Sail & Cycle

Sail & Cycle Croatia Holidays

Prices from £369 to £499

 Departures in April & May, September & October

Want to experience MORE of a country? Then get up close and personal with a Sail & Cycle Holiday around Croatia.

At Sail Croatia we believe it’s important to really get under the skin of a country while you are on holiday.

Travelling to a new island or port every day, this truly unique trip allows you to indulge your love of the freedom cycling brings, whilst exploring the best of Croatia effortlessly. If you are looking for 7 days of exploration and discovery then our Sail & Cycle trips are for you.

Enjoy

• Cycling around the stunning Croatian islands and coastline
• The chance to explore ancient ports and historic towns by evening
• An experienced local guide to maintain bikes and accompany you
• A hearty breakfast and dinner prepared for you each day
• Spring and autumn departures for the best activity weather
• En suite facilities, more spacious cabins
• Large sundecks and restaurant facilities for relaxing after an active day
• A full bar with imported and local drinks from just £2
• Excellent value, trips from just £61/day inc. breakfast and dinner

Exclusive Sail & Cycle Routes

• We have a choice of 3 routes available. Click on the tabs above for more information.

About our Sail & Cycle Routes

Appealing to those with a love of cycling, Croatia provides a striking backdrop to winding mountain and countryside trails. Our routes may challenge you physically but will always astound you visually.

When you step off the beaten track and make your way down these quiet lanes and trails, your senses will be tantalised by aromas that would completely pass you by if you followed these routes by car or bus. Fields of lavender and rosemary nestle up against olive groves and fragrant vineyards. Cool pine forests provide shade from the glittering sunshine and fig trees and orange groves create a patchwork of fields running down to the edge of the dazzling Adriatic.

The colours are so much more vivid when you can pause to absorb them. The mellow rusts and golds of ancient walls and historic churches set off the dramatic green of cypress groves and contrast brilliantly with the sparkling blue of quiet bays and shimmering lagoons.

Hearty breakfasts are freshly prepared for you by our on board chef each day setting you up perfectly for the challenges ahead. Take a break from your trek with your tour group and enjoy lunch at small tavernas and guest houses before returning to your boat at the end of the day for a delicious meal on board. Finally you will be free to head out for the evening and absorb the warmth, sights, aromas and vibe of a balmy Croatian evening.

Fitness and cycles

It is recommended you have a reasonable level of fitness to participate on each of the rides, although there is often a decent mixture of levels to ensure you do not ride alone. The trips are guided and depending on the group dynamics for each trip we will do our best to cater for everyone. If you don't feel up to riding or feel a particular day may be too strenuous you can always choose to sit back and spend the day swimming or relaxing on the boat.

Some days are longer than others and technically harder. However, the average cycling distance is around 20-25 miles per day across varied terrain including light off-road trails, gravel roads and asphalted routes.

Our experienced local guides will be on hand every step of the way leading throughout the trip to show you the best of the island treasures. They will also be on hand to maintain the bikes and to ensure the technical aspects are taken care of. The bikes themselves are all 24 speed mountain bikes around a year old. The manufacturer is Trek (www.trekbikes.com), a US brand or Author (http://www.author.cz/), a popular Czech brand. Helmets are also provided if you hire the bikes with us. If you would prefer to bring your own bike you are most welcome and the bike hire supplement would not apply.

• Our Sail & Cycle departures are limited to spring and autumn which is best suited for cycling on the islands. If you are a large group of experienced cyclists (22 or more) we can tailor trips throughout the season subject to availability of our boats.
• Note that we will match single travellers up in cabins. If you prefer your own cabin there is a single supplement on top of the price above (50% of the price).
• Swimming breaks:Depending on the weather and time, we will have regular stops for swimming.
• All boat routes and cycle routes are dependent on the weather and how fit the group is and therefore may be changed by the captain or tour guide.
• Bike rental includes bikes equipped with bottle holder and helmet. Trek bikes are used on the Southern and Coastal Routes and Author bikes on the Northern Route.
• Our Sail & Cycle cruises are suitable for all ages and are popular with mature travellers. For travellers aged 21-35, we also have our Navigator cruises and for young professionals and young at heart travellers, we have our Explorer cruises.

