Istria
Croatia Bike + Boat Tours
Bike & Boat Istria along a stunning Croatian coast
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1395 Rates
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 to explore 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: Embarkation in Omišalj - Cruise to Cres
Day 2: Cres - Pula, 11 mi. (19 km)
Day 3: Pula - Vrsar, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 4: Vrsar - Poreč, 18 mi. (29 km)
Day 5: Poreč - Novigrad - Rovinj, 36 mi. (59 km)
Day 6: Rovinj - Fažana - Rabac, 25 mi. (41 km)
Day 7: Rabac - Njivice - Omišalj, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 8: Omisalj (Disembarkation)All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather or last-minute docking changes.
Day 1: Embarkation in Omišalj - Cruise to Cres
Arrive in Omišalj, a charming pirate’s nest on the island of Krk. Check-in on board begins at 2 pm. After settling into your cabin, the boat will set off for the first crossing to Cres. If the weather is favorable, the boat stops in a beautiful bay where you can take a refreshing swim in the Adriatic Sea. Today's destination is the capital on the Island of Cres. The Venetian-influenced old town of Cres, with its beautiful alleys and churches, entices you to take an extensive evening stroll.Day 2: Cres - Pula, 11 mi. (19 km)
After breakfast on board, the first task is to adjust your bikes before taking them on your very first ride to the iconic red lighthouse. Afterwar returning to the boat, it sets off for another crossing to Pula at the southern tip of Istria, where you'll enjoy a guided tour of the old town. The secret capital of Istria awaits with impressive evidence of its Roman past. Take your time for an extensive stroll and explore impressive ancient monuments, such as the famous amphitheater reminiscent of the Colosseum in Rome, the Temple of Augustus, and the Golden Gate.Day 3: Pula - Vrsar, 23 mi. (38 km)
In the morning, explore the picturesque scenery in and around Pula. Via Galizana, cycle to Vodnjan and further through the fishing village of Fazana before returning Pula. Once there, the boat crosses to Vrsar, stopping for a swim break at the Limski Fjord. In Vrsar, where you will spend the night, the heartbreaker Casanova is believed to have sought temporary refuge from the husbands of his lovers.Day 4: Vrsar - Poreč, 18 mi. (29 km)
From Vrsar, cycle along the Limski Canal to Kloštar in the rural hinterland. Stop and take a much needed rest and enjoy a local meal before the tour continuing on to today's destination, Poreč. In the afternoon, encounter the colorful history of Poreč at every turn as you stroll through the charming old town with its beautiful buildings from bygone eras. A visit to the famous Euphrasius Basilica with its magnificent early Christian mosaics is also worthwhile.Day 5: Poreč - Novigrad - Rovinj, 36 mi. (59 km)
In the morning, follow the "Parenzana", an abandoned railroad line, which leads to the famous artists' village of Groznjan. The picturesque artists’ village is a medieval jewel in the Istrian hinterland. It awaits with romantic alleys, flower-filled squares, and diverse galleries that have made their home in old natural stone houses. In the afternoon, bike through rural Istria via Buje to Novigrad. You'll have the opportunity for a quick swim before the boats crosses to Rovinj.Day 6: Rovinj - Fažana - Rabac, 25 mi. (41 km)
A morning bike ride leads near the coast, mostly on natural forest paths to Fažana, with its quaint little harbor and promenade lined with colorful houses. Later you continue to Pula, where the boat takes you the rest of the way to Rabac. Here, located on a picturesque bay on the east coast of Istria, enjoy gorgeous white pebble beaches, crystal clear waters, and a beautiful harbor. Not to be missed is an evening cocktail in a local bar.Day 7: Rabac - Njivice - Omišalj, 23 mi. (38 km)
In the early morning, the boat crosses to the island of Krk, where you'll embark on your final bike ride. The route leads from Njivice to Omišalj, the largest island in Croatia and home of the delicious Zlahtina white wine, impresses with its diverse landscapes. Don’t miss the opportunity to cover yourself in the mineral rich mud in the bay of Soline, which is said to reduce the appearance of aging. Maybe this is true but it also makes for a wonderful holiday memory! Back in the harbor of Omišalj, the boat awaits with a delicious last evening meal prepared by the chef.Day 8: Omisalj (Disembarkation)
After breakfast disembarkation by 9 am.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.
