Kvarner Bay
Croatia Bike + Barge Tours
Experience the Islands of Kvarner Bay & the Adriatic Coast
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1090 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
A bike and boat tour in and around the Kvarner Bay is pure magic. Made up of countless islands in crystal clear water with deeply fissured cliffs, picturesque beaches, and numerous small bays, Kvarner Bay is still a well-kept secret. But not for long.
Every island is different and each has its own history. You will spend a week biking, boating, and enjoying the landscape and people of this unique island world.
Check out the Kvarner Bay E-Bike and Boat tour! You can effortlessly scale every climb on an electric bike. You can also request an electric bike for this tour but there is only a limited number onboard. We will do our best to accommodate you. If touring and electric bike riding are not your thing, we can also provide details to you regarding a mountain bike tour.
Highlights
- Pristine waters
- Rugged coastal landscape
- Old port towns
- Wonderful coves for swimming
- Town of Rab
- Unique accommodations
- Exhilarating biking
All of our bike boat tours in Croatia can be found here.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Omišalj. Sailing Omišalj - Cres.
Day 2: Islands of Cres and Lošinj, 18 mi. (28 km)
Day 3: Islands of Lošinj and Molat, 12 + 6 mi. (20 + 10 km)
Day 4: Island of Dugi Otok and Olib, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 5: Island of Pag - Rab, 21 mi. (34 km)
Day 6: Island of Rab and Krk, 15 mi. (25 km)
Day 7: Island of Krk, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Departure from Omišalj.*All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change, even on very short notice, due to variables in wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, docking location changes, etc. The captain and crew reserve the right to make adjustments at any time with safety as the top priority, at times conducting the tour in reverse. .
Day 1: Embarkation in Omišalj. Sailing Omišalj - Cres.
The Linda will be moored and waiting in Omišalj, a nice little harbor village on the island of Krk. If you’re planning to arrive by car, please request parking details. Check-in on the boat is between 2 pm and 2:30 pm. Please do not be late as at approximately 3 pm the ship will undergo a 4-hour sail to the island of Cres. In the evening you can take part in a short tour through the old town of Cres.Day 2: The islands of Cres and Lošinj, 18 mi. (28 km)
After breakfast, you start the cycling itinerary from the city of Cres to Martinšćica. The boat awaits your 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 harbor wellness town of Mali Lošinj. The port with its colorful facades and numerous cafes offers its visitors a welcoming atmosphere for a relaxed evening.Day 3: The islands of Lošinj and Molat, 12 + 6 mi. (20 + 10 km)
Along the seaside promenade you will cycle to the south of Lošinj and visit the picturesque small harbor of Veli Lošinj before meeting up with the boat for lunch. In the afternoon, there is a cross over to the island of Molat and one more short ride. Overnight stay in the quiet harbor of Molat.Day 4: The island of Dugi Otok, 20 mi. (32 km)
During breakfast, the ship leaves Molat and takes you past many small islands to the "spice island" of Dugi Otok. Your bike tour starts in the bay of Božava which is surrounded by pine woods, agaves, and tamarisk trees, and you ride on a road almost free of traffic. Your tour leads at first to the northernmost point of the island where the lighthouse of Veli Rat stands proudly since 1849 fulfilling its duty in guiding sailors safely on their way. A ride along the island's “Road in the Sky” brings you to the peaceful harbor of Savar or Bribinj. There will be ample time for a swim break in the afternoon. Overnight stay in a calm bay.Day 5: The island of Pag - Rab, 21 mi. (34 km)
After sailing in the morning, you will reach the island of Pag. In the harsh but delightful landscape of the island you will come across many fig and olive trees. Over the centuries the inhabitants have built numerous stone walls for protection against the wind. Starting in Mandre, you will bike on the narrow peninsula to the sea where the ship awaits to sail to Rab. The island of Rab is one of the sunniest places in Europe. The town of Rab, the fortified capital of the island, was built in the middle ages on a wedge-shaped headland and marks one of the highlights of the trip. The four famous bell towers are the symbol of the adorned beauty of the town. After dinner, you can explore the narrow alleys with numerous cozy cafes.Day 6: The island of Rab and Krk, 15 mi. (25 km)
You cycle along the coast to the east side of the island, an area with virtually no vegetation, whose rough cliff rocks is like a lunar landscape. The road will lead to the bay with a sandy beach, which is rather atypical for the Kvarner islands. At lunchtime, the ship will be waiting in the harbor directly in front of the old town of Rab. After a swim break the ship sails to the neighboring island of Krk, where the evening will be spent in the historic town of Krk.Day 7: The island of Krk, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today is a tour of the senses, cycling 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 northeast. The town, built on a 50-meter-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 across the island through old villages and rich vegetation to Omišalj, from where Rijeka will be within sight. On the way, there is an opportunity to swim in the bay of Soline. The night is spent in Omišalj. The last evening on board will be highlighted by a celebratory dinner on board.Day 8: Departure from Omišalj.
