Sunday, May 19, 2013

Saturday and Sunday, May 18th & 19th, 2013 - Ferry from Bol to the Island of Hvar/Hvar Town (35K) and a day in Hvar Town (rest day)

It is time for a photo essay - enjoy! Biking resumes tomorrow on the island of Korcula...loving Croatia more every day.

We departed the charming town of Bol via ferry, heading for Jelsa on the island of Hvar.

The view of Bol as our ferry boat leaves port.

Gorgeous "rear view mirror" views of the Island of Brach as we head for Hvar.

Island magic!

Coming into Jelsa, Island of Hvar.

Even the ordinary looks magical on the islands.

Off we go - heading to Stari Grad, our first stop on the ride across the island of Hvar.

Gorgeous poppies dot the landscape in this UNESCO-designated landscape.

Peter, Lynn and I visited the villa of Croatian poet Petar Hektorovic - he designed the villa himself and it was surrounded by interesting Latin inscriptions to invoke thoughtful contemplation.

ExPlus guide Cristina and I watch the action in the fish pond.

The bike from Stari Grad to Hvar Town was beyond epic - the 10K climb yielded stunning vistas.

Fields of lavender just before bloom time - it is grown for export and you see it everywhere on the islands.

Higher and higher!

My peak experience - top of the climb, a Croatia bike jersey obtained and new friends - the ultimate Experience Plus tour moment!

The terracing of hills remains from ancient times; the land was divided up with stone walls for retiring soldiers to farm. The aridity of the land makes that a tough proposition.

Our bike route is a part of Hvar's designated scenic bikeway - and Peter appreciates that as much as I do!

We arrive in Hvar town and enjoy the view from our hotel window.

The Venetian influence in Hvar is everywhere - including the view of the main square, a mini-San Marco plaza.

Oozing history and charm up every path.

We had to bid Rob and Lulu goodbye on Sunday morning as they took the shorter tour option. We will miss them terribly but are hoping to see them again before too long - safe travels friends!

We had a great guided tour Sunday noon which included a hike up to the Venetian fortress overlooking   Hvar town. 100 meter climbs give wonderful vistas!

Hvar town and marina spread out below us as we climb to the fortress.

The reward - picnic lunch! Our guide Silvija created a delicious and artful spread inside the fort. We enjoyed every bite. The cheeses are especially wonderful!

We will reconvene the group later this afternoon (minus two, sniffle) and ferry to our final island, Korcula. Looking forward to getting back on the bike to burn some cheese calories, so worth it!



1 comment:

  1. Hi - was it fine to take your bike on the ferry from Bol to Jelsa? I keep reading that Jadrolinija don't allow bikes on Catamarans - what was your experience?

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