Cycling tips to help make the best of your holiday in Croatia

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Cycling tips are important for planning Your vacation. A cycling holiday is the best way to explore Croatia. Getting on your bike means that your trip will be far more authentic, and you’ll get a much better experience of the country, its people, landscape, and culture.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your cycling holiday in Croatia:

1. Physical fitness and preparation

Cycling is fun and it’s an accessible pastime for people of all ages and stages of life. Before you start on self-guided cycling holiday or guided cycling vacation, have a think about your physical fitness and what type of tour and route would best suit you.

And, before you head off on your holiday to Croatia, do a little time on the bike if it’s not something you do on a daily basis. It’ll strengthen your confidence, help your body get used to the saddle, and reduce the chance of getting ‘cycle legs’.

Fiore Tours – the travel specialist for Croatian cycling holidays – offers a real variety of tours. To find out more visit: fiore.hr

2. Bike safety

On any bike outing, bike safety is paramount. In Croatia, you must wear a cycle helmet. The other cycling rules to be aware of when cycling in Croatia are:

  • You need to drive/cycle on the right.
  • You should always cycle in a cycle lane. If there are no cycle lanes on your route, then move into the right, as far as possible.
  • If you are in a group, you must cycle one behind the other.
  • You need to keep control of your bike at all times and have your hands on the handlebars.
  • And if you are caught breaking these rules, then you are liable to pay a fine!

It’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the highway code of the country you are visiting.

The good news is that Croatia’s roads are in superb, smooth condition and the signs and cycling signs on the road network is superb.

3. The right kit will keep you comfortable

And it’s advisable to wear a good cycling kit – for instance bright-colored clothing, lycra shorts suitable for cycling and sitting on the saddle, a wicking top/jacket and a waterproof jacket. Take your water bottle with you to help you stay hydrated.

4. Know your way around your bike

If you choose a supported tour, then you’ll have people around to be able to help you with any mechanical issues. But it’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with basic bike maintenance – like repairing punctures and chains, adjusting the saddle, etc. If you think this is something you could brush up on, then visit YouTube where you will find lots of video tutorials to help.

5. The language cycling tips

In addition to the Croatian language, English is the most commonly used ‘foreign’ language. Most hotels, shops, and tourist-related services have an English speaker present. Italian and German are also commonly used, but not as much as English.

However, Croatian people are known for their friendliness and helpfulness so the language usually isn’t a barrier. But as with any holiday abroad, it’s good to learn a few key phrases. It’s helpful and the locals will love the fact that you’re trying!

6. Awesome surroundings

Cycling in Croatia means that you’ll be in a great position to really see and experience the country and everything it has to offer. And when it comes to the scenery, Croatia really is a gem.

From your bike, you’ll see so much more. You are closer to the landscape and the pace of a bike tour means that the scenery won’t be flying past (like it would in a car or bus), giving you time to really enjoy it. And since you are on a bike, the pace is such that you’ll cover enough ground to ensure that you see lots of the country too.

Fiore Tours is a specialist in offering holidays in Croatia, so their bike tours are based on making sure you get to see the breadth of the country. From Dubrovnik to the Islands, to Split and further inland to the national parks – Fiore Tours offer a great deal of breadth. To find out more about a biking holiday in Croatia, visit fiore.hr

7. Capitalize on the coast

Cycling in Croatia, both self guided cycling, or guided cycling, offers you a great opportunity to get to experience more of the country – so take the time to soak it up.

There are 1,246 islands off the coastline. Fiore Tours will provide you with the opportunity to choose a route that includes some of the island highlights – like their Dubrovnik to Istria tour or the Kvarner Islands cycling tour.

What’s more – you are usually always near the coast when cycling in Croatia. You’ll find beautiful places like Zadar with its waterfront and open-air art, it’s greeting to the sun, and its sea organ. It’s a unique place. And whilst you are at the coast, take the opportunity to reward your legs with a swim in the Adriatic! (Fiore Tour’s Dubrovnik to Istria tour includes a stop at Zadar).