Check-out after breakfast by 9 am. We recommend an extra night or two in the clifftop village of Omišalj. If you are flying out of Zagreb, and taking advantage of the group transfer, please note that it departs at 8 am. Please arrange departing flights for after 12 pm.Want to see more? View all of our featured bike and boat tours or our full list of bicycle tours.
Boats & Bikes
- Linda
Comfort Class Motor Yacht
Hybrid Trekking BikeElectric Bike![Hybrid bike on Croatia Bike & Boat]()
Cube Nature or exclusively designed trekking bike* … • Step through or horizontal bar (diamond frame) aluminum frame … • Upright riding position … • Selle Royal comfort gel saddle … • Shimano 21 - 24… Read More![Electric Bike on Croatia Bike & Boat]()
Orbea, Cube, or FLEX ebike* … • Pedelec … • Aluminum step-through frame … • Upright riding position … • Shimano 8 speed … • Bosch motor and power pack … • Comfort gel saddle … • Hydraulic disc brake… Read MoreThe Linda is a spacious wooden motor yacht and is one of the bigger ships in the Croatian fleet. Enjoy the sea breeze on the multiple outside decks, refresh with a dip into the sea, or lay back on the upper sundeck on one of the padded sunning mats. The middle sundeck is constructed in a way that allows for outdoor dining. Sunrises and sunsets are always a very special experience on board. Captain Damir and his crew look forward to making your vacation unforgettable. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights in a double/twin cabin with all-in-one bathroom (toilet & sink with hand-held shower)
- 4 days of all meals included & 3 days with breakfast & one other hot meal either at lunch or dinner
- English & German-speaking cycling tour guide
- 21-24 speed aluminum hybrid trekking bicycle with trapeze frame equipped with gel saddle, mudguards, rear rack, & pannier
- Guided cycling tours as described in the itinerary
- Onboard overview maps for the daily tours
What’s Not Included
- Transfers to/from airport to the ship (see pricing)
- Visitor’s tax, local charges, & unlimited water on board & during cycling: €50 (€25 for children 16 and under) to be paid on board)
- Drinks on board (tally sheet)
- Tips for crew & tour-guide (optional)
- Any meals ashore
- 2 or 3-Day Pre-Tour Extension (see Extra Stay below, pricing listed under extra options)
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Comfort Class Boat
Sunday departures
High season: August 22, August 29, September 5*, September 12*, & September 19, 2021
Low season: May 2*, May 9*, May 16*, May 23, May 30, June 6*, June 13, June 20*, June 27, July 4, July 11, July 18, July 25, August 8 & August 15, October 3*, & October 10*, 2021*On these dates, a mountain bike itinerary runs parallel on the same boat. One tour guide will be assigned to the regular touring bike cyclists while the other one will guide the mountain bike group. The detailed itinerary of the Kvarner Bay MTB trip will be sent to you on request. The MTB itinerary is also offered on a much higher class boat, the Andela Lora. Interested? Ask us for details. If you prefer a road bike, please inquire.
Cabin type High season Low season Twin or double $ 1891 £ 1054 $ 1,822 € 1190 NZ$ 2036 kr 12301 $ 1,458 $ 1732 £ 965 $ 1,669 € 1090 NZ$ 1865 kr 11268 $ 1,335 Surcharge twin or double above deck $ 159 £ 89 $ 153 € 100 NZ$ 171 kr 1034 $ 122 Surcharge twin below deck for single-use $ 636 £ 354 $ 612 € 400 NZ$ 684 kr 4135 $ 490 Surcharge for twin above deck for single-use $ 953 £ 531 $ 919 € 600 NZ$ 1027 kr 6202 $ 735 Comfort Class Boat
Friday departures
Season 1: April 29*, May 6*, May 13, May 20, May 27, June 3*, June 10, June 17*, June 24, & October 7, 2022
Season 2: August 12, August 19, August 26, September 2*, September 9*, September 16, September 23, & September 30, 2022*On these dates, a mountain bike itinerary runs parallel on the same boat. One tour guide will be assigned to the regular touring bike cyclists while the other one will guide the mountain bike group. The detailed itinerary of the Kvarner Bay MTB trip will be sent to you on request.
The minimum number of participants for this tour is 14. Please do not make any air travel arrangements until we have informed you that the minimum has been met.
