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Istria

Croatia Bike + Barge Tours

Bike Istria along a stunning Croatia coast

"The heart of Europe" is what the Istrians call their peninsula, inspired by its shape and its position at the crossroads of European cultures and nations. And what better way to experience this than biking in Istria, where Central Europe and the world of the Mediterranean meet. On this Istria bike tour you will cycle in the most popular part of the Croatian coast.
Starting the bike in Pula, the ship goes further north every day, and the tour guides will show you the most beautiful routes of the whole coastal region. You will visit the paradise of nature on the islands of Brijuni, the Lim-channel with its caves, the coastal cities of Porec, Rovinj and Pula, as well as the Istrian hinterland, a famous wine and truffle region.
The Istria bike tour is certainly a crown jewel of all of our bike and boat tours in Croatia.
2017
Above deck cabin: £ 1038 $ 1,635 € 1090 NOK 10900 kr 10062 $ 1,308
Single cabin: £ 381 $ 600 € 400 NOK 4000 kr 3692 $ 480
2018
Above deck cabin: £ 1038 $ 1,635 € 1090 NOK 10900 kr 10062 $ 1,308
Single cabin: £ 381 $ 600 € 400 NOK 4000 kr 3692 $ 480
extra options
Electric bicycle rental (limited number, advanced reservation required): £ 76 $ 120 € 80 NOK 800 kr 738 $ 96
Hybrid bicycle protection: £ 10 $ 15 € 10 NOK 100 kr 92 $ 12
Electric bicycle protection: £ 19 $ 30 € 20 NOK 200 kr 185 $ 24
Collective Transfer between Zagreb (airport or hotel) and Pula (price is per person/per way): £ 48 $ 75 € 50 NOK 500 kr 462 $ 60
Customized transfer: Prices available on request
Extra nights: Prices available on request
3-Day Extension in Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes
3 star double room: £ 467 $ 735 € 490 NOK 4900 kr 4523 $ 588
Single room: £ 562 $ 885 € 590 NOK 5900 kr 5446 $ 708
3 star double room (no transfer): £ 276 $ 435 € 290 NOK 2900 kr 2677 $ 348
4 star hotel in a double room: £ 562 $ 885 € 590 NOK 5900 kr 5446 $ 708
Single room: £ 705 $ 1,110 € 740 NOK 7400 kr 6831 $ 888 euro
2-Day Extension in Zagreb
3 star double room: £ 238 $ 375 € 250 NOK 2500 kr 2308 $ 300
3 star single room: £ 276 $ 435 € 290 NOK 2900 kr 2677 $ 348
3 star double room (no transfer): £ 171 $ 270 € 180 NOK 1800 kr 1662 $ 216
4 star double room: £ 276 $ 435 € 290 NOK 2900 kr 2677 $ 348
4 star single room: £ 343 $ 540 € 360 NOK 3600 kr 3323 $ 432
please note
Reduction per person in combination with another Island Hopping trip: £ 48 $ 75 € 50 NOK 500 kr 462 $ 60
Reduction from the basic tour price for third person sharing a cabin: 50%

Reduction from the basic tour price for children up to 16: 25%*
*Not combinable with 50% discount
Rates are based on double occupancy.
Information to read before you book.
We recommend purchasing bike trip insurance.
† Currency exchange rate set 90 days before travel.
Please see our FAQ.

Tour Dates

2017 DATES

August 27, September 3, September 10, September 17, September 24, October 1, October 8, and October 15, 2017

2018 DATES

April 14, April 22, April 29, May 6, May 13, May 20, May 27, June 3, September 2, September 9, September 16, September 23, September 30, October 7, and October 14, 2018

Skill Level

Easy to moderate guided tour. The bike routes require a basic level of fitness, ideally acquired by occasional or daily cycling. The routes reach a maximal height of 300 m. The daily routes of 16 km (25 mi.) on average, cover slightly hilly terrain and can be completed without time restraints. You can, however, also choose to skip a bike tour and spend the time sunbathing on the ship instead. The roads are mostly asphalted and there is little traffic outside of holiday periods. Unpaved or gravel roads will be cycled at times, during which participants are able to push their bicycles.

Where You’ll Stay

On the Comfort class ship, the Tarin.

What’s Included

8 days/7 nights on board
7 x half board (breakfasts and either lunch or dinner)
English speaking tour guide
21-speed trekking bike with bicycle bag
7 guided cycling tours as described in itinerary
Bed linen & towels
Maps for the daily tours, on board
Limited number of helmets available, advanced reservation required

What’s Not Included

Lunches or dinners
Visitor’s tax, local charges, and unlimited water on board and during cycling: €40 (€20 for children 16 and under) to be paid on board
Drinks on board (tally sheet)
Bicycle Protection: €10
E bike protection: €20
Gratuities for crew & tour-guide (optional)
Meals ashore
Individual arrival to ship - transfers can be arranged with reservation!
Trip insurance
2 or 3-Day Pre-Tour Extension (see Extra Stay below, pricing listed on the right under extra options)

Extra Stay

3-DAY PRE-TOUR EXTENSION in Plitvice Lakes National Park and Zagreb
Friday
A private transfer collects you at the Zagreb airport and brings you to the doorstep of your hotel. Spend a marvelous day in Croatia’s capital, Zagreb. The old town, built by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, will charm you at every turn. During a three hour guided city tour, our local guide will enlighten you on the city in its current position and its former past. The Kaptol (the center of the Roman Catholic Church in Croatia) and Gardec (the upper old town) are of course included in the program. In the evening you will dine in a specially selected restaurant. The delicious local specialties will be a great way to end the day. Overnight stay in a hotel in the town center of Zagreb.

