CROATIA SAIL AND CYCLE THE ISLANDS Sunday 15 September Sunday 22 September 2019
SAIL AND CYCLE THE ISLANDS A new and unique opportunity for a challenge, based from a traditional floating hotel/boat that follows the Croatian Dalmatian Coast and the Islands between Split and Dubrovnik - experiencing a different island cycling challenge each day. Spectacular cycling and optional treks on long glorious stretches of quiet good quality roads, this challenge starts with optional tours of Split and Trogir Old Towns, before touring the Islands of Brac, Hvar, Korcula and the beautiful Peljesec Peninsular. While we re based on the one boat, the challenge is no less as we cycle a new island each day and experience Makarska - one of the most stunning locations on the Adriatic - and backdrop to our 1,762m (5,800ft) climb of Mount Biokovo. Highlights: Great road bike cycling on a different island each day Cruise the Dalmation Coast between the mainland and islands on your floating hotel Six days cycling and a challenging 5800ft cycle up Mt Biokovo (The Mt Ventoux of Croatia) Start in Split with a finish in Dubrovnik and optional tours.
ITINERARY 8 days/6 days cycling/414km CROATIA SAIL AND CYCLE THE ISLANDS Day 1: Saturday 14 September Arrive in Croatia Afternoon transfer (approx.3.30pm) from Split Airport to our boat or meet at the boat for 16:30. Bike fitting and evening briefing. Day 2: Sunday 15 September Cruise Split to Sutivan on Island of Brac Cycle 61km 1101m elevation gain 08.00 to 10.00: Cruise to Island of Brac (Sutivan) 16.00: Cycle Tour around Brac to Bol 16.00 to 18.30: Cruise to Hvar Town Lunch at Pucisca at 32km in a restaurant in the port We cruise from Split across to our first island Brac- a fascinating and absorbing island. The cycling highlights are the 20km ride along the northern edge of the island with its sensational views of the mainland mountain range, including Mt Biokovo, and the exhilarating downhill to Bol with stunning sea and Hvar island views. Bol boasts the famous sand spit Zlatni Rat and we will finish the day s ride there on the beach before boarding our boat again to transfer us to the chic Hvar Town on the island of Hvar. Day 3: Monday 16 September Hvar Town to Sucuraj and transfer by boat to Podgora on the mainland Cycle 85km 1498m elevation 9.00 to 16.30: Tour around Hvar to Sucuraj 16.30 to 17.30: Cruise to mainland (Podgora) Lunch at Jelsa at 35km (early but after biggest hill and most complex road route) in boat or restaurant in the port) The day starts with a great cycle climb to the highest pass on the island of Hvar and then a fantastic descent again to the coast at the attractive port of Stari Grad for a welcome coffee break. Then it s a gentle climb through pretty villages with great views of Brac and the mainland behind and then a short descent into the pretty port of Vrbosha after which we take a quiet rough road which hugs the coast to the resort of Jelsa. This is a quaint place nestled close to the foot of the highest peak on the island. We will now traverse most of the length of Hvar Island one of the narrowest and longest islands off the Dalmatian Coast, passing through villages far off the tourist trail. We are never more than 2 miles from the sea on either side. Views as ever are stunning but luckily there is not too much climbing to do. We reach our cycling destination for the day at the southern tip of the island at Sucuraj. Day 4: Tuesday 17 September The ascent and descent of Jure (Mount Biokovo) Cycle 61km 1800m elevation gain 09.00 to 16.30: Cycle to Mount Jure and back to Makarska BBQ fresh fish lunch on mountain cabin at 33km Here is Croatia s Mount Ventoux. A 5,800ft and 32km long cycle climb from sea level initially through forestation and then open rock and scrub on a complex plateau with dramatic views of the islands and peninsula previously visited. But do not worry, there will be an optional transfer to take you half way up if you wish, which will still leave you the most spectacular part of the climb and of course the pleasure of cycling all the way down to the beautiful seaside town of Makarska where our boat will be waiting. The mountain road is narrow and quiet almost devoid of traffic and has some thrilling ascents and descents.
