Hotels, Apartments, Holiday Resorts & Mobile Homes

Vacation Rentals

General

Cruises on Motorized Sailing Boats

Island Hopping by Bicycle

Charter of a Motorized Sailing Boat

Hotels, Apartments, Holiday Resorts & Mobile Homes

Check-in and Check-out

Check-in is usually possible on the day of arrival from 2:00 pm, and you need to check-out on the day of departure until 10:00 am. Especially in the high season, in some hotels and resorts it may happen that your accommodation is available from 4:00 pm or 5:00 pm, and you need to check-out until 9:00 am on the day of departure. We kindly ask you for your understanding, but on some dates the number of check-ins and check-outs requires this time to make your property as clean and tidy as you would expect.

Hotel Rooms

The room descriptions on this website are based on the actual conditions in the respective hotels. However, it may be that a hotel has e.g. rooms with balcony or towards the seaside, which I.D. Riva Tours doesn't have under contract. Decisive for the booked room amenities are the details on the booking screen (room selection), as well as in the confirmation and on the voucher).

Most hotels have double rooms which offer enough space for an extra bed. However, in some rooms it can become quite narrow with an extra bed. The extra bed can be a sofa bed or be smaller than a regular bed. In addition, many hotels also offer room types which are not listed in the description, e.g. four bedded rooms, double rooms with connecting doors (so-called family rooms), or apartments (suites). Rooms which are not listed in the description are available upon request only.

"Seaside "

In contrast to sea view, seaside in room descriptions means that these rooms are generally located on the seaward side of the hotel. In some hotels, such rooms also have partial sea view. Because the nature protection has a high priority in Croatia, and is also enshrined in the Constitution, it is possible that the sea view is limited by trees or even blocked.

Facilities in Hotels and Holiday Resorts

Please note that a variety of hotel facilities that are listed in the descriptions, especially in the off-season is not always available. Some hotels are in winter and spring renovated at great expense in order to improve the standard and to meet the strict criteria of categorization.

It may happen that e.g. the swimming pool will be in function not until June, or even final renovations are still carried out. Another aspect is the privatization: The majority of hotel facilities such as cafés, souvenir shops, hairdresser's shops or clubs are in possession of private entrepreneurs, so that they are no longer part of the hotel company. Some operators e.g. open the beauty salon in June or stop operating due to unprofitability. Another one converts a barber shop into a souvenir shop or possibly a fitness room into a disco. Therefore, it is possible that certain facilities are no longer present in the upcoming season, or that new facilities have been added.

Indoor pools and saunas are usually in July and August (sometimes as early as June) closed, outdoor swimming pools often unheated. Air conditioning systems are sometimes turned on only in extreme heat or during certain hours.

In many hotels, parasols and sunbeds at the pool are included in the price. Since these are available only at limited numbers, there is basically no right to get sunbeds and parasols. Parasols and sunbeds at the beach are always subject to charge, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Payable On-site

While the use of outdoor and indoor swimming pools, as well as fitness rooms, is usually included in the price, most of the other services are not included and are payable on-site. This especially applies for sauna, massage, spa treatments, beauty treatments, safe, telephone and internet – even if this is not explicitly mentioned in the description.

"All Inclusive"

Usually, "All Inclusive" services are provided in the hotel and at the outdoor swimming pool, but not at the beach. The drinks selection of "All Inclusive" is limited, so there is usually only one type of each red and white wine by the glass, draught beer, and only local spirits (e.g. no whisky). Bottled wine and beer are to be paid separately. Sports are not unlimited, e.g. the available tennis courts are allocated in the evening before or in the morning of the same day. It may also happen that there are not always enough sunbeds and parasols at the pool available for all guests – a legal entitlement is excluded. In the "All Inclusive" hotels, guests have usually to wear plastic bracelets that throughout the stay cannot be removed or is being destroyed upon removal. For the replacement of a destroyed bracelet a fee may be charged by the hotel. The "All Inclusive" services start with the check-in upon arrival (usually at 2:00 pm) and end with the check-out on the departure day (usually at 9:00 or 10:00 am).

"Lucky Deal"

When booking our "Lucky Deal", the accommodation may take place in rooms which are not described on this website, such as rooms without balcony.

If in a particular hotel drinks at dinner are included (see "Extras included" in the hotel descriptions), this applies to reservations at the regular price only. When booking such a hotel as "Lucky Deal", a mandatory surcharge of € 21 per person per week will be charged (children under 15 years € 10).

With "Lucky Deal" bookings, no discounts from our "Special Deals" can be granted.

Sports & Activities

All sports and activities have to be paid on-site, unless otherwise specified in the descriptions (e.g. All Inclusive). Sports are offered mostly by private entrepreneurs and are not in the responsibility of the hotel companies. Sports listed in the descriptions were offered in the past season – as a tour operator we don't have any influence if they will be offered in the next (current) season as well. Furthermore, various sports activities sometimes are not available in the off-season.

If you are booking a location primarily because of a specific facility (e.g. diving center), we recommend you to ask prior to your trip if this facility will be available.

Animation programs are usually performed according to the number of guests (i.e. from late May or early June until September), in some hotels only during the school holidays (July/August). The same applies for dance music.

Apartments in Holiday Resorts and Mobile Homes

The number of beds in the apartments and mobile homes you will see from the description or on the booking screen (accommodation choice). The rental prices are, unless otherwise specified, per unit and day, regardless of a possibly smaller number of persons or potential children.

In exceptional cases, the rental price is depending on occupancy. There are e.g. 4-6 persons apartments whose rental price is based on a 4 person occupancy, while for 5 or 6 persons a higher price applies.

It is not permitted to exceed the number of persons specified in the description or on the booking screen (accommodation choice).

The prices include: Rental fees, electricity, gas and water consumption, and assistance/representative at the the destination. With apartments, the final cleaning is included, but not cleaning during your stay.

