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Islandhopping by Bicycle
As the Croatian Adriatic coast and islands cannot be compared to flat terrain, but are predominantly hilly, sometimes mountainous routes with steeper climbs, a good level of fitness is essential. Our regular cycling routes are suitable for participants who also cycle at home or participate in other sports. For those who prefer shorter distances or a more moderate pace, we recommend our Cappuccino or Active tours with easier stages.
You should also bear in mind that temperatures in Croatia – especially in summer – are often significantly higher than in Central Europe and can sometimes reach 30°C or more in June or September. We have created interactive maps and route profiles for all our tours to give you an overview of the difficulty level of each route and stage. You can find these maps and route profiles in the route descriptions on our website.
The actual distance travelled depends on various factors – stages can be adjusted or shortened in consultation with the group, or individual sections can be replaced by longer swimming breaks in high temperatures. Depending on the fitness level of the participants, our cycle tour guides will occasionally suggest routes with a lower or higher degree of difficulty. Or optional short detours, e.g. to see a nearby sight or take an extra break. As the roads on the islands often run above the villages, there may be additional downhill and uphill sections. It may also happen that individual viewpoints or sights cannot be reached by bicycle, but only on foot – in such cases, we may take a short walk.
All bicycles are new at the start of the season or have been ridden for a maximum of three summers. They are checked, cleaned and serviced weekly (after each tour), overhauled in winter and replaced with new bicycles approximately every three years. Bicycle rental refers to use during advertised and guided tours. Use for independent tours is not possible. Our cross bikes are sturdy trekking bikes with aluminium frames, Shimano gears, lightweight luggage racks and bottle holders. They are not standard models, but are individually assembled for us from the best components, based on our many years of experience in active tourism. Below are a few technical details:
✔ Frame: aluminium ✔ Frame height for women: 45, 50 cm ✔ Frame height for men: 50, 55, 60 cm ✔ Brakes: Shimano BR-M315 ✔ Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore RD-M591 ✔ Front derailleur: Shimano Alivio FD-T4000
- Surcharge on the cabin price for the active route: € 20 per trekking bike per week
Please be sure to indicate when booking whether you require children’s bicycles. These are only available in limited numbers and can therefore only be reserved on request. Incidentally, our ladies’ bicycles with a frame height of 45 cm are also suitable for children aged 10 and above.
- Surcharge on the cabin price for the Active Route: € 20 per trekking bike per week
All bikes are new at the start of the season or have been ridden for a maximum of three summers. They are checked, cleaned and serviced weekly (after each tour), overhauled in winter and replaced with new bikes approximately every three years. Bike rental refers to use during advertised and guided tours. Use for independent tours is not possible.
E-bikes are ideal for the demands of the Croatian islands. Even steeper inclines can be mastered with average effort. Please note: Handling an e-bike is different from handling a conventional bicycle. Thanks to the electric assistance, the performance is comparable to that of a light motor vehicle. Riding therefore requires not only less physical effort, but also significantly more concentration and responsibility. We ask for increased caution and consideration. By booking an e-bike, you are consciously choosing this mode of transport and confirming that you are able to ride an e-bike.
Our e-bikes are, for example, bikes from the ‘Gepida’ brand REPTILA 1000 ALIVIO 9
✔ Frame: aluminium ✔ Frame height: 46, 49, 53 cm ✔ Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus BES2 ✔ Brakes: Shimano BR-MT200 ✔ Gears: Shimano Alivio, 9-speed
or ‘Greens’ Dorset F750N
✔ Frame: Aluminium ✔ Frame height: 45, 49, 53 cm ✔ Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX ✔ Brakes: Shimano MT402 ✔ Gears: Shimano Deore, 12-speed
- Surcharge on the cabin price for the active route: € 199 per e-bike per week
For safety reasons, we require all bicycle and e-bike riders, whether you arrive with your own bike or book a rental bike, to wear a helmet. Even though there is no legal requirement for adults to wear helmets in Croatia, we require them for the safety of all participants. If you still refuse to wear a helmet, you must sign a corresponding liability waiver with the tour guide on site. Your safety is important to us – please take these instructions seriously. Rental helmets are available with rental bikes. If you are using your own bicycle, please bring your own bicycle helmet. If this is not possible, e.g. due to air travel, please let us know in advance so that we can provide a replacement if possible.
If travelling by air, it is also possible to take your own bicycles with you. The surcharge for bicycle transport is €50 to €150 per bicycle and route for most airlines, including transfer from the airport to the ship and back. Airlines reserve the right to change their fares. Travellers are responsible for preparing (e.g. removing the pedals and deflating the tyres) and packing (in special boxes or bags) their bicycles for transport in accordance with the airline’s conditions. Bicycle transport must be registered at the time of booking so that flights and transfers can be arranged accordingly.
Participation in cycling tours is at your own risk – I.D. Riva Tours is not liable for cycling accidents or damage. We recommend taking out the ‘I.D. Riva Travel Protection Package’ in cooperation with HanseMerkur Travel Insurance. Further information can be found here.