Istria
Croatia Bike + Barge Tours
Bike & Boat Istria along a stunning Croatian coast
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1090 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
On this bike and boat tour, you will cycle in the most popular part of the Croatian coast, the Istrian Peninsula, and its surroundings. "The heart of Europe" is what the Istrians call their land, not only because of its heart shape, but also because this is where Central Europe and the world of the Mediterranean meet.
Your tour begins in Pula and as you creep along the coast, exploring the most beautiful routes of the whole coastal region each day, you will be amazed at the beauty.
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.
Highlights
- Unique floating accommodations
- Regional culinary delights
- Pula with its abundance of Roman architecture
- Walled Poreč
- Landscape of the hinterland
- Baredine Cave
- Artist’s village of Grožnjan
- Sparkling waters of the Adriatic
- Coastal cycling
The Istria bike tour is certainly a crown jewel of all of our bike and boat tours in Croatia.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Pula, 10.5 mi. (17 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, 22 mi. (35 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 and subject to change due to changing weather conditions, lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances. The captain and crew reserve the right to make changes at any time with safety as the top priority.
There are times that the tour is conducted in reverse.
Day 1: Arrival in Pula, 10.5 mi. (17 km)
Individual arrival in Pula, the secret capital of Istria, a town full of impressive remains from its Roman past. Between 2 and 2:30 pm you can check in to your cabins on your sailing vessel. 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, with its beautiful marina and atmospheric old town. From here, you cycle along the Limski canal to Klostar in the hinterland. After a break, long enough to taste some fresh suckling pig, the route continues to Poreč. Here, on a guided walk, you'll encounter the evidence of the town's eventful past every step along the way. While strolling through the charming historical center, with its beautiful buildings of many different periods as well as the bustling shopping lanes, a highlight will be the 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 lunch, you cycle back to Poreč. You will not want to miss visiting Baredine Cave! The excursion takes you through five amazing halls which are beautifully illuminated. It leads 60 m underground to a subsurface lake. Perhaps you will actually be able to spot the famous amphibian (Proteus anguinus), the olm, a blind, cave-dwelling salamander, also called the proteus and the “human fish”, for its pale, pinkish skin. Once back on board the ship, you will enjoy a lovely cruise to Umag.Day 4: Umag - Grožnjan - Novigrad, 34 mi. (55 km)
After breakfast, the cycling leads north starting at the headland, stretching further on along the coastline. After a climb, you can visit the artist’s village of Grožnjan. Refreshed by a long relaxing stop, you 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 as 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, 22 mi. (35 km)
This morning you will 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 in the direction of Rovinj.Day 6: Rovinj, 12.5 mi. (20 km)
Today, 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. The night is spent in Rovinj.Day 7: Rovinj - Barbariga - Vodnjan - Pula, 22 mi. (35 km)
A longer crossing takes you to Barbariga. The cycling itinerary 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.*Extension in Zagreb is possible! Please see extra stay and pricing 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.
Boats
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights on board the Tarin
- Breakfast & lunch or breakfast & dinner
- 21-24 speed aluminum hybrid trekking bicycle with trapeze frame equipped with gel saddle, mudguards, rear rack, & pannier
- English-speaking cycling tour guide & 6 guided cycling tours as per itinerary
- Overview-maps for the daily biking tours
- A limited number of helmets available, advanced reservation required
What’s Not Included
- Each day, either lunches or dinner (one meal will always be eaten onshore and is not included in tour price)
- Drinks on board (tally sheet)
- Weekly flat rate for bottled water: €20
- Gratuities for crew & tour-guide (optional)
- Meals ashore
- Visitor’s tax, local charges, & unlimited water on board & during cycling (€50 for adults/€25 for children 16 and under) to be paid upon arrival
- 2 or 3-Day Pre-Tour Extension (see Extra Stay & Pricing section
- WiFi
- Bicycle Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Standard Class Boat
Tarin
Sunday departures
May 16, May 30, June 6, June 13, June 20, June 27, August 22, August 29, September 5, September 12, September 19, September 26, October 3, & October 10, 2021Cabin Type Twin/above deck $ 1754 £ 989 $ 1,724 € 1090 NZ$ 1884 kr 11232 $ 1,354 Supplement for twin for single-use $ 966 £ 545 $ 949 € 600 NZ$ 1037 kr 6183 $ 745 Extra Options
Electric bike: $ 161 £ 91 $ 158 € 100 NZ$ 173 kr 1030 $ 124