8. But there is more to Croatia than the coast

Take time away from the developed coastline to cycle inland. You’ll be well rewarded with spectacular forests, valleys, rivers and lakes, hidden towns and of course olive groves and vineyards. Fiore Tour’s Istrian wine roads tour will take you through these gems.

9. Travel back in time

Croatia has evolved under the influence of many European cultures, occupied by the Romans, Illyrians, and Slavic tribes, and all remain traces in development and culture. Take your time and learn more about history, especially Split and Dubrovnik.

The Fiore Tour has a route that will explore you from one place to another with plenty of time to experience and explore both.

We hope you find our tips helpful!

Fiore Tours - Cycling and walking travel agency, Croatia

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ENQUIRY

OUR GROUP SERVICES

If you’re considering bringing your group to Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Hercegovina or Montenegro trust FIORE TOURS to organize and deliver your custom travel experience. Our comprehensive group services include:

All components for an integrated tourism experience. These include professional driver and licensed guides, transportation (car, minivan, 15 passenger minibus or coach), accommodation (hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, private accommodation, even camping), meals (from picnics to fine dining) and activities (hiking, biking, kayaking, rafting).

Innovative itinerary development. We work with our clients to develop itineraries that respond to their customer’s psycho-graphics and exertion and comfort levels. Feel free to ask us for examples of popular itineraries or ones that are more “off the beaten path.”

Outstanding customer service. Our success is largely due to our guides who place the customer first. As a “hands on” tourism business, our guides also work in the office, help set policy and basically keep the rest of us honest. We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours and keep a 24 hour emergency line open.

Value for money. The quality of our product and its cost represent some of best value for money spent. Our local knowledge, innovative ideas, access to a wide variety of unique properties and direct service delivery contribute to competitive pricing and customer satisfaction.

WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL?

Tourism is the world’s fastest growing industry. Traveling to far flung places gives us a wonderful opportunity to experience cultures that are so different from our own. But with the wondrous joy of travel comes the responsibility of ensuring that we do not adversely affect those countries that we visit. In a nutshell, Responsible Travel is about ensuring that you, as travelers, and Fiore Adventure, as a promoter of travel:

  • respect the local culture
  • do not inadvertently introduce new social ills and
  • promote & practice environmental responsibility in the places that we visit


That way, you enjoy a unique and memorable experience as well as authentic cross-cultural exchange and our local resources, cultures and customs are protected.

It has always been at the heart of Fiore Adventure’ ethos to not exploit local communities’ culture and environment.

We ensure our tours are:

  • low impact on natural resources
  • respectful and observant of local customs and
  • supportive of local economies


All staff of Fiore Adventure are locally employed and all our guides are, ensuring a more authentic experience for travelers, as well as sensitivity to local customs and culture. We also involve local communities in remote areas that we travel to.


Our environmental policy:

  • We recycle all our waste paper
  • Our correspondence and promotion is carried out via the internet and email, minimizing the amount of paper used for our activities
  • We use established, locally-owned and run accommodation wherever possible and aim to leave sites in better condition than we find them.
  • Our vehicle fleet is managed to minimise environmental impact.
  • Our group sizes are small, helping minimise cultural and environmental impact.
  • We monitor our impact, and where necessary alter our programmes accordingly.
  • We always abide by site-specific guidelines pertaining to flora and fauna.


Social policy:

  • All staff of Fiore Adventure are locally employed and all our guides are, ensuring a more authentic experience for travelers, as well as sensitivity to local customs and culture. We also involve local communities in remote areas that we travel to.
  • Our accommodation is mostly provided in small hotels, guest houses or apartments.
    On all our tours we use local produce and provide local-style meals, and we encourage our guests to try local dishes and delicacies
  • We support local economy and small business by supporting locally owned shops, restaurants, and using local guide services.
    Using local employees, accommodation providers, local restaurants and transportation services, Fiore Adventure ensures that financial benefits remain in the local community.