Day 5: Wednesday 18 September ITINERARY Transfer by boat to Prigadica (Island of Korcula) Cycle 76km 1241 elevation gain 08.00 to 12.00: Cruise to Island of Korcula (Prigradica) 18.30: Tour around Korcula and finish at Korcula Town Lunch at Brna by the sea 40km - either boat or restaurant The day commences with a cruise back around the tip of the island of Hvar to the remote landing stage at Prigadica on the island of Korcula. Cycling takes us over a low ridge to the town of Blato and then to the coast for a stunning cycle to Brna, an idyllic inlet village where we have a welcome coffee break. Then another climb onto the spine of the island at Smokvica, along to Cara and then back to superb coastal views before reaching Pupnat back on the spine ridge. A long gentle descent takes us to the town of Korcula. A further short excursion takes us to the tip of the island at Lumbarda and then back to Korcula where there will be time to explore. Korcula is another walled city which has been dubbed Little Dubrovnik and was the birthplace of Marco Polo. Its marble pedestrianised streets date back to the 13th century and are dotted with Renaissance and Gothic architecture. Day 6: Thursday 19 September Transfer to Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsular Cycle 66km 1214m elevation gain 10.30 to 11.00: Cruise to Peljesac Peninsular (Orebic) 18.00: Tour along peninsular to Prapratno Lunch 30km on boat or 35m restaurant or picnic by the sea This promises to be an exciting day s ride with plenty of variety and endless changing scenery with views along the Peljesac Peninsular, a long strip of land which if not for the 1km section of land between Mali Ston and Ston, would be another island. This Peninsula is mountainous rising to 2,000ft. For much of the way we ride along the ridge with views of the mountainous mainland and the island of Mljet where we visit the next and final cycle day. This is a sensational ride full of variety, mountains coastal scenery and of course some undulations. We will reach the pretty port of Mali Ston, and then backtracking 2km is the ancient village of Ston with the longest (5.5km) fortified wall in Europe built in 1333. It looks like a section of the Great Wall of China. After a short climb and similar drop we reach the small port of Prapratno where we meet our boat and stay the night. Day 7: Friday 20 September Cruise to Pomena, island of Mljet Cycle 65km 1509m elevation gain 08.00 to 09.30: Cruise to Mljet (Kozarica) 6.00: Tour along Mljet finishing at the island s tip (Saplunara) 16.00 to 18.00: Cruise to Dubrovnik (Shabbat comes in after 19.00) Lunch picnic at 47km by the sea We take an early cruise to Pomena at the north western end of the Island of Mljet. We will spend some time exploring the National Park and then cycle the length of this quiet and beautiful island to its south eastern tip where we meet up with our boat for our final transfer to Dubrovnik passing the Elafiti islands of Jakljan, Sipan, Lopud and Kolocep before entering the dramatic Dubrovnik Sound. We are docked before the sun sets and enjoy a celebratory meal at the Captains Table. Day 8: Saturday 21 September Day of leisure Visit Dubrovnik and the Old City (Grad) Before flying home, a visit to Dubrovnik, the Old City (Grad) is a must for all including walking the walls. Transfer (approx. 40 mins) will be arranged to the airport for the recommended evening return flight.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IMPORTANT DETAILS Accomodation on ARRIVAL The boat will be docked at Split and is available to us from 11:00 on Saturday 14 September. It will leave Split the morning of Sunday 15 September. Split harbour is within walking distance to the Diocletian Palace which is the Split version of Old Town. Hotels that are located close to it are mostly located within the Palace itself. If you choose to arrive in Split on the Friday, ahead of Shabbat, we recommend the below hotels which are all in walking distance to the boat which you can board at your leisure on Saturday. 