2-Day Pre Tour Extension (Zagreb)
3 star:
Double/twin room: $ 499 £ 281 $ 490 € 310 NZ$ 536 kr 3195 $ 385 Single room: $ 547 £ 309 $ 538 € 340 NZ$ 588 kr 3504 $ 4224 star:
Double/twin room: $ 579 £ 327 $ 569 € 360 NZ$ 622 kr 3710 $ 447 Single room: $ 676 £ 381 $ 664 € 420 NZ$ 726 kr 4328 $ 522Discount per person in combination with another Island Hopping trip: €50
Discount on basic tour price for third person sharing a cabin: 50%
Discount on basic tour price for children up to 16: 25%*
*Not combinable with 50% discount
Discount per person on extension packages if airport transfers are not needed: please askPlease Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This is an easy to moderate guided bike and boat tour. The bike routes require a basic level of fitness, ideally acquired by consistent cycling. The routes reach a maximum height of 300 m. The daily routes of an average 16 km (25 mi.) cover a 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. If you choose to participate with an electric bike, it is important to note that the majority of the cyclists will be riding regular touring bikes and will need time to rest and will take longer to climb the hills.
Airport Info
The closest airport to your embarkation/disembarkation harbor is Pula Airport (PUY) on the Istrian peninsula. Because it is a small airport, you may find it more practical to fly to Zagreb (ZAG). The distance to the harbor of Pula from Zagreb airport is approximately 3.5 hrs by car.
Local Travel
There is a collective transfer from/to Zagreb to/from Pula on the days of embarkation and disembarkation. The transfer leaves at 11:30 am from Zagreb Center and 12:15 pm from Zagreb Airport to Pula. PLEASE PLAN FLIGHTS ACCORDINGLY Return transfer from Pula to Zagreb Airport starts at 7 am. Advanced reservation and payment required.
If you are flying to Pula, we highly recommend looking into Uber for transport to the boat. This will allow you to check your price ahead of time and see a driver’s ratings. You can also opt to take a taxi which will take 15 minutes and should cost around €20. Climate
The Istrian Peninsula is situated in the northwestern part of Croatia between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner. In general, temperatures are slightly lower here than in Dalmatia. The Mediterranean climate and the many hours of sunshine make this an ideal location for a bike and boat tour. Several types of winds blow here that determine the climate: the ‘Yugo’, a warm southerly wind that brings rain. The ‘Bura’ which brings clear weather and the ‘Maestral’ that blows during the summer and offers refreshing air from the sea. Because of the abundant rainfall, Istria is one of the greenest places in all of Croatia with its vast pine forests. Be sure to check local conditions prior to your arrival.
Day of Rest
If you need a day or two off the saddle, you can always stay on board the ship sunbathing and enjoying the passing scenery.
Recommended
It is advised for you to use soft shell luggage as storage in the cabin is very limited. Softshell luggage when empty collapses easily and can then be stored under your bed. Helmet use is mandatory. Though there are limited number of helmets available on board for borrowing, it is STRONGLY recommended to bring your personal, well-fitted helmet.
Remarks
Please be aware that you will be part of an international group of people. Language on board is English and German. Minimum number of participants: 14
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to research travel requirements and to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, blank visa pages required for your destination (s), and any other requirement.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU citizens: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and the destination country.
EU-citizens: (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six (6) months from the end of your tour.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Additional information regarding transfers
All airport transfers require a reservation with exact flight details. Please inform us well in advance of departure.
For the smooth execution of airport transfers, please send us the following data:
- Arrival date and departure date
- Departure or arrival airport
- Airline and flight number
- Estimated arrival or departure time
For hotel transfers please send us the following information:
- Date of transfer
- Exact hotel address
- Preferred transfer time
Extra Stay
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. 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 this 3-hour guided city tour, you will be enlightened and educated regarding this amazing city and its history. 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 Pula for embarkation.Extension Package Includes:
- Accommodations near town center
- 3-hour sightseeing tour in Zagreb (entry fees not included)
- Dinner in a local restaurant
- Transfer from Zagreb airport to your hotel
- Transfer from your hotel in Zagreb to Pula
- Local taxes
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Island Hopping.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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