Istria
Croatia Bike + Barge Tours
Bike & Boat Istria along a stunning Croatian coast
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1195 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 and ends in Omisalj, and as you navigate and pedal 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 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 & boat tours in Croatia.
Itinerary
Day 1: Omisalj - Cres
Day 2: Cres - Liznjan - Pula, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 3: Pula - Vrsar - Porec, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 4: Porec - Visnjan - Porec - Rovinj, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 5: Rovinj, 10 mi. (17 km)
Day 6: Rovinj - Fazana - Rabac, 21 mi. (35 km)
Day 7: Rabac - Omisalj, 22 mi. (37 km)
Day 8: Omisalj*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: Omisalj - Cres
Arrival in Omisalj and check in on board at 2 pm. Please keep in mind that your ship will leave port at 3 pm for its first navigation so plan your flights accordingly. Omisalj is an ancient village port on the Island of Krk whose existence dates back more than ten thousand years. Tucked in among trees, and perched on a hill, Omisalj is a picturesque beginning to your bike and boat tour in Croatia. If you are arriving from Zagreb, please consider adding an organized transfer for you to the harbor of Omisalj. Check-in on board begins at 2 pm followed by the first cruise from the island to the city of Cres. A refreshing swim stop along the way can be enjoyed if the weather permits. In the evening your guide will take you for a walk through the charming old town, characterized by its Venetian heritage. Overnight mooring in Cres.Day 2: Cres - Liznjan - Pula, 29 mi. (47 km)
As you enjoy breakfast, the Linda navigates from Cres to Liznjan, on the southwest coast of Istria to Liznjan. This old fishing village with its small harbor is the starting point of your first bike tour on the Istrian peninsula. Enjoy quiet country roads and picturesque towns as you make your way to Pula, an enticing city characterized by decades of Roman rule. Highlights here are the mighty amphitheater, the Augustus Temple, and the Golden Gate. The night is spent in PulaDay 3: Pula - Vrsar - Porec, 24 mi. (30 km)
You arrive in Vrsar by boat just after breakfast. Vrsar is the town where the famous seducer, Casanova took refuge from the furious husbands of his lovers. From Vrsar, your bike tour will take you along the Limski Channel to Klostar in the hinterlands. There will be an opportunity to try a delicious suckling pig for lunch and then you continue by bike to Porec. A guided city tour will reveal the multifaceted history of enchanting and vibrant Porec. A visit to the Euphrasian-Basilica with its intricate pre-Christian mosaics is highly recommended. The night is spent in Porec.Day 4: Porec - Visnjan - Porec - Rovinj, 29 mi. (47 km)
Today’s bike tour is a round trip from Porec through the vast vineyards of Visnjan, to the territory of the famous white Boskarin Cattle, and then further inland. You will follow the Parenzana Rail Trail, an old railway line converted into a scenic cycle path that winds its way through Istria. You stop to visit the Baredine limestone cave, with its five incredible chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites and its underground lake at a depth of 60m. The route then leads to Tar and Vabriga and after lunch, past Europe’s biggest olive plantation back to Porec. Once back on board, the ship will cruise to Rovinj. The night is spent in Rovinj.Day 5: Rovinj, 10 mi. (17 km)
A short cycling day is on the agenda today consisting of a loop along the coast and providing an opportunity for a lengthy swim in the Adriatic. A guided city tour through this picture-perfect town is offered. Idyllic Rovinj sits on a small peninsula surrounded by the blue sea and is a haven for artists from all over the world Art work can be admired in the numerous galleries in town. Overnight once again in Rovinj.Day 6: Rovinj - Fazana - Rabac, 21 mi. (35 km)
You cycle along the coast mainly on natural paths and through forests to Fazana with its delightful harbor and splendid promenade, lined with the colorful facades of the local houses. As you bike, the ship navigates to Fazana. Once the group is back on board, will cruise around the southernmost point of the Istrian Peninsula to the city of Rabac, one of the most popular holiday towns in Istria. The night is spent in Rabac.Day 7: Rabac - Omisalj, 22 mi. (37 km)
Today starts with a long climb from Rabac, to the hilltop village of Labin where you can enjoy a coffee break with an incredible view over the bay of Rabac. You continue by bike through the incredibly diverse scenic landscapes and villages of the Istrian hinterlands before returning to Rabac to board the boat once again. An afternoon cruise back to Omisalj follows. The last evening on board is a festive occasion in the company of your fellow travelers, crew, and guides.Day 8: Omisalj
Disembarkation by 9 am. See available extension programs!If you’re looking for something different, check out our full list of bike & boat tours or view all our featured trips, including hiking, multi-adventure, & active cruising.
