Trip Notes MOUNTAIN BIKING IN CROATIA HIGHLIGHTS SUMMARY LAND ONLY ITINERARY IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?

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1 Trip Code: MVC Country: Croatia Amended: September 2013 Edition No: CT Valid from: 01 Jan Dec 2014 MOUNTAIN BIKING IN CROATIA Trip Notes HIGHLIGHTS Ride trails through Croatia's spectacular National Parks Visit beautiful Plitvice Lakes Enjoy the Dalmatian Coast and Pag island SUMMARY Croatia is understandably famous for its islands and beaches, but by comparison its mountains are less well known. Our route starts in the spectacular karst environment of Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before heading into the Velebit National Park where the wide trails are perfect for mountain biking. Our point-to-point route has plenty of challenging climbs and excellent descents, but isn't overly technical. We spend a remote night in the Zavizan mountain hut to enjoy the wilderness before heading to the coast to soak up the sun and round off our trip with an island ride. IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? Classification: Off Road Activity Level: 4 (Moderate/Challenging) Please see the introductory pages of the cycling holidays brochure or our website for more information on classification and grading Av. daily ride: 80km (50 miles). Please note that the average distance given here is the average of the shortest routes. No. of days cycling: 6 (including 1 optional ride). Terrain & route: The route is 75% off road mainly on gravel tracks with a few narrower trails, 25% tarmac. Rides are mostly undulating with some long climbs and fast descents, you should be confident in your ability to tackle the climbs on consecutive days. Off road experience advisable but not essential as route is not too technical, however you should be confident in your ability to ride these challenging distances. Vehicle support: 90% but with limited seats (for only 2 clients). Vehicle accompanies whole trip but cannot follow group along some narrow sections, it is there to carry luggage and support the group. As this is an off road trip it is mandatory that you wear a helmet while cycling, please ensure that you bring one with you. LAND ONLY ITINERARY The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the type of accommodation normally used (if different standards of accommodation are used - see accommodation section below for key to codes), and meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Day 1 Start at Zagreb airport, at the time of the group flight arrival. We transfer south out of Zagreb for approximately 2 hours to Plitvice Lakes. We transfer south out of Zagreb for approximately 2 hours to Plitvice Lakes. We will spend the night in a hotel close to the park, giving us plenty of time to prepare the bikes for the week ahead. We will have a full breifing in the evening. The geological phenomenon of the lakes is best described as a series of lakes, large and small, linked by streams and waterfalls in a densely wooded valley. But what makes the area so striking are the light blue colour of the water and the spectacular height of the waterfalls. A series of wooden walkways has been built alongside and over some of the shallow lakes to allow you to safely explore this truly remarkable site. In the evening there will be a briefing about the week ahead. CH (D) Day 2 We start with a circular ride exploring the Plitvice Lakes and then continue our ride to the town of Otocac, situated on the Gacka River. This ride takes us through the heart of Lika, a mountainous region in central Croatia. During the 20th Century Lika was exposed Exodus Travels Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE Sales & Reservations: sales@exodus.co.uk