The equipment meets mediterranean standards: kitchen or kitchenette with 2-4 electric or gas burners (an oven is usually not available), refrigerator (no freezer), pots, dishes, glasses and cutlery, matched to the respective number of beds. Electrical appliances such as toasters and blenders are usually not available, and often no filter coffee makers, although more and more apartments are being equipped with filter coffee makers.

In most apartments, towels and dish towels are available, unless otherwise indicated in the description. Bed linen is generally available, and is usually being changed weekly, towels usually twice a week. Regarding cleaning equipment, usually are available a bucket, mop, broom, dustpan and brush. Cleaning supplies such as scouring, washing-up liquid, or as pot scourers must be purchased by the tenants or bring your own. The same goes for toilet paper, usually on arrival is one role there.

In mobile homes, towels and bed linen are usually not available and can be hired (payable on-site). Furthermore, the final cleaning is usually not included in the rental price, and must also be paid on-site (see information in the object descriptions). The same applies for sojourn tax and registration fee.

"Beds" in the descriptions can be also sofa beds or folding couches (especially in studios or living rooms).

"Special Deals"

Many hotels and resorts grant "early bird discount", e.g. 10%, 15% or 20% discount for bookings made up to a certain date. Additionally, for certain dates we are offering "pay 6 days – stay 7 days", or "pay 12 days – stay 14 days". Basically in overlapping seasons, the days of the cheaper season are granted free, i.e. the first days for stays before 1st August, and the last days for stays after 1st August. All rebates and discounts of our "Special Deals" are granted on the base prices. Surcharges for meals in apartments or extra meals in hotels (e.g. half board supplement when the base price is for bed & breakfast, or full board supplement when the base price is for half board) have to be paid for the actual length of stay.

A combination of "early bird discount" with other discounts (unless otherwise indicated) of our "Special Deals" is excluded, as well as a grant of these discounts for "Lucky Deal" bookings. The minimum stay for granting of these discounts is 7 nights, unless otherwise indicated (e.g. pay 4 – stay 5).

Services

The indicated prices include: The booked accommodation in the hotel, apartment, or mobile home, catering as stated in the description repectively in the confirmation and voucher, service charges and assistance at the destination. Unless otherwise indicated, the sojourn tax is included in the price.

Arrival

If you arrive by your own car, you are often flexible in selecting the day of arrival. The possible days of arrival are indicated in the price grid on the object page, as well as on the booking screen (calendar to select the desired check-in and check-out dates).

When booking our "Lucky Deal", check- in and check-out are always on Saturdays.

Minimum Stay

The minimum stay is between 3 and 7 nights (depending on the period), at the Plitvice Lakes only 1 or 2 nights. Bookings with shorter stays than indicated cannot be made online. You may send us a request for shorter stays, a sucharge of 20% to 50% of the regular price will be charged.

Parking

Parking lots of hotels or holiday resorts are only guarded when explicitly indicated in the object description. "Security" doesn't mean that the parking lot is secured permanently, but that a security guard is patrolling the hotel compound at night, including the parking lot. The vehicles are not insured against burglary, theft or damage, although some hotel companies demand parking fees. Neither the hotel company nor I.D. Riva Tours can be held liable for damages. At some hotels and holiday resorts, the number of parking places is limited – there is no claim to get a parking place close to the accommodation.

Vacation Rentals

Check-in

Check-in is possible on the day of arrival from 4:00 pm. If arriving earlier, it may happen that your accommodation is still being cleaned up for you.

If it becomes apparent that you will be arriving in the evening or even the next day, please inform your host or our assistance. Their phone numbers will be provided with the travel documents (voucher).

The number of persons arriving may not exceed the number of persons indicated in the description of the booked accommodation. This does not apply to babies under two years (a possibly needed baby cot you need to bring yourself, unless otherwise confirmed). If more persons are arriving than booked, the host may refuse to enter the property, or demand a surcharge at his own discretion.

Check-out

The property must be vacated by 10:00 am on the day of departure. If you intend to leave very early in the morning, please inform your host at least one day prior to departure.

Minimum Stay

The minimum stay is between 4 and 7 nights (depending on the period), at the Plitvice Lakes only 1 or 2 nights. Bookings with shorter stays than indicated cannot be made online. You may send us a request for shorter stays, a sucharge of 20% to 50% of the regular price will be charged.

Equipment

(often freezer), as well as cooking pots, dishes and cutlery, matching the number of persons. Electrical appliances such as mixers are usually not available, toasters and filter coffee machines predominantly.

Bed linen is provided in all accommodation units, i.e. upon arrival the beds are freshly covered. Also, towels and tea towels are provided by the host – however, beach towels you must bring your own.

As cleaning equipment, usually are present bucket, mop, broom, hand-brush and dustpan. Cleaners such as scouring, washing up liquid, or as pot scourers must be purchased or brought by the guests. The same goes for toilet paper, usually on arrival is a role there.

Beds may be folding couches as well, especially in studios or living rooms. Beds are often only 90 x 190 cm in size, queen-size beds are typically 140 to 160 cm wide.

Any damaged equipment such as broken dishes, or misused towels and sheets which cannot be cleaned anymore, have to be reimbursed to the host.

Swimming Pools

Due to weather conditions, swimming pools are usually in function from about mid-May to mid-October.

Surcharges and Additional Services

Final cleaning, electricity, gas, and water consumption are included in the rental price, while the costs of possible phone calls or internet use are payable on the spot.

Some hosts are offering to prepare breakfast, lunch or dinner. Please agree the price for such addtional services at the beginning of your stay. These services are payable on the spot, unless they are already booked and paid. Some hosts also offer their own agricultural products such as ham, cheese, eggs, honey, wine, brandy, fruits and vegetables for sale. Also in this case we recommend that you agree the price to avoid later surprises.

