Cruising and Cycling in Kvarner Bay (Croatia)

Discover more of Croatia by bike in the Northern region of the country with a start in Opatija

Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Krk, Rab and Cres islands on the bike and lying on the sun chair on the deck of the ship. We go on land with the bikes on different harbors and towns and while we cycle enjoying wonderful views the ship sails to the next harbor. After the cycling we go on pleasant walks in the towns and visit restaurants with local traditional Mediterranean cuisine. You can skip the cycling and choose to explore the variety and natural world of the islands at your pace.

Highlights:
- Opatija - a popular summer and winter resort, surrounded by beautiful woods, known for its symbol - the statue Maiden with seagull
- Krk Island - the largest island in The Adriatic sea and the most populous, popular destination due to its proximity to Slovenia
- Cres Town - a town with narrow streets, where cars are not allowed and where one can buy homemade olive oil and wine

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Itinerary:

Day 1. Opatija - Krk Island   
Arrival in Opatija, check in at Opatija harbor between 11:00 till 12:00h. Departure at 13:00. Lunch on journey to the island of Krk and meet your fellow passengers and the crew. Easy ride from the town of Krk to the village of Punat and back to Krk town. 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 an optional tasting of wine, cheese and prosciutto. Continue to the saddle Treskavac with the wonderful view of Punat valley and the small island of Košljun with a Franciscan monastery dating from the 12th century. Downhill through Bašćanska Draga to Baška, by the sculptures of Glagolitic letters. Dinner on board with an 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; Difficulty level: 4/5

Day 3. Rab Island
During breakfast, the ship cruises to Lopar on the island of Rab - the second greenest croatian island. Our bike tour will lead us to a famous sandy beach bay. We then 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 we will cycle more to the nature reserve 'Dundo' forest - one of the few surviving forests in the Mediterranean, which extends over the Kalifront peninsula. Swimming break in the picturesque bay St.Mara. 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 crossing to the island of Pag we start a bike tour along the island's beautiful moon-like landscape. First stop is the village of Lun with thousand years old olive trees and many stone walls. Be careful when cycling on this island due to many wandering sheep. The island is famous for its Pag cheese. We highly recommend a break in a traditional 'konoba' tavern to taste the cheese. In the idyllic village of Mandre we return to the ship and have lunch on board. We continue our cruise to the island of Ilovik, island full of flowers, where we have opportunity to walk, swimm and relax. Optional Captain's dinner on board with 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, we leave for Mali Lošinj. Bike tour through the lovely Čikat peninsula surrounded by pine trees and Mediterranean herbs with enjoying the beautiful beaches. Continue to the picturesque village Veli Lošinj and back to the ship for lunch. Afternoon easy ride to one of the beaches or to the Sveti Ivan hill (250m) or the theme viewpoint Providenca where you can enjoy fantastic view to 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, departure 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 with the stunning panorama on Kvarner bay. Descend to Mošćenice - a medieval town situated at the foot of Perun hill and further to Lovran 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: 27 km; Total ascend: 450 m; Highest point: 325 m; Surface: 100 % paved road;Difficulty level: 3/5

Day 8. Departure
Early morning breakfast and disembarkation

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. 

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Price Includes:
7 nights accommodation on the ship in twin-bedded cabins on deck with private WC and shower
half board (breakfast and lunch most days; sometimes breakfast and dinner depending on the cycling route for the day. Except lunch only on day 1 and breakfast only on day 8)
local English-speaking bike guide
Wi-Fi

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Not Included:
International flight tickets
transport airport-ship-airport
tourist tax 60 Eur per person/per week paid on spot upon embarkation
entrance fees for parks and sights
tips
insurances
drinks and meals not mentioned above
personal expenses

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Additional Services:
Single cabin: + 50% of the price
bike rental: 125 EUR per person/week (bikes are equipped with helmet; bottle holder and small bag)
e-bikes: 190 EUR (limited availability)
Cabins below deck at lower price are available: price on request
Cabins in Premium ships are available: price on request

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Gallery

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