Cabin type Season 1 Season 2 Twin/double $ 1732 £ 965 $ 1,669 € 1090 NZ$ 1865 kr 11268 $ 1,335 $ 1891 £ 1054 $ 1,822 € 1190 NZ$ 2036 kr 12301 $ 1,458 Surcharge twin/double above deck $ 159 £ 89 $ 153 € 100 NZ$ 171 kr 1034 $ 122 $ 159 £ 89 $ 153 € 100 NZ$ 171 kr 1034 $ 122 Surcharge twin for single use below deck $ 636 £ 354 $ 612 € 400 NZ$ 684 kr 4135 $ 490 $ 636 £ 354 $ 612 € 400 NZ$ 684 kr 4135 $ 490 Surcharge twin for single use above deck $ 953 £ 531 $ 919 € 600 NZ$ 1027 kr 6202 $ 735 $ 953 £ 531 $ 919 € 600 NZ$ 1027 kr 6202 $ 735 Extra Options
Transfers
(On embarkation and disembarkation days only. Must be booked in advance)
Zagreb city center/Zagreb airport to boat: $ 48 £ 27 $ 46 € 30 NZ$ 51 kr 310 $ 37
Boat in Omisalj to Zagreb airport/city center: $ 48 £ 27 $ 46 € 30 NZ$ 51 kr 310 $ 37
Rijeka Airport group transfer (embarkation/ disembarkation day): $ 24 £ 13 $ 23 € 15 NZ$ 26 kr 155 $ 18
Rijeka Train Station group transfer (embarkation/ disembarkation day): $ 32 £ 18 $ 31 € 20 NZ$ 34 kr 207 $ 24
All other transfers on request.
2-Day Pre-Tour Extension (2021)
Room Type 3 star 4 star Double or twin room $ 493 £ 274 $ 475 € 310 NZ$ 530 kr 3205 $ 380 $ 572 £ 319 $ 551 € 360 NZ$ 616 kr 3721 $ 441 Single room $ 540 £ 301 $ 521 € 340 NZ$ 582 kr 3515 $ 416 $ 667 £ 372 $ 643 € 420 NZ$ 719 kr 4342 $ 514 Discount for no transfers: $ 95 £ 53 $ 92 € 60 NZ$ 103 kr 620 $ 73
2-Day Pre/Post-Tour Extension (2022)
Room Type 3 star 4 star Double or twin room $ 524 £ 292 $ 505 € 330 NZ$ 565 kr 3411 $ 404 $ 604 £ 336 $ 582 € 380 NZ$ 650 kr 3928 $ 465 Single room $ 588 £ 328 $ 567 € 370 NZ$ 633 kr 3825 $ 453 $ 715 £ 398 $ 689 € 450 NZ$ 770 kr 4652 $ 551 Extra nights
Hotel Villa Isabella in Omisalj
A small family-run hotel located directly on the beach. Breakfast is included.Hotel Villa Isabella in Omisalj Apr., May, June, Sept. & Oct. July & Aug. Double Pending Pending Triple Pending Pending Single Not available
Reduction per person in combination with another Island Hopping trip: €50
Reduction for 3 persons sharing a cabin - only possible in a below deck cabin (from basic tour price): 50%
Reduction for children up to age 16 (from basic tour price): 25%**not combinable with the 50% discount
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This is a moderate to difficult guided bike and boat tour. The daily cycling itinerary of 18 to 28 mi. (20 - 45 km) requires a considerable level of fitness, ideally acquired by consistent cycling. The routes can reach an altitude of 200 to 500 meters and cover hilly and mountainous terrain with some long and rather steep climbs. Of course, there are no time constraints! The tour guides will inform you in advance what to expect on each day’s cycling itinerary. You can also choose to skip a bike tour and spend a day sunbathing on the ship instead. The roads are mostly asphalted with light traffic. During the peak season, more traffic can be expected as well as when entering or exiting towns. If you opt to participate in this tour using an electric bike, do note that the majority of the participants will be riding regular touring bikes and will, therefore, need more time to climb the hills and more rest stops.
Airport Info
The closest international airport to your tour start is Rijeka. Collective fee-based group transfers are available to and from the airport on embarkation and disembarkation day. See pricing. you can also take a taxi to the ship. All mooring location details will be provided prior to your tour date.
Another possibility is the Zagreb airport. Collective group transfers are available with advanced reservation. See pricing.Local Travel
It is advised that you book the available collective transfer to/from the port on embarkation and disembarkation day. If flying into Zagreb, transfers on the first day are at 11:30 am from the city center of Zagreb and 12:15 from Zagreb Airport. Transfers on the last day from Omisalj to Zagreb airport start at 8 am. Please do not arrange departing flight before 12 pm. From Rijeka airport, we will provide details once we receive your flight information. All transfers must be reserved in advance. Please contact us to book. Make sure you provide us with your flight schedule and details as well as your cell phone number.
Climate
In terms of climate and weather, the Kvarner Bay region offers everything your heart desires. The bay and the Ucka mountain range in the hinterlands protects the region from cold air and weather extremes and plenty of sunshine and warmth can be enjoyed. The swimming season is long, going even into October. Do check local conditions before your arrival!