3-star Hotel Slavija great location/reasonably priced/good value for money http://www.hotelslavija.hr/ 4-star Hotel Piazza Heritage Hotel Vestibul Palace Hotel Luxe 5-star Hotel Park hotel with the longest tradition in Split, recently renovated, some 10-15 mins walk from the harbour, located on Split s most famous beach Bacvice Accomodation on DEPARTURE We will be flying into Split and departing via Dubrovnik. The final night of accommodation provided is the evening of Friday 20 September WHICH IS ON THE BOAT. If you wish to extend your stay and enjoy Dubrovnik at your leisure, we can recommend a hotel for Saturday evening. NB Cycle times are approximate with adequate allowances made for hills and lunch stops A relatively easy cycle day on the Sunday followed by the longest distance cycle day on Monday followed by the toughest climb up the mountain with no cruising on the Tuesday. After the strenuous Tuesday there s a morning cruising to relax on Wednesday followed by a good but not too difficult afternoon s ride. Thursday s ride is fairly tough with little cruising finalising with Friday where cycling finishes with enough time for the cruise to finish in Dubrovnik before Shabbat. This itinerary is complex and subject to change. TRAVEL DETAILS Flights Outbound You will need to book your own flights for this challenge. The boat is available from 11am on Saturday 14 September and will not depart until the morning of Sunday 14 September. We recommend the outbound Easyjet flight London Gatwick to Split 11:40/15:15 and the main transfer will operate for this flight (which also fits with the BA flight arriving into Split at 15:20). Our observant participants may prefer to fly into Split on Friday 13 September and stay at one of our recommended hotels on the Friday night and walk to the boat at their leisure on Saturday. Bike fitting will be Saturday afternoon. Shabbat comes in at 18:44/Shabbat ends 19:42 on Saturday 14 September. (in Croatia).Sabbath (UK) comes in 19:02 on Friday 13 Sept/Ends 8.08pm on Saturday. EASYJET Outbound: Friday 13 September London Gatwick to Split 06:10/09:40 and 09:55/13:20 Outbound: Saturday 14 September London Stansted to Split 06:25/09:55 London Luton to Split 06:40/10:10 and 14:50/18:20 London Gatwick to Split 05:50/09:20 11:40/15:15 16:55/20:25 The recommended outbound flight will be the London Gatwick to Split 11:40/15:15 EASYJET Inbound: Saturday 21 September Dubrovnik to London Gatwick 10:45/12:35 and 21:05/22:55 Dubrovnik to London Luton 23:15/01:05 Inbound: Sunday 22 September Dubrovnik to London Stansted 10:40/12:25 Dubrovnik to London Gatwick 10:10/12:00 BRITISH AIRWAYS Outbound: Friday 13 September LHR to Split Outbound: Saturday 14 September LHR to Split Inbound Saturday 21 September Inbound 09:50/13:30 (direct) 09:10/15:20 (one stop) Dubrovnik to LGW 11:30/13:25 Dubrovnik to LGW 13:05/15:00 Inbound: Sunday 22 September Dubrovnik to LGW 11:05/13:00 We will be finishing our challenge in Dubrovnik and the last night of accommodation provided is Friday 20 September/on the boat. There is a free day in Dubrovnik on Saturday 21 September and a transfer will be arranged for the Easyjet 21:05/22:55 departing that evening. For those who prefer not to fly late Saturday, we can recommend some great hotels in Dubrovnik for Saturday night with a transfer arranged for the early Sunday morning flight departing Dubrovnik to London. If you are intending on extending your trip further either side of the group dates, then please do let us know well in advance.
