Croatia - Kvarner Bay E-Bike and Sail - 8 Days
E-Bike hire - €245
Gravel bike hire - €200
Single cabin surcharge - price on request
Upgrade to upper deck cabin - €250pp
Overview
Protected by the towering Velebit mountain range in the east and hugged by the Istria Peninsula in the northwest lie the Kvarner Bay islands. Quiet coves of crystal clear water surround green hills and rocky landscapes which give way to small harbour towns rich in history and culture.
Each day begins with a hearty breakfast leaving you ready to explore the diversity of the Kvarner bay islands on a guided bike tour. Be it the medieval city of Rab, the car-free road in the sky on Dugi Otok or the contemplative life of the dwellers on the flower island of Molat, each day brings with it new discoveries. You will meet up with the boat later in the day at a different harbour. Evenings are mostly spent in picturesque harbour towns with winding alleyways where a great range of bars and cafes provide the opportunity 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 25–48km with total cycling approximately 196km. E-bikers only need a moderate fitness level.
Highlights Include:
Culture: Zadar with its 3000 year old History, the ocean organ and Greeting to the Sun
Nature: The island of Molat - famous for its sea of blossoms in spring
Activity: A cycling tour on the almost traffic-free island of Dugi Otok and the panoramic view from both sides of the island
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 operated by a ‘STANDARD’ motor yacht with hybrid bikes (e-bike option available). Ask for details.
Full Itinerary
Arrival In Omisalj
Please make your own way to Omišalj, a small harbour village on the island of Krk. If you are arriving by car, we can organise a safe parking place for you at extra cost. Transfers are also available (at extra cost) from Rijeka Airport or Zagreb by prior arrangement. Please board the yacht between 2pm-2.30pm as at 3pm we sail to the island of Cres, a journey of about four hours. In the evening we take a walk to explore this old Venetian town.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Boat in Cres
Islands of Cres and Losinj
After breakfast we start our first bike ride from the city of Cres. We'll meet the boat at Martinšćica and cruise to the island of Lošinj while lunch is served on board. If the weather is good there will be time for a swim stop before continuing to the large harbour town of Mali Lošinj, which boasts numerous cafés and houses with colourful facades. You can spend a relaxing evening in the town's welcoming atmosphere.
Cycling Distance: 28km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Boat in Mali Losinj
Islands of Losinj and Molat
We cycle along the seaside promenade to the south of Lošinj and visit the small picturesque harbour town of Veli Lošinj before meeting the boat for lunch. In the afternoon we cross over to the island of Molat for one more short bike ride. You'll spend the night in a quiet harbour on the island.
Cycling Distance: 30km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Boat in Molat
Molat to Island of Duji Otak to Zadar
During breakfast, the boat will cruise past many small islands to the ‘spice island’ of Dugi Otok. Today’s ride along an almost traffic free road will start in the bay of Božava which is surrounded by pine, agave and tamarisk trees. Firstly we ride to the northernmost point of the island where the lighthouse of Veli Rat (built in 1849) proudly stands. Then we are rewarded with beautiful panoramic views as we continue cycling along the island's ridge all the way to the bay of Savar. We'll meet the boat here and cruise to Zadar, a city that has been the political, cultural and spiritual centre of Dalmatia for centuries. Over 3000 years of history have left their imprint on the character of this town and there are many things to admire - the mighty fortified walls with their bastions, the loggia and the early Romanesque St. Donatus Basilica. In the evening our tour guide takes us on an extensive walk through the lively city centre.
Cycling Distance: 48km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch OR Dinner
Accommodation: Boat in Zadar
Zadar to Islands of Pag and Rab
After a long morning cruise, we reach the island of Pag with its harsh but delightful landscape as well as many fig and olive trees. Over the centuries the inhabitants have built numerous stone walls for protection against the wind. Starting from Novalja, we cycle along the narrow peninsula until we reach the sea, where the boat will be waiting to take us to the island of Rab, 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 is one of the trip's highlights. The four famous bell towers are the symbol of the town's beauty. After dinner we can explore the narrow alleys with their numerous cosy bars and cafés.
Cycling Distance: 20km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch OR Dinner
Accommodation: Boat in Rab
Island of Rab to Krk
This morning we get to know the charming Island of Rab with a bike ride around the island. At lunchtime the ship will be waiting for us in the harbour directly in front of Rab's old town. Then during our cruise towards the island of Krk, we'll anchor along the way for a refreshing swim stop. In the late afternoon we reach the island of Krk where we spend the evening in the historical town of Krk.
Cycling Distance: 25km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Boat in Krk
Island of Krk
Our 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: 45km
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.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
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 & German speaking cycling guide(s)
- Cycling maps for each day’s tour provided on board
- 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
- Safe car parking (extra cost)
- Visitors tax & bottled water €60 (payable on board)
- Special dietary requests €70 (advise in advance, payable on board)
- SGR insolvency protection scheme: €5 pp
- Transfer from/to Zagreb on days 1 & 8 (available at extra cost)
- Transfer from/to Rijeka town or airport on days 1 & 8 (available at extra cost)
- Drinks on board
- Extra nights Omišalj
- Tips for the tour guides and crew
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.
If you are looking for more of a challenge - consider hiring a gravel bike.
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.
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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.
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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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