Saturday
After breakfast check out and transfer to Plitvice. Today you are able to explore the most famous of the Croatian National Parks, the Plitvice Lakes. The natural beauty of this place is the reason why so many tourists come to visit the lakes from all around the world. The impressions which you take with you from this visit are unique. On arrival you will have enough time to enjoy an individual lunch, followed by a visitation of the National Park. In the evening you can enjoy a peaceful evening stroll before heading back to the comfort of your hotel.

Sunday
Transfer to Omišalj after breakfast to begin your bike and boat tour.

Extension Package Includes:
Transfer from Zagreb airport to the hotel, 3 hotel at the town center, 3-hour sightseeing tour in Zagreb, dinner in a local restaurant, 2½ hour transfer between Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes, 3 hotel close to the entrance of the Plitvice National Park, 3-hour transfer from Plitvice to Omišalj, entrance fee to the National Park, local taxes

2-DAY PRE-TOUR EXTENSION in Zagreb
Saturday
A private transfer collects you at the Zagreb airport and brings you to the doorstep of your hotel. You will have time to freshen up after your journey. In the late afternoon, your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to take you on an interesting and inspiring walk through the Croatian capital. The old town, built by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, will charm you at every turn. During a 3-hour guided city tour, our local guide will enlighten you on the city in its current position and its former past. The Kaptol (the center of the Roman Catholic Church in Croatia) and Gardec (the upper old town) are of course included in the program. In the evening you will dine in a specially selected restaurant. The delicious local specialties will be a great way to end the day. Overnight stay in a hotel in the town center of Zagreb.

Sunday
After breakfast, transfer to Omišalj for embarkation.

Extension Package Includes:
3* hotel at the town center, 3-hour sightseeing tour in Zagreb, dinner in a local restaurant, transfer from Zagreb airport to your hotel, transfer from your hotel in Zagreb to Omišalj, and local taxes

Tour	Bike+Boat
Type	Guided
Skill	Easy–Moderate
Length	8 days
From	€1090 Rates
	Client Reviews

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Tour Boats

Tarin

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Pula. Loop ride, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 2: Vrsar - Poreč , 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 3: Poreč - Visnjan - Umag, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Umag - Grožnjan - Novigrad, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 5: Novigrad - Poreč - Rovinj, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 6: Rovinj, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 7: Rovinj - Barbariga - Vodnjan - Pula, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 8: Disembark in Pula by 9 AM.

*All distances are approximate. The above-planned itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.

There are times that the tour is conducted with a reverse itinerary. The tour of Brijuni may be conducted without bicycles.

Day 1: Arrival in Pula. Round-trip tour, 9 mi. (15 km)
Individual arrival in Pula, the secret capital of Istria, a town full of impressive remains from its Roman past. Between 2 pm to 2:30 pm you can check in to your cabins on the motor yacht. The first leg of your Istria bike tour will start around 3 pm and takes you in a large circle around Pula and back to the ship. You might get the chance to have a closer look at the famous amphitheater. After your tour, you will go on your first cruise just a couple of miles north to a quiet bay for your overnight stay.

Day 2: Vrsar - Poreč, 22 mi. (35 km)
After breakfast, the ship will start on a 3 hour cruise to Vrsar, the town where lady killer Casanova found temporary refuge from lovers pursuing him. Starting from Vrsar, you cycle along the Limski canal to Klostar in the hinterland. After a break, long enough to taste some fresh suckling pig, takes us our route to Poreč. On a guided walk, you'll encounter the evidence of the town's eventful past at every step along the way. While strolling through the charming historical centerTt, with its beautiful buildings of many different periods as well as the bustling shopping lanes, you will not miss the famous Euphrasian Basilica, with its gorgeous early Christian mosaics.

Day 3: Poreč - Visnjan - Umag, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today's cycle tour takes you from Poreč through extensive vineyards to Visnjan, home of the famous white Boskarin-Cattle. After a coffee break, you continue cycling through the gentle hills of the hinterland to Vizinada. After a lunch break, you cycle back to Poreč. You will not want to miss visiting Baredine Cave on this cycle tour. The excursion takes you through five amazing halls which are beautifully illuminated. It leads us 60 m underground to a subsurface lake and if you are lucky you’ll meet a native – the famous amphibian (Proteus anguinus): the olm. This little cave dweller is a unique one. It is endemic to this karst area. Back at the ship you hop back on the boat and enjoy a lovely cruise to Umag.

