Islandhopping on Foot and by Boat
Hiking Cruise around the Kvarner Bay Islands - Itinerary & Advices
Day 1 (Sun) Omišalj – Opatija Riviera (2 hrs, 20 m elevation)
Individual arrival at Omišalj on the island of Krk. If you arrive by car, we organized guarded parking for you. From 1100 hrs on we can move into our cabin on the motor sailer. The ship casts off at 1300 hrs and takes us to Lovran at the Opatija Riviera, one of Croatia’s most sophisticated resort areas. The route takes us to Opatija, along a 12-km-long paved seaside promenade lined with impressive hotels . Overnight in the port of Opatija.
Day 2 (Mon) Northern Island of Cres - Krk (5 hrs, 350 m elevation)
On Cres we hike to Beli, one of the oldest fortified settlements on the island. Along the way we pass through the island „jungle“ and after three hours we reach a breeding station for griffon vultures. Experts will tell us many interesting details about these rare, white-headed birds circling high above our heads. In the evening we cross over to Krk, where a guided tour through the Venetian-inspired historical center ends this eventful day.
Day 3 (Tue) Krk – Baska (4 hrs, 400 m elevation)
The ship takes us to Stara Baška. A 3-hour-walk takes us from there to the white rocks of the Obsova mountains to Baška. In this little town with its delightful historical center, located in a fertile valley, the famous stone tablet of Baška written in the rare Glagolitza script was found. After lunch we leave Krk Island and cross over to the island of Rab, where we spend the night in a quiet bay.
Day 4 (Wed) Rab Island (2 + 3 hrs, 150 + 410 m elevation)
On today’s tour we first cross the protected „Dundo Forest“. This botanical island treasure is the largest planted oak forest of the Adriatic. Along with one-hundred-year-old stone oaks, we find feverfew, hollies, cork oak and an abundance of climbing plants. Later on we pass the medieval monastery of St. Eufemia and finally end up at an inviting beach on the outskirts of the town. Our ship is already in the port, where the crew is waiting for us with lunch.
In the afternoon we and our tour guide climb Mt. Kamenjak. With 408 m this is the highest elevation of the island, and the climb is rewarded with a grand view across the islands in Kvarn Bay and the nearby Velebit Mountains.
Day 5 (Thurs) Lošinj Island (1,5 + 2 hrs, 240 m elevation)
Early in the morning we sail across to the island of Lošinj. Our morning hike takes us first through a small forest and via Balmavida Bay to the deeply indented Krivica Bay.
In the afternoon we take a one-hour-walk to the picturesque port of Veli Lošinj on the other side of the island. The small harbour is dominated by the massive church of St. Anton and with its colourful houses and many fishing boats invites you to stay a while.
In the afternoon we take a one-hour-walk to the picturesque port of Veli Lošinj on the other side of the island. The small harbour is dominated by the massive church of St. Anton and with its colourful houses and many fishing boats invites you to stay a while.
Day 6 (Fri) Lošinj Island (5 hrs, 600 m elevation)
In the morning we take the local bus to Nerezine. Along a pilgrims’ footpath we hike up to Mt. Televrina, with 508 m the highest mountain on the island. After a picnic with a fantastic view across the neighbouring islands and Istria, we walk down to Osor, an artists’ town. Here we meet up with the ship at the old Roman canal. Late in the afternoon we travel on to Martinscica, a small fishing place on the west coast of Cres Island, where we spend the night.
Day 7 (Sat) Martinscica – Lubenice – Omisalj (4 hrs, 480 m elevation)
On the island of Cres we visit Lubenice, a former pirates’ stronghold high up on the rocks. The 4-hour-walk takes us from Martinscica past the village of Vidovici – built entirely of natural stone – located on a ridge with a fabulous panorama view across the sea. When we arrive in Lubenice, the tiny village with only 43 inhabitants invites us to stroll for a bit through the crooked lanes lined with ancient houses. At the small beach of Lubenice, the boat comes to fetch us for the crossing to Omišalj.
Day 8 (Sun) Omisalj (Disembarkment)
After breakfast guests will disembark until 9 am.
General Information
Changes
We reserve the right to make changes to the planned route due to changing wind and weather conditions, and where required by organizational necessities.
Requirements
Light to average hikes ranging from 4 to 5 hours over mostly stony chalk/limestone ground. Hiking shoes/boots recommended.
Catering
The on-board chef is a member of the 4-strong crew and will prepare breakfast and one to two warm meals daily.
Guided Tour
The tour will generally be guided in German language. One of the guides will translate into English for non-German-speaking participants. (Except for pure English-speaking groups.)
Participants
- Minimum 14 participants
- Maximum 26 participants