Map
Boats & Bikes
- Linda
Comfort Class Motor Yacht
The 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
- Guided tours in Pula and Rovinj
- 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 - €60 for adults & €30 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
2024
Comfort Class
Linda
Friday departures
May 10*, May 24*, June 7, June 21*, August 30, & September 27*, 2024
*On 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.
*Discount: 200 Euros per person on May 10. Only for new bookings made after February 9, 2024.
Below deck | Twin/double $ 2329 £ 1218 $ 2,081 € 1395 kr 213873 ₪ 5828 ¥ 241023 Mex$ 26154 NZ$ 2561 NOK 16789 zł 6149 S$ 2074 kr 16646 $ 1,524 Above deck supplement | Twin/double $ 250 £ 131 $ 224 € 150 kr 22997 ₪ 627 ¥ 25916 Mex$ 2812 NZ$ 275 NOK 1805 zł 661 S$ 223 kr 1790 $ 164 Below deck supplement | Twin for single use $ 668 £ 349 $ 597 € 400 kr 61326 ₪ 1671 ¥ 69110 Mex$ 7499 NZ$ 734 NOK 4814 zł 1763 S$ 595 kr 4773 $ 437 Above deck supplement | Twin for single-use $ 1002 £ 524 $ 895 € 600 kr 91989 ₪ 2507 ¥ 103666 Mex$ 11249 NZ$ 1102 NOK 7221 zł 2645 S$ 892 kr 7160 $ 655 Extra Options
Rental options
Electric bike $ 242 £ 127 $ 216 € 145 kr 22231 ₪ 606 ¥ 25053 Mex$ 2719 NZ$ 266 NOK 1745 zł 639 S$ 216 kr 1730 $ 158 Transfers
To/from Rijeka airport $ 33 £ 17 $ 30 € 20 kr 3066 ₪ 84 ¥ 3456 Mex$ 375 NZ$ 37 NOK 241 zł 88 S$ 30 kr 239 $ 22 To/from Rijeka train station $ 50 £ 26 $ 45 € 30 kr 4599 ₪ 125 ¥ 5183 Mex$ 562 NZ$ 55 NOK 361 zł 132 S$ 45 kr 358 $ 33 Collective transfers between Zagreb and Omišalj €60 person/way | €60 bicycle/way Arrival
- 11:30 am departure from Zagreb Center
- 12:15 pm departure from Zagreb Airport
Return
- 8:00 am departure from Omišalj to Zagreb Airport
Exclusive transfers On request Transfers take place on embarkation and disembarkation days only. Rates are per person/way. A minimum of 2 people is required.
Extra nights
Hotel Miramare**** (Island of Krk) On request Extensions
4-star Double/twin $ 710 £ 371 $ 634 € 425 kr 65159 ₪ 1776 ¥ 73430 Mex$ 7968 NZ$ 780 NOK 5115 zł 1873 S$ 632 kr 5071 $ 464 Single $ 851 £ 445 $ 761 € 510 kr 78190 ₪ 2131 ¥ 88116 Mex$ 9562 NZ$ 936 NOK 6138 zł 2248 S$ 758 kr 6086 $ 557 Discount if not using transfer service $ 184 £ 96 $ 164 € 110 kr 16865 ₪ 460 ¥ 19005 Mex$ 2062 NZ$ 202 NOK 1324 zł 485 S$ 164 kr 1313 $ 120 3-day extension in Varaždin and Trakošćan
3-star 4-star Double/twin On request On request Single On request 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 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
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 on the days of embarkation and disembarkation. The arrival 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.
Remarks
Helmet use is mandatory. Though there 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
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?
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