Sail & Cycle Ships

Ensuite Ships – All have Ensuite Cabins (Shower & Toilet), Bunk Beds & Doubles Beds on Request

Southern Route

Travelling to a new island or port every day, this truly unique trip allows you to indulge your love of the freedom cycling brings, whilst exploring the best of Croatia effortlessly.

Departure Day: Saturdays (April, May, September & October)
Departure Time: 1PM
Finish Time: 9AMthe following Saturday
Please note: It is possible to finish on Friday evening as the boats will dock in Split around 5pm.

Itinerary: SPLIT - BRAC - HVAR - KORCULA - MLJET - PELJESAC - MAKARSKA - OMIS - SPLIT

Saturdays: SPLIT - BRAC ISLAND

We depart from Split harbour at 1pm, with lunch as your first meal instead of dinner. We will sail from the mainland to the island of Brac,a journey of about 2 hours. From here, you will start your first cycle ride, cycling to Boboviš─ça, a little hamlet set on the western side of Bra─ì just under the mountain top, overlooking the sea. You will be able to have a swim here or just a coffee. Upon return to Milna we suggest you take a ride along the coast. We spend the night in the harbour of Milna, whose picturesque natural stone houses border the deep bay.

Surface: Paved, gravel
Inclination: Partly hilly - partly flat
Highest point: 175 m
*Difficulty Level: 3
Approx. 17 km/11 miles of cycling

Sundays: BRAC ISLAND

This first stage begins with a climb to the crest of a hill, past fig trees, pine forests, olive groves and vineyards - the famous Vugaca (white) and Murvica (red) come from this island. The white stone visible here was used for the White House in Washington and the Reichstag in Berlin. At the 35km mark, you have the opportunity to try some local food and wine in the village of Gazul (lunch is optional and costs about 13 euros). The breathtaking panoramic views of the neighbouring island of Hvar on the descent to the beach at Bol are well worth the ascent! In Bol itself, you can visit the Golden Horn beach (about 2.5km from the port), take a swim or stroll through the local streets. The boat anchors for the night in Bol.

Surface: Paved, short part to Gaŝul village is gravel
Inclination: Very hilly, partly flat, last 8 km downhill
Highest point: 570 m
*Difficulty Level: 5
Approx. 45 km/28 miles of cycling time

Mondays: HVAR ISLAND (Jelsa - Starigrad - Hvar)

The island of Hvar, apart from being the longest in the Adriatic, is famous for its multi-coloured fields of rosemary and lavender. Hvar also receives more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the Adriatic (2718 hrs a year!). This stage makes its way through the many villages of the island with their picturesque stone houses via paved and gravel roads. From Jelsa, we head towards Vrboska and then down to Starigrad, one of Croatia's oldest towns (dating back to 385BC), where we will stop for a break. We continue on towards Hvar Town, passing through the villages of Grablje (known for its wine and olive oil) and Brusje. The day ends at the historical town of Hvar for an opportunity to visit the cathedral and Gothic palaces. You can also climb the Spanjol, the site of a medieval castle that overlooks the harbour. We spend the night in Hvar Town harbour.

Surface: Paved, gravel
Inclination: Flat on the way to Starigrad, hilly from Starigrad
Highest point: 415 m
*Difficulty Level: 4
Approx. 33km/20 miles of cycling

Tuesdays: KORCULA ISLAND

There are two possible routes here, depending on the fitness of the group: Vela Luka - Korcula (a strenuous 44km) or Ra─ìiš─çe - Lumbarda - Korcula (24km). The peaceful and secluded gardens of cypress trees here make Korcula one of the most beautiful of the Adriatic islands. Korcula claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo and the name can be seen all over the island. The final destination is the medieval town of Korcula with its attractive narrow streets and this is where we spend the night onboard the ship.

Surface: Paved
Inclination: Partly flat, partly hilly, last 5 km downhill
Highest point: 500 m
*Difficulty Level: 4 or 3
Approx. 44 km/28 miles or 24km/15 miles of cycling

Wednesdays: MLJET ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

While breakfast is served onboard, the boat will sail across to the island of Mjlet, also known as Honey-Island. Mljet is a beautiful island, featuring two lakes (Great Lake and Small Lake). In the twelfth century, Benedictine built a monastery here in a secluded spot, surrounded by pine and oak forests. Today this area is a National Park and the high point of any tour of Dalmatia. You can cycle around the National Park's salt-water lake, in which there is actually another island. After lunch, you are free to explore more of the island by bike or perhaps swim or kayak in the Small Lake. The boat will overnight in the port of Pomena on Mljet.

