Biking along the coast in Kvarner Bay, Croatia.

Nighttime in Cres, Croatia - photo by Mario Fajt via Flickr
5/5 (3 ratings)

Kvarner Bay

Croatia Bike + Barge Tours

Bike in Croatia and experience the islands of Kvarner Bay

  • 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.

    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.

  • 2020

    High season

    August 30, September 6, September 20, September 27, 2020

    Twin/double cabin below deck: $ 1969 £ 1025 $ 1,770 € 1190 $ 2042 kr 12791 $ 1,347

    Low season

    All other dates

    Twin/double cabin below deck: $ 1803 £ 938 $ 1,621 € 1090 $ 1870 kr 11716 $ 1,234

    All departures

    Surcharge for twin/double cabin above deck: $ 165 £ 86 $ 149 € 100 $ 172 kr 1075 $ 113 Surcharge for twin/double cabin for single use below deck: $ 662 £ 344 $ 595 € 400 $ 686 kr 4299 $ 453 Surcharge for twin/double cabin for single use above deck: $ 993 £ 517 $ 892 € 600 $ 1029 kr 6449 $ 679

     

    extra options

    2020

    Electric bicycle rental: $ 165 £ 86 $ 149 € 100 $ 172 kr 1075 $ 113

    Individual Transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days only  (must be booked in advance)

    Zagreb city center/Zagreb airport to boat: $ 50 £ 26 $ 45 € 30 $ 51 kr 322 $ 34

    Boat in Omisalj to Zagreb airport/city center: $ 50 £ 26 $ 45 € 30 $ 51 kr 322 $ 34

    Rijeka Airport group transfer (embarkation/ disembarkation day):  $ 25 £ 13 $ 22 € 15 $ 26 kr 161 $ 17

    Rijeka Train Starion group transfer (embarkation/ disembarkation day): $ 33 £ 17 $ 30 € 20 $ 34 kr 215 $ 23

    All other transfers on request.

    2-Day Pre-Tour Extension

    3-star double room: $ 513 £ 267 $ 461 € 310 $ 532 kr 3332 $ 351

    Single room: $ 563 £ 293 $ 506 € 340 $ 583 kr 3654 $ 385

    4-star double room: $ 596 £ 310 $ 535 € 360 $ 618 kr 3869 $ 407

    Single room: $ 695 £ 362 $ 625 € 420 $ 721 kr 4514 $ 475

    Discount for no transfers: $ 99 £ 52 $ 89 € 60 $ 103 kr 645 $ 68

     

    please note

    Reduction per person in combination with another Island Hopping trip: $ 83 £ 43 $ 74 € 50 $ 86 kr 537 $ 57   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

    Rates are per person based on double occupancy.

    Information to read before you book.

    We recommend purchasing bike trip insurance.

    Please see our FAQ.

  • Travel

    The closest international airport to your tour start is Rijeka. Collective fee-based 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. 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. A good website to use to explore regional weather including average high/low temperatures, average rainfall, and more is: weatherbase.com.

    Recommended

    Though there are limited number of helmets on board, it is STRONGLY advised to bring your own well fitted helmet.

    Remarks

    Electric bikes available (maximum of 3 per ship). Please be aware that you will be part of an international group of people. The tour will be guided in German and English.

    DOCUMENTS

    Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.

    *Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) 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.

Tour Dates

2020

Sunday departures, from May 3 up to and including the last departure on October 11, 2020

On the May 3*, May 10*, May 17*, June 7*, June 14, June 21*, June 28, July 5*, July 12, July 19, August 16, August 13, August 30, September 6*, September 20, September 27, October 4*, and October 11*, 2020 

*On these dates, a mountain bike tour 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.

Also, 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 are only a limited number onboard. We will do our best to accommodate you.

Skill Level

Moderate to difficult guided bike and boat tour. The bike routes require a considerable level of fitness, ideally acquired by steady cycling. The routes can reach an altitude of 200 to 500 meters. The daily routes of 20-45 km (19 to 28 mi.) cover hilly and mountainous terrain but can be completed without time restraints. You will also come across some long and rather steep climbs, where walking your bike is of course permitted. 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.

