Istria - The Heart of Europe
Croatia Bike Tours
Guided bike tour from Poreç to Rovinj highlighting Istrian cuisine & culture
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1710 Rates
Overview
This guided bike tour in Croatia features Istria, the largest peninsula of Croatia. Also known as The Heart of Europe because of its shape, Istria enjoys 2,300 hours of sunshine every year as well as a 445 km long coastline with dreamlike beaches and bays. This is the perfect place for an unforgettable cycling holiday.
You will explore the unique coastal region of the Adriatic and venture inland to the fertile interior. With its numerous medieval towns that crown the rolling hilltops, Istria is reminiscent of Tuscany.
Taking place parallel to this tour is a guided mountain bike itinerary. If you have a partner or friend who prefers a different biking style than you, this trip is the perfect fit as it allows you to spend your vacation together while each of you enjoys your preferred biking style during the day. Ask us if you are interested!
Highlights
- Famous amphitheater in Pula
- Cultural treasures of Rovinj, Poreč, and Grožnjan
- Remote trails and authentic insights into the life of the locals
- Istrian cuisine
- Truffle, wine, and olive oil tastings
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Itinerary
Day 1: Poreč
Day 2: Poreč - Vrsar - Kloštar - Poreč, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Poreč - Višnjan - Poreč, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 4: Grožnjan - Livade - Motovun - Poreč, 43 mi. (69 km)
Day 5: Kanfanar - Rovinj, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 6: Labin, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 7: Pula, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 8: RovinjAll distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the route, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.
Day 1: Poreč
Individual journey to Poreč, check-in at the hotel is possible from 2 pm onwards. Whether relaxing by the pool, enjoying a delicious cocktail at the bar, jumping into the turquoise blue water of the Croatian Adriatic, or taking a stroll through the alleys and streets of Poreč – your vacation can now truly begin! The first meeting with the guide and fellow travelers is held at 6 pm in the hotel lobby.Day 2: Poreč - Vrsar - Kloštar - Poreč, 25 mi. (40 km) | Elevation: 1,640 ft (500 m)
The first cycling tour leads from Poreč to Vrsar, where the heartbreaker Casanova temporarily sought refuge from the husbands of his lovers. From Vrsar, you cycle along the Limski Fjord inland to Kloštar. After a long lunch break in a typical konoba, you cycle back to Poreč. In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to learn about Poreč’s eventful history as your guide leads you through the charming old town with its numerous, beautiful buildings from various eras. A visit to the famous Euphrasius Basilica with its magnificent early Christian mosaics is also very worthwhile. The city tour ends with a visit to a historic wine cellar.Day 3: Poreč - Višnjan - Poreč, 29 mi. (47 km) | Elevation: 1969 ft. (600 m)
Today’s bike tour leads away from Poreč through expansive vineyards to Višnjan, home of the famous white Boškarin cattle. After a coffee break, you continue inland to Vabriga, where you will enjoy lunch at a gourmet restaurant. Your return to Poreč leads through the largest olive grove in Europe.Day 4: Grožnjan - Livade - Motovun - Poreč, 43 mi. (69 km) | Elevation: 3772 ft. (1150 m)
In the morning, a 30-minute transfer transports the group to the artists’ village of Grožnjan. Once a dying and decaying town, in 1965, Grožnjan was declared an artists' colony and was transformed into the enchanting and magical place it is today. Its history still permeates the present with ancient churches and castles, prehistoric archaeology, magnificent palaces, and many other old buildings, whose past glory have been recovered through restoration. The following cycling stage leads through typical Istrian villages to Opratlj. Here we enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view of the Mirna valley, one of the principal places where white truffles, highly valued by connoisseurs, can be found. The next stop is the truffle capital of Livade, where you have a little time to rest before you tackle the longer climb to Motovun. The captivating hilltop settlement is often used as a typical Istrian interior decoration motif. Situated on a hill rising 270 meters above the sea level, its houses are scattered all around the area. After a well-deserved lunch break, you follow the historic narrow-gauge route of the Parenzana to Vižinada and then continue along small side roads back to Poreč.Day 5: Kanfanar - Rovinj, 34 mi. (55 km) | Elevation: 1706 ft. (520 m)
After a half-hour transfer, you reach Kanfanar, the starting point of the day’s tour. The route follows small country roads through the historical villages of Sveti Petar u Šumi (Saint Peter in the Woods) and Svetvinčenat (Saint Vincent) all the way to Bale. Lunch will be enjoyed at a nearby farm with an attached restaurant and features a variety of Istrian specialties. The day's final destination is Rovinj. Once settled to your hotel, you will have the opportunity to discover the enchanting old town on a guided walking tour.Day 6: Labin, 22 mi. (35 km) | Elevation: 1837 ft. (560 m)
A loop ride begins after a transfer to Labin, a medieval town situated on the hill above Rabac. Your cycling route leads through the beautiful villages in the area and highlights the spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea. Once back in Labin and after lunch in the old town, you will explore this beautiful place on a guided tour. In the late afternoon, you transfer back to Rovinj.Day 7: Pula, 27 mi. (43 km) | Elevation: 1804 ft (550 m)
The day begins with a 20-minute transfer to Pula, where the last cycling tour begins. You cycle north towards Vodnjan, home to the oldest olive groves in Istria, and of course, an olive oil tasting is on the agenda. You then continue cycling towards the sea before returning to Pula via Fažana. Once back in Pula, you take part in a guided tour of Istria’s largest and oldest city, during which we discover the city’s rich cultural heritage including the famous amphitheater. Afterward, we return back to Rovinj by transfer.Day 8: Rovinj
Official end of your tour. Airport transfers are available or an included transfer back to Poreč.Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
This tour features good to very good mid-range hotels (3-4 stars). All accommodation possibilities are carefully selected and offer the greatest possible comfort after a day full of activity. They are all very well-kept and are characterized by a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff, and delicious cuisine. Of course, all hotels have secure places to keep your bicycles. You will receive a hotel list and further detailed information about the tour before the start of your trip.