The same applies to bicycle or boat rental, excursions offered by the host, as well as to baby cots and pets.

Air Conditioning

Not only electricity, gas and water consumption, but also the use of air conditioning is included in the rental price, as far as air conditioning is indicated in the object description. We kindly ask you to observe a few rules. During the operation of air conditioning, windows and exterior doors must be kept closed, otherwise the cooling is literally "thrown out the window." Please turn the air conditioning off when you leave the accommodation. The desired room temperature will be achieved within a few minutes after your return.

For air conditioning running while you are away, or when windows are opened, the owner claims the right to ask for compensation.

Damage of Fixtures and Equipment, Compensation

Unlike most other vacation rental providers, we deliberately refrain from requiring a deposit on arrival. The vast majority of our clients did not disappoint us and treated the fixtures and equipment carefully and properly.

Of course, this does not mean that possible damages of the property or equipments do not need to be reimbursed. This is related i.e. to broken dishes, or misused towels and sheets which cannot be cleaned anymore, but also for damages to washing machines, dishwashers, whirlpools, etc., caused by improper operation or use. This includes the operation of air conditioning when external doors and windows are open, as well as while you are away from the accommodation. If there are no operation manuals for electrical devices, and you are not quite sure how they work, please ask your host.

Upon arrival, the host or another authorized person will show you the accommodation, and hand it over to you. At the end of your stay, i.e. at check-out, a mutual inspection will take place. If there should be determined damages to the property or its equipment, the client (tenant) is obliged to pay an appropriate compensation to the host (lessor).

In case of damages or possibly unpaid bills for addtional services, I.D. Riva Tours is contractually obliged to ensure compensation for the host (lessor). This means that I.D. Riva Tours is obliged to take legal action in the client's (tenant's) home country to obtain compensation.

Distance to the Beach

This pictogram indicates the distance to the nearest beach. This may well be a natural beach, while an equipped beach, e.g. belonging to a hotel or holiday resort, is farer away.

General

Representatives and Assistance

I.D. Riva Tours has an extensive network of its own representatives at almost all places. During your stay in hotels or holiday resorts, they will take care about you, and give assistance whenever needed. You will find their consultation hours either on the information board, or in the information book in your hotel. Just at a few places, as well as on the islands of Korcula and Mljet, you will be assisted by our partner agencies. With your travel documents (voucher), you will get the phone numbers of our offices in Croatia.

For vacation villas, holiday homes, and private accommodation, our offices in Porec, Zminj, Medulin, Zadar, and Trogir are responsible. With your travel documents (voucher), you will get the phone numbers (landlines and mobile) of our offices and representatives.

When making a cruise, our representatives will welcome you at the port of embarkation. During your cruise, there are no representatives or tour guides aboard, except on our active cruises (Islandhopping by Bicycle, Active & Cappuccino, and hiking cruises).

Sojourn Tax

The sojourn tax, imposed by the Croatian authorities, is already included in our prices. The only exceptions are our cruises on motorized sailing boats, as well as a few holiday resorts and campsites (see references in the object descriptions).

Open Air Events

Please keep in mind that you spend your vacation in a Mediterranean country, where night life mostly takes place outdoors. Live music is being played on terraces, open air discoteques are opening during the summer, and at some places people are celebrating and partying spontaneously outdoors – this is what makes the Mediterranean joie de vivre. If you are looking for absolute peace and quiet during your vacation, you should make sure that your desired destination is explicitly described as quiet, e.g. our vacation rentals in rural areas.

Pets (Dogs)

Please refer to the corresponding object descriptions (pictograms), to see in which hotels, holiday resorts, and vacation rentals pets are allowed. Usually, the appropriate fees are indicated there as well.

At our vacation rentals, the fee is € 7 per pet per day, and have to be paid directly on the spot. "On request" means that the lessor accepts pets generally, but that he will decide individually, depending on the breed and size of dogs. Please keep in mind that at some of our vacation rentals, chickens or ducks are on the loose. Sometimes, a lessor would accept only one dog at the time, although he is renting out more than one apartment.

Some hotels and vacation rentals limit the permission to "small dogs".

In any case, pets (dogs in breed and weight) must be specified at the time of booking, otherwise the access to the property can be denied, or the lessor may charge a fee at his discretion.

All information is based on information provided by the hotel companies and lessors – even if pets are not allowed in a particular object, it is possible that there are still dogs and cats, which is the rule at our vacation rentals in rural areas.

Please note that dogs are generally not allowed to be taken into restaurants (including hotel restaurants). Even at some beaches, dogs are not allowed.

Vermin

Please remember that you are travelling to a Mediterranean country where there is (also) other vermin as in Northern or Western Europe. Ants, grasshoppers, mosquitoes, and (especially in rural areas with livestock) flies, belong to everyday life here, and make no harm to healthy people. This includes scorpions whose stings are less frequent and usually less harmful than wasp stings. They are by no means to be confused with their tropical counterparts. Against mosquitoes we recommend (especially in summer) taking along a "mosquito plug" based on tablets, non-toxic to humans, which chases off the nasty small creatures.

Custom Requests

We kindly ask for your understanding that custom requests, such as a certain room number, adjacent rooms or apartments, or certain floors, cannot be confirmed. Such requests will be proceeded to the hotel company (accommodation provider), and treated as non-binding customer preferences.

Requests

For last minute bookings or bookings which exceed our contracted allotment, we have the possibility to send a request in your name to the hotel company (accommodation provider). This means that we will request an additional room or apartment at the same conditions as stated on our website. Usually, this request will be processed within up to 3 working days. Such a booking request is always binding, and in case of confirmation of our request, your binding booking will be confirmed as well. Cancellation of such bookings by the client (even befoire receiving the confirmation of the hotel company) are possible according to our General Terms & Conditions only.

