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Croatia

Kvarner Bay

Bike and Boat Tour

Grade

1
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5

Duration

8 days

Prices from

$1,640 P.P.
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Kvarner Bay is Croatia's best-kept secret, guarded by the soaring Velebit mountain range in the east, and hugged by the Istrian Peninsula in the northwest, this beautiful collection of islands are the most undiscovered of modern-day Croatia. 
But don't take our word for it! Come and discover the charm of the Adriatic Sea for yourself on board one of our charismatic motor yachts and immerse yourself in the fascinating history, scrumptious local delicacies and endless breath-taking sights. Quiet coves of crystal-clear water and white pebble beaches surround the dramatic landscapes of the Kvarner bay islands; rolling green hills and dramatic moonscape terrain give way to quaint harbour towns, rich in history and culture. 
Each day begins with a delicious breakfast on board before you head off to explore the diversity of the islands by bike. 
New discoveries are to be made every day, be it the medieval city of Rab, the iconic traffic-free ‘Road in the Sky’ on Dugi Otok, or the peaceful haven of the flower island, Molat.
During your evenings there is plenty of time to rest and recuperate in the picturesque harbour towns. This is your chance to wind your way through some of the narrowest alleyways in Europe, explore local bars and cuisine or just enjoy the sound of the gentle waves and golden lights shining on the water. This holiday is run in conjunction with a local partner and you will join their guests on the tour. You will spend your evenings sharing experiences of the day with an international group of cyclists.
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Highlights

  • Exploring the medieval city of Rab
  • Visiting the Flower Island of Molat
  • Riding along Dugi-Otok’s “Road in the Sky”
  • Unwinding each night in picturesque harbour towns
  • Delicious cuisine and sunset vistas
  • Enjoying the popular town of Mali Losinj

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Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival into Omisalj
  • Meals: Dinner

Today you’ll arrive into Omisalj, a delightful little harbour village on the island of Krk. Please make your way to the yacht between 14:00 and 14:30, in time for a gentle cruise to the island of Cres, setting sail at 15:00.

Upon arrival into Cres around 19.00, we’ll take a pleasant evening wander through the Venetian old town before taking our evening meal on board.

Day 2
Islands of Cres and Losinj
18 Miles / 28 Kms Approx
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

An exciting day ahead as the ship takes us to the fishing village of Martinscica. Beginning our journey around the east side of the island among the pine, fig and laurel trees, a lovely way to start our week of cycling.

Lunch will be served on board the boat as we navigate our way to the island of Lošinj. Along the way, weather permitting, we’ll have time for a dip in the beautiful clear waters. After this relaxing cruise, the ship will bring us safely into the large harbour of Mali Lošinj. The historic quarter with its colourful 19th century captain’s houses and abundance of cafes welcomes us for a relaxing evening of rest and relaxation.

Day 3
Islands of Losinj and Molat
12 + 6 Miles / 20 +10 Kms Approx
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today we’ll cycle along the lovely seaside promenade to the south of Lošinj and visit the picturesque small harbor town of Veli Lošinj. Nature lovers watch out for the only resident population of dolphins in the Adriatic! Lošinj has been adored for many years by locals for its glorious bays and rich vegetation.

In the afternoon we’ll meet the ship for lunch as we cross over to the island of Molat where we can do another short cycling tour. Our overnight stay is in the quiet harbor of Molat.

Day 4
Island of Dugi Otok and Olib
20 Miles / 32 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

We’ll enjoy a relaxing start to the day with a leisurely breakfast cruise. Leaving Molat, the boat will take us on a scenic journey to the island of Dugi Otok.

Our cycling starts in the bay of Bozava which is surrounded by pine woods, agaves and tamarisk trees. We’ll ride to the northern-most point of the island along virtually traffic free roads, where we’ll find the lighthouse standing proudly. Built in 1849 the light-house stands strong to this day and still fulfills its duty of guiding sailors safely on their way.

A ride along the island’s 'Road in the Sky' brings us to one of the peaceful harbours of Savar or Bribinj. Here there will be ample time for a swim in the afternoon, before we continue on to the small island of Olib for the night.

Day 5
Islands of Pag and Rab
21 Miles / 34 Kms Approx
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

We arrive on the island of Pag after a pleasant morning cruise. In the harsh but stunning landscape of the island we’ll come across many fig and olive trees along the cycle route. Over the centuries the inhabitants have built numerous stone walls for protection against the wind. Starting from Mandre we’ll cycle on the narrow peninsula until we reach the sea from where our ship awaits to takes us to Rab.

The island of Rab is said to be 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 and after dinner we can explore the narrow alleys with numerous cosy cafés.

Day 6
Medieval Island of Rab
15 Miles / 25 Kms Approx
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Cycling along the east coast of the island, passing rugged cliffs and bouldering rocks, with virtually no vegetation in sight we will feel as though we are entering a lunar landscape, strikingly vast and beautifully unique.

The road today leads us to one of the only bays in the Kvarner Gulf with a sandy beach. Our ship awaits us in the harbour directly in front of the old town of Rab in time for lunch. After a refreshing swim the ship will take us over to the neighbouring island of Krk where we spend the evening in this historic town.

Day 7
Island of Krk
28 Miles / 45 Kms Approx
  • Meals: Breakfast, dinner

This will be our final cycling day as we head over the ridge of the island which is covered by the fragrant Macchia plant. We pass through a valley of vineyards and then onwards to the small museum town of Vrbnik in the northeast. The town, built on a 50-metre-high cliff and surrounded by vineyards, is the home of the famous white wine Žlahtina.