Day of Rest
You can always take a day or two off and remain on board the ship sunbathing and enjoying the beautiful passing scenery.
Recommended
- Though there are limited number of helmets on board, it is STRONGLY advised to bring your own well fitted helmet.
- Due to steel construction of the ship, cruising locations, and other factors, WiFi signal speed and strength may not be what you are accustomed to and may not meet your expectations. If you are dependent on a strong, fast, and reliable signal at all times, please consider a personal hotspot.
Remarks
Please be aware that you will be part of an international group of people. The tour will be guided in German and English.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Extra Stay
If you are planning to travel to the starting point of your tour in the Kvarner Bay via Zagreb, then we recommend this two-day extension program in the Croatian capital. In 2021, the program can be booked before your tour. In 2022, the program can be booked before or after your tour and offers a great balance of organized activities and free time to ensure that you are also able to explore the Croatian capital independently.
2-day pre-tour extension in Zagreb
Saturday (2021) & Thursday (2022)
A private transfer collects you at the Zagreb airport and brings you to the doorstep of your hotel. You will have time to freshen up after your journey. In the late afternoon, your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to take you on an interesting and inspiring walk through the Croatian capital. The old town, built by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, will charm you at every turn. During a three-hour guided city tour, our local guide will enlighten you on the city in its current position and its former past. The Kaptol (the center of the Roman Catholic Church in Croatia) and Gardec (the upper old town) are of course included in the program. In the evening you will dine in a specially selected restaurant. The delicious local specialties will be a great way to end the day. Overnight stay in a hotel in the town center of Zagreb.Sunday (2021) or Friday (2022)
After breakfast transfer to Omišalj for embarkation.Extension Package Includes:
- 3 or 4 star hotel at the town center
- Guided sightseeing tour in Zagreb (entrance fees not included)
- Dinner in a local restaurant
- Transfer from Zagreb airport to your hotel
- Transfer from your hotel in Zagreb to Omišalj
- Local taxes
2-day post-tour extension in Zagreb
Friday (2022)
A private transfer collects you from the boat and brings you to the doorstep of your hotel in Zagreb. Spend a wonderful day in the Croatian capital Zagreb. During a city tour, your local guide will show you all the secrets of this metropolis. In the evening you will eat in a restaurant specially selected by us. The local specialties will seduce your palate. You stay in a hotel in the center of the city.Saturday (2022)
After breakfast transfer to Omišalj for embarkation.Extension Package Includes:
- 3 or 4 star hotel at the town center
- Guided sightseeing tour in Zagreb (entrance fees not included)
- Dinner in a local restaurant
- Transfer from the ship to Zagreb hotel
- Transfer from your hotel in Zagreb to airport
- Local taxes
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Island Hopping.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
- Though there are limited number of helmets on board, it is STRONGLY advised to bring your own well fitted helmet.
Photos
![Old Town of Rab, Croatia. Flickr:Tess]()
![Rab Island in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Flickr:Patty Ho]()
![TripSite's Hennie enjoying some gelato in Croatia!]()
![Biking along the coast in Kvarner Bay, Croatia.]()
![Gelato in Croatia! Flickr:Ailsa]()
![Linda docked in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Photo by Familie Stadbauer]()
![Downtown in Krk on Krk island, Croatia. Flickr:Sikeri]()
![Olib Island far off in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Flickr:Falco Ermert]()
![Gifts from Krk Island in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Flickr:Davor Cengija]()
![Biking through Lošinj Island in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Flickr:Mario Fajt]()
![Refreshments on Rab Island in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Flickr:David Bailey]()
![Nighttime in Cres, Croatia. Flickr:Mario Fajt]()
![Harbor in Kvarner Bay, Croatia.]()
![Kvarner Bay at night. Photo by Familie Stadbauer]()
![Port in Mali Losinj, Croatia]()
![Great Croatian wines! Flickr:Sarah Sampsel]()
![Fresh fish in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Flickr:brownpau]()
![Biking Cres Island in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Flickr:Mario Fajt]()
![Cres Island in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Flickr:Bernd Thaller]()
![Art for sale on Rab Island in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Flickr:Andreas Manessinger]()
![Blue waters of Kvarner Bay, Croatia.]()
![Cres Island in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Flickr:Bernd Thaller]()
![Seafood in Croatia. Flickr:Heather Cowper]()
![Rab Island in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Flickr:Briana Adamson]()
![Harbor of Lošinj Island in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Flickr:tomislav medak]()
![Small chapel on Rab Island in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Flickr:Andreas Manessinger]()
![Lošinj Island in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Flickr:Miroslav Vajdic]()
![Biking on Lošinj Island in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Flickr:Marco Verch]()
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