May 31 – June 8, 2025 (9 days)
Capacity: 16
The Trip
Join two Carleton professors and a small group of fellow cycling enthusiasts on an unforgettable series of rides through the beautiful towns and countryside of Croatia, known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Springtime in Croatia offers the perfect backdrop for our educational cycling adventure in the company of Professors David Tompkins and Ken Abrams. We will pedal coastal Croatia and two of its islands, and explore en route medieval and Renaissance cities that were important to the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Austrians, Hungarians, and Croats. Marvel at bustling Split, a still-inhabited ancient Roman city and site of Emperor Diocletian’s famous 3rd-century A.D. palace, and cycle two of the Mediterranean’s most picturesque islands—Brač and Hvar. Enjoy cycling through and past picturesque coastal towns and rural areas, charming villages, tranquil vineyards, and scenic landscapes; and take time to visit historic sites, immerse ourselves in the local culture, and indulge in delicious Croatian cuisine and a wine tasting.
An expert local cycling guide will also accompany us and provide insights into Croatia’s history and traditions. In addition to casual conversation and cycling companionship, Professors Tompkins and Abrams will offer several evening lectures or discussions. This tour is designed, with well-planned routes and a support vehicle available throughout the journey, to accommodate riders who have good physical fitness and prior experience with road cycling. Over the course of this itinerary, we will cycle a total of up to 166 miles (including short, steep hills), and the average daily cycling distance is 26 to 27 miles per riding day.
This program promises to be a satisfying blend of physical activity, adventure, and intellectual stimulation. It is a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, create or strengthen lasting friendships, and broaden your horizons. The tour is limited to a small group of just 16 participants, so I urge you to contact Alumni Adventures at (800) 811-7244 or email carleton@studytours.org today.
Faculty Leaders
David Tompkins is Professor of History at Carleton College, where he teaches a broad range of courses on modern European history. In his own research, he specializes in the culture and societies of Central Europe. David spent his undergraduate years at Rice University and did his graduate work at Columbia University. He has lived for extended periods all over Europe, and traveled there extensively. A marathon runner and cycling enthusiast, David has been on extended bike tours in France, Italy, and Central Europe. He has led five previous alumni tours to Europe, including one cycling trip in the Czech Republic and Austria and another in northern Italy. During evening discussions, David will talk about the history and culture of Croatia/Dalmatia, and the history and future of the European Union from the perspective of southeastern Europe.
Ken Abrams is a Professor of Psychology at Carleton College, where he teaches courses on psychopathology. He did his undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College and received his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Minnesota. Ken taught in the Czech Republic for two years in the mid-1990s and has directed ten study abroad programs in Central Europe. On the programs, he teaches cross-cultural psychopathology, which examines the extent to which the etiology and manifestation of mental disorders are affected by culture and politics. An avid biker, Ken frequently does “century rides” and in the past has biked through northern Croatia. He also previously co-led the Carleton alumni tour that cycled from Prague to Vienna. Topics Ken plans to address during evening discussions include the lingering psychological toll of the Yugoslav wars, as well as ethnic prejudice and tensions in Croatia and neighboring states.
Tour Prices (7 nights)
Per person, double occupancy
12-16 participants $6,595
Single Supplement $495
Single room supplement will be charged when requested or required (limited availability).
With fewer than 12 participants, a small group surcharge may be applied.
Itinerary
Saturday, May 31, 2025: Depart home
Sunday, June 1: Arrive Split, Croatia | Transfer to hotel in Skradin | Bicycle fitting OR Optional park visit | PM at leisure | Welcome dinner
Monday, June 2: Cycle from Skradin to Primošten | Primošten (Distance covered: 39 miles, elevation gain: 3,021 feet)
Tuesday, June 3: AM at leisure | Cycle from Primošten to Trogir | PM at leisure (Distance covered: 26 miles, elevation gain: 2,037 feet)
Wednesday, June 4: Cycle from Trogir to Split | Split: Diocletian’s Palace, walking tour | Ferry to Brač | Cycle on Island of Brač to Postira (Distance covered: 23 miles, elevation gain: 1,125 feet)
Thursday, June 5: Postira: Day at leisure OR Choose an additional ride
Friday, June 6: Cycle from Postira to Bol via Pučišća | Bol: Wine tasting (Distance covered: 24 miles, elevation gain: 2,473 feet)
Saturday, June 7: Ferry to the island of Hvar | Vrboska | Stari Grad | Cycle to Hvar town | Farewell dinner (Distance covered: 23 miles, elevation gain: 2,414 feet)
Sunday, June 8: Hvar: Walking tour | Fly home OR Begin post-tour extension
Download the brochure for the complete detailed itinerary.
Additional Information
For more information or to reserve your space, please call 800-811-7244 or email Carleton College Alumni Adventures. To make a reservation online click here.