Croatia Cycle: Istria and Islands

Croatia Cycle: Istria and Islands Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. After brief introductions to your guides and other group members, we leave immediately for the Slovenian Karst region (about an hour’s drive) and to the beginning of our ride in Kozina. This Karst region is a lovely landscape complete with olive groves, stone churches and quaint villages with red-tiled roofs. We bike part of the Karst plateau before decending to Hrastovlje and visiting the Church of the Holy Trinity. Built in the 12th century, this old church is famous for its narrative frescos including the “Dance Macabre” fresco with its twelve ghoulish skeletons. In the afternoon, we continue biking across the border from Slovenia into Croatia and onto the Istrian hill town of Motovun where we spend the next two evenings. Lunch (box lunch in van) and dinner included. Biking: hilly with lots of downhill; 22 miles.

• Day 2

  We are in the heart of Istria – an undulating landscape bedecked with medieval hilltop villages such as Motovun. This area is often likened to Tuscany but with many fewer people or developments. Motovun itself is a charming walled town with towers, gates, promenade, stone houses and cobbled streets. Italian influence can be seen everywhere in this region including the Italian appreciation for excellent wine, cheese, prosciutto and truffles. The world’s largest truffle, weighing almost three pounds, was unearthered here! Today we bike along the ridge to Groznjan, a charming hill town turned into small artist community. From Groznjan, we continue down to the beaches of the Adriatic. From Novigrad, we ride the bike to Porec, a place famous for its UNESCO World Heritage status due in part to having arguably the world’s best preserved Christian cathedral. We also visit the island town of Rovinj, perhaps the most Italian place in Croatia. Return to Motovun for the night.  Biking: 18 miles with optional additional 9 miles. All meals included.

• Day 3

  This morning we leave Istria for the islands! We drive to Brestova and catch a local ferry to Cres Island (half hour ride). The northern part of Cres is covered by dense forest of oak and beech and is a natural reserve for the endangered European griffon vulture. There are fewer than 150 of these huge birds (wingspan up to nine feet!) living in the wild. Back in the saddle, we ride the ridge towards Cres town dropping nearly 1900’ to sea level with the blue Adriatic on both sides. Cres is an “old world” town located on a deep bay and made up of pastel-colored houses. Enjoy some excellent pizza and glass of wine in one of the restaurants for lunch. This afternoon we bike back uphill (the van shuttle is always available) and head towards the island of Losinj.  The scenery is delightful … olive groves, stone walls, vineyards, shepherds and their sheep. We spend the next two nights in Mali Losinj.  Biking: 40 miles. All meals included.

• Day 4

  Today we slow down a bit to soak up the pace of Losinj. This lovely island is well known for its mild climate and the stunning clearness of the sea. Mali Losinj is situated on the southwest coast of the island on a large and well-proetected bay. It is the largest settlement on the Croatian islands and is steeped in a rich sea tradition. Today we do just a short bike trip taking time also to visit Veli Losinj, hike on one of the many walking trails to a ridgetop for a picnic lunch and big vista, swim in the warm Adriatic and sipping coffee along the marble promenade. Biking: 5 miles; hiking 2-3 hours. Breakfast and lunch included.

• Day 5

  Now for something completely different ... a day on the Adriatic Sea itself.  We bike from Mali Losinj back to Cres and to the end of the road at Punta Kriza. Here we are met by our seafaring captain and board a traditional gullet, a wooden motor sailing vessel, for the remainder of the day. On the broad stern of the gullet sit, relax and take in the spectacular coastal scenery as we cross over the Rab Island. Along the way we enjoy a scrumptious fish picnic. (This sailing is completely wind and weather dependent. If it is not possible to sail/motor we drive the coastline and take a ferry to Rab instead.). We spend this evening in the beautiful medieval town of Rab. If ever there was a museum town, Rab is it! Every building seems to be an historic monument contributing to the overall atmosphere defined by elegant belfries, palaces, Romanesque squares, lush gardens and a lovely seafront.  Biking: 16 miles; boating: between 3-4 hours. All meals included.

• Day 6

  We transfer to Pag Island today either by small fishing boat or ferry (weather dependent). Unlike the islands we’ve visited thus far, Pag offers an entirely different landscape. This long, skinny island is rocky, barren and beaten by the northeast wind born in the nearby coastal Velebit mountains.  There are actually many more sheep than people living on Pag. Its claim to fame is paski sir (hard cheese) and its stitched and crocheted lacework. We cross back to the mainland and continue to Zadar for the evening. Biking on Pag Island: 55 miles. All meals included.

• Day 7

  From Zadar we cross the narrow channel by ferry to the island of Ugljan where we jump on our bikes for spin down this narrow island to Pasman Island. The primary feature of Ugljan is its olive groves that have for hundreds of years produced an exceptional olive oil. Although sparsely populated today, habitation of Ugljan dates back to the Neolithic period. Crossing the bridge to Pasman, we continue our cycling. The island's well-preserved landscape contains many species of medicinal and aromatic herbs, vineyards, cultivated fields and olive groves. From the main town of Tkon in the south of Pasman, we take a ferry to Biograd-na-Moru and continue our transfer to the medieval, walled town of Trogir. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the Greek colonists in the third century B.C. and is considered a remarkable example of continued urban dwelling. The well-preserved town is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets with stone bridges, a 13th-century cathedral and 15th-century fortress built by the Venetians, a true step back in time. It’s completely charming! Farewell dinner in Trogir. All meals included.

• Day 8

  Depart today for hometown from the Split airport. Transfer on own to the airport (15-20 minutes from Trogir).

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

All accommodations in 4-star pensions/hotels; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; private transport throughout; bi-lingual cycling guide, support staff, support vehicle; 24-speed hybrid touring bikes; gullet and ferry crossings.

Roundtrip international airfare; airport transfers; travel insurance; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; optional gratuities to your guides; items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated Moderate Plus [3 - 4]. Cycling distances range 20 - 40 miles (1 day of cycling up to 55 miles) on hilly terrain. It’s an “up and down” routing. You should expect some long, gradual climbs and fun downhill rides. This trip is for active people in good health and who have experience with mountain hiking. Regular conditioning prior to the trip is essential so that you can fully enjoy both the beauty and ruggedness of this country.

May-June and September-October are probably the most pleasant times to travel in Croatia. The summer (July – August) crowds are not evident and the temperatures are not unbearably hot—great for cycling! While on the Istria peninsula you should expect day time temperatures to range from 64° - 70° and cooling off at night. The islands have a dry summertime Mediterranean climate with day time temperatures ranging between 75° - 85°.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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