Guided Croatia's Kvarner Bay Islands e-Bike and Boat Tour

What does a cycling journey feel like when the road keeps meeting the sea?

In Croatia’s Kvarner Bay, this is not a point-to-point ride. It unfolds in stages. You cycle along quiet coastal roads, climb into stone villages and vineyards, then return to a boat that carries you across open water to an entirely new island. Each day resets the landscape and the experience.

This journey moves through Cres, Lošinj, Rab, and Krk, a region shaped by clear blue water, rugged terrain, and centuries-old harbour towns. The riding is varied and engaging. There are steady climbs, winding descents, and stretches where the sea stays in view for miles. It asks for a good level of comfort on the bike, but rewards you constantly with changing scenery.

The boat becomes part of the rhythm of the trip. It is your base, your transport, and your place to slow down. Some afternoons you may choose to ride. Others you may stay on board, swim in a quiet bay, or simply watch the coastline pass by.

It is not about reaching a destination. It is about moving through a landscape that keeps shifting, revealing itself one island at a time.

Tour Type

Guided

Level

moderate to challenging

Avg. Daily Distance

30 km / 19 mi

Cycling Days

6

Lodging

Casual+ Inns (4★)

Group size

Min. 1, Max. 14

Highlights

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Island-Hopping Across the Adriatic

Explore six distinct Kvarner Bay islands — Cres, Lošinj, Molat, Dugi Otok, Pag, Rab, and Krk — each with its own character, from Venetian old towns and lighthouse-topped cliffs to windswept moon landscapes and vineyard valleys.

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Luxury Afloat on the Andela Lora

The 40-metre deluxe motor yacht Andela Lora serves as your floating hotel throughout the tour, offering 17 air-conditioned en-suite cabins, a top-deck salon, a sundeck, and a stern swimming platform for effortless access to the crystal-clear Adriatic.

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History, Wine & Culture at Every Port

From the medieval walled town of Rab and its four iconic bell towers to Zadar's 3,000-year-old city centre, and the vineyard-clad cliff-top village of Vrbnik — famous for its Žlahtina white wine — every evening brings a new cultural highlight.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

DayPlaceCasual+ InnsMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1Omišalj – CresAndela LoraD
DAY 2Cres – Lošinj (Mali Lošinj)Andela LoraB, L28 km / 17 micycling
DAY 3Lošinj – MolatAndela LoraB, L32 km / 20 micycling
DAY 4Dugi Otok – ZadarAndela LoraB, L, D32 km / 20 micycling
DAY 5Island of Pag – RabAndela LoraB, L20 km / 12 micycling
DAY 6Rab – KrkAndela LoraB, L22 km / 14 micycling
DAY 7Island of Krk – OmišaljAndela LoraB, L, D47 km / 29 micycling
DAY 8Omišalj (Disembarkation)B

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Omišalj – Cres

Make your own way to Omišalj, a charming small harbour village on the island of Krk. Car parking can be arranged on request. Board the motor yacht between 2:00 and 2:30 pm, then set sail at around 3:00 pm for the roughly four-hour crossing to the island of Cres. Once moored, spend the evening wandering the beautifully preserved Venetian old town.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Andela Lora
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Day 2: Cres – Lošinj (Mali Lošinj)

After breakfast, ride from the town of Cres south to the coastal settlement of Martinšćica. The boat meets you on arrival, and lunch is served while cruising onward to Lošinj. Weather permitting, the captain will call a refreshing swim stop before docking in the wellness harbour of Mali Lošinj — a port lined with colourful facades and lively waterfront cafés perfect for a relaxed evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling Distance: 28 km / 17 mi
Accommodation: Andela Lora
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Day 3: Lošinj – Molat

Follow the scenic coastal promenade southward through Lošinj and into the picturesque little port of Veli Lošinj before rejoining the boat for lunch. In the afternoon the ship heads to the island of Molat, where a short supplementary cycling excursion awaits. Spend the night at anchor in one of Molat's tranquil harbours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling Distance: 32 km / 20 mi
Accommodation: Andela Lora
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Day 4: Dugi Otok – Zadar

Breakfast is served underway as the ship threads past dozens of small islands to reach the 'spice island' of Dugi Otok. Starting from the pine-fringed bay of Božava, pedal along a virtually traffic-free road to the historic Austrian lighthouse at Veli Rat on the island's northernmost tip, then continue along the ridge with sweeping panoramic views all the way to Savar Bay. The boat then ferries you to Zadar, where the evening tour guide walk reveals three millennia of history — from massive fortified walls and a Renaissance loggia to the remarkable early Romanesque St. Donatus Basilica.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 32 km / 20 mi
Accommodation: Andela Lora
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Day 5: Island of Pag – Rab

