Cruising and Cycling in Kvarner Bay (Croatia)

Itinerary:

Day 1. Opatija - Krk Island   
Arrival in Opatija and check-in at the harbour from 11h. Departure at 13h, followed by lunch on board on the way to the Krk island. Upon arrival, an easy ride from Krk town to the Punat village and back to Krk. Time at leisure and overnight. -/ L/-
Length: 18 km; Total ascend: 120 m; Hignhest point: 50 m; Surface: 100% paved road; Difficulty level: 1/5

Day 2. Krk Island
After breakfast, cycle through the Mediterranean-scented vegetation, olive groves and fig trees to the village of Dobrinj, a real museum, a synthesis of past and present. Ride through the dry-stone walls and flocks of sheep to the biggest field on the island - Vrbnik's field with its famous golden-yellow wine Žlahtina. Have a rest in Vrbnik with optional wine, cheese and prosciutto tasting. Continue to the saddle Treskavac with the wonderful view of Punat Valley and the small island of Košljun with a Franciscan monastery from the 12th century. Downhill through Bašćanska Draga to Baška, by the sculptures of Glagolitic letters. Dinner on board and overnight in Baška. Remark: In case of bad weather conditions (bura wind), End of the tour and overnight in Krk. B/-/D
Length: 48 km; Total ascend: 660 m; Highest point: 315 m;Surface: 90 % paved road, 10% macadam road; Difficulty level: 4/5

Day 3. Rab Island
During breakfast, cruise towards Lopar on Rab island. The bike tour leads to a famous sandy beach bay, followed by a cycle through the interior of the island, past wonderful Supetarska Draga in the direction of the ancient walled city of Rab with its four famous bell towers situated on an arrow-shaped spit of land. After lunch on board, afternoon cycle to the nature reserve 'Dundo' forest - one of the few surviving forests in the Mediterranean, which extends over the Kalifront peninsula. Stop in the picturesque St.Mara Bay. Overnight in the port of Rab. B/L/-
BIKE Course 1 : Lopar – Rab: Length: 22 km; Total ascend: 160 m; Highest point: 90 m; Surface: 100% paved road; Difficulty level: 2/5
BIKE Course 2 : Rab - Sv. Mara – Rab: Length: 21 km; Total ascend: 150 m; Highest point: 90 m; Surface: 95% paved road, 5% macadam; Difficulty level: 2/5

Day 4. Rab - Pag - Ilovik
After a short cruise to the island of Pag, the bike tour along the island's beautiful moon-like landscape starts. The first stop is the village of Lun with thousand-year-old olive trees and many stone walls. Be careful of the wandering sheep. The island is famous for its cheese. We highly recommend a break in a traditional tavern to taste the cheese. In the idyllic village of Mandre, return to the ship and have lunch on board. The cruise then continues to the island of Ilovik, an island full of flowers, and upon arrival, time at leisure to explore, swim and relax. Optional Captain's dinner onboard (included on Premium Superior and Premium) and overnight in Ilovik. B/L/-
Length: 35 km; Total ascend: 340 m; Highest point: 120 m; Surface: 100 % paved road; Difficulty level: 2/5

Day 5. Island Lošinj
After breakfast, depart towards Mali Lošinj. Bike tour through the lovely Čikat peninsula surrounded by pine trees, Mediterranean herbs and beautiful beaches.
Continue to the picturesque village of Veli Lošinj and back to the vessel for lunch. Afternoon easy ride to one of the beaches or to the Sveti Ivan hill (250m) or the theme viewpoint Providenca to enjoy a fantastic view of the city and the southern part of the Lošinj archipelago. B/L/-
BIKE 1: Mali Lošinj - Čikat - Veli Lošinj: Length: 20 km; Total ascend: 180 m; Highest point: 70 m; Surface: 95% paved, 5% macadam; Difficulty level: 1/5
BIKE 2: Mali Lošinj - Sv. Ivan/ Providenca: Length: 22 km; Total ascend: 440 m; Highest point: 235 m; Surface: 100% paved road; Difficulty level: 3/5

Day 6. Island of Lošinj and Cres
After breakfast, we cycle through the pine and laurel trees towards Cres island (connected to Mali Losinj by small bridge) with our first stop in the artistic village of Osor and we take a more strenuous cycling towards the fishing village of Martinscica where lunch will be served on board. We continue our cruise towards the historic town of Cres for free evening and overnight. B/L/-
Length: 46 km; Total ascend: 500 m; Highest point: 190 m; Surface: 95 % paved road, 5% macadam; Difficulty level: 3/5

Day 7. Cres and Opatija Riviera
During breakfast, depart towards Mošćenička Draga, situated on the Opatija Riviera. Upon arrival, cycle along the panoramic coastal road with spectacular
views of the sea and the islands to the village of Brseč, situated on a rock above the sea. After a break, continue cycling to St Jelena Hill, which has a stunning
panorama of Kvarner Bay. Descend to Mošćenice - a medieval town situated at the foot of Perun Hill, and further to Mošćenička Draga where the vessel is waiting.
Lunch on board and cruise to Opatija, for a free evening to admire the enchanting town, walk through the famous parks or along the 12 km long sea promenade
called Lungomare. Overnight in Opatija. . B/L/-
Length: 20 km; Total ascend: 450 m; Highest point: 325 m; Surface: 100 % paved road; Difficulty level: 3/5

Day 8. Departure
Early morning breakfast and final goodbyes to the crew.

How to get there: Opatija is close to Pula, Rijeka, Zagreb, Ljubljana and Trieste airport. From any of these airports private transfer can be arranged to Opatija. From Zagreb to Opatija, you can take a bus all year round. The travel time is between 3 and 4 hours, and all bus departures are from the bus station in Zagreb. You can read more and check bus chedules online here.

Important to know: The length of the daily cycling routes is estimated and informative and depends of various detours or short cuts that can be done on route. All boat routes and cycle routes are weather dependent and therefore may be locally changed by decision of your captain and tour guide. At almost all days it is possible to have half day or full day cycling.