Kvarner Bay Bike & Boat
8 Days Starting and ending in Omišalj
Visiting: Croatia
Tour Overview
Countless islands in crystal clear water, deeply fissured cliffs, picturesque beaches and numerous small bays are the typical features of Croatia's stunning Kvarner Bay in the northern Adriatic. Spend a week discovering the landscape and people of this unique island world by bike, independently and with the aid of knowledgeable tour guides. Based on a comfortable motor yacht, our floating accommodation, discover the charm of the Adriatic. Cycle off after a hearty breakfast and meet the boat at a harbour for lunch. In the evening the boat will be waiting in the next harbour, allowing you to enjoy fantastic cuisine as the sun sets, followed by a stroll through a historic harbour town. Flexibility is the key to this holiday, with the option to take a day off cycling and spend time on board, swimming or wandering through the alleyways of pretty port towns.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Omišalj, Cruise To Cres
Individual arrival in Omišalj on the island of Krk (group transfer available from Zagreb, additional cost and must be pre-booked) and check-in to the motor yacht between 2:00pm and 3:00pm. At around 3:00pm we will cruise (for approx 4 hours) to the island of Cres. In the evening you can enjoy a short guided walk through the Venetian old town.
If you arrive early you can look around town. It has an attractive medieval centre and a pretty marina. In medieval times the town with a present population of 2,000 belonged to the aristocratic Frankopan dynasty. In 1420 it was secured with a fortress (which was dismantled in the 20th century). The narrow lanes of the medieval centre are ideal for strolling around. In the pedestrian zone stands the parish church of Holy Mary built in 1213 as a three-naved basilica. The nearby bell tower as well as the adjoining loggia were built in the 16th century, the dome of the church in the 17th century.
Day 2 : The Islands Of Cres By Bike And Lošinj (28Km/18Mi)
After breakfast we start our tour from the city of Cres to Martinšcica. The boat awaits your 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 harbour wellness town of Mali Lošinj. The port with its colourful facades and numerous cafes offers its visitors a welcoming atmosphere for a relaxed evening.
Day 3 : The Islands Of Lošinj And Molat (20Km + 10Km/12Mi + 6Mi)
This morning we cycle along a seaside path to Veli Lošinj, a picturesque town in the south of the island. Hilly cobblestone streets leading up from the main square meld with the rocky coastline. After lunch on the boat we cruise to the island of Molat where we'll take another short bike ride. We spend the night in a peaceful and secluded port on the island.
Day 4 : To The “Spice” Island Of Dugi Otok And Zadar (32Km/20Mi)
We'll begin cruising this morning during breakfast, passing many small islands until we reach the ‘spice island’ of Dugi Otok (meaning ‘Long Island’). Today’s cycling will commence from the bay of Bozava, which is surrounded by woods of pine, agave and tamarisk trees. On roads almost free of traffic we'll cycle to the northern-most point of the island, where the light house of Veli Rat stands proudly since 1849, fulfilling its duty to guide sailors safely on their way. A ride along the island’s “Road in the Sky” brings us to the harbour of either Savar or Bribinj. There will be ample time for a swim in the afternoon before continuing to the small island of Zadar for the night. 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 : Cycle On The Island Of Pag, Then To Rab Island (34Km/21Mi)
In the morning we cross to the island of Pag, home to many fig and olive trees in a harsh but delightful landscape. Over time the island's inhabitants have built many stone walls as protection against the wind. Starting from Mandre we cycle along the peninsula as far as the sea, where the boat will be waiting to take us to Rab. The island of Rab is said to be one of the sunniest places in Europe. The fortified town of Rab, with its four famous bell towers, is the capital of the island and was built in the Middle Ages. There is plenty of time to explore the narrow alleys with their numerous cosy cafés in the evening.
Day 6 : Explore Rab By Bike, Cruise To Krk (25Km/15Mi)
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 : Cycle The Island Of Krk And To Omišalj (45Km/28Mi)
This morning we will cycle over the ridge of Krk island, through macchia (fragrant Mediterranean scrubland) to a valley of vineyards. We continue to the town of Vrbnik, built on a 50m high cliff and surrounded by vineyards. This small town is home to the famous Croatian white wine Zlahtina and what is said to be the second narrowest alley in the world. From Vrbnik we continue across the island through old villages and rich vegetation to Omisalj, from where Rijeka, Croatia’s main seaport, is visible across the bay. On the way we have a can have a swim in the bay of Soline. The last night will be spent on board the boat in the harbour of Omišalj, where we'll enjoy dinner together with the crew and tour guides.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes In Omišalj
Disembark after breakfast around 9am and individual departure (or group transfer to Zagreb - additional cost applies, must be pre-booked).
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights boat -
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches*, 2 dinners (does not include drinks) - the cook on board is a member of the crew. The meals begin with dinner on day 1 and ends with breakfast on day 8. *Note that the included lunches and dinners labelled on the itinerary may be
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7 nights in a double cabin below deck with ensuite facilities on board a standard boat (supplement applies for above deck or single cabin). If you are travelling by yourself you can pay the single supplement (limited no. of cabins) or if you are willing t
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21 speed hybrid bike rental with pannier (24 speed basic mountain bike option available on select departures; electric bikes available on most trips on request, limited supply and supplements apply). The guides will carry bike locks for the group when cyc
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Experienced crew including English speaking cycle guide
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Bed linen and towels
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Guided cycling tours as described in the itinerary
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Information pack including overview maps per cabin
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tourist tax
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Travel to and from Omisalj
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Upgrade to a cabin on deck or single cabin – supplement applies, please ask our office for details
What's Not Included
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Water flat rate EUR25pp (adult) or EUR15pp (child up to 16) to be paid to the captain (2023)
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Optional Bicycle insurance - can be paid in cash locally if booked on board, or pre-paid if booked in advance - please ask our office for details of AUD cost. Please note that normal travel insurance often does not cover loss or damage to rental bikes. If
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Optional extension to Zagreb (2 days) before the tour (supplement applies - please ask for our rates). Inclusions: arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel, choice of 3 or 4 star hotels (1 night), guided walking tour of Zagreb (does not include entr
Grading
The trip requires a good level of fitness from participants, which you should have acquired from steady cycling. The tours will take us up to a height of between 200 and 500m/656 and 1640ft above sea-level. The cycling, from 20 to 45km/12.5 to 28mi, will take us through hilly and mountainous terrain and will be completed without any time constraints. Participants will also need to master long and steep climbs, during which you may need to push the bike. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike-tour. We will traverse mostly asphalted roads, which are rarely travelled outside of the holiday seasons. Each day you can either decide to bike alone, using the information and maps provided, or join the two tour guides or other participants. It is considered suitable for active children with bike experience (minimum 10 years, height minimum is 1.4m or 4.6ft). For the mountain bike option, the cycling stages are from 32 to 55km and 200 to 900m of elevation. The terrain is diverse, from hilly to mountainous terrain and along wide natural paths, small side roads, Roman roads and narrow paths. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.