Croatia - Kvarner Bay E-Bike and Sail - 8 Days
E-Bike hire - €252 pp
Gravel bike hire - €200 pp
Single cabin surcharge - price on request
Upgrade to upper deck cabin - €250 pp
Overview
Guarded by the towering Velebit Mountain Range in the east and hugged by the Istrian Peninsula in the northwest lie the Kvarner Bay Islands. Quiet coves of crystal clear water surround the dramatic landscapes of the Kvarner Bay Islands. Green hills and rocky moon landscapes give way to small harbour towns rich in history and culture. Discover the charm of the Adriatic Sea for yourself by bike and boat on board one of our romantic motor yachts.
The day begins with a well-rounded breakfast leaving you fit to explore the diversity of the Kvarner Bay Islands on a guided bike tour. Evenings are mostly spent in picturesque harbour towns with winding alleyways where a great range of bars and cafes stand host for a relaxing evening.
The tour offers varied cycling in the hilly islands. From each harbour you climb to approximately 200-500m above sea level and then continue on rolling terrain along the island. Daily distances range from 20–50 km with total cycling approximately 192km. E-bikers only need a moderate fitness level.
Highlights Include:
Culture: Cultural heritage is a blend of Mediterranean and Alpine influences, resulting in a distinctive and captivating cultural mix.
Nature: Countless anchorages, sunny beaches, quiet bays and striking natural beauty in its crystal blue waters.
Activity: Visit the picturesque small harbour town of Veli Lošinj, a round tour of Krk through vast vinyards and small villages, visit the popular coastal town of Malinska.
Culinary: Try the spicy sheep's cheese of Pag and Prsut - the famous Croatian ham
Souvenir: A miniature of Baška's board or other souvenirs written in glagolithic script.
Note: These dates & prices are for the e-bike tour (gravel bikes available for strong cyclists) on board a deluxe motor yacht . A very similar tour is also available on board a standard motor yacht with hybrid bikes (e-bike option available). Please ask for details.
Tour Gallery
Full Itinerary
Arrival In Omisalj (Embarkation) to Cres
Please make your own way to Omišalj, a small harbour village on the island of Krk. Transfers are also available (at extra cost) from Rijeka Airport or Zagreb by prior arrangement. Please board the yacht between 2pm-2.30pm. At approximately 3pm, we sail to the island of Cres (approximately 4 hours). After dinner, we'll have time to explore this quaint harbour town, characterised by its Italian architecture, as we will spend the night here.
Cycling Distance: 0 km
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Boat in Cres
Island of Cres and Lošinj
After breakfast we start our tour from the city of Cres to Martinšćica. The boat awaits our arrival and lunch is served during the cruise to the island of Lošinj. If the weather is good, the captain will arrange a swim stop along the way before tying off in the wellness harbour town of Mali Lošinj. The port with its colourful facades and numerous cafes offers visitors a welcoming atmosphere for a relaxed evening.
Cycling Distance: 28 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Boat in Lošinj
Islands of Lošinj and Molat
We cycle along the seaside promenade to the south of Lošinj and visit the picturesque small harbour town of Veli Lošinj before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, we cross over to the island of Molat where we can enjoy another short cycling tour. We spend a peaceful night in a quiet harbour on the island.
Cycling Distance: 22 km plus 10 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Boat in Molat
Island of Dugi Otok to Zadar
During breakfast the ship leaves Molat and takes us past numerous small islands to the "spice island" of Dugi Otok. We begin our bike tour in the Bay of Bozava on almost traffic free roads, surrounded by pine woods, agaves and tamarisk trees. Our first stop is the old Austrian lighthouse of Veli Rat - a beautiful viewpoint at the northernmost point of the island. From here we continue our ride along the island ridge, surrounded by panoramic views of the island landscapes. We'll meet the boat in the Bay of Savar and cruise to Zadar. Zadar has been the political, cultural and spiritual centre of Dalmatia for centuries. 3000 years of history has shaped the character of this town with its fortified walls with their bastions, the loggia and the early Romanesque St. Donatus Basilica. This evening you can enjoy an extensive guided tour of the lively city center
Cycling Distance: 32 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Boat in Zadar
Islands of Pag and Rab
This morning we will take a long cruise to the Island of Pag. This island has a harsh but delightful landscape with many fig and olive trees. Over the centuries, the inhabitants built numerous stone walls for protection against the wind. Our ride takes us from Novalja along a narrow peninsula towards the sea where we will meet the ship and cruise to Rab. The island of Rab is one of the sunniest places in Europe. The town of Rab, the fortified capital of the island, was built in the Middle Ages on a wedge shaped headland and marks one of the highlights of the tour. The four famous bell towers are a symbol of the town's beauty. After dinner there will be time to explore the narrow alleyways and numerous cosy cafes.
