All Categories

The Best Biking Routes in Istanbul to Explore this Stunning City

7/1/2020

The Belgrad Forest is one of the most popular recreation areas in Istanbul. The forest is a spectacular spot for a trail ride.

By John Roberts
The country of Turkey is a stunningly gorgeous destination located in the Mediterranean, and the vibrant nation offers a range of cultural attractions and adventurous activities that make it an incredibly attractive option for travelers.
Turkey sits at a unique crossroads, connecting the continents of Asia and Europe -- separated by the Bosporus Strait in the heart of the iconic city of Istanbul.
About 40 million tourists come to explore Turkey each year, with the bulk of the visits in Istanbul, which itself is a hub for cultural interaction. Its history, nature and gastronomy reflect the diversity of civilizations that have left their mark in this region of the world across centuries. This is the synthesis of tradition and modernity -- and the city's dynamic shopping and entertainment attracts the visitors from all over the world.
Making this destination all the more enticing to us is an incredible number of cycling routes that take you to some of the most captivating areas of Istanbul.
Have a look at these thrilling biking routes in and around the city that are provided by Turkey's tourism board.

Visitors can find numerous routes throughout Istanbul that allow you to explore this vibrant city in an active way.

Caddebostan Coastline
A favorite destination for cyclists, runners and walkers, the Caddebostan Coastal route sits on the Asian side of the strait. The five-kilometer-long route starts in Moda, giving riders an opportunity to pedal alongside the sea against a view of the Princes' Islands. One side of this broad pathway is designed as a park, so you can plan to enjoy a picnic lunch along with your cycling outing -- or plan to arrive for sunset.

European Side of the Bosporus
Another popular route traces the Bosporus coastline. The European Side features a long path and scenic views. For a nice moderate-length ride, cycle the 26km-long Besiktas-Sariyer route. Also, the Ortakoy-Yenikoy portion of the coastline, is a bit shorter and includes Bebek. These rides are fantastic ways to breathe the fresh sea air while taking in breathtaking seascape.

Princes' Islands Ride
The Princes' Islands are a top destination in Istanbul for avid cyclists. The islands of Buyukada, Heybeliada, Kinaliada and Burgazada, are the four accessible destinations among the nine Princes' Islands.
These four islands have active settlements, and cars are not allowed. All roads lead to the sea. Situated in the Sea of Marmara off the coast of Istanbul, the Princes' Islands mesmerize visitors with their historic houses set amid the raw natural beauty, making for truly memorable cycling experiences. Buyukada offers routes up to 12 kilometers. Some cyclists repeat the route several times to add mileage.

Belgrad Forest Mountain Bike Trail
The Belgrad Forest is a popular recreation area located to the north of the city. The forest comprises 5,500 hectares and features a variety of trees, with oak, beech and chestnut the most prevalent. It also houses an arboretum with thousands of plant varieties. People also come for jogging, nature walks and picnics. Its rugged terrain and 21-kilometer track make it ideal for cyclists, though. You can pedal past several dams built during the Ottoman era to meet the water demand of the city.

Rumeli Feneri to Kilyos Route
The northernmost point of Istanbul along the Black Sea coastline, Rumeli Feneri offers a great alternative for cyclists seeking a long ride. This nearly 80-kilometer-long, easy-to-navigate route is popular for group rides in spring and summer.

Historical Peninsula-Balat Shore Route
The Balat Shore on the Golden Horn is a favorite point for cyclists with its small fishing boats and unique Golden Horn view. This region offers rich visuals, with views of the Golden Horn, small fishing boats, Sea of Marmara and historical landmarks. It's a truly delightful cycling routes. The route covers about 17 kilometers and includes the Galata Bridge, Kasimpasa, Haskoy and Halicioglu Bridge and Balat Shore.

Polonezkoy Ride
A paradise on the Asian Side with its wonderful greenery, Polonezkoy is among the most popular vacation and excursion spots for residents of Istanbul. It offers a tidy five-kilometer path for riders. The area, which also hosts several festivals, shows off the diversity of Istanbul's beautiful plants and trees.