Surface: Paved, gravel
Inclination: Flat
Highest point: 65 m
*Difficulty Level: 1
Approx. 15 km/9 miles of cycling

Thursdays: PELJESAC - MAKARSKA

In the morning, the boat sets sail for Peljesac, which is actually a peninsula, but life here is very much like that on the islands. The day's cycling begins in Trstenik and takes you through the most famous wine growing area in Dalmatia and on to the town of Orebic. The climb is not an easy one but rewards you with a magnificent view of the neighbouring island of Korcula. You can then join the boat in Orebic or for those feeling energetic, continue on for a further 18km to Loviste, where lunch will be served onboard the boat. The boat finally cruises to Makarska, a popular resort at the base of the impressive Biokovo mountain range. The boat will moor up in either Baska Voda or Makarska for the night.

Surface: Paved
Inclination: Partly flat, party hilly to very hilly, last 6 km downhill
Highest Point: 940 m
*Difficulty Level: 4
Approx. 45 km/28 miles or 27km/17 miles of cycling

Optional Activities

• Guided Mountain Sunset Hike - Biokovo National Park (EUR45)

Fridays: OMIS - SPLIT

After breakfast, we will take our last bike ride of the week. The route takes us to Radmanove Mlinice, where the "Winnetou" movies were filmed,along the valley of the Cetina river right underneath the mountains. In Omis, you can visit the Mirabella fortress, which offers views over the channel towards Brac island. After lunch, the boat will sail back to the city of Split, where you can take a tour of the fascinating Roman Diocletian's Palace. After a relaxed city walk in this unique historic town, you return to your boat in the nearby harbour.

Surface: Paved
Inclination: Partly flat, partly hilly, last 6 km downhill
Highest point: 240 m
*Difficulty Level: 2
Approx. 12 km/7 miles of cycling

Optional Activities

• Bosnia/Mostar Day Trip (TBC)

Saturdays: SPLIT

Disembark at 9am after breakfast . Whether you are continuing on your exploration of the region on one of our Balkan Road Trips or simply catching a flight home - bon voyage!

*Difficulty Level rating from 1-5, with 5 the most difficult.

All of the activities offered on this itinerary are informative only and are for your planning benefit. These are booked and paid for locally if you wish to participate. There is no obligation to participate as they are purely optional. They are offered by local companies and do not form part of your booking with Sail Croatia. Prices are in Croatian Kunas and also approximates and subject to change. Some minimum numbers also apply.

Coastal Route

Sail & Cycle Coastal Itinerary

The Coastal Route takes in more of the mainland ports and also the Krka National Park. If you are looking for 7 days of exploration and discovery then our Sail & Cycle trips are for you.

Departure Day: Saturdays (May & September)
Departure Time: 1PM
Finish Time: 9AMthe following Saturday
Note it is possible to finish on Friday evening as the boats will dock in Split around 5pm.

Itinerary: SPLIT - ROGOZNICA/PRIMOSTEN - VODICE - KORNATI ISLANDS/DUGI OTOK - ZADAR - ZLARIN - KRKA - SPLIT

Saturdays: SPLIT - ROGOZNICA/PRIMOSTEN

Departure from Split harbour at 1pm. We sail out of Split and spend the afternoon swimming in a quiet bay, before enjoying an early dinner on the boat. The boat will overnight in the ports of Rogoznica or Primošten (depending on the situation in the port) - both are small villages that offer remarkable wine - the famous 'Babic' wine - and are both relaxing harbours to spend your first night onboard.

Sundays: ROGOZNICA/PRIMOSTEN - VODICE

After an early breakfast, we cycle from Rogoznica to Primosten (or vice versa), which includes a climb of about 250 metres before we again make our way down to the ship, where you can take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear water. Late afternoon, we sail to Vodice, a cosy harbour town, with a small park and many narrow winding streets. Here we enjoy dinner onboard the boat and overnight in Vodice.