A lengthy morning crossing brings you to the island of Pag, whose stark yet captivating landscape is shaped by centuries-old dry-stone walls built as windbreaks, as well as groves of fig and olive trees. Beginning in Novalja, you cycle out along the narrow peninsula to the sea before the boat transfers you to Rab. The medieval walled town of Rab — perched on a wedge-shaped headland and crowned by four iconic bell towers — is one of the undisputed highlights of the entire trip. Explore its cosy café-lined lanes after dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling Distance: 20 km / 12 mi
Accommodation: Andela Lora
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Day 6: Rab – Krk

Spend a leisurely morning discovering more of Rab on a scenic loop around the island before the ship picks you up directly in front of the old town at lunchtime. Sail towards Krk with an en-route swim stop, arriving in the historical island capital of Krk in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling Distance: 22 km / 14 mi
Accommodation: Andela Lora
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Day 7: Island of Krk – Omišalj

The longest day on the bike takes you over the aromatic macchia-covered ridge of Krk and down into a valley of vineyards, continuing to the cliff-top museum town of Vrbnik — home of the celebrated Žlahtina white wine and the second narrowest alley in the world. The route then winds through old villages and dense vegetation back to Omišalj, with a swimming break at the bay of Soline along the way. A celebratory farewell dinner on board brings the week to a memorable close.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 47 km / 29 mi
Accommodation: Andela Lora
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Day 8: Omišalj (Disembarkation)

Enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking by 9:00 am. From here you are free to travel home independently or extend your stay to explore more of Croatia.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each accommodation has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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Deluxe Motor Yacht – Andela Lora

The ship features well-appointed cabins ranging from 12 to 14 m², equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms. The onboard salon and dining area is elegantly furnished and serves as a central social space. The ship boasts a spacious sundeck with loungers and shaded seating areas, ideal for unwinding and enjoying panoramic sea views.

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Cabin

The ship features well-appointed cabins ranging from 12 to 14 m², equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms (shower and WC), and comfortable double or twin beds. The cabins are designed for both comfort and efficient use of space, ensuring a restful stay after cycling. The prices listed on the website are for double occupancy upper deck cabins.

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Lounge / Restaurant

The onboard salon and dining area is elegantly furnished and serves as a central social space. Guests enjoy freshly prepared meals here, with large tables and a cozy ambiance, making it perfect for relaxing, dining, and interacting with fellow travelers.

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Deck / Open Area

The ship boasts a spacious sundeck with loungers and shaded seating areas, ideal for unwinding and enjoying panoramic sea views. A highlight is the swimming platform at the stern, allowing easy access to the water for swimming during stops.

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

trip leader

Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

shuttle

A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

Bike Image

Gravel Bike or similar

gravel

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Velo De Ville or similar

ebike

Included in your trip price

Start

Omišalj

Finish

Omišalj

Fly-In

Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

Fly-Out

Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

Arrival

Primary Airport: Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

The most reliable way to reach your tour start point is to fly into Zagreb, Croatia’s main international gateway with strong global connectivity.

From Zagreb, Omišalj (on Krk Island) is approximately a 2-hour transfer by road. Pre-arranged shared or private transfers are available on the day of embarkation and should be booked in advance.

Recommended arrival strategy:

Land in Zagreb before late morning (around 11:00–12:00) This ensures you comfortably make the scheduled transfers to the boat Boarding in Omišalj begins around midday, with departure shortly after

Alternative Arrival Option

You may also fly into Rijeka Airport (RJK), which is located on Krk Island itself, just a short drive from Omišalj.

However:

Flight options are limited and often seasonal Best suited for travelers already within Europe

Embarkation (Important) Boarding window: ~11:00 AM to 2:30 PM Boat departs around 3:00 PM

Missing this window means missing the tour start, so arrival timing is critical.

Departure

Fly Out Of: Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

Disembarkation in Omišalj is typically by 9:00 AM Transfers back to Zagreb Airport are available (approx. 2 hours)

Recommended departure strategy:

Book flights after ~12:00 PM (noon) from Zagreb Earlier flights carry risk due to transfer timing

The best cycling conditions in Kvarner Bay are from late spring to early autumn. May, June, and September offer ideal temperatures between 20–26°C (68–79°F), with mild sunshine, low humidity, and fewer crowds. July and August are warmer at 28–32°C (82–90°F), suitable for experienced riders who can handle heat and stronger sun exposure. April and October are cooler at 15–22°C (59–72°F), with occasional rain and changing winds. Coastal breezes help regulate temperature, but sudden weather shifts are possible, as noted in the tour’s climate overview.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Mixed

April

Good

May

Best

June

Best

July

Good

August

Good

September

Best

October

Good

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour is rated Level 4 out of 5. Expect cycling through hilly to mountainous terrain with steeper ascents of up to approximately 400 metres. Confident handling on winding descents, uneven asphalt, and occasional gravel or forest paths is required. Daily distances range from 20 to 50 km with 400–700 metres of elevation gain per day.