Miscellaneous

Information taken from local brochures, or from websites not operated by I.D. Riva Tours, are non-binding and do not become part of the contract. The same applies to verbal assurances and promises which are not confirmed in written form. Only information indicated on this website, in our brochures, or in the confirmation/invoice is binding.

I.D. Riva Tours makes all efforts to keep its information on this website accurate and up-to-date. A liability or guarantee for the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of the information and data provided, is excluded. This also applies to all other websites referred to via hyperlinks. I.D. Riva Tours is not responsible for the content of such websites. I.D. Riva Tours reserves the right to make changes or supplements to the information and data on this website without notice.

Cruises on Motorized Sailing Boats

Our Fleet

… consists of classic motorized sailing boats, mostly made out of wood. Nowadays, new boats are usually made of steel, so our newcomers like Macek, Antonela, Columbo and others have steel hulls, while the interiors are still made of wood.

The boats differ in size, equipment and comfort – please note the respective descriptions. All information and comments refer to August 2012 – changes in appearance and structure may be possible, due to off season overhauling.

Occasionally, during winter time, it may happen that a Captain decides to sell his boat or to buy himself a new ship. It is therefore possible that a ship will be steered by another Captain with another crew. Also single crew members may change the boat they work on.

Some wooden vessels in our fleet are already more than 100 years old – which actually means that only the name and the hull shape are really that old. During renovation and overhaul, over the years, all ribs and planks, nails and screws were replaced. One thing, however, all vessels have in common: They are not to be confused with the large cruise ships – you will live on board in convivial company, without any major formalities.

Cabins

The cabin size may differ from ship to ship, and then again from cabin to cabin. The cabins in small and simple ships are, on average, about 4-6 sqm; in superior and larger ships about 7-10 sqm.

The cabins offer enough space to sleep in and stow a duffel bag or a travel sack. They are usually functional, and have, in addition to beds, a small wardrobe and/or an open shelf.

The beds are often one above the other (bunk beds, usually without a ladder); some cabins also have queen-size beds or two single beds. Triple cabins usually have a queen-size bed, with a third bed above. Type and arrangement of the beds can be found in the descriptions of individual ships.

The majority of the vessels have cabins with shower/toilet and a sink. These are basically wet cells, separated by a door from the cabin space; in general there is no shower curtain or shower cabin. The shower water typically runs through a single drain in the floor. Have a look at the descriptions to get a general overview of vessel length and width, and of the number of cabins. Cabins below deck have a small ventilation shaft or a porthole. Many ships have cabins both below and on deck; in the ship‘s description there is also a distinction between main and upper deck. When making your reservation, you may choose among cabins on or below deck (subject to availability); this will be accordingly confirmed with your booking confirmation/invoice. There is no distinction between main and upper deck. Preferences regarding main or upper deck, or a specific cabin number, will be forwarded to the captain and considered, but not confirmed and therefore are not subject to the travel contract.

The allocation of the cabins is generally organised according to the date of reservation.

At your arrival, beds with clean and crisp sheets will be waiting for you; anyhow, you should bring your own towels. Since the cabin crew will not enter the cabins during the trip, the guests are responsible to keep them in order. Also showers and toilets will not be cleaned by the crew during the tour. Communal showers and toilets are regularly cleaned during the whole journey.

Some ships have more cabins, as indicated in the description. These cabins are usually not bookable, but can be assigned in exceptional cases (e.g., for charter groups – surcharge applies). These cabins do not always match the standard of the other cabins on the same ship (e.g., no shower/toilet). The crew members have their own cabins on board, which are not listed in the descriptions.

Air Conditioning

The majority of the ships have air conditioning in the lounge or in the aisle below deck; more and more ships now have also air-conditioned cabins (with individual controls). With air conditioning in the aisle, a cooling effect in the cabin is of course only possible if you leave the cabin door open. Generally the air conditioners are activated only when the boat engine or generator is in operation, or when the ship is connected to the mains supply on land. At overnight stays in secluded coves and small fishing villages without power supply, air conditioners are usually turned off, since it is not possible to run the engine or aggregate without disturbing the night-time peace. In some ports, it may happen that the electricity supply is too weak to provide enough power for multiple ships and their air conditioning at the same time.

Clothing and Luggage

Leave your evening gowns and suits at home – casual holiday wear, such as shorts and T-shirts, as well as swim wear, are more appropriate. For cooler evenings (especially during the off-season), we recommend a sweater or a sweatshirt; also a rain jacket can occasionally be useful. Since the storage space in the cabins of most ships is not very generous, you should avoid suitcases (especially bulky shell suitcases are completely out of place) and instead bring a duffel bag or sports sack.

Even if the ships are always guarded by at least one crew member, you should leave valuables at home.

The Food

… corresponds to Mediterranean standards. The breakfast is simple, with coffee or tea, bread, butter and jam. The main meals (lunch and/or dinner) usually consist of soup, meat or fish with side dishes and salad. Although our tours are sea voyages, and you often will be served fish, meat is frequently on the menu.

On request vegetarian food is available on all ships – please inform us already at the moment of your booking. Vegetarian food does not mean that special menus are prepared; rather more side dishes (vegetables) will be served instead of meat.

The preparation of special diet food is generally not possible.

Half or full board is available, depending on the ship (see the price list).

“Half board plus” (HP+) generally includes breakfast and lunch. On the day of arrival you will get a lunch snack after the embarkation and dinner, additionally “captain‘s dinner” once per trip. On the other days, dinner can be enjoyed in restaurants ashore. Now and then the captain will offer you to dine on board (e.g., during overnight stays in sheltered bays); this will be paid separately on board (approx. € 7 to € 25 per meal and person, depending on the order and selection of dishes). At embarkation, dinner will be served as part of the half board (no lunch). The last meal is breakfast on the day of disembarkation.