Cycling Distance: 20 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch OR Dinner
Accommodation: Boat in Rab
Islands of Rab and Krk
Today we explore the charming Island of Rab on a lovely ride around the island. At lunchtime we will meet the ship in the harbour directly in front of the old town of Rab. From here we will cruise towards the Island of Krk, stopping along the way for a refreshing swim directly from the boat. We'll reach Krk in the late afternoon and spend the evening exploring the lovely old town.
Cycling Distance: 22 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Boat in Krk
Island of Krk
Today's ride takes us over the ridge of the island covered in fragrant macchia to a valley of vineyards, and then onwards to the small museum town of Vrbnik in the northeast. The town, built on a 50m high cliff and surrounded by vineyards, is home to the famous Zlahtina white wine. Another peculiarity of Vrbnik is that it has the second narrowest alley in the world. Our tour leads us across the island through old villages and rich vegetation back to the small town of Omišalj. On the way, we can have a refreshing swim in the bay of Soline. We celebrate the end of the tour with a final dinner on board.
Cycling Distance: 47km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Boat in Omisalj
Departure from Omisalj
It's time to say goodbye to stunning Kvarner Bay. Please check-out after breakfast by 9am for your onward travel or you may want to extend your stay in Croatia.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast
Download the Itinerary PDF here
All distances are approximate. Our tours often go off the beaten track and follow routes that are not always predictable. We cannot always guarantee the weather. For these reasons we may occasionally have to update our itineraries. We will only do this to improve your experience or for safety reasons. Our listed accommodation is always accurate at the time of writing but should we need to change you can rest assured that it will be for similar or better. Display price may differ to what is quoted as this tour is invoiced in the currency stated, and can be dynamic with daily exchange rates.
The Details
- 7 nights on a deluxe motor yacht (cabins with ensuite & air conditioning)
- Meals: 2 x full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) & 5 x half board (breakfast & either lunch or dinner)
- Bed linen and towels
- English speaking cycling guide(s)
- Flights, travel visas, travel insurance
- Surcharge for above deck and/or single cabin
- Meals ashore (if not included in the tour price)
- Bike hire (& optional insurance)
- Helmet (compulsory): bring own or request in advance
- Visitors tax, bottled water, tea and filtered coffee €80 (payable on board)
- Special dietary requests €70 (advise in advance, payable on board)
- SGR insolvency protection scheme: €5 pp
- Airport transfers
- Drinks on board
- Extra nights Omišalj
- Tips for the tour guides and crew
Although the daily distances on this tour are relatively short, the cycling is through hilly to mountainous terrain with some steeper ascents of up to 400m. Riders need to be confident on winding descents, uneven asphalt and occasional gravel paths. Suitable for experienced cyclists accustomed to long days in the saddle.
This is an E-Bike tour so you can get a little help when climbing those hills but still need a moderate level of fitness. You will be cycling between 20 - 50 km km per day with 400 - 700 meters of elevation per day.
The roads are mostly paved and experience little traffic outside of the holiday season. On the island of Krk, a short section runs over unpaved gravel and forest paths. On the island of Lošinj, the tour follows a narrow seaside promenade where especially cautious and controlled riding is required.
Traffic can be expected in and around coastal towns. Some sections on the islands of Cres and Krk also have slightly higher traffic.
There are no designated bike paths in Kvarner Bay, so the bike tours take place on public roads, preferably on quiet side streets.
If you are looking for more of a challenge - consider hiring a gravel bike. The riding pace is determined by the cyclists on e-bikes so you will need to be fit enough to keep up!
If you're unsure about anything, please see our FAQs page for extra information.
FAQsBooking information
Participants will be asked to complete a booking form after confirmation of their booking.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
If the minimum number of participants required for a trip is not met (18 participants for bike and boat trips, unless otherwise noted), we reserve the right to cancel it. The decision about the trip taking place or not will be made as early as possible; at least three weeks before beginning of the trip.
Upon submitting your booking request, we will provide specifics regarding minimum numbers. Following trip confirmation, you may proceed with flight bookings and other travel arrangements. A ‘Limited’ trip status signifies limited spaces available. For trip status inquiries, kindly email or call our office.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A deposit is required to secure your place on your selected tour departure. On receipt of your deposit, Global Cycling Adventures will email you a confirmation to verify your travel arrangements and advise final payment details. The final payment is normally required 60 days before departure date unless otherwise specified.
CANCELLATIONS & AMENDMENTS
All tour cancellations will require notification in writing to Global Cycling Adventures by the person participating on the tour. Please be advised that booking cancellations or amendments will incur relevant fees. Cancellation charges are tour-specific and timing-dependent. For a comprehensive outline of our terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy, please refer to the travel proposal provided by our team.
We recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance on payment of your tour deposit in case unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel your tour.
OVERSEAS JURISDICTION AND TERMS
For all overseas tours, the terms and conditions, laws, and jurisdiction of the destination country will apply. By booking a tour with us, you acknowledge and agree that local regulations, industry practices, and terms specific to the destination country may supersede or modify our standard terms. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable local laws and regulations while participating in the tour.
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