VISIT CROATIA INLAND

Hotel & Bike Tour to the North Croatian National Parks
(8 days/7 nights, up to approx. 193 mi./310 km by bicycle)

This Hotel & Bike tour leads through the beautiful low and high mountain regions of the Croatian inland. Only 12.5 mi/20 km away from the coast, which has been largely developed for tourism, Croatia shows her wilder side of deep forests and stone deserts, where the Bora wind has had a significant and visible impact on the landscape and where snowfall can be meters deep during the winter months. En route, we cycle through three national parks, where bear, wolf, and lynx can still be encountered in the wild. One of the highlights of the tour are the Plitvicer Lakes with their spectacular waterfalls, known far beyond Croatia’s borders. Luggage transport, map material and GPS device are included!

The tour described here leads mainly along asphalted roads, though some forest tracks do make the use of a MTB worthwhile.

For more and updated info please visit: www.inselhuepfen.com/en/nak

1^st Day Fužine (Arrival)
Individual journey to Fužine by car, to Rijeka by train or to Zagreb or Rijeka Airport by plane. On request, we would gladly organize a fee-based transfer from Rijeka train station or Rijeka or Zagreb Airport to your hotel. Once you have arrived, you have the rest of the day to do as you like. Perhaps take the chance to enjoy a short introductory bike tour along the three lakes, located in the immediate vicinity of the village, or through the beautiful surroundings. If there is still time, there are several possibilities to extend the bike tour. A detour to the 300 m deep Vrelo Cave, located only a few kilometers away, is one of Fužine’s main attractions and a rewarding excursion. The first night is spent in a hotel in or near Fužine.

2^nd Day Risnjak National Park (aprx. 34 mi./54 km and 3,300 ft./1,000 m of elevation)
After a rich breakfast at the hotel, we begin our first cycling tour to Risnjak National Park. Ris is the Croatian word for lynx, thus Risnjak translates to something like “Place of the Lynx”. We reach the entrance to the park after about 16 mi./25 km. From here, we have the opportunity to explore the park either on foot or by bike. There is a special trail for nature enthusiasts, along which you can learn everything about the local fauna and flora. The park itself is home to many protected plant and animal species. Late in the afternoon, we return to the hotel for the night.

3^rd Day Fužine – Otočac (aprx. 55 mi./88 km and 3,850 ft./1,200 m of elevation)
Before leaving the hotel today, please prepare and pack your luggage for the transfer driver. After a hearty breakfast, we hop on our bikes and cycle past large fields before heading into a dense forest. Right in the middle of the deepest part of the woods lies the small, cosy restaurant Vagabundo. The friendly owners are experts at creating delicious snacks from what they are able to gather from the fields and forest. Though it may be a bit early for lunch, be sure not to miss out on sampling a few tasty treats with a cup of coffee. We then continue cycling through the dense mixed woodland, a natural beauty rarely found in Europe today, before reaching the Bora wind swept hills which slope down to the Adriatic. Here, we have breath-taking views over the islands of the Kvarner Bay. Far below, it is possible to recognize Krk and the moonscapes of Rab and Pag, and on clear days, it is possible to see as far as Dugi Otok. The destination of this leg of the tour is the small village of Otočac at the Gacka River, well known for its abundance of trout. We spend the night in a hotel in Otočac.

4^th Day Otočac – Grabovac (aprx. 38 mi./61 km and 2,800 ft./850 m of elevation)
From Otočac we continue our journey towards the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Riding through the hilly landscapes, we pass through quaint villages on the way to the Plitvicer Lakes district. Today’s tour is all about the wonderful natural of the northern Croatian mountain region. Our day’s destination is Grabovac, where we check into our accommodation for the next two days.

5^th Day Plitvice Lakes National Park
Today the whole day is yours for exploring the fascinating Plitvice Lakes National Park. You can either cycle the 12 km to the national park by bicycle or to take a taxi to the park and back. You can also choose whether to explore the park individually or to do so in the company of a professional, licensed guide (reservation required in advance). The Plitvice Lakes are the largest national park in Croatia and the oldest in Southeast Europe, and it has been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 1979. Let yourself be fascinated by the variety of the lakes and lush greenery of the plants within the National Park. Walking along the wooden footbridges that lead deep into the reeds allows for a truly incredible experience of the spectacular, untouched nature. Admire the waterfalls cascading from one basin to the next. Discover the different fish swimming along the bottom of the clear lakes and marvel at the colourful dragonflies and butterflies that fill the air. In short, enjoy the wonderful day!