Approx. 15km/9 miles of cycling

Mondays: VODICE - KORNATI ISLANDS & DUGI OTOK

We start the day by cycling from Vodice to the island of Murter, which is connected to the mainland by a drawbridge. The cycling today covers about 30km but without any major climbs. In the afternoon we sail out through the Kornati National Park, a group of small islands which are well-known for their great diversity of flora and fauna. We also visit the Telascica nature park on the southern island of Dugi Otok, which boasts fantastic views from the 100 metre high cliffs. Overnight and dinner onboard in Telascica on Dugi Otok.

Approx. 30km/19 miles of cycling

Tuesdays: DUGI OTOK - ZADAR

From the beautiful Telascica Park, we cycle along the beautiful panorama that is the length of Dugi Otok and has magnificent views to the west beyond the Adriatic, as well as to the east, where on a clear day, you can see the Velebit Mountains on the mainland. If you are feeling energetic, you can ride all the way to Brbinj, with a climb of about 380 metres. Alternatively, you can ride a shorter route in the Telascica nature park and take a slightly later departure by boat from Brbinj. In the afternoon, we sail towards the charming city of Zadar which historically has been the region's cultural and political hub. Enjoy the evening in Zadar and experience the mix of the old town and the modern art installations – ‘Monument To The Sun' and a water organ which is played using the sea waves. Overnight onboard in Zadar port.

Approx. 35 km/21 miles of cycling

Wednesdays: ZADAR - ZLARIN

We start the day with a short boat ride to the island of Ugljan which is linked to the island of Pasman. We will stop in the small port of Preko and from here, we cycle down small roads to Tkon where the ship awaits. During the ride, you can eat lunch in one of the small towns we pass through. In the afternoon we sail on to the idyllic island of Zlarin. The island is one of the few islands that does not allow cars so is perfect for cycling! Overnight and dinner onboard in Zlarin.

Approx. 30 km/19 miles of cycling

Thursdays: ZLARIN - KRKA NATIONAL PARK

We sail from Zlarin into Sibenik, where you can visit St James Cathedral, a UNESCO protected structure blending Gothic and Renaissance styles, and St Nicholas Fortress, which has beautiful views over the city and beyond. A barbecue lunch can be taken at a traditional style cafe before continuing through Krka National Park with its stunning waterfalls, which you can explore via the many wooden bridges along or over the waterfalls, and visit the small museums. Overnight in Skradin port.

Approx. 30 km/19 miles of cycling

Fridays: KRKA NATIONAL PARK - TROGIR & SPLIT

Early in the morning, we sail to Primosten to begin our last day on the bikes. There is a long rise from Primosten up to the plateau which gives you a spectacular view over the bay and of your descent down to Trogir. The old town of Trogir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, the boat will then take you back to Split for your last night on the boat. In the evening, you can explore the fascinating Diocletian’s Palace before returning to your boat in the harbour.

Approx. 45 km/28 miles of cycling

Saturdays: SPLIT

Disembark after breakfast. Whether you are continuing on your exploration of the region on one of our Balkan Road Trips or simply catching a flight home - bon voyage!

Optional Activities

• Bosnia/Mostar Day Trip (TBC)

All of the activities offered on this itinerary are informative only and are for your planning benefit. These are booked and paid for locally if you wish to participate. There is no obligation to participate as they are purely optional. They are offered by local companies and do not form part of your booking with Sail Croatia. Prices are in Croatian Kunas and also approximates and subject to change. Some minimum numbers also apply.

Northern Route

Sail & Cycle Northern Itinerary

Travelling to a new island or port every day, this truly unique trip allows you to indulge your love of the freedom cycling brings, whilst exploring the best of Croatia effortlessly. If you are looking for 7 days of exploration and discovery then our Sail & Cycle trips are for you.

Departure Day: Saturdays (April, May, September & October)
Departure Time: 1PM
Finish Time: 9AMthe following Saturday
Note it is possible to finish on Friday evening as the boats will dock in Zadar around 6pm.

Itinerary: ZADAR - MOLAT - MALI LOSINJ - CRES - KRK - RAB - PAG - ZADAR

Saturdays: ZADAR - MOLAT

The cruise begins in Zadar where the boat leaves for the island of Molat at 13.00. During the sailing you have the opportunity to get to know the ship, crew and fellow travellers. Molat is one of the the smallest island in the region. The village of Molat has only one shop and one bar! The first cycle ride goes through the inland part of the island to the village of Zapuntel and back again to Molat village, where we overnight.

