Itinerary

Cycling Cruise: Islandhopping Kvarner Bay

8 days / 7 nights | Comfort Class | Guided or self guided

Protected by the towering Velebit mountain range in the east and embraced by the Istria Peninsula in the northwest lie the Kvarner Bay islands. Quiet coves with crystal clear water surround the dramatic landscapes of the Kvaner Bay. Green hills and rocky moon landscapes give way to small harbour towns rich in both history and culture. Discover the charm of the Adriatic Sea by bike and boat on board one of our charming motor yachts.
The days begin with a rich breakfast leaving you fit and ready to explore the diversity of the Kvarner Bay on guided cycling tours. 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 something new to discover. Evenings are mostly spent in picturesque harbour towns with winding alleyways where a great range of bars and cafes provide the perfect spot for a relaxing evening.
This tour sometimes takes place parallel to our MTB & Boat Kvarner Bay Standard tour on the same boat. One tour guide accompanies the mountain bikers whilst the other accompanies the hybrid cyclists. This is perfect for travellers who wish to spend their holiday together, but do not share the same riding style.

Highlights of this bike and boat trip

✔ Landscapes of green hills and rocky moon landscapes

✔ Small harbours rich in history and culture

✔ Medieval city of Rab

✔ Comfort Class bike cruise ship MS Linda

Itinerary

Day 1 (Fri): Omišalj (Embarkation) – Cres

Individual arrival in Omišalj, a nice little harbor village on the island of Krk. If you're planning to arrive by car, we will organize a safe parking space for you. Check-in on the motor yacht between 2 and 2:30 pm. At ca.3 pm the ship takes us to the island of Cres in about four hours. On Cres we take a walk through the Venetian old town in the evening.

Day 2 (Sat): Islands of Cres and Lošinj (Cycling 28 km / 18 miles)

In the morning our ship takes us to Martinšćica. From there we cycle on the east side of the island among pine, fig and laurel trees to Osor, an artist town, where we have lunch on the ship. Afterwards there is time for a swim in the bay with its crystal clear water. In the afternoon we leave Osor on board the boat and navigate our way to the island of Lošinj. After a comfortable cruise and a refreshing swim stop the ship brings us safely into the large harbor of Mali Lošinj. The clear climate of this wellness retreat with its colorful captain's houses and an abundance of cafes welcomes us for a relaxing evening, enabling us to unwind and recuperate.

Day 3 (Sun): Islands of Lošinj and Molat (Cycling 20 + 10 km / 12 + 6 miles)

We cycle along the seaside promenade to the south of Lošinj and visit the picturesque small harbor town of Veli Lošinj before we meet the ship for lunch. In the afternoon we cross over to the island of Molat where we can do another short cycling tour. Finally we stay overnight in the quiet harbor of Molat.

Day 4 (Mon): Island of Dugi Otok and Zadar (Cycling 32 km / 20 miles)

During breakfast, the ship leaves Molat taking us past numerous small islands to the "spice island" of Dugi Otok. Our bike tour starts in the bay of Božava, which is surrounded by pine woods, agaves, and tamarisk trees. We cycle along an almost traffic-free road to the northernmost point of the island, where the light house of Veli Rat stands proudly, fulfilling its duty guiding sailors safely on their way since 1849. A ride along the island’s “Road in the Sky” brings us to the peaceful harbour of Savar or Bribinj. There will be ample time for a swim break in the afternoon before we continue on to the small island of Olib for the night. There will be ample time for a swim break in the afternoon before we continue on to Zadar. Zadar has been the political, cultural and spiritual centre of Dalmatia for centuries. 3000 years of history have left their imprint on the character of this town and there are many things to be admired: 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.

Day 5 (Tue): Island of Pag - Rab (Cycling 34 km / 21 miles)

After a morning crossing, we reach the island of Pag. We cycle through the harsh yet delightful landscape, passing fig and olive trees along the way. Over the centuries, the people living here built numerous stone walls for protection against the wind. Starting in Mandre, we cycle on the narrow peninsula until we reach the sea once more in Lun. From here, the ship takes us to Rab Island, 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 undoubtedly one of the highlights of the trip. The four famous bell towers are just one example of the town’s beauty. There is plenty of time to explore the narrow alleys with their numerous cosy cafés in the evening.

Day 6 (Wed): Island of Rab (Cycling 25 km / 15 miles)

Today we enjoy a round tour through diverse landscapes on the Island of Rab. Starting from the old town, our tour takes us through alternating landscapes from coastal promenades, to shaded forests and secluded bays. After returning to the boat we start our cruise towards the island of Krk. Along the way we hope to stop for a refreshing swim from the boat. We spend the evening in the historical town of Krk.

Day 7 (Thu): Island of Krk (Cycling 45 km / 28 miles)

We cycle over the ridge of the island which is covered by 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 50-meter-high cliff and surrounded by vineyards is the home of the famous white wine Žlahtina. Another peculiarity that Vrbnik has to offer is the second narrowest alley in the world. The way leads us across the island through old villages and rich vegetation to Omišalj. On our way we have a chance to swim in the bay of Soline. The last evening aboard takes place traditionally and includes the communal dinner and a last get-together in a cosy atmosphere with crew and tour guides.

Day 8 (Fri): Omišalj (Disembarkation)

After breakfast disembarkation until 9 am and individual trip home or extended stay in Croatia.

Changes: We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organizational requirements. Sometimes the tour could be conducted in reverse order. You may find further details in your booking information packet.

Please note: All cycling distances stated above are approximate only.