6^th Day Grabovac – Slunj (aprx. 24 mi./39 km and 1,540 ft./470 m of elevation)
After an abundant breakfast we begin our day. Today’s bike tour takes us along the Bosnian border, through deep forests and small villages to Slunj, whose Rastoke district is known for its miniature Plitvice Lakes. Here the river Slunjčica branches into many smaller arms and flows down numerous cascades and smaller waterfalls into the Korana. Another special feature of the area is the numerous old water mills that line the river. We spend the night in a hotel beautifully situated in the middle of this romantic landscape.

7^th Day Slunj – Karlovac (aprx. 42.5 mi./68 km and 2,100 ft./640 m of elevation)
After breakfast, we leave Slunj which, just like the Plitvice Lakes, was used as a filming location in the movie adaptation of Winnetou. A Native American village and saloon were located in Slunj, and the medicine man was played by the still legendary Mile Štrk, a local villager. The day’s destination is Karlovac, one of the youngest cities in Croatia. Founded in 1579 at the confluence of four rivers, the fortress is considered an outstanding example of Renaissance architecture. The Baroque historical centre was heavily damaged in the war but has been largely restored in the last few years and now boasts some beautiful areas well worth visiting. Give yourself a little time in the evening to take a stroll through the city and taste a glass of the local Karlovacko beer.                           

8th Day Karlovac (Departure) – Return home or holiday extension
After breakfast, it’s time to check out of the hotel and return home or prolong your holiday in Croatia. On request, we will organize a free return transfer to your first hotel in Fužine.

GOOD TO KNOW

Level 2 – 3
The bicycle tours require a good basic level of fitness and stamina, which any regular cyclist should have obtained through daily cycling. The individual stretches of 24 – 55 mi./39 – 88 km cover elevations of up to 3,900 ft./1,200 m and lead through hilly and mountainous terrain. The bike tours are designed to span an entire day, so there is no reason for feel pressured or to rush yourself. Although most of the roads are asphalted and quiet with little traffic, MTBs are recommended.

Requirement to wear a helmet
Helmet use is mandatory on all bike rides. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. Rental helmets are available on board in limited number (reservation required).

Luggage service & emergency service
While you are cycling your luggage will be transported by our reliable, friendly luggage service. In case of accidents our special emergency service is always at your disposal.

Catering
Breakfast is included in the basic tour price. In the evenings, you can dine à la carte at your hotel, and for lunch during the cycle tours we will give you with suggestions for restaurants, where you can try out the excellent local cuisine.

Accommodation
We offer good to very good mid-range hotels (3-4 stars) in Karlovac. All accommodation possibilities are carefully selected and offer the greatest possible comfort after a day full of activity. They are all very well-kept and are characterized by a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff, and delicious cuisine. Of course, all hotels have secure places to keep your bicycles.

Accommodation is booked based on availability on your travel dates. You will receive a list of hotels as well as further detailed information about your tour before you begin your journey.

Basic tour price

• This individual hotel & bike tour is available for individuals or private groups. If you are or your group is interested in this tour itinerary or similar, please send us your preferred time frame via our email; info@cyclecroatia.com. The price for this tour varies depending on the time of year, the requested hotel category and the size of the group.

This individual hotel & bike trip is offered from May to September and can be started daily (on each day of the week).

Included services

• 7 x overnights with breakfast in double room in good to very good medium class hotels in the 3 – 4 Star range
• 6 individual bicycle tours according to programme
• GPS with detailed map material and route descriptions for each bike tour
• Luggage transfer between hotels plus roadside assistance

Additonal optional services

• Surcharge for a single room (on request)
• Exclusive transfers (on request)
• Rental bike with Ortlieb pannier: hybrid bicycle: 80 euro/600 kn per week; e-bike: 180 euro/1.350 kn per week (limited, on request); full suspension MTB (fully): 180 euro/1.350 kn per week; full suspension e-MTB (E-fully): 240 euro/1.800 kn per week (limited, on request) each with an air-pump, lock and basic tool kit
• Insurance against theft and damage of the rental bike: 21-gear hybrid bicycle: 10 euro/75 kn per week; e-bike or fully: 20 euro/150 kn per week (not insured: grossly negligent damages)
• Taxi transfer from the hotel in Grabovac to the Plitvice National Park entrance and back: prices on request.
• Guided tour of the Plitvicer National Park (3 hrs): prices on request
• Additional night with breakfast in Fužine or Karlovac (prices on request)
• Parking space at the first hotel and transfer from Karlovac back to Fužine

Not included in the base tour price

• Journey to Fužine
• Entrance fees for the national parks (per person):
  Risnjak: price on request
  Plitvice Lakes (subject to increase in price): price on request
• Tips at the hotels and for the transfer drivers
• Lunch & dinner
• Special activities in Karlovac (payable on the spot)

For more and updated info please visit: www.inselhuepfen.com/en/nak