Itinerary

Cycling Cruise: Islandhopping Kvarner Bay PLUS

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

Guarded 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 the dramatic landscapes of the Kvaner 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. 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. 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.
Often a mountain bike tour will run parallel to this tour on board the same ship in which case one tour guide will be allocated per group.

Highlights of this bike and boat trip

✔ The Kvarner Bay Islands surrounded with crystall clear water

✔ Zadar with its 3000 years old history

✔ The Island of Molat famous for its sea of blossoms in spring

✔ The elegant steel bike cruise ship MS Andela Lora

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 – Zadar (Cycling 48 km / 29 miles)

During breakfast the ship leaves Molat and takes us past many 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 ride on an almost traffic free road. Our ride takes us first to a beautiful viewpoint at the northernmost point of the Island where the old Austrian lighthouse of Veli Rat resides. From here we continue by bike along the island ridge with beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding island landscapes all the way to the bay of Savar where the boat awaits us for a cruise 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 20 km / 12 miles)

After a long crossing in the morning we reach the island of Pag. In the harsh but delightful landscape of the island we come across 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 on the narrow peninsula until we reach the sea from where the ship takes us 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 trip. The four famous bell towers are the symbol of the adorned beauty of the town. After dinner we can explore the narrow alleys with numerous cosy cafés.

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

Today we get to know the charming island of Rab on a lovely ride around the island. At lunchtime the ship awaits us in the harbour directly in front of the old town of Rab. We cruise towards the island of Krk and anchor along the way for a refreshing swim stop from the boat. In the late afternoon we reach the island of Krk where 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.

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