Boats & Bikes
- Linda
Comfort Class Motor Yacht
Hybrid Trekking BicycleElectric Bicycle![Hybrid bike on Croatia Bike & Boat]()
Cube Nature or exclusively designed trekking bike* … • Step through or horizontal bar (diamond frame) aluminum frame … • Upright riding position … • Selle Royal comfort gel saddle … • Shimano gearing… Read MoreAccessories![Electric Bike on Croatia Bike & Boat]()
Orbea, Cube, or FLEX ebike* … • Pedelec … • Aluminum step-through frame … • Upright riding position … • Shimano gearing … • 8 speeds … • Bosch motor and power pack … • Comfort gel saddle … •… Read More![]()
All bikes are equipped with a pannier bag. These are considered waterproof, however, please note that we can’t be held responsible or any damage that might be caused to any personal belongings like… Read MoreThe Linda is a spacious wooden motor yacht and is one of the bigger ships in the Croatian fleet. Enjoy the sea breeze on the multiple outside decks, refresh with a dip into the sea, or lay back on the upper sundeck on one of the padded sunning mats. The middle sundeck is constructed in a way that allows for outdoor dining. Sunrises and sunsets are always a very special experience on board. Captain Damir and his crew look forward to making your vacation unforgettable. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights with breakfast
- 2 days with lunch & dinner and 5 days with lunch or 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 (on board)
- A limited number of helmets available, advanced reservation required
- Tourist tax
What’s Not Included
- Meals not indicated as included
- Drinks on board (tally sheet)
- Weekly flat rate for bottled water: €25 for adults & €15 for children up to age 16
- Gratuities for crew & tour-guide
- Meals ashore
- 2 day pre or post tour extension
- WiFi
- Bicycle Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2023
Comfort Class Boat
Friday departures
Season 1: May 5, 2023
Season 2: May 26, July 7, July 21, August 4, & September 29, 2923
Season 3: June 16, August 18, September 1, & September 15, 2023On all the above dates, a mountain bike itinerary is also offered. One guide cycles with the MTB group while the other guide leads the touring itinerary. If you are interested in the additional itinerary, we can gladly provide you with it.
Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Below deck | Twin/double $ 1808 £ 1088 $ 1,605 € 1195 ₪ 4146 NZ$ 2057 kr 13341 $ 1,181 $ 1884 £ 1133 $ 1,673 € 1245 ₪ 4319 NZ$ 2143 kr 13899 $ 1,231 $ 1960 £ 1179 $ 1,740 € 1295 ₪ 4493 NZ$ 2229 kr 14458 $ 1,280 Above deck supplement | Twin/double $ 227 £ 137 $ 202 € 150 ₪ 520 NZ$ 258 kr 1675 $ 148 Below deck supplement | Twin for single use $ 605 £ 364 $ 537 € 400 ₪ 1388 NZ$ 689 kr 4466 $ 395 Above deck supplement | Twin for single-use $ 757 £ 455 $ 672 € 500 ₪ 1735 NZ$ 861 kr 5582 $ 494 Extra Options
Electric bike: $ 151 £ 91 $ 134 € 100 ₪ 347 NZ$ 172 kr 1116 $ 99
Extensions
2-Day Pre or Post Tour Extension (Zagreb)
3 star:
Double/twin room: pending
Single room: pending4 star:
Double/twin room: pending
Single room: pendingExtra nights
On request.
Transfers*
From Zagreb to Omisalj, per person: $ 91 £ 55 $ 81 € 60 ₪ 208 NZ$ 103 kr 670 $ 59
Departs 11:30 am from Zagreb City Center
Departs 12:15 pm from Zagreb AirportFrom Omisalj to Zagreb, per person: $ 91 £ 55 $ 81 € 60 ₪ 208 NZ$ 103 kr 670 $ 59
Departs 8 am from port in Omisalj
*Only available on embarkation and disembarkation days.
From/to Rijeka airport (on embarkation and disembarkation days only): price on request
Discount 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
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- 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. Distances range from 12 mi./20 km to 31 mi./50 km and 656 ft./200 m to 2624 ft./800 m of elevation gain. The terrain is hilly, the roads are mainly asphalt, though unpaved or gravel roads will be encountered at times. 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 they will set the pace.
Airport Info
The closest airport to your embarkation/disembarkation harbor in Omisalj is the Rijeka Airport (RJK), but because it is a small airport, you may find flying to Zagreb (ZAG) more practical.