Full board consists of breakfast, lunch and dinner; the service will start with the lunch snack on the day of embarkation and end with breakfast on the day of disembarkation.

The treatment for Island Hopping by Bicycle is generally “half board plus” and consists of breakfast and dinner aboard, plus a lunch snack after the embarkation and a captain’s dinner. Lunch can be enjoyed in typical local restaurants or taverns on the road – it is not included in the tour price and is paid directly by the participants. Depending on the route, it may also happen that lunch is served on board, while in the evening you have an individual choice in the place chosen for the overnight stay.

On our Island Hopping routes we have adapted the menu to meet the needs of cyclists. For breakfast, in addition to the usual coffee or tea, bread, butter and jam, cold cuts, cheese, corn flakes, muesli, fruit, juices and dairy products like yogurt will be served.

On Hiking Cruises we will serve full board; lunch is served either on board or in lunch boxes during the hike.

Beverages

The boat saloon functions as restaurant, lounge and bar at the same time; here you will always receive cool drinks – with or without alcohol. Typically, the beverage consumption will be entered in a “checklist” and then settled at the end of the journey. Of course, drinks on board are more expensive than in the supermarket around the corner, but remember that you are on a small „floating“ pension. The prices of the drinks, however, are generally lower than in hotels and can be compared to those in cafes and pubs; for example, about € 2 for 0.5 litres of mineral water, soft drinks or beer, and from about € 10 for a bottle of wine. It is not allowed to bring drinks on board.

Embarkation

In the ports of Rijeka and Zadar, the embarkation takes place from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm, in the port of Trogir from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm. Once all guests are aboard, we weigh anchor and set sail towards the first destination.

In the port of Dubrovnik, the embarkation takes place during the whole Sunday; we set sails on Monday morning.

If arriving at the ports of Rijeka and Zadar by your own car, you can enter the port already from 10:00 am. Our Service Team will accompany you to the parking garage respectively the parking lot, and transfer you back to the port.

If arriving to the port of Trogir by your own car, you can approach our Check Point already from 10:00 am. Here, you will park your car, and our Service Team will transfer your luggage to the port.

The port of embarkation for passengers arriving by plane (except for Dubrovnik) depends on the flight schedule. Guests, who book their transfer with I.D. Riva Tours, will be in the case of late arrival of their flight, transferred to the first overnight port, to embark there in the late afternoon or evening.

With transfer booking via I.D. Riva Tours and flight arrival to Split airport until 12:30 pm, embarkation in the port of Trogir is guaranteed; at later arrivals, embarkation will take place in the first overnight port.

If chartering one of our ships, you can decide about the time of embarkation and the start of the cruise by yourself. The time frame is set for embarkation from 11:30 am on the day of arrival and for disembarkation until 9:00 am on the day of departure.

Disembarkation

Disembarkation generally takes place on the last day until 9:00 am. The crew needs time between disembarkation and embarkation, to organize the cabins as neat and tidy, as you received them one or two weeks before.

Travel Documents

To enter Croatia, for EU and Swiss citizens, a passport (stay up to three months) or identity card (stay up to 30 days) is sufficient. The documents must have a corresponding period of validity (3 months respective 30 days). Accompanying children need an own document of identification as well.

To enter Montenegro (Routes T4 and D1), as well as Bosnia-Herzegovina (Route D2), for EU citizens a valid identity card is sufficient. Upon entry into Montenegro with an identity card, a free entry permit is issued at the border, which grants the right to stay in Montenegro. To avoid time-consuming paperwork at the border, it is preferable, however, to enter the country with a valid passport.

To be able to create the passenger lists for entering Montenegro, we need the personal data of all participants two weeks prior to departure (name and surname, passport or ID number, date of birth, nationality).

Citizens of non-EU countries, please ask for information in relevant embassies or consulates.

Arriving by Plane

The port of embarkation for passengers arriving by plane (except for Dubrovnik) depends on the flight schedule. Guests, who book their transfer from/to the airport with I.D. Riva Tours, will be in the case of late arrival of their flight, transferred to the first overnight port, to embark there in the late afternoon or evening.

With transfer booking via I.D. Riva Tours and flight arrival to Split airport until 12:30 pm, embarkation in the port of Trogir is guaranteed; at later arrivals, embarkation will take place in the first overnight port.

If travelling to the port of embarkation by flight, you are responsible for your transfer to the port of embarkation or to the first overnight port. Of course, you can book your transfer from the airport to the ship and vice versa as a separate service with I.D. Riva Tours. The applicable surcharges you will find in the separate price list.

Since most return flights are scheduled around noon or in the afternoon, you may still have the opportunity for a relaxing shopping trip or a visit to the beach.

From the port of Rijeka, the transfer to the airport on the island of Krk takes part at Saturday morning, immediately upon disembarkation. If your flight departs in the afternoon or evening, you can choose if you like to be transferred directly to the airport or to the town of Malinska. In Malinska, you can enjoy your last vacation day at the beach, while our partner agency is keeping your luggage safe. Without an additional surcharge, you then will be transferred to the airport on time.

Luggage Storage

If you combine your cruise with a hotel stay, you might not want to take your entire luggage on the ship. In Rijeka, you can leave your luggage in the baggage room of the bus station (about 300 metres from the port of embarkation). The cost is approximately € 1.50 per day, per piece of luggage. In the ports of Zadar and Trogir, our representatives will suggest appropriate solutions. The cost is about € 10 per item, per week.

