Croatia: Split & The Dalmatian Coast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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