Surface: Paved
Highest point: 82 m
*Difficulty Level: 2
Approx. 19km/12 miles of cycling

Sunday: MALI LOSINJ

From Mali Losinj, we cycle to the fishing village of Veli Losinj and visit one of the many bays surrounded by pine trees on the Cikat peninsula. Overnight in Mali Losinj, in the harbour area that contains many numerous cafes and many colourfully painted house fronts.

Surface: Paved
Highest point: 65 m
*Difficulty Level: 2-3
Approx. 18km/11 miles of cycling

Monday: LOSINJ & CRES ISLANDS

Today, we will cycle along almost the full length of the island of Losinj through pine and laurel trees on the panoramic route towards the island of Cres. Our first stop is the artistic village of Osor, which links Losinj island with Cres via a bridge. Here you have chance to go back to your boat and have a relaxing afternoon sailing or to take another more strenuous part of the cycling towards the fishing village of Martinscica, where the ship will be waiting for you.

Surface: Paved
Highest point: 75 m or 180m
*Difficulty Level: 2 or 4
Approx. 20km/12 miles or 44km/27 miles of cycling

Tuesday: KRK

Today we sail across to the island of Krk where we will spend two days exploring. From Krk, we cycle over the peninsula and around the bay, onto the natural port of Punat, before returning to Krk, where we spend the night on the ship and have dinner.

Surface: Paved
Highest point: 55 m
*Difficulty Level: 2
Approx. 16km/10 miles of cycling (longer cycling routes available from the guide locally).

Wednesday: KRK

For our second day on Krk island, we cycle over the ridge of Krk island through a valley of vineyards and olive groves, then onwards to the small museum town of Vrbnik in the northeast. Built on a high cliff and surrounded by vineyards, Vrbnik is the home of the golden Zlahtina wines. These should definitely be tried after a stroll through the cobbled streets and a visit to the ancient glagolitic stone writings. In Vrbnik you will also see the narrowest street in the world! Will you manage to squeeze down it?

Surface: Paved
Highest point: 150 m
*Difficulty Level: 3
Approx. 30km/19 miles of cycling
(longer cycling routes available from the guide locally).

Thursday: RAB

While we enjoy breakfast the boat will take us to Lopar on the island of Rab. From there our biking path will lead us to a sandy beach which is very unusual for this part of Croatia! After that we cycle through the interior of the island, past the beautiful bay of Supetarska Draga and towards the ancient walled city of Rab with its four famous bell towers, fortifications and spectacular location. Around noon our boat will be just outside the old town of Rab in the harbour and after lunch you will have opportunity to enjoy the old town atmosphere or to cycle more to the nature reserve of ‘Dundo’ oak forest on the peninsula Kalifront and back to Rab. Overnight in the port of Rab.

Surface: Paved
Highest point: 90 m
*Difficulty Level: 2
Approx. 25km/16 miles of cycling or 46km/29 miles of cycling (inc. Kalifront)

Friday: PAG

After a short crossing to the island of Pag we start a tour along the beautiful landscape of the island. We begin in the small port of Tovarnele, pass through the village of Lun with its thousand year old olive tree and many stone walls that were built over the centuries by Pag’s inhabitants. From here, we then head down the island to Novalja, where we will have lunch on the boat. We will then sail back to the port of Zadar, where we overnight.

Surface: Paved
Highest point: 130 m
*Difficulty Level: 3-4
Approx. 21km/13 miles of cycling

Saturday: ZADAR

Disembark after breakfast. Whether you are continuing on your exploration of the region or simply catching a flight home - bon voyage!

*Difficulty Level rating is graded 1-5, with 5 being the most difficult.

Prices

2013 Prices

The prices below are for our Sail & Cycle Cruises in 2013.

Prices vary based on the date of departure you wish to travel on:

Ensuite Ships - Private Cabins with Ensuite (Shower & Toilet).

On each ship there are Above and Below Deck cabins which differ in price:

• Above Deck Cabins are on the main deck of the ship and may be arranged across 2 levels.
• Below Deck Cabins are within the hull of the ship below the main deck.

All Prices are per person and are in GBP (£). 

Excursions

Excursions

Below is one of our most popular excursions that you can enjoy along your itinerary. These are booked whilst on the cruise on days which coordinate with the itinerary you select. Please see the itinerary for available excursions and departure days. Please note not all excursions are available on all itineraries and they are subject to availability and dependent on weather and other operating factors.