Parking at the Port

In all ports of embarkation, we will be happy to arrange secure parking lots for you; please inform us about your needs and wishes already when booking. In Rijeka, a parking garage is available – the fee is 360 kunas (approx. € 50) per week; in Zadar and Trogir, parking fees are 300 kunas (approx. € 40) per week; in Dubrovnik, a public guarded parking is available in the port of Gruz – the fee is 50 kunas per day (approx. € 50 per week). Parking fees are to be paid on-site, in local currency kuna (HRK). The parking lots are guarded, but not insured through us or the car park operators. There might be coverage in case the vehicle is comprehensively insured (basically the same liability rules apply as in parking lots or parking garages in European Union). Upon arrival, please follow the directions you receive from us with your travel documents and sign up with our representatives at the port. The parking garage in Rijeka and the parking lots in Zadar are outside the port area – our Service Team will accompany you there and transfer you back to the port. In Trogir, you will park your car at our Check Point, just a few minutes by foot from the port. In Dubrovnik, the public parking lot is situated in the port.

Electricity and Water

Of course there are electricity and water on board, but not in unlimited quantity. All ships have 220-volt generators, which of course are, considering the night-time peace and quiet, not always in operation. The same is true when anchoring in secluded bays, as it certainly would not be pleasant to take a sunbath on deck, “accompanied” by constant motor or generator noise.

We kindly ask you to pay particular attention to the use of high-performance electronic devices, such as hair dryers. With simultaneous operation of a number of hair dryers, the electrical system is quickly overloaded and fuses to interrupt the power supply.

The capacity of the water tanks is related to the number of cabins; there will be sufficient water for washing and showers, even when the tanks cannot be refilled for several days. This presupposes, however, that all passengers use the precious liquid with some common sense. The ships usually use a central hot water system for showers.

Environment

In the interest of environmental protection - enshrined in the Croatian Constitution - we urge you not to throw any waste into the sea or down the toilets. In all ships there are sufficient waste disposal, in order to ensure an environmentally correct waste removal.

Please help actively to keep our Adriatic Sea, the “bluest” of all seas, clean.

Sleeping on Deck

Many of our guests consider it a unique experience to spend the night in the open air, under the starry skies of the Mediterranean. There is of course plenty of room on deck, but please bring a sleeping bag and a foam pad or air mattress, as mattresses and bedding from the cabins are not allowed to be carried on deck.

Night-time, Peace and Quiet

Usually, at 11:00 pm, it gets quiet on board. This is of course not a rigid rule, but rather depends on the formation of the “Holiday-Crew“ – on some ships the party will go on a bit longer than on others. Due to their construction, the ships are clairaudient, and in some ports, due to space constraints, several vessels may anchor side by side – therefore, mutual considerateness is appropriate.

Generally, the ships moor in harbours of larger towns (see route descriptions). Since the harbour is usually the lifeline of those towns, and since on summer evenings, all social life in Mediterranean countries takes place outdoor (restaurants, cafés, pubs, terraces), the evenings and nights are usually somewhat livelier. Especially in the months of July and August, in the most coastal places traditional annual festivities are celebrated, which often last until the early morning hours. I.D. Riva Tours has no influence on any noise in various ports.

Music and Entertainment

… are not uncommon on board – as are spontaneous parties. If you play a musical instrument, such as a guitar or harmonica, make sure you bring it along.

Routes

As individual as the single ships, so are the routes. They correspond largely to the descriptions in the catalogue, but may vary. Many captains will be pleased to show you their favourite bays, and in many ports, if several ships moor there for the night, there might be no space left.

Places mentioned in the route descriptions are not necessarily places to stay overnight. It may happen, for example, that in the afternoon you have the opportunity to visit the relevant site and then continue to stay in another bay; or that you will stay in a bay overnight and visit the place mentioned in the tour description only next morning. If for the night, both “bay” and “port” are possible options, it basically depends on the captain and on the desire of the majority of the guests, where to go. It is also possible that routes are driven in reverse order; during Route R1, for example, half of the boats will start towards Cres instead of Krk, and then continue the journey accordingly.

We have designed our routes in a way to guarantee that each day‘s destination is within easy reach under normal weather conditions – it is up to the captain, to change the route according to weather conditions, or to extend or reduce port stopovers.

Charter

When chartering a motorized sailing boat, it is compulsory for all passengers to book half board treatment. If you opt for full board, this will be binding for all tour participants; the combination of half and full board within a charter group is not possible. However, it is possible for the entire charter group to book half board on specific days and full board for the remaining days (e.g. 3 days half board and 4 days full board). Please inform us at least four weeks prior to your travel date. The selected catering is to be paid equal to the respective minimum number of charter participants, set for the surcharge calculation (see table with charter prices).

The list of participants must be delivered at least four weeks prior to the travel date; until four days prior to departure amendments regarding passenger number and names are free of charge (see also our “General Terms & Conditions”).

The routes within Croatian territorial waters can be discussed individually; the average daily sailing time is about five hours (= 35 hours per week), but not more than seven hours per day. When exceeding the average daily sailing time, a fuel surcharge applies, payable to the captain. You should therefore inform us in time, if possible already at the moment of booking, about your route requests and wishes, so we can estimate the daily sailing time and calculate a possibly fuel surcharge.

Example: While the Routes R1 or Z2 are within the scope of the charter price, for the Routes T1 or T3 a fuel surcharge of € 15 or € 30 per person applies (the fuel surcharge is to be paid per person, according to the minimum number of charter participants).

Sports activities, such as bike tours, during a charter trip are possible only on request and on certain ships; additional fees or costs will apply. See also “Important Information about Charter of a Motorized Sailing Boat”.

“Shared” Twin or Double Cabins

When booking “Island Hopping by Bicycle” and “Hiking Cruises”, you may also book “shared” cabins without surcharge. In this case, you will share your cabin with another person of the same sex. For all other cruises, shared twin or double cabins are not available, but single cabins (only M/S Kruna Mora) or twin/double cabins for single use (see price list for surcharges).

