discover kvarner bay

Bike & Boat Kvarner Bay
(8 days/7 nights, apprx. 111 mi./178 km by bike, level 4 / 5)

Protected by the towering Velebit mountain range in the east and embraced by the Istria Peninsula in the northwest lie the Kvarner Bay islands. Quiet coves with crystal clear water surround the dramatic landscapes of the Kvarner Bay. Green hills and rocky moon landscapes give way to small harbour towns rich in both history and culture. Discover the charm of the Adriatic Sea by bike and boat on board one of our charming motor yachts.

The days begin with a rich breakfast leaving you fit and ready to explore the diversity of the Kvarner Bay on guided cycling tours. Be it the medieval city of Rab, the incredible diversity in the landscapes of Krk or the contemplative life of the dwellers on the small island of Ilovik, each day brings with it something new to discover. Evenings are mostly spent in picturesque harbour towns with winding alleyways where a great range of bars and cafes provide the perfect spot for a relaxing evening.

This tour sometimes takes place parallel to our MTB & Boat Kvarner Bay tour on the same boat. Two tour guides accompany the mountain bikers (from 10 mountainbikers) whilst one other accompanies the hybrid cyclists. This is perfect for travellers who wish to spend their holiday together, but do not share the same riding style.

For more and updated info visit www.islandhopping.com/en/kva

1^st Day Omišalj (Embarkation) – Rabac

Individual arrival to Omišalj on the island of Krk. Board the boat between 1 and 1:30 pm. At 2 pm we embark on our first cruise on board the boat to Rabac on the Istrian Peninsula. The coastal town is surrounded by crystal clear blue waters and numerous cafes on the seaside promenade give an inviting impression. Explore the surroundings on foot and familiarise yourself with the boat and fellow travellers. The night is spent in Rabac.

2^nd Day Rabac – Island Cres (aprx. 24 mi./39 km)

Today’s bike tour starts with a steady climb from sea level to the city of Labin. Once at the top, we enjoy our first views over the Kvarner Bay and its islands. We cycle through the scenic landscapes of Istria and small rural villages before returning to Labin for lunch. After sampling our first locally cooked meal, we descend to the boat in Rabac and cruise to the island of Cres to the main town with the same name. A quaint harbour town characterized by its Italian architecture. The night is spent here. 

3^rd Day Islands Cres and Lošinj (aprx. 17 mi./28 km)

After breakfast we start our tour from the city of Cres to Martinšćica. The boat awaits our 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 harbour town of Mali Lošinj. The port with its colourful facades and numerous cafes offers its visitors a welcoming atmosphere for a relaxed evening.

4^th Day Islands Lošinj and Ilovik (aprx. 12 mi./20 km)

We cycle along the seaside promenade to the south of Lošinj and visit the picturesque small harbour town of Veli Lošinj before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, we cross over to the island of Ilovik where we can enjoy a swim stop on anchor or at the local beach. We spend a peaceful night on this quaint island.

5^th Day Island Rab (aprx. 16 mi./25 km)

Today we enjoy a round tour through diverse landscapes on the Island of Rab. Starting from the old town, our tour takes us through alternating landscapes from coastal promenades to shaded forests and secluded bays. After returning to the boat, we can enjoy some free time in this enchanting town before taking part in a guided city tour. The night is spent in the town of Rab.

6^th Day Island Krk (aprx. 13 mi./21 km)

In the morning, we cruise to Krk, the city capital of the island Krk, with its lovely old town. A round tour from the city of Krk takes us through the diverse landscapes of the island, inland from the coast through vast vinyards and small villages. Back in Krk we enjoy an evening exploring the alleyways with our guide and relaxing on one of many beautiful terrace bars near the sea. The night is spent in Krk.

7^th day Island of Krk (aprx. 28 mi./45 km)

On our last day, we cycle over the ridge of the island, 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 home to the famous white wine Žlahtina. Another peculiarity that Vrbnik has to offer is the second narrowest alley in the world. The tour leads on across the island through old villages and rich vegetation to Omišalj. Along the way we have a chance to swim in the bay of Soline. A cheerful evening meal on board the boat gives us time to celebrate the wonderful week with fellow travellers and tour guides.

8^th Day Omišalj (Disembarkation)

After breakfast disembarkation until 9 am and individual trip home or extended stay in Croatia.

Good to know

Itinerary changes
We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organizational requirements. Sometimes the tour will be conducted in reverse order. You will find further details in your booking information package.

Requirement to wear a helmet

Helmets are mandatory on our bike tours. It is advised to bring your own, well fitted, helmet with you as our rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required).

Bringing Children
We believe that only children with a good physical condition and previous bicycle tour experience and a minimum age of 10 are able to master the cycle tours with their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.30 m (4.3 ft.) for hybrid bikes and 1.50 m (5 ft.) for e-bikes. In Croatia there is a helmet duty for all children up to age 16. When travelling with children, we recommend our Multi-Adventure Tours in Greece and Croatia which are specifically curated for families and offer family-friendly pricing.

Level 4 / 5

Cycling tours through hilly to mountainous terrain with some steeper ascents of up to approximately 400 meters. Requires confident riding on winding descents, uneven asphalt, and occasionally gravel paths. Suitable for experienced cyclists accustomed to longer daily stages.

• Distance: 20 – 45 km per day
• Total elevation: 400 – 700 meters of elevation per day
• Road conditions: The roads are mostly paved and experience little traffic outside of the holiday season. On the island of Krk, a short section runs over unpaved gravel and forest paths. On the island of Lošinj, the tour follows a narrow seaside promenade where especially cautious and controlled riding is required.
• Traffic: Traffic can be expected in and around coastal towns. Some sections on the islands of Cres and Krk also have slightly higher traffic.
• Infrastructure: There are no designated bike paths in Kvarner Bay, so the bike tours take place on public roads, preferably on quiet side streets.

Relevant for all levels: Safe cycling skills and familiarity with road traffic are prerequisites for taking part in our tours. All tours, including the elevation gains, can be mastered more easily with electronic assistance. Anyone renting an e-bike should already have experience and be confident in handling e-bikes, as these bikes are significantly heavier and faster than conventional bikes.

Individual cycling
If you prefer to cycle alone rather than with a group, you can cycle the tours independently and at your own pace. For orientation, we provide you with access to the free RideWithGPS route app for your smartphone, a detailed cycle map and GPS tracks. Your guides cycle the same route as you. They are therefore close by and can be contacted by phone in case of emergencies, problems or questions. Instead of a bike tour, you can also opt for a half or full day of swimming on the boat.

Catering
The on-board chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. The catering consists of 2 x full board and 5 x half board. Catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day.

Language
Due to our international audience all Islandhopping tours are conducted bilingually, in English and German.

Comfort Ship Linda (shower/toilet in each cabin)

At 31 x 6 m the Linda is a sleek wooden motor sailor built in 1955 and fully refurbished in 2006. She hosts 14 friendly guest cabins each with own shower and WC. The spacious and tastefully furnished salon with its wooden tables and cushioned benches provides a welcoming atmosphere. The large rooftop sundeck is laid out with padded sunning mats offering you a great space to switch off and relax in.

The captain and his united crew are eager to welcome you on board for a recuperative vacation. The crew, who have been working together for many years, takes care of their guests touchingly and is looking forward to preparing an unforgettable holiday for you.

For more detailed information about the Linda please visit: https://www.inselhuepfen.com/en/linda/

If you would like to book this trip directly, please follow this booking link:

Direct booking of the Bike & Boat trip Kvarner Bay

If you have any questions about this trip before booking, please contact us by email at:
info@islandhopping.com