Mostar & Bosnia Day Trip - (price TBC)

• Experience Bosnia-Herzegovina’s most beautiful city
• View the iconic ‘Stari Most’ or Old Bridge
• Discover Ottoman & Turkish history
• Learn about the deeply entwined and diverse cultures

Mostar is a city of contrasts: wide avenues, narrow streets, the traditional Turkish bazaar and Parisian-style boulevards - a city in which the culture and art of the east and west meet. The most magnificent monument is the Stari Most (Old Bridge), built in 1566 according to the plans of Hayruddin, the master Turkish architect and builder. When the Stari Most collapsed after sustained tank shelling in 1993 it was like the heart was ripped out of most Mostar natives. Now, more than a decade later, the beautiful stone structure that had spanned the Neretva River for over four centuries once again arches across its enchanting waters.

From: Split, every Saturday morning after the end of the cruise.

Tour includes: Kravica waterfalls en route to Mostar, guided tour in Mostar town (including entrance to 2 museums) and return transport to Split.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions – Sail & Cycle

Q: What day does the trip leave?

A: All boats depart on Saturdays at 1pm.

Q: What time do the trips finish?

A: All boats return to port on the Friday night and you disembark early after breakfast on the Saturday morning by 9am.

Q: What are the cabins like?

A: They usually have 2 beds in them, often bunk beds. On some boats, there is a triple cabin or double bed available. We can check at the time of booking if you request this. Click on Ensuite boats for more details.

Q: What is the difference in above deck and below deck?

A: Simply put, above deck is above the main deck of the boat. Below deck is in the hull of the boat. A benefit with the cheaper below deck is often they are much cooler as they don't heat up as much during the day. The big benefit with the above deck is they are on the top of the deck with views out to the ocean. Please note that on some of the Ensuite boats the above deck cabins are located on 2 levels, i.e. on deck and upper deck.

Q: I am travelling by myself. Why is there a single supplement?

A: If you are willing to share your cabin, there are NO single supplements on the Sail & Cycle cruises. However, if you prefer to have a cabin to yourself, we need to levy a single supplement which is 50% of the cruise price.

Q: Is food included?

A: Breakfast and dinner is included every day. Lunch is not included as we encourage you to try the local cuisine whilst you are out cycling during the day. Our guide can offer some suggestions on the best places to go. On some days, lunch may be provided instead of dinner if this fits in better with the day’s itinerary – the guide will advise you of this during the week. The breakfasts are simple continental style, with breads and spreads. You can pay onboard for a cooked breakfast each morning at a supplement of 40 euros for the week.

Q: I am a vegetarian or have a special meal request - do you cater for me?

A: We don't cook specifically for vegetarians or travellers with special meal requests. Dinner usually includes soup or pasta as a starter, some meat or fish, vegetables as side dish, salad and dessert. The vegetarians will enjoy larger amounts of vegetables and salad. To have it on your plate from the first day of the cruise, please advise us at the time of your booking that you are vegetarian. If you are allergic to some sorts of food, please specify in advance what it includes. We will put a note beside your name on the list of guests so the crew can be prepared. At the time of your check-in, please introduce yourself to your cook or waiter so they are aware of who you are and you can discuss anything in particular with them.

Q: Can I bring food and drink onboard?

A: You cannot bring food and drink onboard the boat, except for specific dietary requirements. Each boat has its own bar and drinks consumed here (including bottled water) must be purchased at the bar. You can pay a supplement onboard of 20 euros for the week which entitles you to 1.5 litres of bottled water per day.

Q: What are the bikes like?

A: The bikes are all 24 speed mountain bikes around a year old. The manufacturer is Author (http://www.author.cz/), a popular Czech brand or Trek (www.trekbikes.com), a US brand. Helmets are also provided. If you would prefer to bring your own bike/helmet, you are most welcome. Please note: We are looking at changing our bikes slightly for our 2013 season. This will be updated early in the new year

Q: Do you have to cycle every day? How fit do you need to be?

A: There is no obligation to cycle every day – you can choose to have a day relaxing on the boat if you wish. You need a reasonable level of fitness for the cruise due to the distances covered each day. Each cruise usually has a range of cyclists and the guide will take into account that some will cycle at a slower pace.