Passport British Nationals currently DO NOT require a visa to enter Croatia. If the UK leaves the EU with a deal, travel to the EU will remain the same as now until at least 31 December 2020. You will not need to apply for a visa to travel or work in the EU during this time If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the rules for travelling or working in Europe will change after 29 March 2019. The European Commission has proposed that in a no deal situation, if you re a British Citizen, you would not need a visa for short stays in the Schengen area or elsewhere in the EU. You would be able to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Visits to the Schengen area within the previous 180 days before your date of travel will count against the 90-day limit. If you re intending to stay in the Schengen area for longer than 90 days, or your stay would take you over the 90 days in the 180-day limit, you may need to get a visa before you travel. Baggage Each passenger is allowed only one item of cabin luggage on the recommended Easyjet flight, which should not exceed 56 x 45 x 25 cm. There is no weight restriction. Easyjet do however charge for each item of hold luggage and we recommend that this is paid for at the time of booking (and is dependent upon the weight of the item) and not at the airport where charges raise significantly. If travelling with any other airline, we suggest you check their baggage allowance online as some now only include cabin luggage as standard. Norwood is not responsible for any excess charges incurred. We advise you carry your cycle helmet, a set of cycling clothes and any medication you require, with your hand/cabin luggage. Insurance Travel insurance covering the event you are undertaking, emergency medical treatment, air evacuation and repatriation is a compulsory condition of your booking. If you haven t got your own insurance in place, we can add you onto the Norwood insurance policy for an additional charge of 25. If you choose not to take out the appropriate travel insurance, should you fall ill or be involved in an accident you will not be covered for those associated costs. We strongly recommend you are insured for the full duration of your trip and the policy is taken out prior to the date of your departure and does not cease until you have returned. If you have an existing policy we highly recommend you call your insurers and confirm that it meets with the requirement of the trip and that you are fully covered for the event you are undertaking - clarifying its precise nature to your insurers. You must also make sure you inform the insurance company of any pre-existing medical conditions before travel, failure to do so may invalidate your policy or any subsequent claim. Health and Vaccinations You must seek professional medical advice from your GP or local travel clinic. To find out more about the relevant NHS travel health advice, a good website is www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk All travellers are advised to ensure their tetanus and polio vaccinations should be up to date. This is a guideline only. You must seek professional medical advice from your GP or local travel clinic. You should bring your own regular medication with sufficient supplies for the whole trip and a small first aid kit. You must also advise Norwood of any pre-existing medical conditions and may be required to complete a medical form when you sign up. These details will be passed to our tour doctor who may wish to contact you prior to the event to clarify any medical conditions or requirements. CHALLENGE DETAILS INFORMATION How we grade your challenge We want to give you an incredible experience, but the overriding objective is of course to raise as much money as you can for Norwood. With this is mind, you have to EARN your sponsorship money and this can only be achieved if there is truly an element of challenge involved. Our challenges are graded moderate, challenging, tough and extreme. Many factors will influence this categorisation terrain, distances, climate, living conditions, altitudes, climbs etc. The grade allocated however will reflect the overall level of challenge with some days being more challenging than others. Challenging events require you to have a reasonable level of fitness and an open mind to new situations. Tough events have usually longer itineraries, may take place in more remote areas and require a good level of fitness. Extreme events require a very good level of fitness, are hard going, may involve more basic conditions and often involve longer days, steep climbs and descents. How challenging is it? This is a challenging 3.5 out of 5 with some long daily distances and up to 8 hours in the saddle. Ideally you should be a keen cyclist, enjoy training and ride regularly. You need to have a good level of endurance with an ability to sustain the level of effort required over a period of days. You should be used to doing long rides in the countryside of 6+ hours. You should be doing regular exercise - with some serious cycle training.