Life on Board

A cruise on one of our sailing boats is certainly a unique experience. But please note, that those planks have their drawbacks: stairs are narrower and steeper than you may be accustomed to; after a rain shower or with morning dew, the deck can be slippery, thus creating numerous “pitfalls”. Since wood is a living material and easily contracts under warm summer temperatures, in case of rain or bad weather, water could enter your cabin. In any case, in bad weather you should always make sure to close all portholes or windows in your cabin.

Since especially in high season some ports may be crowded, often several ships will moor side by side. We therefore ask you to take special care when climbing across other vessels to board or go on land, particularly in relation to the different deck heights of the vessel. This is especially important after the consumption of alcohol, since we are not liable for possible accidents.

Particular caution is also appropriate if you anchor in a bay and take a “bold leap” into the refreshing water. First of all, be careful not to hurt yourself while jumping from the deck; on the other hand, remember the increased danger of slipping, since the deck will be wet due to other guests coming out of the water.

Children on Board

Without any doubt, a cruise is an unforgettable experience for children. Due to the special circumstances on board of a motorized sailing boat, we recommend our cruises only for school-age children who know to swim. Especially children will discover new things on board every day, like the many switches and levers at the helm, hoisting the sails or anchoring. We kindly ask you to consider the risk of accidents and to take appropriate precautions, since parental supervision on board is your responsibility.

Sailing

Normally our ships cruise the routes with engine operation. Even if the conditions may vary depending on the design of the single ships, sails will be hoisted at least once a week, if the weather permits (except M/Y Vilma).

Fishing

The Croatian Adriatic is an ideal fishing ground. Of course you can bring your fishing gear and use it from the boat or from the shore. You will need a fishing license, issued by many local travel agents (extra fee applies).

Representatives and Guides

In the ports, during embarkation and disembarkation, you will be assisted by the Riva Service Team. Our representatives are available as contact persons at the port of embarkation (they will accompany you to the parking lot, answer questions about the location of ships, etc.). On board, a short welcome meeting will take place.

The standard routes, such as R1, R2, T1, T3, etc. are not guided routes, i.e., during the trip there will be no guide on board. Sightseeing tours or excursions according to the route descriptions are conducted by local guides.

Actives routes like Island Hopping by bike or Hiking Cruises are guided routes, i.e., during the whole trip a guide will be on board, who functions as a bike or hiking guide.

Payment on Board

Sojourn taxes and groundage, as well as drinks and all extras on board can be paid in the local currency Kuna (HRK), in Euros (EUR), Swiss Francs (CHF) or US Dollars (USD). Credit and debit cards are not accepted.

Not Included

Our prices do not include sojourn taxes and groundage. The total amount of € 21 per week and per person (children under 12 years: € 10) is payable upon embarkation.

Entrance fees to museums and national parks, etc., or additional excursions are not included and must be paid on-site, if not mentioned in the description explicitly as included in the tour price.

Minimum Number of Participants

According to our General Terms and Conditions, our cruises are subject to a minimum number of participants, required to ensure that the cruise takes place. The minimum number of participants for each ship is stated in the price tables. As soon as it becomes obvious, that the specified minimum number of participants will not be reached, we will inform you not later than 22 days prior to the travel date. Of course, we will also provide, availability permitting, an offer on an alternative ship.

Insurance

We recommend you to book a travel cancellation insurance or similar with a travel insurance company; it should also include medical and emergency insurance. Corresponding documentation will be available with your travel agent.

Island Hopping by Bicycle

Difficulty Level of Our Tours

The Croatian Adriatic coast and the islands are not like the lowland, but mostly hilly, and partly mountainous with steep climbs; therefore, to participate in our tours, a good physical condition is essential. The routes are suitable only for participants who regularly bike or do other sports also back home.

You should furthermore bear in mind, that the temperatures in Croatia are often much higher than back home and can reach in June or September 30°C and more.

We have created route profiles for all our tours, in order to give you an overview of the difficulty of the routes and stages. The creation of the profiles was carried out with utmost care; anyhow, small differences due to measurement tolerances of heights and distances are possible. The tour descriptions and line profiles in this catalogue are therefore purely informative. The actual distance travelled may depend on various factors – therefore, in consultation with the participants, legs can be reduced or extended, or, in case of bad weather or high temperatures, replaced by longer swimming breaks. Depending on the physical condition of the participants, the bike guides may suggest routes with lower or higher levels of difficulty. Trips to small island locations – to visit a landmark or a lodge for an additional break – are often not taken into account in the descriptions and leg profiles. Since the roads on the islands generally run above the villages, additional ascents and descents are possible. It may also occur that some view points or sites cannot be reached by bicycle, but are accessible only on foot – in such cases, we may opt for a short walk.

Bicycle Helmet

For your own safety, we strongly recommend you to wear a bicycle helmet. If you book a rented bike with us (included in the island hopping price), we will add a helmet free of charge. Please don’t forget to inform us when booking, so we can organize it accordingly.

Rental Bicycles

Our bikes are sturdy Trekking Bikes with aluminium frame, Shimano gears, lightweight luggage racks and bottle holders. All bikes are new or have been used not more than one season. They are checked and serviced weekly (after each trip), and completely overhauled during the winter.

Children’s Bicycles

On our “Active & Cappuccino” routes ex Rijeka (RC) and Trogir (TC), children’s bicycles are available as well. Please indicate with your booking if you need children’s bicycles, so that we can plan ahead. For children from approx. 10 years of age, our ladies’ bicycles with a frame size of 44 cm, are suitable as well. On our “normal” Islandhopping routes, children’s bicycles are available only at a limited number, and can be booked only on request.

eBikes

In recent years, eBikes (electric bicycles) have increasingly come into vogue. Of course, we did not ignore this new trend, and therefore, starting from 2012, we are offering you the opportunity to rent eBikes during our island hopping routes starting from Rijeka and Trogir. This will give elderly and not experienced guests the opportunity to participate in more challenging tours, because the eBikes will ease the trip, especially on uphill tracks. Our eBikes “Flyer i:SY” are purchased exclusively from the renowned Swiss manufacturer “Biketec”.