Day 4: Umag - Grožnjan - Novigrad, 34 mi. (55 km)
After breakfast, the cycling begins north starting at the headland and further on along the coastline. After a climb, you can visit the artist’s village of Grožnjan. Strengthened by a long relaxing stop, continue cycling to Novigrad passing the river valley of Mirna. The Mirna river valley is well known as an area where white truffles can be found. A gourmet’s heart will jump for joy. Getting to Novigrad, you'll find the impressive city wall as well the 7th century Pelagius Basilica. Around the pretty harbor, you can stop at one of the many cafes and bars. Dinner on board.

Day 5: Novigrad - Poreč - Rovinj, 16 mi. (25 km)
After breakfast, leave Novigrad and cycle along the coast all the way to Poreč. There is time to take a stroll through the beautiful old town and to enjoy the regional cuisine for lunch. The boat awaits you in the harbor of Poreč and will take you into the direction of Rovinj.

Day 6: Rovinj, 12 mi. (20 km)
In the morning, the ship brings you to Rovinj, which really is an Adriatic gem. Your mid-morning cycle tour allows ample time for a refreshing swim in the Adriatic Sea. You have time in the afternoon for a stroll through the winding alleyways of this picture perfect town. It’ll leave you enchanted. The night is spent in Rovinj.

Day 7: Rovinj - Barbariga - Vodnjan - Pula, 19 mi. (30 km)
A longer crossing takes you to Barbariga. Once on shore, stop for some lunch and hop on your bicycles. Your cycle tour leads you via Vodnjan back to Pula, the port of departure. There is enough time to take a walk through the town and to visit the many heritage sites which the city has to offer. A celebratory evening meal with guests, guides, and crew brings a fantastic week to a happy end.

Day 8: Disembark in Pula
Departure after breakfast by 9 AM.

*3-day or 2-day extension module in Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes - transfers included (please see extra stay for details)

If you’re looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike and boat tours or view all our featured bike trips, specials, and news.

Email or Call 800-951-4384 +1 570-965-2064

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Bike rest for sightseeing in Rovinj, Istria, Croatia. Photo via Flickr:Mario Fajt

Harbor as seen from Campanile of Saint Euphemia Church in Rovinj, Istria, Croatia. Photo via Flickr:Mario Fajt

Seafood in Medulin, Istria, Croatia. Photo via Flickr:Erin Queen

Quiet street in Rovinj, Istria, Croatia. Photo via Flickr:zolakoma

Enjoying the view in Istria, Croatia. Photo by Yvonne & Bruno Vieler

Rovinj on the Adriatic Sea, Istria, Croatia. Photo via Flickr:Mario Fajt

Street in Groznjan, Istria. Photo via Flickr:Mario Fajt

Rovinj, Istria, Croatia. Photo via Wikimedia Commons:Jeroen Komen

Coast of Novigrad. Photo via Flickr: MrsEds

Pricing Information

Rates from € 1090 – click for rates table

Travel Details

Travel

You can best reach Pula by 3 different airports: Pula (10 mins. from harbor), Trieste (1 hr. from harbor), or Ljubljana (2 hrs. from harbor). Pula airport can also be reached by flying to Zagreb and then on to Pula.

Local Travel

From the Pula airport you can take a taxi to the harbor (± €20). From Trieste or Ljubljana, transfers can be organized.
In 2018 There is a collective transfer from/to Zagreb on day of embarkation and disembarkation. The transfer leaves at 11:30 am from Zagreb Center and 12:15 pm from Zagreb Airport to Pula. Return transfer from Pula to Zagreb Airport starts at 7 am. Reservations required at least 2 weeks in advance!

Climate

Check local conditions prior to departure. Average high/low temperature in °F for the Pula area is: 69/52 for May, 75/58 June, 75/57 September, and 66/51 for October.

Remarks

Please be aware that you will be part of an international group of people.Minimum number of participants: 14

Tour Operator

This tour is operated by Island Hopping. We do not run these tours ourselves, we never have. We work on commission from our local partners plus a small administration fee of €20. We pride ourselves on the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.

Customer Feedback

Mike Tansey 2 years ago
Croatia and the scenery were beautiful. However I felt the description of the bike ride was misleading. Most of the trip was on gravel roads, quite a few hills and biking in more traffic than I anticipated. The staff was great and the barge was great.
Boat: Tarin
Reply
Joyce and Denis Smith 5 years ago
We really had a great time on this tour. Our young guides did a fabulous job, we enjoyed the Tarin and crew, and Cookie's food was terrific.
Boat: Tarin
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Istria Boats + Barges

Tarin Croatia Comfort Class Boat With its dark green hull and distinctive white stripes, the Tarin is an eyecatcher in each port. Bright wood, curtains on the large windows and the nicely decorated cabins will immediately make you feel right at home on the Tarin!