Bike hire Bike hire is included as standard in this package and will be a good quality road bike. The size of bike will be determined by your height, but it will come with flat pedals as standard so you ll need to bring all any personal cycling equipment (saddle, pedals, bar ends etc) with you, that can be fitted on the first day along with any other adjustments that may be required. Your bike How challenging is it? We don t advise bringing your own bike as return transport costs can be expensive, but if you prefer to do so, we recommend a road/race (or sports hybrid)bike for this challenge suitable for long mileage and multi day cycling - on account of lightness, gearing and quicker tyres. A mountain bike is not suitable. Your bike should be appropriately serviced and checked and as a guide: You should check to ensure that the saddle and handlebars are firmly tightened and set to the correct height. Check that the cranks and pedals are tight, and that the chain is in good condition and not about to break. Check that tyres are not bald and with worn sidewalls. Check that the brakes work well and that the brake blocks are in good condition. The in-country team leaders, support drivers and mechanics will be there to support you on the challenge and to repair any mechanical failures wherever possible. They will carry a selection of typical parts and spares, but if you have any unusual or specialist parts (i.e. disc brakes, carbon wheels, suspension), it is advisable to bring along replacements with you which can be carried in the support vehicle in case of emergency. Travelling with your bike It s really easy these days to book your bike in as sports equipment into the hold of your preferred airline. There is an additional charge for this, which we recommend is booked and paid for in advance to avoid any unnecessary delays and excess charges on arrival atld the airport. There are strict guidelines as to how your bike should be packed and these should be referred to and adhered to prior to departure. Cycling kit The kit required for each challenge differs slightly, but there are certain items that are consistent in every challenge. Full kit lists will be provided after registration with details of any specific items that may be needed, but as a guide the basics are shown below: ESSENTIAL Your own helmet (you will not be allowed to cycle without one) Cycling gloves Cycling shorts Water bottle/hydration backpack Small day rucksack or bike bag for carrying essential items when cycling Light waterproofs Casual shoes/clothes for the evening OPTIONAL You can bring your own saddle, pedals, bar ends and toe cleats and any other personal cycling equipment you see fit to if you are choosing to hire a bike Food We re pleased to say your trip includes breakfast, picnic lunch en route (on cycling days) and all evening meals (Saturday through to Friday). We will have a chef travelling with us for the duration of the challenge and meals provided on board will be prepared fresh each day. Meals will be substantial, but it is still a good idea to bring your own energy bars and snacks to keep you going during the day. Food en-route, packed lunches or meals provided by the in-country team will be vegetarian with permitted fish/cheese - with some restaurant/ café stops. More information will be provided in the lead up to the event. All water provided on the boat and during the course of the challenge is safe to drink. We can cater for the majority of specific dietary requirements as long as long as we know in advance. Just complete the relevant section on your registration/information form. Accomodation Accommodation is twin sharing in cabin/bunk beds with en-suite bathrooms - and should be a whole lot of fun! There are no singles available on this challenge. Day 1: Friday 13 September Hotel in Split (optional) Day 2: Saturday 14 September On the boat Nerezine Day 3: Sunday 15 September On the boat Nerezine Day 4: Monday 16 September On the boat Nerezine Day 5: Tuesday 17 September On the boat Nerezine Day 6: Wednesday 18 September On the boat Nerezine Day 7: Thursday 19 September - On the boat Nerezine Day 8: Friday 20 September last night on the boat Day 9: Saturday 21 September Hotel in Dubrovnik (optional)
TYPICAL DAY Each challenge varies and timings will be adjusted on a daily basis to reflect the mixed ability of the group, expected distances to be covered and the level of challenge on that particular day ie long distances/tough climbs take longer to complete! Your typical day will be: 06.30/07.30 Breakfast Come down in your cycling gear so you can be packed and ready to go, be sure to eat and drink plenty but don t eat so much that you feel ill for the first few hours of the ride! 08.00/08.30 Assemble pre-ride Drop your luggage in the support vehicle, grab your bike and get ready for the pre -departure ride briefing. *Top Tip* give yourself extra time in the morning! Get up early and don t be rushed or you re more likely to forget important things and potentially hold up the group. Do check your bike well before the scheduled departure time - so that you have enough time to address any issues rather than having to do so on the start line. 11.00 Morning refreshment stop The support vehicle will be waiting at a designated coffee stop in case you need to fill up your water bottle or access your day bag. We ll also carry some snacks if you re running low. Please carry money with you so that you don t have to access the van at every stop. A member of staff will be on hand to oversee the bikes. 