Biking the Best of Croatia - Islands and National Parks

Day 1: Krk - Cres

Individual arrival to the boat in Omišalj on the island of Krk (connected by bridge to the mainland). After the check-in between 2 and 2:30 pm, the boat departs Omišalj around 3:00 pm for the island of Cres, the second largest island in the Adriatic, and one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia. Cres is a breathtaking place adorned by forests filled with oak trees, majestic cliffs along the coastline, and medieval hilltop towns. After dinner on board, there is a guided tour of the Old Town.

Day 2: Cres - Lošinj
18 miles/29 km

After breakfast, you begin to pedal from the city of Cres to Martinšica. 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: Lošinj - Molat
18 miles/29 km

You start the day with a loop bike ride on Lošinj. Lunch is enjoyed on board as the boat heads to Molat, one of the more secluded and unspoiled islands in Croatia. There you will take a second loop ride followed by dinner and relaxing overnight.

Day 4: Molat - Dugi Otok

Sailing to Dugo Otok, you will understand why its name translates to Long Island as it is 28 miles long by 3 miles wide. Today, there are a variety of sports to pick from, from cycling, kayaking, and hiking. Do all three if you’d like!

The ultimate destination is Telašćica Bay in the Telašćica Nature Park. In the late afternoon, there is the opportunity to go for a short hike up to the impressive, white cliffs that fall steeply into the blue sea below. In the bay of Telascica, you can spend the evening swimming from the boat, and the night is spent in the peaceful setting of the Telašćica Nature Park.

Day 5: Dugi Otok - Vodice
17 miles/27 km

In the morning, the boat takes you through the Kornati National Park, a starkly beautiful archipelago in crystal clear water known for its rich marine life, to Vodice. You start the first bike ride at the popular resort and soon cross the bridge to the island of Murter. You continue on to Vodice, dinner is on your own.

Day 6: Vodice - Skradin
22 miles/35 km

A scenic tour leads you from Vodice along quiet roads through tranquil villages of the Dalmatian hinterland to the beautiful city of Skradin at the foot of the Krka Canyon. In the afternoon, your guides will invite you to Mate Kornoba, a typical tavern, to sample some local specialties including wine, brandy, prosciutto, cheese and olives.

Day 7: Skradin - Šibenik

After breakfast, it is time to discover the unique naturally formed waterfalls of the national park of the Krka-Canyon, where you have the chance to explore the park. Afterward, the boat will take you out of the Krka river mouth and into the Adriatic to Šibenik. On a guided tour through the Old Town, you will pass the Cathedral of St. Jacob, which is under UNESCO World Heritage protection and is regarded as the most magnificent sacral buildings on the Adriatic coast.

Dinner is on your own tonight choosing from wonderful dining options.

Day 8: Šibenik - Šolta
11 miles/18 km

In the morning, you cast off once more and cruise to Primošten. After pedaling to Rogoznica, you set sail again for the island of Šolta.

Day 9: Šolta - Trogir
12 miles/19 km

Walled fields, numerous olive groves, locust beans and fig trees line the roads on today’s ride. The herb smells of lavender and rosemary accompany you along the tour through this island. You visit beekeeper Goran, whose combination of passion, humor and knowledge is a highlight for many guests.

You return to the boat for a cruise to Trogir, where you'll have a city tour and visit the traditional Trogir market. Well-preserved Trogir was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 and is home to a number of fascinating historic sights. Although the town’s history really starts with a Greek settlement in the 3rd century B.C., most of the charming walled and car-free medieval town was built as part of the Venetian Empire in the 15th through 18th centuries. Part of the city walls dates back earlier, to the 13th century.

The town was made for walking, and we recommend you devote at least a couple of hours to exploring. It won’t take much imagination to feel like you’re in the Middle Ages. Tip: Get up early tomorrow morning before the sun comes up, and spend time wandering the empty streets. Just about the only stores that are open are the bakeries, and it’s likely you’ll bump into a crew member picking up fresh, warm bread for your breakfast.

Given the number of superb traditional restaurants in town, most with outdoor dining, you’ll definitely enjoy dinner on your own tonight.

Day 10: Trogir - Zlarin
28 miles/45 km

You'll start off the day going inland from Trogir past rural villages to Primošten. Many magical views and the island of Čiovo are perfect for short breaks and photo stops–and you’ll have a picnic lunch along the way. You then cruise to Zlarin. Zlarin is a small island jewel not yet discovered by tourists and distinguished by its pristine nature and exceptionally rich historical and cultural heritage.

Day 11: Zlarin - Zadar
21 miles/34 km

After watching the sun rise over the Adriatic, you bid Zlarin farewell and cruise to the island of Pašman for today’s ride. Pašman is rich with numerous coves and sandy beaches, and you’ll experience many of them making your way nearly the full length of the narrow island. At the northern tip, you’ll cross a small bridge to the island of Ugljan, a green, mountainous island carpeted with olive groves and dotted with small fishing ports. As you explore the island, you can watch residents work fishing and cultivating olives and grapes and tending to visitors.

As you enjoy lunch on board, you cruise to Zadar, which for centuries was the absolute political, cultural and intellectual center of Dalmatia. You meet the guide for a walk through the lively city and learn about many fascinating facets of this extraordinary town, which dates back more than 3,000 years. In the evening, after dinner on your own, you can experience the world-famous “Sea Organ,” powered by waves forcing air through pipes. It’s a moving and hypnotic experience.

Day 12: Zadar - Rab
12 miles/19 km

After sailing in the morning, you will reach the island of Pag. In the harsh (some have called it “moonlike”) 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. On a city tour, you enjoy traditional Rab cake and spicy Pag cheese. The Rab cake (Croatian: Rapska torta) is a traditional spiral-shaped cake filled with almonds and Maraschino liqueur. According to legend, this cake was first prepared by nuns and served in 1177 to Pope Alexander III.

After dinner on your own, we can explore the narrow alleys with numerous cozy cafes.

Day 13: Rab - Krk
12 miles/19 km

After a short but scenic ride to the southern tip of Rab, you return to the island of Krk and anchor along the way for a refreshing swim. After reaching the island, you’ll have a guided tour followed by a visit to Konoba Nono for a tasting of local products like honey, oil and wine. Dinner tonight is again on your own.

Day 14: Krk - Omišalj
28 miles/45 km

The final ride takes you back from the town of Krk to where it all started: Omišalj. You’ll have an opportunity for lunch on your own, but save room for the farewell dinner on board.

Day 15: Omišalj

Individual departure.

The itinerary is accurate as of November 21, 2022, and is subject to change. Please note that weather and road conditions and other factors may cause last-minute changes to the itinerary, activities, and distances.