2 Day 7 You can't come to Croatia without enjoying the fantastic coastline, so for our final day of cycling we will visit the island of Pag for a fabulous final road ride. This is one of the larger islands in the north-dalmatian archipelago, so the ride will be long but not too strenuous. Pag is famous for its sheep cheese and lace making and the day will be a combination of riding and enjoying the delicious products of Dalmatia. Since the island is also renowned for its great beaches there will be the opportunity for a refreshing post-ride swim. At the end of the day we will transfer back to Posedarje for a final evening together. Ride approximately 50km. CH (B,D) Day 8 Transfer to Zadar airport where the tour ends. (B) For those on group flights, these depart in the morning and will arrive in the UK the same day. ACCOMMODATION to the depopulation caused by various factors and these days it is very sparsely populated. However the region is home to three national parks and today's ride takes us through two of them; Plitvicka Jezera and Sjeverni Velebit. Ride approximately 66km. CH (B,D) Day 3 Today we enjoy a challenging ride through the beautiful Velebit National Park with an 1100m climb up to Zavizan Mountain. En route we will pass through the village of Krasno and be rewarded for our efforts with beautiful views of Velebit Mountain as well as the Adriatic Sea and islands. Zavizan is also a National Meteorological station from where you can take a short walk to the Velebit Botanical Garden that was set up in 1969, with over 600 indigenous and 30 transplanted species of plant. We will spend the night in the Zavizan mountain hut, in a remote location in the Velebit Mountains far away from everyday life. Ride approximately 67km. Mountain Hut (B,D) Day 4 Waking up in the mountain hut is a special feeling, but this is just the start of what should be a memorable day. Today's ride takes us through the heart of the Velebit Mountain range with its dramatic cliffs, bare hills on the seaward side and the wood-covered slopes of Lika. Velebit was historically home to a high population of shepherds and cattle herders and we will have a chance to visit some of the ruins of their 'summer lodges'. The ride finishes at our hotel in Gospic. Ride approximately 80km. CH (B,D) Day 5 Our second ride in Velebit takes us from Gospic through the valley of Velebit into the peaceful interior of Croatia. Today's ride is flat to start with, providing an excellent opportunity to recover and to enjoy the great mountain views. We then begin a long climb up to the pass of Mali Halan. This section of the route is one of the most spectacular, and opens up vistas that are very different to the landscapes that we have experienced so far during the week. From this point it is a fabulous downhill ride all the way to the town of Posedarje on the Adriatic Sea. Posedarje is a picturesque Dalmatian town situated on the west shores of Novigrad bay with opportunities for swimming. 6 nights penions or hotels, 1 night mountain hut. Both Pensions and hotels are simple but comfortable with en suite facilities. The mountain hut is in a spectacular location and has dormitory rooms with shared facilities. Note on accommodation in Croatia: In recent years Croatia has regained its place as a popular tourist destination with visitor levels nearly as high as before the Balkan conflict. Unfortunately a large number of hotels were damaged beyond repair either directly or indirectly during those years and demand now heavily outstrips supply. As a result hotel prices are high and Croatia is not the cheap destination some might expect. Hotels tend to be more workmanlike than luxurious with communist era style architecture and facilities. Single Accommodation: Single rooms are available for a supplement of 100 (approx. US$180). NB: only for 6 nights, doesn't apply to the accommodation on day 3 in the Zavizan mountain hut where shared dormitories are used. Extra Accommodation: Additional accommodation can be booked in Zagreb before the tour, or in Posedarje afterwards. Prices are available from the Exodus office on request. KEY TO ACCOMMODATION: We indicate in the itinerary what type of accommodation is provided on each day. The descriptions are guidelines only and are used to give an idea of the accommodation offered, rather than an exact description. CH Comfortable Hotel, Lodge or Gite - twin rooms with en suite facilities, reliable electricity and water supply, good service and some added amenities. Ride approximately 105km. CH (B,D) Day 6 Today's ride will take us to the Nature Park of Vransko Jezero. We will start cycling from our hotel in Posedarje to the village of Vrana where our adventure will really get started. Vransko Jezero is natural phenomenon - on one side you will see the Adriatic coast, famous for its inviting beauty and clean sea, and on the other side you will see the largest natural lake in Croatia. It is a rare natural habitat for birds with fresh water springs and diverse flora and fauna. The Vrana Lake and its surroundings were declared a Nature Park in July 1999 and our route will take us around the lake to a picturesque village on the coast for a refreshing swim. We will transfer by bus back to our hotel. Ride approximately 45km. CH (B,D) 2

3 FOOD & TRANSPORT Food All breakfasts and 7 dinners are included throughout. Croatian cuisine is a mixture of fine seafood, grilled lamb, pizza, pasta and salads, with influences from Central Europe, Italy and the Balkans. Transport The group is transferred by bus on their arrival and departure from and to the airport. During the rest of the tour a mini van accompanies the group - this van has limited seats and is predominately used for carrying bikes. A guide cycles with the group. WEATHER AND SEASONALITY JOINING THE TRIP IN ZAGREB 8 days, normally start Zagreb Sat, end Zadar Sat Itinerary Start Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Zagreb in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure. Airport Transfers If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. If you would like us to organise a private transfer, please ask your sales consultant for a quote. Please ensure that you provide us with all relevant information at least 2 weeks before departure. The start hotel is located at Plitvice. The start point is rather difficult to get to so we recommend joining the group transfer from Zagreb airport. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Croatia boasts one of the sunniest climates in Europe, and some regions are notoriously free from rain. We generally travel off-season, so you should expect some variation in temperature and possibly some rainfall. Temperatures can be high, particularly on the July departures and can reach the mid to high 30s. JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK 8 days, normally depart London Sat, return Sat Itinerary Start The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary. Flights from London We normally use the scheduled services of Croatia Airlines (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. UK Regional Flights The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice. If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays. Airport Transfers Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving from London on non-group flights should read the airport transfer section below for information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus office. Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. We use local leaders who are committed to responsible tourism and helping to preserve the way of life in their area. Our leaders have recently taken part in our leader training which also highlights the importance of operating our tours in a responsible way. Our local operator uses small family run hotels and restaurants which are all staffed locally and the produce used is sourced from local markets and farms. The hotel and restaurant staff are always very welcoming and provide an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about the local culture, customs and cuisine. For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit: PRACTICAL INFORMATION Passports and Visas All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. Visas are not required by the following nationalities: British and other EU countries, Nationals of Australia, New Zealand, United States and Canada. Other nationalities should check with the relevant authorities. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. Vaccinations and Health Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. There are no specific health risks on this trip. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. 3