Yes, wearing a helmet is mandatory on all bike tours. It is strongly recommended that you bring your own well-fitted helmet, as the number of rental helmets available on board is limited and subject to advance reservation.

Children with a good level of fitness and prior cycling experience may join from age 10 onwards. The minimum height for renting an e-bike is 1.50 m (4.9 ft). Follow-me bikes, child bike seats, and bike bungees can be hired for younger accompanying children. Children up to age 16 receive a €200 discount on the base tour price (double occupancy; not combinable with other discounts).

Catering consists of 2 days of full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and 5 days of half board (breakfast plus one warm meal). Catering begins with dinner on the arrival day and concludes with breakfast on the departure day. The basic drink package (water, tea, and filter coffee) costs €80 per adult and €40 for children up to 16, payable on board to the captain.

All Islandhopping tours are conducted bilingually in English and German to accommodate the international mix of guests.

This is primarily a guided group tour. After consultation with your tour guides, it may be possible to cycle independently along recommended routes. You are also welcome to spend a half or full day swimming or relaxing on board instead of joining a planned cycling stage.

Transfers from/to Rijeka Airport or Rijeka Train Station are available on embarkation and disembarkation days only (minimum 2 persons, prices on request). A collective transfer between Zagreb and Omišalj costs €65 per person (reservation required at least two weeks in advance, minimum 2 persons). Exclusive transfers are also available on request. Safe car parking can be arranged on site.

Yes, a 2-day Zagreb extension module in a 4-star hotel is available. Prices per person: double room €439, single room €549 (minimum 2 participants). Guests travelling independently without needing a transfer receive a discount.

The minimum group size to run the tour is 14 participants and the maximum is 36 or more.

The following are not included: travel to/from Omišalj, the tourist tax and basic drink package (€80/person, €40 for children under 16), beverages on board beyond the basic package, meals and drinks ashore, and tips for the crew and tour guides.

A guided bike tour includes a professional local guide who rides with you throughout the trip. The guide handles navigation, manages daily logistics, ensures safety, and shares cultural insights. In addition to the guide, you also have a support vehicle that transfers luggage, provides water/snacks, and offers on-route assistance or a lift whenever needed. You simply follow the guide and enjoy a fully supported experience.

Your guides are local cycling experts, fluent in English, with deep knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and food.

On our guided tours, we ensure you begin your ride feeling comfortable and well-supported. Your guide and local team play an active role in getting your bike properly set up.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

You’ll receive a full in-person bike fitting with your guide or local representative. This typically includes:

  • Adjusting saddle height
  • Moving the saddle fore–aft (small adjustments to move the saddle forward or back for better balance and comfort)
  • Fine-tuning handlebar height and reach (where adjustable)
  • Confirming pedal preference — flat pedals are provided by default. If you bring your own clip-in pedals, our guide will help install and adjust them
  • A short test ride to check comfort

Your guide will ensure everything feels right before the tour begins.

During the Tour

Throughout the trip, your guide will make additional adjustments whenever needed. This is especially helpful if you discover new comfort preferences after a few hours of riding.

What to Expect

Our guided tour bike fitting is hands-on, comfort-focused, and practical, ensuring you ride safely and enjoyably each day. It’s not a detailed workshop-level fit, but it covers all essential adjustments for multi-day touring.

For guided tours, we do not provide GPX files separately, as navigation is handled by your guide. On certain occasions, if you prefer more independence, we may offer app-based navigation access with the daily routes loaded. However, please understand that this may not always be possible and depends on the specific tour setup.

Our support vehicle is always close by to make your ride worry-free. It carries your luggage, water, snacks, and spare parts, and is there if you need a quick lift or just want to rest for a while. You’ll see it at regular intervals along the route and during meal or refreshment stops. The vehicle is also used for scheduled transfers and to ensure safety and comfort along the route.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

We’ve carefully planned the route so that most rides follow peaceful countryside roads, scenic bike paths, and quiet lanes well away from heavy traffic. On rare occasions, short stretches on busier roads may be necessary, but your guides will ensure these sections are managed safely.

While your tour price covers most of the main expenses, including accommodations, daily breakfast, and many meals, you may wish to budget for a few lunches or dinners not included in the itinerary, as well as drinks, snacks, or personal treats along the way. As a general guide, allow around US $20–40 per person per day for these additional expenses.

Our guided bike tours typically have 6–14 guests, allowing for a personalised experience.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

Tours run rain or shine, but we may adjust the route or schedule for safety. The support vehicle is always available.

Popular tours can sell out months ahead, especially in summer. Booking at least 9 months in advance ensures best availability.

We require a 10% deposit at booking. The balance is due 60 days before departure.

For full details, please see our cancellation policy here.

Yes. About 4 weeks before your trip, you’ll receive a Pre-Departure Information Pack with daily ride profiles, packing tips, meeting locations, and detailed itinerary.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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