Croatia: Split & The Dalmatian Coast

Europe
2

Croatia: Split & The Dalmatian Coast

Duration :   7 Days 6 Nights
Max People :    14
Start Location:   Croatia
Travel Date :  19 Oct , 2024 - 25 Oct , 2024

sold out !

The Best of Croatia Rowing

Say Croatia to a rower, and immediately the Sinkovic brothers spring to mind. Whether in the double or the pair, the brothers have dominated, taking home Olympic golds in both events. An interview after Tokyo 2020 described them as “large, likeable, and really good at rowing.” They also seem to be very happy and adventurous. Perhaps those same attributes could be applied to a description of the country and what a Croatia rowing trip will be like. We think so. Maybe a little Sinkovic magic will rub off on you when you row here.

Adriatic Blue

Not just rowers are drawn to Croatia and its waters. The stunning shoreline with myriad beautiful islands set against sparkling blue water has charmed and delighted sailors and kayakers. Split and Dubrovnik were essential stops on the cruise boat circuit. Beaches tend to be small and sweet, tucked in amongst rocky headlines. Sand or white pebbles, darker rocks underwater all make for multiple hues of blue from dark navy to azure to turquoise. Our Croatia rowing tour is just as varied. We row from three different clubs. Excursions take us to the edge of the Adriatic Sea, up a long and winding river towards a national park, around harbours and along the edge of islands. It is the kind of place that you dream about rowing, and then you wake up and find yourself there.

Superb Heritage, Food & Wine

On shore much awaits the hungry, thirsty and curious rower. Waves of civilizations have washed across Croatia, leaving a rich cultural legacy, recognized by the many UNESCO world heritage sites. Discover Venetian palaces, Roman ruins, plus churches, forts and homes showcasing a mix of Slavic, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman influences. Croatia has a storied and long history of fierce independence, making it unique. Food and wine reflects the same distillation of centuries of different cultures into something distinctive and of course delicious. Did you know that Croatia has 130 native grape varieties? We will sample just a few, along with seafood and fabulous produce and meats from the land. It brings to mind the versatility of the Sinkovic brothers. To sum up and to adapt the quote about those famous brothers, a Croatia rowing trip is what you want to aspire to: large, likable, varied and really good for rowing.

Trip Details

Price TypeUSDCADEUR
Regular$4,665$6,100€4,150
Single Supplement$465$635 €425

Difficulty & Daily DistancesBoatsMax Group Size
MODERATE

10-32 km/day
Coxed yolettes (recreational boats sometimes called gigs). Coastal quads may be used at one location.15 rowers

Included

  • 7 days/6 nights with 5 days of rowing
  • All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners. Beverages not always included with meals and are at your own cost.
  • City walking tour of Split and Sibenik
  • Cooking class
  • Wine tasting experience
  • Van transportation, ferry tickets and luggage transfer
  • Tour leader is Eva Keller. Guided by Veselka (Vese) Huljić or other team members from &Adventure
  • Accommodation in charming hotels
  • Tips for local guide and services

Sea and weather conditions will be an important consideration for each day’s row– safety is a priority. Thus, on some days, the actual program may vary from this description.

Schedule Details

Day 1

Arrival into Split. Welcome to Croatia! Our hotel is located within the walls (like really within the walls) of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is called a palace, but it is actually an extensive complex that remains at the heart of this beautiful city on the Adriatic. There are over 200 buildings and more than 3,000 people live here. Wander the brilliant white stones, worn smooth by centuries of feet since the time of the Romans. Remember to look up to admire columns, carvings, archways and find passageways and courtyards with cafes and shops waiting for you to discover. Arrive in time for a guided afteroon walking tour of Split. Welcome dinner and briefing this evening.

Day 2

Our first day of rowing is from a very famous club with a storied history of champions, HVK Gusar. We are sure that the Sinkovic brothers would have rowed from here at least once. The club is located on the far side of the peninsula from the main harbour, yet is a short walk from our hotel. The weather and water conditions will determine our rowing route. We will likely warm up with a row around the Gulf of Kaštela. The shoreline is referred to as the Kaštela Riveria, and from the water it resembles other exotic shorelines of similar name, dotted with palm trees, villages, restaurants, beaches and villas. Admired for centuries by  Greek sailors, Roman rulers, Croatian kings and members of the Venetian court, it still attracts those who love sun and sea. Including rowers. Lunch on your own, but don’t eat too much. In the afternoon we will be immersed in an authentic culinary experience, learning the insider secrets of Dalmatian cuisine. Yes! A cooking class! Bon appetit.

Day 3

We will enjoy a second row from the club in Split. This time we plan to row along the Marjan Peninsula, potentially rounding the point and exploring further if time and conditions permit. There will be time to return to the hotel and get cleaned-up and have lunch before we head to the ferry which will transport us to Hvar Island and Hvar town. The island is big at 68 km long and beautifully green, graced by pine forests, vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and even some lavender fields. The same sweep of civilizations that moved across the mainland also visited Hvar, leaving lots of culture and heritage. The island’s fortunes have waxed and waned, with prosperity returning with tourism, especially active travellers. We will settle in for two nights.

Day 4

A scenic drive takes over the hills and to the charming town of Jelsa and our second Croatia rowing club. It will be a beautiful outing! Jelsa is located in a small but very protected harbour. It is about a 1 km row to the mouth of the harbour and Hvarski Kanal, between the islands of Hvar and Brač. We could go left, we could go right. Either is a good choice. We might row past the town of Vrboska and nearby resorts on the western route, or past sandy beaches on the eastern route. Shall we pause for a swim? We can explore this part of the island on water or on land for as long as we want, no deadlines. After our row we will enjoy a leisurely lunch in Jelsa, followed by a  private wine tasting experience. We will ensure time back in Hvar for relaxing at the hotel, maybe a little shopping or a vigorous hike to the fortress above the town, known as Fortica, or Tvrđava Španjola. Dinner on your own tonight, for a fully relaxing evening.

Day 5

In the early morning, back on the ferry and then a transfer to our third and final Croatia rowing destination – Sibenik. It too is a gorgeous city, boasting UNESCO World Heritage status. A late morning row will explore the long harbour, and if conditions permit, we will row out the channel to the small islands at the mouth where Tvrđava sv. Nikole or St. Nicolas’ Fortress stands guard. Built in the 15th century, it covers an entire island, the white stone walls in stark contrast the to green hills along the mainland. We will ensure that there are many snacks to keep you energized for the row, and then we will fuel up in the evening with a lovely dinner.

Day 6

Our last day is a full one. From the club in Sibenik we will wind our way up the rivers and lakes towards Skrandin. Conditions will determine how far we get. On the schedule is a tasty picnic lunch . Then back to Sibenik and our farewell dinner. We can discuss whether we were rowing like the Sinkovic brothers.

Day 7

All good things come to an end, including this Croatia rowing tour. Transfer to Split airport or city. Fond farewells!

F.A.Q

Can I book a private tour?
What other trips will be run in 2024?

What's Included

  • Accommodation
  • Coastal Coxed Quad
  • Guide Services
  • Meals
  • Sightseeing
  • Transportation

Activities

  • Sampler style

Meet our guide

Eva Keller

 

Eva discovered rowing in the late 1990s and started tour rowing over 15 years ago. Since then, she loves to explore unknown areas and foreign waters in a rowing boat. In addition, she finds it enriching to meet with very different people through rowing and to exchange ideas with them. She enjoys getting on board with rowers from all over the world to discover and enjoy the diverse beauty of nature.

 

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