4 Insurance - are you adequately covered? You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If you are a UK citizen and travelling in Europe you should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post Office. This gives free medical care in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Local Time is GMT +1hr Electricity In Croatia they use the two-pin Type C (Europlug) electrical plug. Voltage is Volts. You will be able to charge a phone/camera etc on most nights during this trip. Group, Staff and Support The group will generally be between 6 and 16 people. There will be a local leader and drivers and local guides where needed. Vlado Fumic is your leader for this trip and as 15 time National Champion of the former Yugoslavia he certainly knows his cycling. He prepares all the bikes himself meticulously and if there is a problem he will be on the case in an instant. He is a great character and loves to talk about cycling and his country. He will bring this trip to life. The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian. MONEY MATTERS Currency Information The national currency of Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK), with an exchange rate of 9.02 to the UK and 5.71 to the US$. Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication. The national currency of Croatia is the Kuna (HRK), with an exchange rate of approximately 9.02 to the UK and 5.71 to the US$. ATM availability/credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques ATM's and banks are available in the larger towns visited during the trip. You can use credit cards in most shops and restaurants in Croatia. Extra Expenses and Spending Money Allow (approx. US$15-25) per day for lunches, but it is certainly possible to spend a lot more, depending on what you choose to eat. This would be a price for simple meals with soup, one main course and salad. Tipping (leader and local staff) Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Tipping is at your discretion but many clients wish to tip their leaders and driver at the end of the trip, we suggest between Kuna ( 13-20) for the guide and Kuna ( 7-13) for the driver. Most groups prefer to present the money to the leader at the end of the week with two separate envelopes (one for the leader and one for the driver). This is completely at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only. WHAT TO TAKE Local Bike Hire: Wheeler Pro-10 mountain bikes with front suspension 95 (approx. US$165), paid on booking. Bike hire should be arranged at the time of booking, and the cost will be added to your invoice. Very occasionally a bike of your size may not be available. We may be able to offer you a bike of a different but acceptable size, or otherwise you must bring your own bike. Bringing Your Own Bike: Many people choose to bring their own bikes on our trips. If you wish to bring your own bike, please note that we cannot guarantee against small scratches and paintwork damage involved in the loading and unloading from support vehicles. For more detailed information on bringing a bike from the UK, Information Sheet MBX will be sent to you on booking. This can also be found on our website at: www. exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/mbx.pdf Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure that they have adequate cover for loss, damager or theft under either their travel or home contents insurance policy Bike Carriage - Airline Rules: Croatia Airlines have introduced a fee for the carriage of bikes on their flights, to be paid at check in. Please contact us for up to date information and so that we can arrange this with the airline in advance. Otherwise your bike carriage will be charged at the standard excess baggage rate and will be much more expensive! Extra Bike Bits You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind. Exodus Policy on Cycling Helmets Exodus believes that all cyclists should wear helmets in the interests of personal safety, and our leaders are required to do so at all times on all trips. Customers must wear helmets at all times on any 'off- 4

5 road' cycling holiday and certain 'road' cycling trip (where this is applicable it is clearly stated in these Trip Notes). On most road cycling holidays, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended, but we accept that some customers will want to exercise their own choice in this matter. Please note that not wearing a helmet may affect the validity of your insurance. Those who decide not to wear a helmet do so entirely at their own risk, and in the knowledge that some 'road' trips may include some 'off-road' sections. If wishing to use a helmet you must bring your own with you as they are not available for hire. Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake. Essential Equipment and Clothing Personal Equipment On all Exodus cycling holidays you are required to bring the following personal items, which we view as crucial for the health and safety of our clients: A helmet, eye-protection (sunglasses), cycling gloves and waterbottles or hydration system (e.g. camelbak). Recommended Cycling Clothing Padded cycling shorts (with loose 'over-shorts' where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum-bag or small closefitting daysack. Long trousers Waterproof jacket A couple of warm layers Sunglasses Sun cream Sunhat Stiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling Small towel for night in mountain cabin Please bring water bottles, although we would strongly recommend a Camelback or other bladder style water system. Optional items: Spare inner tubes Puncture repair kit Small portable pump Supply of your favourite energy bars or drink powder Baggage and Baggage Allowance At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 23kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check and/or the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment. In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition. To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for? IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be contacted on 0044 (0) Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www. exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information? Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent. Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website. Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO EXODUS CYCLING JERSEYS These high-tech professional level jerseys are made with 100% SpeedPro advanced moisture transfer fabric, perfect for keeping cool. Raglan cut, the jerseys have ¾ length hidden zippers and 3 rear pockets so they re ideal for serious cyclists. Designed by Primal in both men s and women s cut, so you can get an expertly tailored fit. Order yours now! Just 45 each. For more details visit 5

6 HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP 1. Check availability Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or Secure your place You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days. 3. Complete your booking and payment When you re ready to book, go to for online booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque. Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. 6