Croatia - Kvarner Bay E-Bike and Sail - 8 Days
E-Bike hire - €252 pp
Gravel bike hire - €200 pp
Single cabin surcharge - price on request
Upgrade to upper deck cabin - €250 pp
Overview
Guarded by the towering Velebit Mountain Range in the east and hugged by the Istrian 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. 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.
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 20–50 km with total cycling approximately 192km. E-bikers only need a moderate fitness level.
Highlights Include:
Culture: Cultural heritage is a blend of Mediterranean and Alpine influences, resulting in a distinctive and captivating cultural mix.
Nature: Countless anchorages, sunny beaches, quiet bays and striking natural beauty in its crystal blue waters.
Activity: Visit the picturesque small harbour town of Veli Lošinj, a round tour of Krk through vast vinyards and small villages, visit the popular coastal town of Malinska.
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 available on board a standard motor yacht with hybrid bikes (e-bike option available). Please ask for details.
Tour Gallery
Full Itinerary
Arrival In Omisalj to Opatija
Please make your own way to Omišalj, a small harbour village on the island of Krk. Transfers are also available (at extra cost) from Rijeka Airport or Zagreb by prior arrangement. Please board the yacht between 2pm-2.30pm. At approximately 3pm, we sail to the island of Opatija. After dinner, we take part in a guided tour of the town. Overnight stay in Opatija.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Boat in Opatija
Rabac and Island of Cres
We will head towards Rabac during breakfast. Our bike tour starts with a steady climb to the city of Labin where we can enjoy our first views over Kvarner Bay and its islands. We will cycle through the scenic landscapes and small rural villages of Istria before returning to Labin for lunch. Here we will sample our first locally cooked meal before heading back to the boat. We'll cruise to the island of Cres and moor up in the main town of the same name. We will have time to explore this quaint harbour town, characterised by its Italian architecture, as we will spend the night here.
Cycling Distance: 39km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Boat in Cres
Islands of Cres and Lošinj
After breakfast we start our tour from the city of Cres to Martinšćica. The boat awaits our 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 wellness harbor town of Mali Lošinj. The port with its colourful facades and numerous cafes offers its visitors a welcoming atmosphere for a relaxed evening.
Cycling Distance: 28km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Boat in Mali Lošinj
Islands of Lošinj and Ilovik
We cycle along the seaside promenade to the south of Lošinj and visit the picturesque small harbour town of Veli Lošinj before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, we cross over to the island of Ilovik where we can enjoy a swim stop on anchor or at the local beach. We spend a peaceful night on this quaint island.
Cycling Distance: 20km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Boat in Ilovik
Ilovik to the Island of Rab
This morning we will cruise to the island of Rab where we will enjoy a loop tour through its diverse landscapes. Starting from the old town, we'll ride through alternating landscapes from coastal promenades to shaded forests and secluded bays. Tonight we can enjoy some free time in this enchanting town before taking part in a guided city tour. The night is spent in the town of Rab.
Cycling Distance: 25km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch OR Dinner
Accommodation: Boat in Rab
Island of Rab to Krk
In the morning, we cruise to Krk, the city capital of the island Krk, with its lovely old town. A round tour from the city of Krk takes us through the diverse landscapes of the island, through vast vinyards and small villages. The popular coastal town of Malinska is a great place to take a break for a swim. Back in Krk we enjoy an evening exploring the alleyways with our guide and relaxing on one of many beautiful terrace bars near the sea. The night is spent in Krk.
Cycling Distance: 37km
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: 47km
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 for your onward travel or you may want to extend your stay in Croatia.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast
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 speaking cycling guide(s)
- 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
- Visitors tax, bottled water, tea and filtered coffee €80 (payable on board)
- Special dietary requests €70 (advise in advance, payable on board)
- SGR insolvency protection scheme: €5 pp
- Airport transfers
- Drinks on board
- Extra nights Omišalj
- Tips for the tour guides and crew
Although the daily distances on this tour are relatively short, the cycling is through hilly to mountainous terrain with some steeper ascents of up to 400m. Riders need to be confident on winding descents, uneven asphalt and occasional gravel paths. Suitable for experienced cyclists accustomed to long days in the saddle.
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. You will be cycling between 20 - 50 km km per day with 400 - 700 meters of elevation per day.
The roads are mostly paved and experience little traffic outside of the holiday season. On the island of Krk, a short section runs over unpaved gravel and forest paths. On the island of Lošinj, the tour follows a narrow seaside promenade where especially cautious and controlled riding is required.
Traffic can be expected in and around coastal towns. Some sections on the islands of Cres and Krk also have slightly higher traffic.
There are no designated bike paths in Kvarner Bay, so the bike tours take place on public roads, preferably on quiet side streets.
If you are looking for more of a challenge - consider hiring a gravel bike. The riding pace is determined by the cyclists on e-bikes so you will need to be fit enough to keep up!
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.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
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.
OVERSEAS JURISDICTION AND TERMS
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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After 6 trips with Global Cycling this has to be up with the best! Mike our guide was outstanding. This tour was unforgettable, enough excitement without being dangerous, with very good quality hotels, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
Kristine & Ron
This was my first major overseas trip, and WOW what an experience. The trip was really well organised. I felt safe all the time, and the guides made sure that they took excellent care of us. We always knew what was happening and the non-cycling excursions were fantastic. I can't wait to do my next trip!
Kim Hamill
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Helene Hudson
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Sue & Geoff Welsh
The trip was, as expected, fantastic. Weather great, food great, company great, and fabulous accommodation. It was nice to be able to get in from a long days ride, and have a nana nap in a really nice hotel. ... on the last day I rode one of the new fangled e-bikes for the last stage into Santiago, and am now a convert. My road bike will probably never go on another tour. What a revelation. ... So in closing, probably one of the best tours I’ve been, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would absolutely recommend it to anyone.
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Great experience overall! The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, making the process smooth and enjoyable. I am very satisfied with the results.
Fantastic service! I was impressed by how quickly they responded to my inquiries and the quality of the final product. Highly recommend!
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Well fed - morning and afternoon teas and lunches too.
Well worth the effort.
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The Hotels, transport and staff were superb. A golf enthusiasts dream come true!”
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Kate Williams
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Chris Cantwell
Our special experience was the close encounter with the Lemurs at small nature reserve of Anja exceeded expectations.
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Alistair and Ann
The group was very good, good atmosphere and help from all participants.
Jef Raus
The whole tour was fantastic. Loved the food/culture/people and of course the bike riding. The support from staff during the tour was beyond the call of duty and the local guides were wonderful.
Greg Griffith
It was excellent! Our tour leader was helpful on every front, plus we had 5 others as part of the support team. They all worked really well together, were lovely and made things seamless for us. We ate really well, the lunches they prepared for us on the road were great, I might even say they were the best I had on a cycling tour. The restaurants they picked for the restaurant meals were good choices to give us some variety.
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We had an amazing time on our trip and would like to take this opportunity to say how great the three guides were. They looked after us so well, providing snacks, checking our bikes and ensuring that our experiences were outstanding. I have no hesitation in recommending this tour and the Halong Bay trip to anyone that will listen. Thank you to you for your part in the organization of our trip as well.
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