Boating and biking in Rovinj, Istria, Croatia. Photo via Flickr:Mario Fajt

Sunset from Euphrasian Basilica in Porec, Istria, Croatia. Photo via Flickr:Christoph Sammer
4.3/5 (6 ratings)

Istria

Croatia Bike + Barge Tours

Bike Istria along a stunning Croatian coast

  • On this bike and boat tour, you will cycle in the most popular part of the Croatian coast, the Istrian Peninsula and surroundings. "The heart of Europe" is what the Istrians call their land, not only because of its heart shape but as well because this is where Central Europe and the world of the Mediterranean meet.

    Your tour begins in Pula and each day, as you creep along the coast, offers a different highlight exploring 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.

    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.

  • 2020

    Twin/double: £ 926 $ 2,053 € 1090 $ 1642 NOK 10264 kr 9475 $ 1,232 Cabin for single-use (above deck): £ 510 $ 1,130 € 600 $ 904 NOK 5650 kr 5215 $ 678 Season surcharge (departures August 23, August 30, September 6, September 13, September 20, and September 27): £ 85 $ 188 € 100 $ 151 NOK 942 kr 869 $ 113

    extra options

    2020

    Electric bike: £ 85 $ 188 € 100 $ 151 NOK 942 kr 869 $ 113

    2-Day Pre Tour Extension in Zagreb

    3 star:
    Double/twin room: £ 263 $ 584 € 310 $ 467 NOK 2919 kr 2695 $ 350   Single room: £ 289 $ 640 € 340 $ 512 NOK 3202 kr 2955 $ 384

    4 star:
    Double/twin room: £ 306 $ 678 € 360 $ 542 NOK 3390 kr 3129 $ 407 Single room: £ 357 $ 791 € 420 $ 633 NOK 3955 kr 3651 $ 475

    please note

    Discount per person in combination with another Island Hopping trip: £ 42 $ 94 € 50 $ 75 NOK 471 kr 435 $ 57 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 ask

    Rates are per person based on double occupancy.

    Information to read before you book.

    We recommend purchasing bike trip insurance.

    Please see our FAQ.

  • 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

    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. PLEASE PLAN FLIGHTS ACCORDINGLY Return transfer from Pula to Zagreb Airport starts at 7 am. Advanced reservation and payment required.

    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. However, 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 of Croatia with its vast pine forests. Be sure to check local conditions prior to your departure. A good website to use to explore average high/low temperatures, average rainfall, and more weather-related facts is weatherbase.com.

    Recommended

    Though there are a limited number of helmets on board, it is advised to bring your own 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

    Documents

    Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.

    *Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) 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

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. 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 longer to climb the hills.

Where You’ll Stay

On the Standard class ship, the Tarin.

What’s Included

  • 8 days/7 nights accommodation on board
  • Breakfasts and lunch or breakfast and dinner
  • English speaking tour guide
  • 21 or 24-speed city touring bike with rear pannier
  • 7 guided cycling tours as described in the itinerary
  • Maps for the daily tours, onboard
  • 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)
  • Gratuities for crew & tour-guide (optional)
  • Meals ashore
  • Individual arrival to ship - transfers can be arranged with reservation!
  • 2 or 3-Day Pre-Tour Extension (see Extra Stay below, pricing listed on the right under extra options)
  • Bicycle Protection
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visitor’s tax, local charges, and unlimited water on board and during cycling (€50 for adults/€25 for children 16 and under) to be paid onboard

Extra Stay

2020

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, 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

Istria Map

TourBike+Boat
TypeGuided
SkillEasy–Moderate
Length8 days
From€1090 Rates
Tour Reviews

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Tour Dates

2020

May 17, May 24, May 31, June 7, June 14, June 21, August 23, August 30, September 6, September 13, September 20, September 27, October 4, and October 11, 2020

 

Tour Boats

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Istria Map

Day 1: Arrival in Pula. Loop ride, 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. 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. 

Day 1: Arrival in Pula. Round-trip tour, 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. It’ll leave you enchanted. 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 (s) in Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes are 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.

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

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Tour Reviews

  • Joseph T. 1 month ago     Verified Reviewer

    Everyday's ride was fun and full of beautiful sights led by terrific guides. The routes took us along the incredible Adriatic coast and to charming interior villages where we mingled and laughed with local folks while enjoying delicious food both on and off the boat.

    Boat: Tarin

     Reply

  • Kenneth S. K. 2 months ago     Verified Reviewer

    The trip was rated easy to moderate! I would rate it moderate to hard! If you do this boat trip- get an electric bike! Parts of the bike riding were on roads with traffic and on gravel roads!

    The guides were great and fun! The scenery and town were wonderful!

    Boat: Tarin

     Reply

  • John C. 2 months ago     Verified Reviewer

    Istria trip was excellent with beautiful seascapes, winding roads through the unfolding countryside. The attitude varied from sea level up to a max of 420m and was very manageable, as the bike were in good working order.

    Our guide Ina was very informative and attentive and provided updated advice on eating options. The crew of the Taron was friendly and the meals were delicious.

    Boat: Tarin

     Reply

  • Susane R. 10 months ago     Verified Reviewer

    Dinners on board were amazing! Our cook, Kuki, was creative and as gourmet as a fine restaurant would be!

    Boat: Tarin

     Reply

  • Yolanda J. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

    The trip on Tarin was fantastic! Very relaxed atmosphere on the boat and during the tours. The best sceneries and the tour guides had a lot of knowledge about the places.

    Boat: Tarin

     Reply

  • Mike Tansey 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

    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 7 years ago     Verified Reviewer

    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

     Reply

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Istria Boats + Barges

Tarin Photo

Tarin Croatia Standard 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!

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