Last season we had the chance to head to Croatia and experience the Kvarner Bay Bike and Boat tours first-hand. I say 'tours' as on board the boat, you'll get a choice to either ride the MTB version throughout the week, or the touring version. I opted for the latter, and my partner, the downhill maniac, opted for the MTB.
Cruising the Islands
Relax and enjoy the Croatian scenery.
We were blessed to have on board a brilliant group of individuals from all over the world – the USA, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, and the UK – to share the week with. Even with a wide mix of abilities, experience, age, gender and personalities, everyone seemed to have a superb time, which really reflected well on the team providing a genuinely fulfilling tour for such a wide range of participants. Most of this was due to excellent guides in good supply and their detailed communication with us before, during and after the rides each day. The well-thought out routes and flexibility built in also added to the generous nature of the tour.
Touring Kvarner Bay
Enjoy the quiet country roads and trails.
On further reflection post-tour, it really is such a great idea to merge MTB and touring groups on one boat in this way. The interesting conversations and friendships that were formed both within and across the groups, and the fact that couples or friends with differing cycle preferences can still enjoy a vacation together is quite the coup!
Our Two Groups Together
Fantastic company and epic views on tour.
The crew onboard our boat, Linda, were incredible. Professional and friendly, efficient and jovial, they were just wonderful. The meals cooked by the onboard chef exceeded our expectations daily with plentiful wholesome and tasty food in constant supply. As a vegetarian I was also really happy with the diversity and choice provided.
Our Home for the Week
Beautiful Linda was spacious and characterful.
The cherry on top of it all was of course, the sublime scenery. Cruising from island to island, bicycle touring and exploring by foot, with afternoon cruises and plenty of areas of the boat to relax in, either for those looking for privacy or conversation, the Kvarner Bay scenery was a dream come true.
MTB Croatia's Islands
Awesome trails, views and camaraderie.We both found the biking invigorating, exhilarating and just good fun. Care was taken to stop often and to share local history and interesting information but there was also plenty of time and opportunity for quality cycling (or mountain biking). On a few occasions, the two groups would meet part way through the day and go for a coffee or ice cream (or beer!) together before meeting back at the boat for lunch and a cruise to the next island. There, we'd often have a walking tour, find our own dinner with new friends and soak up the culture. Simply divine.
Visit Beautiful Spots Along the Way
Plenty of stops to explore Croatia's islands are included.
We'd both highly recommend the Kvarner Bay tours without hesitation – for mountain bikers and tourers alike. E-bikes are also available, which are excellent, especially, in my experience, during hotter periods. Escape to Croatia this year!
Contact us with any questions or check out the tours themselves below. Or, if you like the idea but would prefer to explore elsewhere, we have similar tours in Greece and Turkey, or other parts of Croatia.