Where You’ll Stay

On the Comfort Class ship, the Linda

What’s Included

  • 7 nights in a double/twin cabin with all-in-one bathroom (toilet & sink with hand-held shower)
  • 4 days of all meal included and 3 days with breakfast and one other hot meal either at lunch or dinner
  • English and German speaking cycling tour guide
  • 21-24 speed hybrid touring bike with pannier
  • 7 guided cycling tours as described in the itinerary
  • Overview maps for the daily tours, on board

What’s Not Included

  • Transfers to/from airport to the ship (see pricing)
  • Visitor’s tax, local charges, and unlimited water on board and 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 on the right under extra options)
  • Bicycle Protection
  • Travel Insurance

Extra Stay

2020

Pre-tour extension

2-DAY PRE-TOUR EXTENSION in Zagreb
Saturday
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 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
After breakfast transfer to Omišalj for embarkation.

Extension Package Includes:

  • Transfer from Zagreb airport to the hotel
  • 3 star hotel at/near town center
  • Sightseeing tour in Zagreb (entrance fees not included)
  • Dinner in a local restaurant
  • Transfer from your hotel in Zagreb to Omišalj
  • Local taxes

Kvarner Bay Map

TourBike+Boat
TypeGuided
SkillModerate–Difficult
Length8 days
From€1090 Rates
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Day-To-Day Itinerary

Kvarner Bay Map

Please note that the itinerary has already been updated for 2020 which reflects slight changes from 2019. If you are interested in booking this tour for 2019, we will provide you with the 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.

This tour is also available in a road bike version and a mountain bike version. Please contact us for details!

Day 1: Arrival in Omišalj. Sailing Omišalj - Cres.
Individual arrival 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 - 2:30 pm. 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 walk 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 light house of Veli Rat stands proudly since 1849 fulfilling its duty in guiding sailors safely on their way. A ride along the islands “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 until 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 and 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 historical town of Krk.

Day 7: The island of Krk, 28 mi. (45 km)
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, today is a tour for the senses.  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 opportunity to swim in the bay of Soline. The night is spent in Omišalj. The last evening on board includes a communal dinner. 

Day 8: Departure from Omišalj.
Check-out after breakfast, by 9 am.

*All distances are approximate. The above-planned itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc. 

**There are times depending on weather conditions and organizational requirements that will necessitate the tour being conducted in reverse order.

Want to see more?  View all of our featured bike and boat tours or our full list of bicycle tours.

Email or Call 800-951-4384 +1 570-965-2064

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Tour Reviews

  • Bob K. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

    My wife and I have used tripsite.com as a vacation organizer before and fully trusted them to plan an excursion for us that was going to be memorable, affordable and exciting. Tripsite scored top marks on all 3 points. Our trip was handled exceptionally well included a number of special requests for accommodations and transportation pick ups that where flawless.
    Super impressed we will definitely plan through Tripsite again in the future. Thank you Thank you!!!

    Boat: Linda

     Reply

  • Dennis B. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

    The guides were great. The islands were very fun to visit.

    Boat: Andela Lora

     Reply

  • Hilary Sangster 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

    We arrived but the BORA sadly arrived at the same time. The crew prioritised our safety and kept us informed of change to itinerary and why. In respect of the Bora humbled by the storm we left feeling we had had a taste of Croatia and the Islands

    Boat: Linda

     Reply

  • Joyce and Denis Smith 7 years ago     Verified Reviewer

    We did south Dalmatia aboard Adonis. The island hopping was strenuous but the scenery grand. Great young guides and great food.

     Reply

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Kvarner Bay Boats + Barges

Linda Photo

Linda Croatia Comfort Class Boat The ship is a spacious wooden motor yacht. At 31 meters long and 6 meters wide, the MS Linda is among the bigger ships in the Croatian fleet. The large common area can accommodate 32 guests and the middle sundeck is constructed in a way that allows for outdoor dining.

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