Katarina Line, Croatia’s leading DMC and premier small ship cruise company, announced the launch of its latest “Cycle & Cruise” programs for 2017 along the picturesque coastline and islands of Croatia. This year, the programs offer a wider range of options and fitness levels to both challenge and engage participants of all ages. They include stimulating “Cycle & Cruise” programs from South and North Dalmatia, as well as “Light Bike & Hike” and “Sun & Bike” from Opatija, featuring less demanding cycling routes that leave more time for sightseeing and to enjoy the beach and sun.
“The focus is on fitness but the emphasis is on exploration and fun,” said Daniel Hauptfeld, marketing director for Katarina Line. “Cycling routes are available that perfectly match the experience and fitness levels of the participants, while also maximizing the opportunities to enjoy magnificent views, historical towns and marvelous regional cuisine.”
Hauptfeld noted that some cycling programs can be combined with a short, 3-night “Coast Express” pre-cruise tour that provides transfer from Venice or Zagreb to Opatija or Split, from which most cruises depart. Along the way, guests enjoy sightseeing opportunities, such as a stop at Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Wheeling and Dining
The 7-night “Cycle & Cruise”, originating at Opatija Kvarner Bay, features guided cycling around various islands, starting on Krk Island – the largest in Croatia – and ending in Cres, an island famous for its fortified village of Lubenice. In addition to the spectacular hillside and coastline views, highlights include cycling through fields of chestnuts and fig trees to the village of Dobrinj, as well as cycling through vineyard valleys on the way to the town of Vrbnik, home to the golden Žlahtina wines and some of the narrowest streets in the world. Other stops include the village of Lun, renowned for its thousand-year-old olive trees and many stone walls, build to protect against the wind.
Prices for the 7-night cruise include deluxe cabin on a Category A traditional wooden ship with private bath, as well as breakfast and three-course lunch or dinner (based on daily activities), bottled water daily, and a professional bike guide.
Light on their Feet
Katarina Line’s “Light Bike & Hike” program offers guaranteed departures from Opatija and visits the islands of Krk, Rab, Mandre, Mali Lošinj, and Cres. It features more level terrain where participants have the option to cycle, hike or walk the numerous trails and paths with a Katarina Line guide – and be rewarded by stunning views of the islands and the sea beyond. As the largest island, Krk features a variety of picturesque villages, gentle green promenades, bare rocky wilderness, additional tiny isles, and hundreds of hidden bays and beaches, where participants can also swim, depending on opportunities.
Among the itinerary highlights is a visit to Rab island, known as the “island of love”, where the ship spends the night in the harbor encircled by medieval walls. Routes also take participants from Tovarnele to Novalja, a town known for its original Pag lace – a type of lacing recognized for its circular design – as well as the famous Pag cheese, a hard cheese made with sheep’s milk.
Prices for the 7-night cruise include deluxe cabin with bathrooms on a Category A traditional wooden ship, breakfast and three-course lunch or dinner, based on daily activities, bottled water daily, and a professional, English speaking bike guide.
“Whether just enjoying a cruise or combining our cruises with cycling, hiking and other sight-seeing activities, all Katarina Line vacation offer guaranteed cruise departures, fun and unforgettable experiences,” said Hauptfeld.
