities for a refreshing swim in the sea. Stay overnight in a town along this famous coastline, eg Jesolo or Caorle. By boat (included): about 35 minutes Tronchetto to Lido S.Niccolò, about 25 minutes S.Maria Elisabetta to Punta Sabbioni (this is a smaller boat (motonave) and it is the captain’s decision re the number of bikes accepted on board. It may happen that you have to wait for the next ferry.) Elevation +0m/0ft
meals : B
Day 3 Head north towards the Julian Alps to Portogruaro (60 or 35km/37 or 21.8mi)
Leaving the sea behind you head north towards the Julian Alps. The route follows quiet country roads, traversing a land that is rich in water. You will be passing through an area with a multitude of 'Valli da pesca' (stretches of lagoon enclosed by earthen dikes where extensive fish farming is practised) and 'casoni' (constructions used by fisherman in the past during fishing season). There is a small section (1.8km) along a dirt road near the village of Torre di Mosto. Continue to the town of Portogruaro, one of the main centres during the 'Serenissima Republic of Venice' period and still impressive today with its glorious 'palazzi'. Elevation +0m/0ft
meals : B
Day 4 Cycle by ancient roman towns to Aquileia (70km/43.5mi)
You will continue eastward, traversing the countryside and small villages as far as the city San Michele and the Tagliamento river: its peaceful course marks the border between the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. Take a break in the beautiful ancient village of Precenicco then will cross the pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Stella river and continue towards the coast of the Adriatic Sea. You will find a short section of unpaved road at the Palmanova exit and need to pay attention to the traffic in crossing Cervignano del Friuli. Overnight Aquileia. You can shorten the stage by about 20km/12.5mi by catching the train from Portogruaro to Latisana. Elevation +30m/98ft
meals : B
Day 5 Cross the river Isonzo and cycle towards the Gulf of Trieste (55km/34mi)
This morning you cross the Isonzo (Soca) river, the scene of important battles during the First World War, before heading towards the sea: the Gulf of Trieste awaits you with many possible stops along the way. Visit Duino with its two castles, Sistiana with its characteristic bay, and Miramare with its white castle built according to the wishes of Maximilian I of Augsburg, situated in a beautiful park of more than 20 hectares. A few kilometres further is Trieste, once the only sea port of the Hapsburg Empire. Trieste has a lot to offer in the way of attractions. It is possible to shorten the cycle by about 30km/18.5mi with a train transfer from Monfalcone to Trieste. This also avoids the quite busy 'Strada Statale 14'. Or you can cycle a longer version (extra 24km) and discover Grado in the Marano lagoon, an ancient fishing village with an historic centre. Elevation +420m/1378ft
meals : B
Day 6 Cycle across the Slovenian border to the spa town of Portorož (45km/28mi)
Today is a more demanding stage than the preceding days. Leaving Trieste, you will face some short but demanding ascents and ride through some stretches of moderate traffic. After a few kilometres the Porec cycle path starts in Rabuiese right before the Italian-Slovene border. The remaining part of the route is often on cycling paths through famous holiday resorts such as Koper, first for a long time a Venetian and then an Austrian town, and Piran, another important centre which was ruled for a long time by Venice. The terrain is a little hilly and there's a 2km ascent to reach Piran. You will finally arrive in Portorož, renowned for its spa and bathing facilities. Elevation +470/1542ft
meals : B
Day 7 Continue to Secovlje, cross the Croatian border to Porec (55km/34mi)
Today's cycle takes you south through the salt mines of Secovlje, a large Slovenian town with a humid environment and a key area for ornithology. To reach the lagoon of Secovlje you have a steep downhill on a dirt road. Cross the Croatian border at Istria, the Adriatic Sea's largest peninsula, where the terrain becomes hilly, with small villages and vast forests. Your destination is Porec, the tourism capital of Croatia. We recommend visiting the UNESCO World Heritage listed Euphrasian Basilica complex, dating from the 6th-century and famous for its Byzantine mosaics. Elevation +470m/1542ft
meals : B
Day 8 Trip concludes
After breakfast the trip concludes in Porec. It's possible to return to Venice by ferry or by van - please ask for our rates (vary by service and season) - must be requested at time of booking. Ferry transfer details: Porec-Venice (San Basilio). Only for passengers, no bikes. Boarding is at 6-7 am, departs at around 7-8 am, travel time is approx. 4 hours. (If the ferry boat is not available the service will be replaced by a land transfer.)
meals : B
Day 1: Welcome to Venice
Welcome to the Queen of the Adriatic, where grand waterfront palazzi and long-standing traditions echo the city’s medieval grace and glory. Transfers depart from Venice Airport at 11:00 and 13:00 to your hotel. As you start off your women’s-only tour, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers at 17:30 to enjoy a delightful Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Hotel Continental Venice.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: The Magic of La Serenissima Relaxed Start
This morning join your Travel Director to see the sights of Venice, including the Byzantine basilica in St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace and the iconic Bridge of Sighs. Continue to the island of Murano and join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to witness the ancient skill of glassblowing. Listen to Venetian songs as you glide through the myriad of beautiful canals on a gondola. Spend the rest of your day further exploring the back lanes and campi of Venice or perhaps join an optional excursion to the colorful island of Burano?
Hotel Continental Venice.