Bicycles
Standard Sport Bike
Cube Nature Black 'n' White
- Sportier riding position
- Doble butted Aluminum tubes
- 27 speed Shimano gearing with upgraded XT level rear derailleur
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Selle royal Viper saddle
- Suntour suspension fork
- Rear rack
- Front roller pannier from Ortlieb
This bike features a sportier riding positon.
Mountain Bike
Various models mostly Giant, Scott, or Cube*
- Aluminum frame
- 27.5 or 29 inchwheels
- Front and rear suspension
- Shimano gearing
- Hydraulic disc brakes
Electric MTB*
- Cube or Giant brands
- 11 speed
- 27.5 inch wheels
- Front and rear suspension
*Available for those who are booking the mountain bike itinerary.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, & 4 dinners
- English speaking tour guide
- Standard trekking bike rental. See note below.
- Guided cycling tours
- Sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- Overview maps for the daily tours
- Guided city tours in Poreč, Rovinj, Grožnjan, & Pula
- Transfer from Rovinj to the town of Poreč on the day of departure
- In our bike category section, you will find examples of the rentals that are available and sample photos however it is very important to note that a specific brand cannot be guaranteed.
Important note on bike rental options
What’s Not Included
- Meals other than those included
- Entrance fees for sights not indicated as included
- Gratuities
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2025
Only available for private groups of 8 or more.
*The price for this tour varies depending on the time of year, the requested hotel category, and the size of the group.
*Please ask us for pricing!Please Note
- Rates are per person, 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
Pricing
Twin/double On request Single supplement $ 976 £ 504 $ 907 € 590 Ft 241618 kr 89992 ₪ 2476 ¥ 98207 Mex$ 12695 NZ$ 1078 kr 7037 zł 2583 S$ 859 kr 6834 CHF 565 $ 659 Extra Options
Bicycle rental options
Electric bike rental $ 165 £ 85 $ 154 € 100 Ft 40952 kr 15253 ₪ 420 ¥ 16645 Mex$ 2152 NZ$ 183 kr 1193 zł 438 S$ 146 kr 1158 CHF 96 $ 112 Transfers
On request Tour Extension
2-Day Pre or Post Tour Extension (Zagreb)
3 star Twin/double/single On request 4 star Twin/double/single On request Extra nights
Hotel Scaletta, Pula
Twin/double/single On request Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This guided bike tour is rated easy to moderate and leads through hilly terrain from 500 meters of elevation to 1150 meters. The paths cycled are mostly asphalt, however, about 30% of the routes follow gravel and forest roads. If necessary, it is of course possible to push the bikes along sections of such paths. On this tour, the riding pace is determined by the cyclists on standard trekking bicycles and we ask guests who have reserved an e-bike to be mindful of this and to acknowledge that the regular cyclists need time to rest and longer to climb the hills.
If you are interested in booking the mountain bike version of this tour, we can send you all pertinent information such as daily distances and elevation guidelines.Airport Info
The closest airport to Poreč is Pula Airport (PUY). You can also search for a flight to Zagreb (ZAG). The journey from Zagreb Airport (ZAG) to Poreč takes about 3 hours by motor vehicle and so it is recommended to book one of the group transfers from/to Zagreb. See below for more details.
Local Travel
Arrival/departure Pula Airport (PUY)
Exclusive transfers from Pula Airport to Poreč are available. See pricing. Departure airport transfer can be arranged. A supplement will apply. At the end of your tour, there is an included transfer back to the city of Pula. This for those who would like to extend their travels.
Arrival/departure Zagreb Airport (ZAG)
Group transfer from/to Zagreb, available only on day of arrival/departure (11:30 am from Zagreb Center or 12:15 pm from Zagreb Airport to Poreč / return transfer from Rovinj to Zagreb Airport starts at 7 am. See pricing.
For the organization of airport transfers
Please provide your exact flight details as below:
– arrival & departure date
– flight route
– airline
– flight number
– estimated arrival or departure timeClimate
The Istrian Peninsula is situated in the northwestern part of Croatia between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner. 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.
Recommended
Helmet use is mandatory.
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.
Extra Stay
2-DAY PRE OR POST TOUR EXTENSION in Zagreb
Saturday
If booking the pre-tour extension, a private transfer collects you at the Zagreb airport and brings you to the doorstep of your hotel. If booking the post-tour extension, you will be transferred from your hotel in Rovinj to your hotel in Zagreb. 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
If booking pre-tour extension, after breakfast, transfer to your hotel in Porec. If booking post-tour, you will be transferred to the airport.Extension Package Includes:
- 3 or 4 star accommodations (your choice) near town center in Zagreb
- 3-hour sightseeing tour in Zagreb (entry fees not included)
- Dinner in a local restaurant
- Transfer from Zagreb airport to your hotel or from PoreÄÂ hotel to the your hotel in Zagreb
- Transfer from your hotel in Zagreb to PoreÄÂ or from your hotel in Zagreb to the airport
- 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?
Photos
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