What you can do:

  • Learn something about Croatia: culture, religion, geography, politics and local customs.I strongly recommend to get a good travel guide such as Lonely Planet guides or Croatian Tourism Board. They are very useful before and during your staying.
  • Try to speak at least a few words of Croatian, you will make a big impression by doing it and it’s also a show of respect and interest on your part.
  • In many places fresh water is a very precious commodity and should not be wasted, so use a minimum for showering and washing, especially when you are on islands, tap water is drinkable throughout Croatia
  • Turn out the lights or air condition when you leave your room, use the public transport as much as you can, minimize your waste generally
  • Pick up your litter, never live any trace in nature, when you are in rural areas please stay to the trails and don’t damage or take any plants or flowers

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Fiore tours & adventure operates a fleet of different vehicles from cars, minivans and minibuses. Each van is equipped stereo radio/ CD sound systems with microphone, cloth/velour upholstered seats, carpeted interior and air conditioning. The vans are regularly serviced and continuously checked by a well established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the country. This adds up to the best preventative maintenance program, but technical problems are not always avoidable.

Drive and explore

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Fiore Tours adventure partner in Croatia

TRANSFER SERVICE

We cater to clients from all around the world and in doing so understand their basic needs and requirements. Whether you are on a business trip or on a holiday, we can assist you move in and around Croatia.

Fiore Tours drive and explore

BEFORE YOU GO

Preparing for your trip!!!! So you have booked! Please take the time to read the following information; it will help you prepare for the trip of a lifetime. The information provided here is a guideline and should be used as such, if you need further information please feel free to contact us – one of our staff will be happy to help you.

Travel documents

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay is required for those nationals that need a visa. Those not requiring a visa need a valid passport and must leave the country before the passport has expired.If you don’t have a passport, apply for one in good time. If you do have a passport, check the expiry date.

Visa
Citizens of Australia, Canada, the EU, New Zealand, and the US do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Visas cost US$26 (single-entry), US$33 (double-entry), and US$52 (multiple-entry). Apply for a visa at your nearest Croatian embassy or consulate at least one month before planned arrival.

Travel Insurance
A requirement for all overland travel is that you have valid insurance cover for the duration of our tour. It must cover you against personal accident, medical, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation expenses , you should also make sure you are covered for hiking and other expedition activities or optional excursions that you intend to do. You should purchase your travel insurance policy at the same time as you book your tour.Please remember to bring your policy with you.

Regional Information
Read more about Croatia….

Packing list – adventure travel
One word: versatility. Your destination and the duration of time you’re traveling generally dictates what—and how much—to bring along. But whether you’re living out of your bag for two weeks or four months, pack clothes that can do double duty, ones that are functional enough for the trail but sharp enough not to stand out in a city. Sun hats can become rain hats, backpacks with detachable daypacks free your hands when lugging your gear from bus stop to hotel, and a good pair of travel pants with a concealed zipper pocket could stand in for a money belt.

When it comes to clothing, stay away from cotton (or at least aim for poly/cotton blends; it may be comfortable, but it takes forever to dry), and try for wrinkle-free clothes. Pack one nice outfit for that must-have dinner in a Parisian café, and always have pants or a skirt that’s long enough to cover your legs should you be traveling in a country where custom dictates a degree of modesty. In warmer climes, you’ll naturally be packing lighter. In cooler locales, layering will stretch your wardrobe. Another piece of advice: darker colors generally blend in anywhere, let you mix and match without becoming a fashion accident, and save the hassle of constant washing. And if you’re heading someplace with inexpensive markets and shopping (Southeast Asia, for example), you can always buy a few new items when the need or desire strikes.

In the brave new world of bags, you can get a rolling bag/backpack hybrid that gives you the versatility, and the newer generation of rollers come with wheels that swallow up Central European cobblestone as much as NYC asphalt. But if you’re uncertain, let your interest be your guide. Trekking in Annapurna? Go with a traditional backpack. Crawling the pavement of South America’s metropolises? A rolling bag will save your back and serve you well.