Breakfast
Day 3: Through Slovenia onto Croatia
Travel to Slovenia and meet Irena Fonda, a passionate and awarded biologist who is carrying out important conservation work in the Gulf of Piran. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you accompany her on a short boat ride to see her family’s fish farm. Make your way to a seafront restaurant in the atmospheric Old Town of Piran and indulge in a fresh Sea-to-Table lunch, tasting the unique and refined flavors of the fresh Fonda sea bass. Cross the border to Croatia and arrive to the Opatija Riviera, a favorite destination of the Austro-Hungarian elite in the 19th century and still synonymous with style and elegance. Take time to stroll along Lungomare, the seafront promenade lined with luxurious villas.
Hotel Astoria, Opatija.
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Day 4: Discover the Jewels of Istria
The Istria Peninsula is dotted with coastal towns, rocky bays and hilltop rustic villages. Join a Local Expert to learn about the various influences that shaped its present image. Enjoy a mouth-watering Farm-to-Table lunch in Barban hosted by three generations of women of the Zufič Family. Learn about Prstenac, a popular medieval jousting game they reintroduced to the community in 1976 and that became a highlight cultural event attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Hotel Astoria, Opatija.
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Day 5: Pristine Plitvice National Park
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Plitvice Lakes National Park as you walk along the forest paths among 16 interconnecting lakes with a Local Expert. Be amazed by this unique landscape and learn how the site actively carries out research to monitor the natural habitat of its species. Spend the night surrounded by nature at your hotel, a modern resort committed to sustainability, the regeneration of the war-torn local area and bringing together different ethnic communities. Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared from locally available ingredients and when the night falls take your chances at stargazing undisturbed by light pollution.
Hotel Lyra, Ličko Petrovo Selo.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: The Dalmatian Coast to Split
In the morning join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Center. Learn how they are producing handicrafts, and enabling employment and engagement in the community. Your journey then takes you to Zadar, the ancient capital of the historical region of Dalmatia. Visit Brlog, Croatia’s first female-owned co-op brewery and try a selection of their natural craft beers. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience hear the inspiring story of founders Maja Šepetavec and Ana Teskera and how they built their responsible social enterprise. Continue towards Split and meet mother and daughter Deana and Ivana Perič to taste their homemade cakes steeped in local folklore. In the evening, don't miss the opportunity of dinner in a traditional konoba.
Hotel President Solin, Split.
Breakfast
Day 7: Island Hopping to Hvar
Explore Split with Insight Choice. Choose to discover Diocletian’s Palace and the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town with a Local Expert. Or alternatively join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and go on a walk with the local Domine organisation to uncover the stories of the women who helped shape Split’s history. Cross the azure waters of the Adriatic this afternoon to Hvar, the sunniest island in the country. Dine tonight at a local restaurant.
Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Exploring the island of Hvar Relaxed Start
Hvar is often called the Lavender Island but aromatic herbs, citrus fruits, olive trees and grapes also flourish in the warm Mediterranean climate. The Faria Women’s Co-op is doing a remarkable job in using the indigenous island ingredients to create delicacies and cosmetics. Explore Hvar with Insight Choice. Choose to join Fedra Gamulin, the founder of the co-op on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to taste her sustainable chocolate creations that were inspired by the love of locally available produce and grandma’s recipes. Alternatively, meet Ivana Carić and join her for a wine tasting at her family’s wine cellar. Spend the rest of your day at leisure or perhaps stroll around Stari Grad, Croatia’s oldest town and Hvar’s historical heart.
Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort.
Breakfast
Day 9: Onto Korčula
Your journey takes you back to the mainland. Pass the fertile and colourful fields of the Neretva Delta before you briefly enter Bosnia & Herzegovina. Continue to the island of Korčula and delight in Croatian fare at a local restaurant.
Hotel Liburna, Korcula. , Hotel Marko Polo, Korčula.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10: Captivating Korčula Relaxed Start
Get active this morning and start your day with Insight Choice. Choose to immerse yourself in nature as you join a Local Expert for a gentle hike in the area surrounding Korčula Town. Alternatively, grab a sea-view spot and connect with your inner peace as you take part in a yoga class. Visit an organic farm run by the Marovič family offering seasonal homemade products ranging from olive oil to jams and marmalades. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the narrow streets, beautiful churches and laid-back atmosphere of this charming medieval town.
Hotel Liburna, Korcula. , Hotel Marko Polo, Korčula.
Breakfast
Day 11: Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic
This morning, should weather permit, cruise the tranquil waters of the bay of Mali Ston. Meet Tomislav, a local oyster farmer and taste fresh shellfish direct from the sea, accompanied with a glass of wine. Continue along the coast and arrive to Dubrovnik and its perfectly preserved Old Town. Known as the self- governing Republic of Ragusa for most of its history, the city has always been a metaphor of freedom. Enter through the 15th century gate and join a Local Expert to walk past Onofrio's Fountain, see the Rector’s Palace, the Church of St Blaise and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the workshop of Deša, an organisation founded following the Siege of Dubrovnik to help refugees and women who were victims of violence. Later, settle into your seaside hotel and perhaps join a home hosted dinner.
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.
Breakfast, Morning Tea
Day 12: A Dazzling Finale Relaxed Start
Travel into the heart of the nearby Konavle region and join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet Antonia Rusković Radonić, a dedicated artist working to preserve the local silk and embroidery traditions originating in the 15thcentury. Learn how silkworms became popular here, the importance of the craft in national folklore and the efforts made to keep this heritage alive. Upon returning to Dubrovnik enjoy time at leisure. This evening, weather permitting, embark on a dazzling cruise before savouring authentic flavours of local specialties at your Celebration Dinner. Raise a glass to your travels and the wonderful women of the Adriatic.
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 13: Depart Dubrovnik
Your travels draw to a close after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dubrovnik airport at 05:00, 09:30 and 11:30.
Breakfast