Explore the highlights of Istria on this e-bike and boat tour!

Croatia is known for its incredible beaches, historical cities, and picturesque islands. On this guided e-bike and boat tour, you'll discover Croatia's largest peninsula and some of its most scenic locations.

Istria, sitting between Kvarner Bay and the Gulf of Triest, is an oasis with over 300 miles of coastline and is home to fascinating harbor towns like Pula and Porec. Cycling inland, you'll find medieval hilltop villages and delightful olive groves and vineyards, evocative of the Italian countryside.

While the terrain undulates, you'll conquer the ascents with ease on electric-assisted bicycles, returning to your comfortable floating hotel each day.

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Highlights

• The amphitheater in Pula
• White truffles of Istria
• The Baredine Cave with its underground lake
• The artists' village of Grožnjan
• Guided cycling excursions on electric bike

Daily program

Day 1: Arrival in Omisalj, cruise to Cres
You'll arrive on the island of Krk to Omišalj, a pirate's nest. If you arrive by car, a secure parking space will be provided, and if you arrive from Zagreb, a transfer to the harbor of Omišalj will be arranged. Check in is at 2:00 pm. After settling in, your first cruise will begin. You may have the chance to stop for a nice swim in the Adriatic Sea. The destination for today is the island Cres's capital, also named Cres, where you will spend the night. This town is marked by its Venetian heritage, with winding alleyways and numerous churches, enticing us to explore on foot. The evening can be enjoyed in one of the cozy seaside bars, where you can relax while listening to the soothing sounds of seabirds as dusk settles in.

Day 2: Cres - Pula (11 miles/19 km)
After breakfast on board, you will meet with a staff member to have your bike fitted start the first bike tour through the idyllic harbor and to the lighthouse. Reboard the boat for another journey as you leave port and start a longer cruise to the historical city of Pula. The unofficial capital of Istria is characterized by decades of Roman rule. There is plenty of time to explore the city on foot, taking time to appreciate the ancient monuments such as the Grand Roman Amphitheater, the Augustus Temple, and the Golden Gate. The night is spent in Pula.

Day 3: Pula - Vrsar (23 miles/38 km)
After breakfast, you will explore Pula before cycling on to the fishing village of Fazana by way of Galizana and Vodnjan. After visiting these quaint and historic villages, return to Pula where you will meet the boat to cruise for Vrsar. As the boat makes its way, there will be a chance for a swing in the Limski Fjord. The famous heart-breaker, Casanova, is said to have taken refuge from the enraged husbands of his many lovers in Vrsar. Overnight in Vrsar.

Day 4: Vrsar - Poreč (18 miles/29 km)
Today's bike tour begins along the Limski Channel towards Klostar in the rural hinterlands. You'll take a break here before you continue towards Poreč, where you will spend the night. You'll have the opportunity to explore the rich history of Poreč with a city tour guide on a delightful afternoon walk through the town. A visit to the Euphrasius-Basilica, with its intricrate pre-Christian mosaics, is a must! There is shopping opportunity here as well.

Day 5: Poreč - Novigrad - Rovinj (36 miles/59 km)
In the morning begin cycling, you'll follow a decommissioned railway line—the "Parenzana"—towards an artist town—Grožnjan—with numerous galleries in charming stone houses. This quaint village is considered a medieval jewel of the Istrian hinterland. Continue through rural Istria by way of Buje to Novigrad, where you return to the boat and sail to Rovijn. On the way, you may be able to stop for a refreshing swim!

Day 6: Rovinj - Fazana - Rabac (25 miles/41 km)
Today's bike tour takes us along the coast, primarily on natural paths and through forests, leading to Fažana with its charming harbor and a splendid promenade adorned with colorful facades of local houses. Continue cycling to Pula where the ship awaits us for a crossing to the island of Rabac. On arrival, marvel at the view across the bay of Rabac. Located on the east coast of Istria, Rabac boasts white pebble beaches, crystaline waters, and a picturesque harbor. Spend some time this evening exploring the local dives for a cocktail or dessert.

Day 7: Rabac - Njivice - Omišalj (23 miles/38 km)
In the early morning, the boat departs for the island of Krk, where we embark on the final bike ride of the week, starting from Njivice and continuing to Omišalj. Krk, the largest of the Croatian islands and renowned for its delightful white wine, Zlahtina, offers a remarkable diversity that will surely leave a lasting impression. Make sure not to miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the mineral-rich mud of the Soline Bay – not only will it rejuvenate your appearance, but it will also create wonderful memories of your holiday.

As we return to the harbor of Omišalj, the boat awaits us with a delightful last evening meal on board. This is a perfect time to enjoy the company of fellow travelers, as well as the crew and guides, in a spirit of great cheer.

Day 8: Omišalj
Enjoy one last breakfast on board before departing the boat by 9am. Transfers are possible back to the airport.

All distances are approximate. If you do not want to cycle one day, you can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next harbor. We reserve the right to make changes to the planned itinerary due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements.