Q: How much spending money do you think I will need to take with me?

A: It is difficult to specify the money that you can spend per day. As a general rule, Euro 25 to Euro 30 or GB £25 to £30 per day can provide you with additional meals and optional entrances.

Q: Are there powerpoints on the boats?

A: Yes. There are European points which can be used for charging phones, cameras and use of hairdryers, etc. These are different for each boat but are generally located in the main salon area on all boats and in the cabins on Ensuite boats only.

Q: Do you sail from island to island?

A: Essentially the boats are motor cruisers which enable the boats to take in more islands and get from point to point as per the schedule. Sails do go up on the boats if the winds are good but the wind isn't reliable enough to allow the boats to keep to the itineraries so we cruise most of the time.

Q: How do I get to Split?

A: Easyjet, Wizzair and Croatia Airlines fly into Split on a regular basis from the UK. Many travellers also fly into Ancona and catch the overnight ferry to Split on Friday night at 9pm and arrive Saturday morning at 7am. There are quite a few options - our Getting There page has more details.

Q: How do I find the boats?

A: The boats are located in the main harbour in Split. From Split airport, there are regular shuttle buses to the harbour taking about 45 minutes. The main bus and train stations in Split are opposite the harbour. Your confirmation invoice will have your boat name on it and there are representatives on the quayside who can assist you.

Q: Should I book the ferry from Ancona to Split?

A: Yes. You run the risk of the ferries being full. Overnight ferries go most nights but not all. Please check the departure dates before booking your flights. You can visit www.jadrolinija.hr to view timetables and connections.

Q: How do I get to Opatija?

A: The best option is to fly into Rijeka, Trieste or Ljubljana and catch a local bus to Opatija. We can organise taxi transfers if you prefer. The journey is around 100km altogether. The boats depart from the main harbour in Opatija.

Q: I am South African. How do I get a visa?

A: Once your booking has been confirmed we will email you your pre-departure documents and you will be able to apply at the Croatian Embassy. It is a simple formality for the Croatian Embassy to process which rarely encounters problems. If you plan on visiting Bosnia you will also need a visa for entry here. Please note that if you plan on catching a bus between Split and Dubrovnik, the route goes through Bosnia.

Q: Which is the best trip?

A: Each trip has its own appeal. The most popular is the Southern Route as this starts and finishes in Split, which has good transport links and is an interesting city to see. The Northern Route is a little more ‘off the beaten track’ and is popular with guests who want to see slightly quieter islands or who have already been to Split and the nearby islands. The Coastal Route is a little easier in terms of the cycling mileage covered and takes in more of the mainland than the islands.

Q: I was thinking of just catching buses and ferries around?

A: The advantage of doing a trip with us is that our guides have the local knowledge and we can take you to the hidden spots. We can stop for a swim and have time to discover small bays and islands. With accommodation on board the boats, you have more time to explore the towns and ports and there’s no rushing around chasing ferry connections.

Q: What nationality are the crew?

A: Our crews are Croatian. They are local people showing you the best of their own culture.

Q: Do the crew speak English?

A: Most do but not all, however there will be at least one crew member that will speak English on the boat and they will be responsible for looking after you. You can expect to encounter traditional people with traditional values. They are excellent hosts and go out of their way to ensure you have a fantastic trip.

Q: How many people are on the boats?

A: This depends on the size of the boats. They accommodate from 20 to 40 people. The average boat size is around 28 people.

Q: What age and nationality are the passengers?

A: All ages - we don't discriminate on age. The boats usually have a mix of couples and single travellers. The average age is usually about 45. Our boats usually have a broad mix of European and Antipodean travellers.

Q: How do I make sure I am on the same boat as my friends?

A: Each group has a group leader. This person is responsible for coordinating with each of you to ensure you all know what boat you are on. If you friends have already booked, we can add you onto their booking and you can still pay for your trip separately.

Q: Who owns the boats?

A: The boats are owned and operated by their crew who often sail in the summer and work on their boats or at other professions in the winter. They are locally owned and are often from the small ports you will visit along the way. Our management company in Croatia ensures all boats and crew operate to a high standard. We use your feedback to monitor the ongoing success of our operations.

Q: What are the typical temperatures in Croatia during the season?

A: Average temperatures in Croatia in degrees celsius are:

Apr 17

May 21

Sep 25

Oct 21