Thanks for reading,
JR

0 Comments

Katarina Line Offers Small-Ship Cycling Cruises in Croatia

6/24/2020

0 Comments

Katarina Line's cruises around Croatia's stunning islands offer an ideal way to stay active while exploring.

By John Roberts
Fresh air, sunshine and serenity is the way to go these days. You want to avoid he crowds and get out to enjoy nature. There is no better way to ensure a safe and fun getaway.
And Croatia is the ideal destination for all of this.
Small cruise company Katarina Line, which offers intimate sailing experiences in Croatia, says it is seeing a surge in more active itineraries as more travelers seek "the great outdoors."
Katarina Line is reporting rising interest in its popular "Cycle & Cruise" programs, for example, as Croatia prepares to reopen its borders to international travel. The tours, departing from Split and Opatija, explore Croatia's spectacular coastline, medieval towns, natural attractions and picturesque villages and bays.
Highlights include tours of vineyards, pine woods and natural attractions, such as Mljet National Park, which is Croatia's oldest Mediterranean marine protected area.

"Katarina Line is ready to go full steam ahead with all our cruises and inland tours," said Daniel Hauptfeld, marketing director for Katarina Line. "Croatia has been praised for its strict and effective approach to lockdown, allowing the country to restart its economy and welcome visitors safely again.
"Tourist facilities and services will soon be up and running, with every safety measure in place to ensure the utmost well-being of our guests. More importantly, visitors will be welcomed with pleasant sunny days that are ideal for cycling the beautiful countryside and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Dalmatian coastline."

Check out these details for Katarina LIne's active program:

Going South
The seven-day round-trip "Bike Split South" itinerary departs from Split and includes guided tours of the islands of Brac and Hvar, the Peljesac Peninsula in southern Dalmatia and Mljet, Korcula and Solta, before returning to Split.
Cycling routes include the coastal road of the northern part of the island of Brac, which passes old-world fishing villages before arriving in Pucisca. Pucisca is often called "one of the prettiest villages in Croatia," thanks to its white limestone and scenic bay. You will also enjoy cycling to Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula. The port town is known for its waterfront lined with houses and exotic gardens built by the sea captains who made the town prosperous in 18th century.
Cruisers will cycle around Mljet National Park, a distinctive natural haven that features two connected salt water lakes, lush flora and a unique coastline of cliffs and islets surrounded by green hills. In Korcula, you can cycle through olive groves and vineyards that include one of the most famous grape varieties, Posip. A visit to Hvar includes an exploration of its architecture. Passengers also will cycle through Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the ancient Greek land division of road and properties lines has been preserved to this day.

Open Roads in Opatija
The seven-day "Bike Opatija" cruises lead cyclists on a tour around the stunning Kvarner Bay, among other locations. The voyage is a round-trip sailing, launching from Opatija. Passengers will explore the islands of Krk, Rab and Pag, which is known for its barren, moonlike landscape. You also will explore the islands of Ilovik, LoÅ¡inj, and Cres, famous for its 16th-century Venetian Tower and Arsan Palace, before returning to Opatija.

This itinerary also includes cycling from Krk Island to Cres Island. Along the way, travelers will discover the islands' stunning coastlines, medieval towns, old villages and charming bays. They will be introduced to dazzling beaches, green vineyards, pine wood forests and unique coastal towns steeped in history as they enjoy challenging rides around the historic islands.

"After months of sheltering at home, travelers are eager to hit the open road again," Hauptfeld said. "Katarina Lineâ€™s Cycle & Cruise programs offer active and healthy opportunities to experience the great outdoors and discover why Croatia is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world."

These cruises are relaxed and intimate sailings on wooden ships that feature cabins with private shower/toilet, mostly bunk beds, an air-conditioned salon and professional guides. Fares include continental breakfasts, choice of three-course lunches or dinner, with children under 10 at 50 percent off.