The distance to the harbor from Zagreb airport is approximately 2 hrs by car. Your ship will leave port at 3 pm for its first navigation so please plan your flights accordingly.Local Travel
There is a collective transfer available from/to Zagreb to/from Omisalj on the days of embarkation and disembarkation. The transfer leaves at 11:30 am from Zagreb Center and 12:15 pm from Zagreb Airport. PLEASE PLAN FLIGHTS ACCORDINGLY
Return transfer on the last day of your tour to Zagreb Airport is at 8 am. Again, plan your flights accordingly.
If you are flying to Rijeka Airport, a taxi transfer can be arranged for you in advance.
You can also book a transfer from the train station in Rijeka that departs at 9:30 am and a return transfer from the boat back to Rijeka Train Station. See pricing.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 is a limited number of helmets available on board for borrowing, it is STRONGLY recommended to bring your personal, well-fitted helmet.
Remarks
Helmet use is mandatory. Though ther are a limited number of helmets available on board for borrowing, it is STRONGLY recommended to bring your personal, well-fitted helmet.
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: 14Important to know
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.
2-DAY PRE-TOUR EXTENSION in Zagreb
Day 1 (Thursday): Arrival in Zagreb
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.
Day 2 (Friday): Onward journey to Omišalj
After breakfast, at 11:30 am, a transfer to Omišalj for embarkation will be provided.2-DAY POST-TOUR EXTENSION in Zagreb
Day 1 (Friday): Arrival in Zagreb from Omisalj
An exclusive transfer collects you at 8.00 am from the ship in Omišalj and brings you to the hotel in Zagreb. Afterward, you can begin exploring the city. A local tour guide leads you on a city tour and shows you all the secrets of this exciting metropolis. In the evening, you enjoy dinner in a specially selected restaurant. The night is spent in a hotel in the city center.Day 2 (Saturday): Departure
A transfer will collect you from your hotel in Zagreb and take you to Zagreb Airport, according to your departure time.Included:
- 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 in Zagreb and from the hotel to the ship in Omišalj if booking the pre-tour extension.
- Transfer from the ship in Omišalj to your hotel in Zagreb and from the hotel to Zagreb airport if booking the post-tour extension.
- Tourist information
- Local taxes
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
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Extra Stay
See the "Important to Know" section for more information regarding the pre or post-tour extension available.
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?
Photos
![Old Town in Rovinj, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Marco Verch]()
![Cycling Istria Bike & Boat Tour in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.]()
![Harbor as seen from Campanile of Saint Euphemia Church in Rovinj, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Mario Fajt]()
![Great wines to be found in Croatia! Flickr:Arnie Papp]()
![TripSite's Hennie in Croatia!]()
![Swimming in Umag, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Oleg Sidorenko]()
![Quieter life in Groznjan, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Marcus Hansson]()
![Groznjan, Istria Bike & Boat Tour in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.]()
![Boating and biking in Rovinj, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Mario Fajt]()
![Motovun, Istria Bike & Boat Tour in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.]()
![Groznjan, Istria Bike & Boat Tour in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.]()
![Sunset from Euphrasian Basilica in Porec, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Christoph Sammer]()
![Rovinj on the Adriatic Sea, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Mario Fajt]()
![Quiet street in Rovinj, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:zolakoma]()
![Istria Bike & Boat Tour in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.]()
![Seafood in Medulin, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Erin Queen]()
![Istria Bike & Boat Tour in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.]()
![Harbor in Vrsar, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Nick Savchenko]()
![Rovinj, Istria Bike & Boat Tour in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.]()
![Facades in Groznjan, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Mario Fajt]()
![Flowers in Porec, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Kevin Veau]()
![Poreč in Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Marco Verch]()
![Istria Bike & Boat Tour in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.]()
![Istria Bike & Boat Tour in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.]()
![Bike rest for sightseeing in Rovinj, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Mario Fajt]()
![Rovinj, Istria Bike & Boat Tour in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.]()
![Ruins aplenty in Pula, the largest city in Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Peter Collins]()
![Rovinj, Istria, Croatia. CC:Jeroen Komen]()
![Istria Bike & Boat Tour in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.]()
![Umbrellas in Novigrad, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:aiva.]()
![Biking past the boats in Novigrad, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Oleg Brovko]()
![Bike trails on the Istria Bike & Boat Tour in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.]()
![Savicenta, Istria Bike & Boat Tour in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.]()
![Lots of great seafood in Croatia. Flickr:Arnie Papp]()
![Rovinj, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Marco Verch]()
![Vineyards on the Istria Bike & Boat Tour in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.]()
![Old Town in Poreč, Croatia. Flickr:Marco Verch]()
![Istria Bike & Boat Tour in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.]()
![Rovinj, Istria Bike & Boat Tour in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia.]()
![Promenade walking in Vrsar, Istria, Croatia. Flickr:Klemen Tomse]()
![Groznjan, Croatia. Flickr:Arnie Papp]()
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