Istria

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
Thursday
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.

Friday
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