Fascinating trip through interesting cities and countryside in the Baltics, led by the brilliant Lina. I was surprised to read recent negative reviews of this tour as it certainly didn’t match our experience. We were lucky to have a great group that really gelled and we all thought Lina was a brilliant leader. It is more of a cruising sight seeing tour then a full on cycling trip, the cycling is incidental on some days and the bikes are heavy shopping type bikes, but the terrain is generally flat and the riding is easy. The hotels were fine, though towels in the in Baltics are very thin and cheap and the trip would perhaps benefit from a non cycling day in the middle with a free afternoon to allow time for laundry and chilling.
Croatia Cycling Holidays
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Top 5 Towns to Explore on Croatia Cycling Tours
Hvar: With its narrow, zig-zagging streets, Gothic palaces and trendy seafood restaurants, the Dalmatian port town of Hvar is a firm favourite for foodies and history lovers. It has been compared to a mini-Venice and its swanky harbour filled with yachts often attracts an A-list crowd in the summer, but there’s lots more to explore here. Walk among the ancient walls to discover striking cathedrals and centuries-old architecture or head up to the hilltop fortress for panoramic coastal views. You’ll also find several sun-drenched beaches and inland, sweet-smelling lavender fields.
Dubrovnik Old Town: Hugged on all sides by its imposing city walls, Dubrovnik Old Town is packed with history and old-world charm. The walls are some of the best-preserved in the world and you can enjoy the most incredible views as you walk along them. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the terracotta-tiled roofs of the city make Dubrovnik instantly recognisable from the coast. The streets of the Old Town are lined with churches, ornate palaces and fountains, creating a sublime backdrop for its many restaurants. WE recommend taking a pitstop on cycling holidays in Croatia to indulge in some of the finest seafood dishes in Dalmatia.
Pula: Right at the tip of the Istrian Peninsula, Pula is mostly known for its well-preserved Roman amphitheatres and ancient temples. Among its meandering streets, you’ll also find historical landmarks, stylish boutiques, galleries and restaurants. You might even fancy hopping off your bike to hydrate at one of the open-air bars where you can mix with the locals, or head down to the vibrant harbour and watch the yachts come into dock. A boat ride from Pula to Brijuni National Park will introduce you to the island’s impressive Roman villas, Brijuni zoo and Byzantine villages, where you can learn about the history of Marshal Josip Tito.
Korcula: At the heart of Korcula Island lies Korcula town with its marble-fronted buildings, red roofs and ancient port. The town stands beneath the gaze of the Dinaric Alps and is a true gem worth exploring on trips to Croatia. Many visitors come to sample the world-famous wines and fish stew, but the stunning scenery is a huge lure too. The medieval walls wrap around narrow cobbled streets where there’s a real air of history and rustic charm. Korcula is often compared to Dubrovnik, although it is less frequented by the tourist crowd. This is a great place to delve deeper into the soul of Dalmatia and experience life as a local.
Rovinj: Also known as the Venice of Istria, Rovinj is made up of a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and red-roofed houses that tumble down to the sea. Undoubtedly, it’s a Dalmatian beauty but there’s so much more to Rovinj than its aesthetics. Walk along the colourful harbour or visit the 18th-century St Euphemia’s Basilica where you’ll find noteworthy artwork and ornate frescoes. Winding up to St Euphemia is Grisia, a cobblestone street lined with art galleries and local, artisanal crafts, which transforms into a cultural hub in the summer.
James Tarran Cycle the Baltics
Fiona Stiff Cycle Morocco's Great SouthReally loved the cycling, it was challenging and very rewarding .Our guides Mohamed and Yusuf were excellent as were the drivers. And the food was wonderful. Apart from the hotel in Agadir which survived very ordinary buffet food. Sadly neither the bikes or the transfer vehicles were up to the job. The bikes were worn out and constantly needing attention and the vehicles did not have enough legroom for comfort, particularly the Prado, which was painful if you were unlucky enough to be in the back.
Steven Elliot Cycling in SardiniaI do feel a little mean just giving 4 stars but there were a few niggles. It’s a great trip and particularly satisfying in that there are no transfers until the end – you cycle from hotel to hotel for 6 days. Lovely scenery, though not quite as gorgeous as described in other reviews. Accommodation basic but clean – no luxury but you don’t spend much time in it. Sardinian food and wine is pretty awesome but mostly fish based.
Gripes. Bikes are old and heavy which make the second and third rides more onerous than they should be- 3400 feet ascent in 36 miles does not usually faze me but knees were complaining for a few days after. I experienced a degree of bike envy for the guide’s lightweight gravel bike. As noted elsewhere the flight times are awkward and we were pretty bored by the end of the last day awaiting our transfer to the airport- a late check out from our rooms on a hot sticky day would have been good. The trip notes were inaccurate which, sadly, is a common issue with Exodus trips. Biggest grouse was, however, that there was only ever one guide on the rides, which meant that the weakest member was either cycling alone or dependent on the good nature of other participants for company. To my mind a bit of a safety risk but I guess we might have been spoilt after our trip to Indonesia where there were always three guides.
I am sounding a bit negative. We had a great time but some minor alterations would improve the experience substantially.
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