The route then leads us across the island through old villages and rich vegetation to Omisalj. On our way we have a chance to swim in the bay of Soline – bliss!

A final evening meal on board the boat gives you time to celebrate the success of the week with your fellow travellers and guides.

Day 8
Departure from Omisalj
  • Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast it is time to disembark (up until 09:00) for onward journeys or should you have more time available you may wish to extend your time in this lovely part of Europe.

Please note: On some dates hybrid-and MTB tours will be operated together on the same boat, one tour guide will lead the hybrid / electric bike group, the other one the mountain bike group. This itinerary is for the hybrid group.

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The Cycling

Terrain

The cycling routes require a basic level of fitness, which you should have acquired by frequent cycling. The daily routes cover hilly and mountainous terrain (reaching an altitude of 200 to 500 metres) but can be completed without time constraints.

The route is generally undulating, but you will also come across some longer and steeper climbs, where walking your bike is of course an option.

80% of the route is on quiet, asphalt roads (shared with traffic), with the remaining 20% on a mixture of mixed use cycle-paths (both bikes and pedestrians), forest track and gravel roads.

We recommend touring / hybrid bikes and wouldn’t recommend road bikes for these routes.

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Leisure Cycling Grade

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5
Grade 3 : Moderate

Distances generally between 20-45 miles / 32-72 kms per day

For the leisure cyclist with a good level of physical fitness

May include some steeper, cheeky climbs

Possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc).

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

Although you may not cycle everyday, you do keep yourself relatively fit and maybe enjoy an afternoon out on your bike at the weekend. Your preference is perhaps for flatter terrain but you don’t mind tackling some hills, and the occasional steep climb if you can take it at your own pace. For those happy to tackle some ups and downs, and possibly some sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc) we’d recommend our grade 3 trips. We’d generally expect those on a Grade 3 trip to have a decent level of physical fitness and be comfortable with some longer days in the saddle.

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Dates & Prices

Private Departures

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation in en suite twin or double, below deck cabins

B) Bed linen and towels

C) 4 x full-board and 3 x half-board (please note, the days on which different meals are provided may change throughout the week and the above is just a guideline)

D) Guided cycling tours with an English speaking tour guide

E) Overview maps for the daily tours (provided on board)

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike hire (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Travel arrangements to / from the boarding point in Omisaji

D) Personal clothing and equipment

E) Travel insurance

F) Drinks & bar bills, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.

G) Any meals taken ashore

H) Entrance fees to museums and attractions not mentioned in itinerary

I) Single supplement (available if required)

J) Water flat rate & visitor’s tax (€50 per adult / €25 per child under 17, payable to yacht captain on arrival – cash only!)

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The Essentials

Travel Options

The most convenient airport for this trip is Zagreb (ZAG). Your embarkation point is two hours away from the airport in the town of Omisalj.

We ask that you arrive in Omisalj between 14.00 and 14.30. On embarkation and disembarkation days we are able to arrange transfers from/to Zagreb airport or Zagreb city. Please ask us for a quote if interested in this option. Transfers must be requested at least 2 weeks prior to departure

Transfer times

Embarkation day: 11:30 from Zagreb main station / 12:15 from Zagreb Airport. Disembarkation day: leaves Omišalj at 08.00. Please ensure that your return flight does not depart Zagreb before 12:00.

Most flights from North America require overnight travel, and a stop over in an intermediary airport. Please note that flying from North America may involve multiple travel days. Depending on your departure airport, your flight not arrive in time for the transfer. Should this be the case, we recommend arriving a day early to take the transfer the following day.

Please check your travel arrangements with Skedaddle before booking so that we can ensure they fit in with the holiday schedule.

Accommodation

Comfort ship: At 31×6 m/102×20 ft the Linda is a sleek wooden motor sailor built in 1955 and fully refurbished in 2006. She hosts 14 friendly guest cabins each with own shower and WC. The spacious and tastefully furnished salon with its wooden tables and cushioned benches provides a welcoming atmosphere. The large rooftop sundeck is laid out with padded sunning mats offering you a great space to switch off and relax in.

Two of the three cosy cabins below deck are equipped with twin beds and two portholes each. One has got a double bed. Above deck there are 10 double cabins and 1 single cabin. Six of the double cabins have a double bed. Four double cabins are equipped with twin beds. Each cabin has a private bathroom (shower/toilet).

Bike Hire

The cost of bike hire is not included in the cost of the tour, but bikes are available to hire if required. If you choose to hire you will be provided with a 21-gear trekking/hybrid bike or an electric bike (on request), with pannier rack and bags. Your tour guide will have a repair kit in case of punctures, but if you intend to cycle independently, you may wish to take your own small puncture repair kit, or alternatively let one of the local team know and they will be able to provide you with a repair kit and pump to take with you. You are welcome to bring along your own saddle and/or pedals if preferred.

Helmets are compulsory when riding with Skedaddle. If you would prefer not to bring you own along, please request a helmet when booking and we can provide one for you.

Please note on our plus tours, the riding pace is determined by cyclists on e-bikes, guests who are taking part on these tours on a hybrid bike should have the necessary physical condition to keep up with this pace. Our standard trips are tailored for those riding on hybrid bikes and those riding e-bikes may need to wait for the rest of the group.

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