About Katarina Line
Katarina Line is Croatia's premier small-ship cruise company with weekly guaranteed departures from the end of April to mid-October. It operates out of the major tourist centers of Opatija, Split and Dubrovnik. With a growing fleet of more than 60 ships in six different categories, Katarina Line itineraries give travelers the opportunity to explore the stunning natural environment and picturesque Mediterranean towns of Croatia while hopping from one island to another, offering an opportunity to experience the true Croatia.

Thanks for reading,
JR

0 Comments

UnCruise Adventures to Resume Alaska Cruises

6/18/2020

0 Comments

UnCruise Adventures is set to resume voyages in amazing Alaska.

By John Roberts
UnCruise Adventures announced that it will return to service on August 1, with the start of its Alaska voyages.
The entire travel industry has been frozen, with cruises shut down since early March, as the coronavirus pandemic gripped the world. UnCruise and other U.S.-based small-ship operators have the chance to return to service earlier than most companies, as they use ships that sail with fewer than 250 people onboard, thus avoiding a CDC temporary ban on ships operating above that number of passengers.
With so many avid travelers and cruisers eager to get back out exploring, the resumption of UnCruise's Alaska expeditions is great news. Certainly, travel during these times will look a little different and will come with enhanced health protocols. But if you are eager to travel and love an active vacation, UnCruise has designed a safe and exciting way to visit a magical destination.
"As one of the first companies to restart service, this is a pivotal moment for the travel industry and Alaska," says UnCruise Adventures Owner and CEO Dan Blanchard. "These initial departures represent a reframing of what adventure travelers are increasingly looking for, small groups, inclusion and human connection."
The initial Alaska sailing is a roundtrip seven-night Glacier Bay National Park Adventure, departing from Juneau and with an enhanced wilderness itinerary. During two days in Glacier Bay, the UnCruise experience is free from a large-ship presence and offers immersion in the pristine solitude of Southeast Alaska. Your program features active adventures daily with remote wilderness hikes, shoreline kayaks and a full slate of other nature-based activities.
The ability to set sail prior to other operators highlights the benefits of small, American-flagged ships with a local presence and the quick actions taken by the company to restart travel. UnCruise Adventures has taken strong measures to implement health safety standards with a coronavirus protocol plan.
The restart of the summer sailings represents a dedication to supporting regional partnerships and UnCruise Adventures' long-standing work with Alaska state officials.
"How we structure our recovery efforts with new health safety standards, establish partnerships and operate with a small footprint will continue to define our industry and the pristine environments we visit for decades to come," Blanchard says. "The market is showing a growing interest in off-the-beaten-path destinations, and that is what we do best. We've been social distancing since 1996."

Hiking in Glacier Bay.

UnCruise health protocols during COVID-19
Daily temperature checks for guests and crew.
Daily sanitation of all touchpoints in staterooms, with attention to handles, doorknobs, switches, etc.
Sanitation rounds conducted four times daily with attention to all touchpoints, such as railings, handholds, doorknobs, etc.
Sanitation of adventure gear and equipment after each guest's use.
Use of personal protective gear such as masks during certain events and as situations may require.
Placement of additional hand sanitizing stations throughout the vessel.
Plated meal service to replace buffets.
Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be kept behind transmission barriers and passed to guests individually.
Crew to exercise social distancing best practices at all times.
Crew member training in COVID-19 symptom observation, identification, and reporting.
Thorough PPE equipment training for all crew members.
Onboard supply of personal protective equipment (PPR) including face shields, gloves, and face masks for the crew.
Masks will be required when direct contact with people is planned. For example, during transfers on/off vessels. As such guests are requested to bring masks to last the duration of your adventure experience. A limited supply will also be available on board if you forget.
Detailed crew response plan in the event of any suspected outbreaks.

Thanks for reading,
JR

0 Comments

<<Previous

The Best Biking Routes in Istanbul to Explore this Stunning City

Katarina Line Offers Small-Ship Cycling Cruises in Croatia

UnCruise Adventures to Resume Alaska Cruises

Categories

Archives