Extension

Zagreb

This extension is available before or after your bike and boat tour.

Enjoy an additional 2 days in the town of Zagreb, exploring the capital of Croatia. This extension program is designed to provide you with the free time to discover the area at your own pace while also providing you with a guided walking tour of the historic town center. You also have the option to add guided activities during your liesure time.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb*
After checking into your hotel, set out on a city tour with a local guide. As you explore the secrets of this thriving metropolis, you will have the opportunity to visit many sites and hear the history of the city. In the evening enjoy a special dinner with traditional dishes from the local cuisine.

*If booking the extension prior to the bike and boat tour, you will have a transfer from the Zagreb airport to the hotel. If booking the extension after the tour, you will have a transfer from the boat to the hotel.

Day 2: Departure
If booking the extension prior to the bike and boat tour, you will have a transfer to the boat. If booking the extension after the tour, you will have a transfer to the Zagreb Airport.

Included Services

• 1 night of accommodation with breakfast (in selected hotel category)
• Dinner in a traditional restaurant
• Guided city tour of Zagreb (entrance fees to sites not included)
• Transfer from Zagreb airport to the hotel in Zagreb (if booked before the bike and boat tour) or from the hotel in Zagreb to the Zagreb airport (if booked after the bike and boat tour).
• Transfer from the hotel in Zagreb to the ship in Omišalj (if booked before the bike and boat tour) or from the ship in Omišalj to the hotel in Zagreb (if booked after the bike and boat tour).

Surface and terrain

This guided tour features cycling up to an altitude of 300 m above sea level with an average daily distance of 23 miles. You'll bike mainly on paved roads, rarely frequented by cars in low season. You may experience unpaved or gravel sections which are kept as short as possible. You are always welcome to push your bike in these instances.

Boats

• Andela Lora

Hotels

Extra Nights will be accommodated in one of the following hotels depending on availability.

Krk, 4-star: Hotel Miramare or similar. Pricing available upon request.

Extension overnights will be accommodated in one of the following hotels depending on availability.

Zagreb, 4-star: Hotel Manda Heritage, Hotel Dubrovnik, or similar

How to get there

Tour start and end

Port in Omišalj

The following group transfers are offered for a fee with advanced reservation (on arrival and departure days only at the indicated times):

Airport of Zagreb (ZAG) - Port of Embarkation
ZAG to Omišalj: 12:15 pm
Zagreb City Center to Omišalj: 11:30 am
Departure times from Omišalj to Zagreb on disembarkation day: 8:00 am. Please make sure, that your return flight does not depart from Zagreb before 12:00 pm!

Airport of Rijeka (RJK) – Port of Embarkation
On request, flight information is required to reserve.

Railway Station Rijeka - Port of Embarkation
Rijeka Station to Omišalj: 9:30 am
Departure times from Omišalj to Rijeka on disembarkation day: 8:00 am (45 minutes approx.)

Tips on getting to and from your tour.

Dates

Prices

Included services

• 7 x nights accommodation in cabin with private bathroom
• 2 x full board and 5 x half board
• English-speaking tour guide
• Guided cycling tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
• Guided tours in Pula and Rovijn
• Maps for the daily cycling tours on board
• Bed linen and towels

Please note a required visitor's tax and bottle water flat rate of approximately €60 per adult and €30 per child is not included in this tour package. These fees are paid directly to the captain upon arrival. Credit and debit cards are not accepted on board; ATMs are available at stops along the tour route.

Bike rentals

Bikes available to be rented (in advance at the time of booking) include:

• Electrically assisted bike (CUBE, Orbea Optima Asphalt, or similar)*
• Road bike
• Gravel bike

*More about electrically-assisted bikes >. Please note, the majority if not all participants on this tour will be riding electric bikes. Anyone opting for a regular standard bike should be aware of the increased difficulty keeping up with electric bike riders. 

All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:

• Ortlieb pannier

Additional specifications on the Standard touring bikes:

• 21-gear derailleur, Alivio
• Shimano V-brakes
• Comfortable Selle Royal saddles

Please note that the bikes are deliberately not equipped with water bottle holders. There is room in the saddle bag to carry a bottle of water, along with everything else you need for the daily rides.

Please note: Guests are more than welcome to bring their own bike along. However, be aware that we are not insured for the private bikes on board and that all maintenance of private bikes are the responsibility of the owner. Additionally, it is important for us to know if the private bikes are standard models, MTBs or e-bikes. Onboard of our boats we have a weight restriction of 22 kg for all private bikes (excluding batteries) for health and safety reasons. Bikes above this weight will not be accepted on board for daily use!

Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE. 

Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals. The guide on board the boat can assist you in attaching them to your rental bike.

Helmets:
It is required to wear helmets on this tour. In order to guarantee optimum protection, we request that you bring your own helmet and - for your own safety - wear it on all bike tours. A limited number of helmets are available on board to rent, at the time of booking, though it is highly recommended to bring your own helmet.

Tour Company