Island hopping by mountain bike and ship
Experience the charm of the Kvarner Bay by
mountain bike and ship
mountain bike and ship
8 days / 7 nights, approx. 345 km (215 mi.) by MTB
Contact us:
Phone: 49-7531-819-9390
Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm UTC
Current local time: --
Introduction
Countless islands in crystal clear water, deeply fissured cliffs, picturesque beaches and numerous small bays – that is the Kvarner Bay in northern Adriatic. Every island is different. Each has its own history. You can spend a week discovering the landscape and people of this unique island-world by bike - independently and with the aid of knowledgeable tour guides. If asphalt roads bore you, this trip is for you. You will get to know the islands of Cres, Losinj, Pag, Rab, and Krk from an unusual perspective. Our guides know their way around the smallest unmapped goat paths, to show you the remotest and most beautiful spots of the Islands of the Kvarner Bay.
On a romantic motor yacht - your floating accomodation - discover the charm of the Adriatic in your own special way. You cycle off after a hearty breakfast. At midday meet the ship at a harbour for lunch. In the evening the ship will be waiting in the next harbour, so that you can enjoy fantastic cuisine as the sun sets, followed by a stroll through the historic harbour town. Finally, settle down in your cabin to sleep - or stay on deck under a thousand stars...
Course of the Tour - Day 1 (Sun) Omišalj – Cres (approx. 40 km /25 mi. by MTB)
Individual arrival in Omišalj, a picturesque fishing harbour on the island of KrK. Embarkation from 11am. At 1 pm the ships brings you to Porizana, the ferry port on the island of Cres. From here your first bike tour will lead you through aged oak and chestnut trees forests in the fairy-like village of Presdoscica from where you will have an unforgettable view over the islands of the Kvarner Bay and the Velebit mountains that are situated on the mainland. Afterwards descent on an asphalt road to the town of Cres, where the ship will be waiting for you for dinner. At night your guide will accompany you to the historic Old Town of Cres, which is clearly influenced by the Venetians.
Day 2 (Mon) Island of Cres and Lošinj (approx. 50 + 20 km / 31 + 12,5 mi. by MTB)
Today’s trip starts in Cres. The first aim will be the village of Lubenice that you will reach on small paths while you will have a fantastic view over the sea. Lubenice is situated on 400 metres altitude and is one of the oldest settlements of the island. From here you will surround the Lake Vraner, the natural fresh water reservoir of Cres. Later on you will reach the small artist’s town of Osor where you will meet the ship for lunch. After an extensive bath stop you can decide either to join an additional bike tour (20 km/12,5 mi.) to Lošinj or to spend the afternoon lingering on board during the sail to Mali Lošinj. You will stay overnight in Mali Lošinj with the opportunity to visit the music bar that became famous amongst Islandhoppers.
Day 3 (Tue) Islands of Lošinj and Molat (approx. 20 + 10 km / 12,5 + 6 mi. by MTB)
A short bike tour in the morning leads you along the coast of the island of Losinj from one bay to the next. Your destination is the beautiful harbour of Veli Losinj with its numerous fishing boats which is dominated by the huge church of St. Anthony. After a coffee break you will cycle on a single trail back to the ship where you will have lunch. In the afternoon crossover to the small island of Molat. Overnight stay on Molat.
Day 4 (Wed) Island of Dugi Otok (approx. 45-60 km /28-37,5 mi. by MTB)
While you have breakfast, the ship will take off and take you past many small islands to the “spicy island” of Dugi Otok. Your bike-tour will start in the bay of Bozava, which is surrounded by woods of pine, agave and tamarisk trees, and you will ride on a road nearly free of traffic. Along the way you will stop for lunch in the picturesque harbour of Savar. Afterwards you cycle to Sali and certainly you will be impressed by the terrific view on the sea and the surrounding islands. In the afternoon you shouldn’t miss to try the magnificent ice cream in the harbour of Sali.
Day 5 (Thu) Island of Pag (approx. 35 km / 22 mi. by MTB)
In the morning you will cruise to the island of Pag which is well-known for its cheese. In the afternoon you will bike in between the ancient stonewalls that were built by the inhabitants for protection from the wind, to the town of Pag, and then through the village of Kolan to Novalija for lunch. After lunch you will bike on the narrowing peninsula until you reach the sea, where the ship will be waiting to take you to Rab. The island of Rab is one of the sunniest places in Europe. The fortified town of Rab with its four famous bell towers was built in the middle ages on a wedge-shaped headland. After dinner you can explore the narrow alleys with numerous cosy cafés.
Day 6 (Fri) Island of Rab (approx. 40 + 20 km / 25 + 12,5 mi. by MTB)
Biking tour along the promenade and through the Dundo-Woods back to Rab, where you will have lunch on board. In the afternoon the ship will be bring you to the island of Krk, where you can join a guided sightseeing tour through the worthseeing Old town. Overnight stay in Krk.
Day 7 (Sat) Island of Krk (approx. 50 km / 31 mi. by MTB)
You will 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 north-east. The town, built on a 50-metre-high cliff and surrounded by vineyards, is the home of the famous white wine, Zlahtina. Another peculiarity that Vrbnik has to offer is the second narrowest alley in the world. The way will lead you on across the island through old villages and rich vegetation to Omisalj. On the way, you will have a chance to swim in the bay of Soline. You will spend the night in Omisalj.
Day 8 (Sun) Departure
The guests are asked to check out after breakfast, i.e. until 9 am.
General information
Alterations
We reserve the right to make alterations to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organisational requirements. Sometimes the tour will be conducted in inverse order. You will find further details in your booking information packet.
Requirements
The tours are of low to medium level of difficulty, divided into daily stages of 40-60 km on mostly peaceful asphalted roads, concrete coastal paths, nature trails and single trails at an average altitude of 300 metres, and can be completed without time constraints. You can always decide to skip a bike-tour and spend a day on the ship. The daily program is of course always dependent on the weather conditions and the instructions of the captain.
Bringing Children
We believe that only children in a good physical condition and of a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the bike-tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1, 40 m (4.6 ft.)
Catering
The cook on board is a member of the crew of four and prepares the breakfast and two warm meals a day. The full -board starts with the lunch on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day.
Guided tour
The tour will generally be guided in German language. One of the guides will translate into English for non-German-speaking participants.
Participants
- Minimum: 14 participants
- Maximum: 20 participants