Triathlon and Adventures in Croatia
Explore, Race, and Give Back Along the Dalmatian Coast
Trip Length
10 Days, 9 Nights
Group Size
4-8
Activities
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Triathlon
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Kayaking
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Hiking
OVERVIEW
Join us in Croatia for a triathlon and adventures on the beautiful Island of Korčula. You’ll swim through crystal clear water, bike the stretch of the island, and finish your race with a run along the pristine coastline as the breeze guides you.
Your adventure will include a taste of the local culture, kayaking and hiking excursions, plenty of Mediterranean food and wine, and an ocean cleanup. This trip is perfect for all skill and experience levels and will offer you the opportunity to challenge yourself while getting to know a new culture.
Our 2019 Trip to Croatia
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Race in the locally organized Marco Polo Challenge Triathlon festival at the 70.3 or Sprint distances
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Explore Korčula and surrounding islands by kayak
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Taste the native wines and local seafood fresh from the Adriatic Sea
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Hiking on Pelješac Peninsula with incredible views of Korčula
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Take in the Mediterranean atmosphere and laid back Dalmatian culture - Po Malo!
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Give back to our island hosts through an ocean cleanup
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All overnight accommodations.
All planned in-country transportation.
All meals planned by Open World Racing and included in the detailed agenda.
All program activities listed in the agenda. Race fees, equipment rentals, and other miscellaneous costs.
ITINERARY
Trip Agenda
Day 1 - Arrival and Welcome
We'll pick you up from the airport and settle you into your cliffside hotel, which stretches down to the water for easy swim access. You'll catch your breath for a few hours before we meet for a welcome dinner of fresh seafood and local wine. You can partake or abstain - after all, you've got a race in two days!
Day 2 - A Catamaran to Korčula
After a morning swim, we'll have breakfast then it's off to Korčula island. We'll opt for the high-speed Catamaran if its running or take the leisurely drive along Pelješac Peninsula, one of Croatia's best wine regions. We'll check you into your apartment then head off on a walking tour of Korčula's old town and the race area. We'll enjoy a sunset dinner on the promenade overlooking the sea and discuss tomorrow's events.
Day 3 - Race Day for Sprinters
Our sprint triahtlon racers will gear up and tackle their event while the rest of us head to Pupnatska Luka beach for the morning. Of course you an stay and cheer on our triathletes. We'll gather in the evening to swap race stories and share any course intel with tomorrow's racers.
Day 4 - 70.3 Race and an Evening in the Village
Our 70.3 racers will gear up and test their mettle in a challenging triathlon, while our sprint racers will have an optional day at the beach with packed lunches. After our racers finish up and have time to rest, we'll head to our favorite family run estate in a small village to enjoy olive oil and fresh bread, a little rakija, and a home cooked meal featuring classic Dalmatian dishes and wines native to Korčula.
Day 5 - Hidden Caves of Korčula
You can join a group sunrise yoga session or enjoy a leisurely breakfast in your old town apartment before meeting the crew for a day on the sea. We'll take a boat ride to Korčula's hidden caves, where we'll anchor and enjoy a swim. You can get some sun on the boat or explore the semi-submerged cave system. After that, we'll stop for lunch, then head back to port. You'll have a free evening to explore the old town and seaside promenade.
Day 6 - By Paddle and Sail
Another day on the water as we set out early to explore the surrounding islands by kayak. We'll pull up on the beach of an uninhabited island and enjoy a relaxing swim. Some of us may use the opportunity for a quick 6km jog around the island to check out the abundant wildlife. Our next stop will be for a fish cookout lunch and a little white wine on another remote island that has a unique connection to Venice, Italy.
Day 7 - The Heights of Pelješac
You may have noticed the ever-present and behemouth mountain overlooking Korčula from across the bay - that is Sveti Ilija. Today we will bid farewell to our island home and hike Sveti Ilija, making our way up should take about 3-4 hours, so bring extra water and a snack. We'll grab a late lunch afterwards, then check into our wine villa-cum-boutique hotel. We'll freshen up then enjoy an evening wine tasting and al fresco meal under the stars.
Day 8 - Oysters, Salt, and Sun
Today is a treat! After a relaxing morning and breakfast al fresco, we'll make our way to the medieval town, Ston (pronounced Stone), and work our legs hiking up the ancient defensive walls to Mali Ston. For lunch, we'll hope on a small charter boat and head to a secluded spot for an oyster picnic and other Adriatic delicacies. We'll then take a short drive back to our favorite cliffside hotel for drinks in the Cave Bar and a relaxing evening.
Day 9 - The Best of Dubrovnik
The Adriatic Sea on a sunny spring morning shines like emerald and is flat as glass - we'll take a cool dip, then enjoy breakfast and coffee on the terrace. You'll want to wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle on our mornign walking tour. We'll visit old town Dubrovnik's Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. You'll have the afternoon to explore on your own and there is plenty to see. We'll gather for dinner one last time and share our favorite stories. You'll be accomplished triathletes and adventure travelers!
Day 10 - Goodbye for Now
We'll get you fed and make sure you arrive to the airport safe and sound. We recommend picking a departure after 10:30 so you have time for breakfast!
Breakfast
ACCOMODATIONS
In Korčula, we will strive to accommodate you in 1 bedroom apartments where possible. At the most, you'll have your own room in a shared apartment with 1-2 other people.
In Dubrovnik, you will have your own room in our favorite cliff-side hotel that reaches down to a calm bay that is perfect for swimming. You can enjoy a cocktail from the cave bar between dips.
YOUR TRIP GUIDE
Andy Riedy
Andy loves to guide adventure-seeking groups on amazing trips. He also loves to race in pretty much any event. He's completed all triathlon distances, a couple marathons, and has recently started enjoying trail races. He is a former U.S. Marine and loves to bring people together through their common love of racing.
Andy loves taking amazing groups to Croatia to explore and challenge themselves. And he gets to race too - not a bad perk!
GEAR LIST
Required
Triathlon Suit and/or
Swimsuit
Goggles
Swim Cap
Running Gear
Hiking Footwear
Personal First Aid Kit
Two Water Bottles
Recommended
Light Jacket
Sandals
Cycling Shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water Containers
Backpack
Camera
Race Nutrition/Salt Chews
Optional
Dry Bag
Ear plugs
Hiking Poles
Snorkel
Binoculars
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you're interested in coming on a trip, but aren't quite sure and you'd like to speak to someone, leave us your info and we'll give you a call at your convenience.