Discovering Croatia: A Unique Bike and Boat Adventure with Leisure Travel Enterprises

At Leisure Travel Enterprises, we pride ourselves on curating extraordinary travel experiences for our clients. Recently, our very own Director of Operations, Kelly Gunnels, embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Croatia. 

Courtesy of VBT Bicycling Vacations, Kelly experienced the country in a truly unique way—a seven-night bike and boat tour that combined active exploration with relaxing downtime. Her journey through Croatia’s scenic landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality is one we are excited to share.

A journey of a lifetime in Croatia

As Kelly describes, “I wanted to experience this beautiful country up close and personal, combining activity with enough downtime to truly relax.” Her choice? A bike tour with VBT that promised both excitement and leisure, perfect for soaking in Croatia’s stunning sights. This type of vacation perfectly balances relaxation with adventure travel, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore Croatia in a more personal way.

Exploring Croatia by bike and boat

The adventure began in Split, where Kelly joined a group of 30 travelers from across the U.S. Ranging in age from 23 to 75, the group was diverse, and though some were competitive riders, most opted for E-bikes—an excellent decision, according to Kelly. 

She fondly remembers, “As we pedaled through the islands, the scenery was breathtaking. We rode past picturesque olive farms and vineyards with stunning views from steep inclines—thank goodness for the E-bike!”

Each day started with breakfast on the boat, followed by a briefing about the day’s ride. Routes were carefully planned using the Ride with GPS app, and their rides averaged around 13 miles daily. 

The VBT van accompanied the group, offering support with bike adjustments, water, and snacks. Whether they rode in the morning or afternoon, each leg of the trip provided incredible sights and unique group travel experiences.

Cultural immersion along the way

A major highlight for Kelly was the rich cultural immersion along the way. “We learned how olive oil is produced and graded, experiencing both traditional and modern methods,” she recalls. Kelly also enjoyed a wine tasting at the famous Grgic Winery and discovered a fun fact about Croatia: “Croatia does not export wine or olive oil!” These local insights gave the trip a personal and meaningful touch.

One particularly memorable stop for Kelly was at one of Europe’s three stone-cutting schools, where she met a student who shared his journey in stone restoration. Another favorite was the climb to Tvrdava Fortica, where panoramic views made for an unforgettable sunset.

Natural wonders at Mljet national park

Another standout experience was visiting Mljet National Park, home to the oldest marine protected area in the Mediterranean. Kelly marveled at the saltwater lakes, where she and her group floated effortlessly in the buoyant water, basking in the peaceful surroundings.  If you’re looking for land vacations that combine nature and culture, this is a destination not to miss.

A culinary experience to remember

To top off the trip, Kelly had the chance to dive into Croatian cuisine. The ship’s chef taught the group how to prepare octopus salad, adding a hands-on culinary aspect to the adventure. This delicious activity gave Kelly and the group yet another way to connect with the local culture.

Why you should book your own adventure

Reflecting on her journey, Kelly enthusiastically recommends this tour to anyone looking for a fresh way to explore. “Biking through Croatia offered a truly unique way to explore this stunning country. The blend of physical activity, cultural insights, and shared experiences made for an unforgettable journey.”

Inspired by Kelly’s story? Book your own biking vacation with Leisure Travel Enterprises today and experience Croatia—or any destination—in a way that connects you with the landscape, culture, and people.

Contact us today to start planning your next group travel adventure!