Liability / Insurance

Participation in bicycle tours is at your own risk and responsibility – I.D. Riva Tours is not liable for bike accidents. We recommend you to take travel insurance before departure.

Our Bicycles

Not only our fleet of motorized sailing boats is going to be serviced and security-checked every year. We pay highest attention to our fleet of bicycles as well. Our bicycles are not only serviced permanently, but exchanged approximately every second year. For the 2011 and 2012 seasons we have purchased 180 new bikes – “Gepida Alboin 300”, “Gepida Alboin 500”, “Torpado T432”, and “Torpado T433”. In the following we will give you a few technical specifications of the “Gepida Alboin” series:

Frame: aluminium Frame size ladies: 44, 48 cm Frame size men: 48, 52, 56 cm Brakes: Gepida V-Brake, Magura Hydraulic Rim Brake Derailleur: Shimano TX, Shimano Alivio, Shimano Deore Seat tube: Post Modern Suspension Saddle: Selle Royal Ariel Gel Tyres: Schwalbe Terra 28", Schwalbe Tyrago 28"

Our eBikes

Our eBikes (electric bicycles), type “Flyer i:SY ECO” are considered as an entry-level model for everyday use with excellent ride comfort. It has a special frame geometry with easy access, and 20" wheels with comfortable balloon tires. The model ”Flyer i:SY ECO” is suitable for all individuals with a body height of 1.50 to 1.90 m.

Frame: aluminium Frame size: 45 cm Drive: 250 watts motor, 1:   2 Derailleur: interrnal gear hub Shimano 8-speed Nexus Brakes: V-brake in front, Shimano roller brake rear Fork: rigid fork Seat tube: SR Suntour spring mounted Saddle: Selle Royal with gel enclosure Tyres: Big Apple 50-406

Charter of a Motorized Sailing Boat

Board

When chartering a motorized sailing boat, half board treatment is compulsory for all passengers. If you opt for full board, this will be binding for all tour participants; the combination of half and full board within a charter group is not possible. However, it is possible for the entire charter group to book half board on specific days and full board for the remaining days (e.g. 3 days half board and 4 days full board). Please inform us at least four weeks prior to your travel date. The selected catering is to be paid equal to the respective minimum number of charter participants, set for the surcharge calculation (please see charter prices in the price list).

Charter groups can choose between half or full board, regardless of whether the ship on “normal” cruises offers half or full board.

Additional meals or special requests, which may add extra costs, are payable on board.

Participant List

The list of participants must be delivered at least four weeks prior to the travel date; until four days prior to departure amendments regarding passenger number and names are free of charge (see also our “General Terms & Conditions”).

Route Planning

The routes within Croatian territorial waters can be discussed individually; the average daily sailing time is about five hours (= 35 hours per week), but not more than seven hours per day. When exceeding the average daily sailing time, a fuel surcharge applies, payable to the captain. You should therefore inform us in time, if possible already at the moment of booking, about your route requests and wishes, so we can estimate the daily sailing time and calculate a possible fuel surcharge.

Examples of fuel surcharges:
Routes T1, TV = € 15
Routes T3, TD = € 30
Route T4 = € 80
Route D1 = € 39
The fuel surcharge is to be paid per person, according to the minimum number of charter participants.

National Parks

Entrance fees to national and natural parks are not included in the charter price and must be paid on-site. For example, per person:

Island of Mljet = approx. € 15 
Krka Waterfalls = approx. € 11–14
Island of Lastovo = approx. € 3

Excursions

We are happy to organise additional excursions during your cruise. For example, the Canoe Safari on the river Zrmanja (see details in route RK), or a full-day bus tour across Montenegro (see routes D1 and T4 for details) and through the delta of the river Neretva to Mostar (see route D2). The excursion to Mostar can be booked as well in combination with cruises departing from Trogir.

Zrmanja Canoe Safari = € 45
Neretva River Delta & Mostar = € 59
Montenegro Tour = € 45

Island Hopping by Bicycle

Generally, you may charter a boat also for “Island Hopping by bicycle”. However, this service must be requested at the time of booking, since not all vessels are suitable for this type of cruise. Additional costs per week:

– Compulsory handling surcharge (bike transport, special route): € 15 per person; at least equal to the respective minimum number of charter participants, set for the surcharge calculation (please see charter prices in the price list).

– Riva Bike Guide: 1st guide: € 700 per week, 2nd guide: € 500 per week; prices include meals for the guides. We recommend two guides per group. Please note that one cabin on board will be reserved for the bike guides (the charter price will not be reduced).

– Bicycle rental, including a helmet and delivery to the harbour (available only in connection with the Riva Bike Guide): € 69 per bicycle.

– eBike (electrical bicycle), including a helmet and delivery to the harbour (available only ex Rijeka and Trogir, in connection with the Riva Bike Guide): € 159 per eBike.

Hiking Cruises

Of course you may also charter a motorised sailing boat for Hiking Cruises. Additional costs per week:

– Riva Hiking Guide: 1st guide: € 700 per week, 2nd guide: € 500 per week; prices include meals for the guides. Please note that one cabin on board will be reserved for the hiking guides (the charter price will not be reduced).

– On the route TW, two excursions are offered, which are not included in the charter price:

Hiking on the Island of Hvar = € 20
Biokovo Natural Park = € 20

Port of Embarkation and Disembarkation

Generally, embarkation and disembarkation take place at the same port. However, there is the possibility to choose different ports for embarkation and disembarkation (for example, Rijeka and Zadar), if you charter the boat for two or more groups in a row. For example, two times seven days, or two short cruises of three and four days.

Short Cruises

If you do not have a full week’s time, but still would like to charter a motorized sailing boat, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to arrange an offer for shorter charter trips.