Travel Items
• passport + photocopy of front page of passport
• airline tickets
• travel insurance
• wallet (cash, credit cards, traveler’s cheque, ID Card)
• money belt
• medications
• list of contact addresses and telephone numbers
• backpack
• daypack
• multi-tool or pocket knife
• headlamp
• camera, memory card/film, charger/extra camera batteries
• ziploc plastic bags
• travel alarm clock / calculator
• small umbrella
• reading material
• International electric adapters

Clothing
• 2 to 3 synthetic/wicking polo shirts or t-shirts or 1 to 2 short-sleeve blouses, gauzy material
• fleece jacket or vest
• rainjacket (gore tex or similar)
• convertible nylon pants or a few skirts
• underwear and socks
• clothing and shoes for downtime and restaurants
• lightweight sarong
• sun/rain hat
• mid thigh-length shorts
• swimmsuit
• sleepwear
• sunglasses

Footwear
• waterproof sandals (or flip-flops for public showers)
• trail-running or hiking shoes
• “dress up” shoes (or buy them in-country)
• hiking socks
Toiletry Kit
• super-absorbent camp towel
• dramamine, or other motion sickness tablets
• anti-diarrhea medicine
• anti-bacterial cream
• insect repellent
• sunscreen and lip ointment
• handi Wipes
• feminine products
• shaving accessories

Repair Kit
• safety pins (keep straps together, etc.)
• clothespins (keep curtains closed and hang clothing to dry)
• mini sewing kit

Packing list – Cycling Holidays
Complete packing list for adventure travel
Bicycling Clothing & Gear
• bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers
• bicycling shorts
• short-fingered bicycling gloves
• brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts
• lightweight jacket or vest
• breathable windproof and waterproof rain jacket
Optional Bicycling Clothing & Gear
• arm and knee/leg warmers
• headband that covers ears (worn under helmet)
• synthetic mid-weight socks
• toe covers or booties (worn over clip-in bike shoes)
• bicycling tights
• windproof outer gloves (worn over biking gloves)
• lightweight but warm cycling cap that fits under helmet (skullcap)
• hydration backpack
• personal biking gear and helmet

Packing list – Walking/Hiking Holidays
Complete packing list for adventure travel
Walking/Hiking Clothing & Gear
• waterproof hiking boots/shoes
• walking/hiking shorts
• long-fingered, waterproof gloves
• lightweight windproof jacket/vest or warm sweater
• synthetic walking/hiking pants
• synthetic T-shirts
• walking sticks optional

Packing list – Sea Kayak Holidays
Complete packing list for adventure travel
Sea Kayaking Clothing & Gear
• water bottles/hydration pack
• dry bags
• synthetic T-shirts
• waterproof sandals
• swim suit and spare
• towel
• hat: baseball or wide-brim
• polypro long-sleeve top
• suncream & lipsalve
• gloves

Packing list – Multi-Sport Holidays
Complete packing list for adventure travel
Bicycling Clothing & Gear
• bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers
• bicycling shorts
• short-fingered bicycling gloves
• brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts
• lightweight jacket or vest
• breathable windproof and waterproof rain jacket
Optional Bicycling Clothing & Gear
• arm and knee/leg warmers
• headband that covers ears (worn under helmet)
• synthetic mid-weight socks
• toe covers or booties (worn over clip-in bike shoes)
• bicycling tights
• windproof outer gloves (worn over biking gloves)
• lightweight but warm cycling cap that fits under helmet (skullcap)
• hydration backpack
• personal biking gear and helmet

Sea Kayaking Clothing & Gear
• water bottles/hydration pack
• dry bags
• synthetic T-shirts
• waterproof sandals
• swim suit and spare
• towel
• hat: baseball or wide-brim
• polypro long-sleeve top
• suncream & lipsalve
• gloves

Notice On Filing Customer's Complaints

Pursuant to Article 8 Paragraph 2 of the Law on Consumer Protection (Narodne Novine Official Gazette No. 97/07 and 125/07 – corr. 79/09 and 89/09 – corr., 133/09), we inform our clients that complaints regarding the quality of our services can be submitted in writing to:
Fiore d.o.o., travel agency, Mate Vlašića 6, 52440 Poreč, Croatia or sending to following E-mail address: adventure@fiore.hr

You will receive a response to your complaint in writing within 15 days of receipt of the complaint. Required information: name and surname of the person filing the complaint, the exact address for submission of responses.

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