13.00 Lunch Depending on the trip and number of cyclists, this might be a picnic stop in a town square or park, or in a local cafe. In either case, our support vehicles will be on hand so that you can access your day bag with any spare kit, top up bottles, and attend to any minor mechanical issues that might have arisen. 15.00 Afternoon refreshment stop Similar to the morning as - typically we stop every 2-2.5hrs, or approximately 20-40km depending on the terrain and weather! 17.00 End of ride and arrive at the hotel A member of our staff will show you where to put your bike for overnight storage. Your luggage will have been unloaded from the vehicles for you to pick up from the reception area, and then you ll head to reception. Check in, receive your room key and get freshened up for dinner. 19.30/20.00 Dinner and evening briefing on the day ahead
CHALLENGE SUMMARY Weather A pleasant climate, sunny skies and fewer crowds, September is a great month for Croatia. The beginning of September enjoys a whopping 13+ hours of sunlight. Expect to take advantage of a daily average temperature of 23 C (74 F), highs of 26 C (80 F) and lows of 19 C (67 F). By the middle of the month, the temperature drops rapidly to an average of 20 C (69 F), highs of 24 C (76 F) and lows of 17 C (63 F). Currency The official currency is the Croatian Kuna ( 10 equates to approx. 85 Kuna) We recommend that you bring approximately 200 spending money which will be sufficient for drinks, any personal expenses and souvenirs. It is also customary to tip the ground crew at the end of the challenge and we will be collecting 30 per person at the beginning of your challenge. We also advise that you bring a credit card for emergencies - all major forms of credit card are accepted. Do let your bank know in advance that you will be travelling with your card. WHAT S INCLUDED 7 nights half board accommodation (twin-sharing) staying aboard a fully catered boat for the duration of the challenge. Very limited singles available on request and at an additional charge Picnic lunches on cycling days some days may be café based. Fully supported ride with organised refreshment stops, ride leader, support vehicle, mechanic and first aid support Bike hire good quality road bikes, though you may bring your own Guided rides in the local region and tour of Dubrovnik Transfers from Split and to Dubrovnik if taking the recommended flights FREE Norwood cycle jersey WHAT S NOT INCLUDED Your flights. We will advise on the recommended flights following registration. You will be flying into Split and departing from Dubrovnik Charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable) Airport transfers outside of the times of meeting the recommended group flight Lunches on non-cycling days Any personal expenses, coffees, tips, trips, entry fees and gratuities Prsonal cycling equipment and kit Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route not specified as included Travel insurance Fundraising FUNDRAISING Fundraising is largely a test of imagination, organisation and perseverance. The more you make your own personal fundraising campaign stand out against everyone else, the more successful you ll be. While you are responsible for raising the funds yourself, that doesn t mean we can t offer some helpful hints to help you on your way. When you sign up to one of our challenges we ll send out more information, but are always on the end of the phone with useful tips to help you achieve your fundraising target. For more fundraising information or materials, please contact the Challenges Team on 020 8420 6811 or challenges@norwood.org.uk SIGN UP FOR TWO CHALLENGES IN 2019 AND WE WILL REDUCE THE COMBINED MINIMUM FUNDRAISING TARGET BY 500. And, if two or more members of a family sign up, contact the challenges team direct for details of any group fundraising targets that may apply. Options to pay in instalments by direct debit are also available. Further information Registration, information and medical forms Cycling and training tips First Time Rider Useful Tips More about Norwood Full kit list All at www.norwood.org.uk/challenges Find out more: if there s anything you would like to talk through, then just ring Julie Braithwaite on 0208 420 6811 or email julie. braithwaite@norwood.org.uk Register: www.norwood.org.uk/challenges
PRICING This challenge does not includes the costs of your flights. Recommended flight details are under the What you need to know section. Over 35 Option A B C Registration Fee Minimum Fundraising Under 35 295 1,500 3.045 2,750 1,545 - Options A: Full fundraising: Pay registration fee and raise a minimum of 2,750 B: Cover your costs: Pay the cost of the challenge upfront and raise a minimum of 1,545 C: No fundraising needed: Pay for the challenge outright. No fundraising needed Option A B C Registration Fee Minimum Fundraising 195 1,500 2,445 2,250 945 -