Istria

Croatia Bike + Boat Tour

The heart of Europe

"The heart of Europe" is what the Istrians call their peninsula, inspired by its shape and its position at the crossroads of European  cultures and nations. This is where Central Europe and the world of the Mediterranean meet. On this tour we will explore the most popular part of the Croatian coast.

Starting in Pula, the ship will take us a bit further north every day, and our tour guides will show you  the most beautiful routes of the whole coastal region. We will visit the paradise of nature on the islands of Brijuni, the Lim-channel with its caves, the coastal cities Porec, Rovinj and Pula, as well as the Istrian hinterland, a famous wine and truffle region.

While strolling through Pula, the starting and ending port of your tour,  you will come across numerous monuments of Roman architecture: the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi from the 1st century B.C., Hercules’ Gate and Twin Gates, the Temple of Augustus, Arena and Small Roman Theater in the town center.  A unique experience will be moments of relaxation in the main town square, which has managed to retain its role as the meeting place since the Augustan Age.

Skill Level

Easy guided tour. The bike routes require a basic level of fitness, ideally acquired by occasional or daily cycling. The routes reach a maximal height of 200 m. The daily routes of 30 km (18 mi.) on average, cover 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.

Where You’ll Stay

On the Tarin, a newer (2004) Comfort class ship. The ship is certainly an eye catcher with a caring captain who is happy to welcome you on board.

What’s Included

• 8-day trip on a motor yacht with a crew of 4
• 7 nights in a double cabin with all-in-one bathroom (shower & sink with hand-held shower)
• 7x half board (breakfasts & dinners)
• English speaking tour guide
• 21-speed trekking bike with bicycle bag
• 7 guided cycling tours as described in itinerary
• Bed linen & towels
• Entrance & guided tour in Brijuni National Park
• Maps for the daily tours, on board
• Limited number of helmets available, advanced reservation required

What’s Not Included

• Lunches
• Visitor’s tax & local charges, €20 (paid to captain)
• Drinks on board (tally sheet)
• Flat fee for bottled water €20
• Bicycle Protection:€10
• E bike protection: €20
• Tips for crew & tour-guide (optional)
• Meals ashore
• Individual arrival to the ship

Tour Dates

• Sundays on April 22, April 29, June 10, September 23, September 30, October 7, October 14 and October 21, 2012.

Tour Boats

• Tarin

Day-To-Day Itinerary

1. Arrival in Pula. Pula - Medulin - Bay of Banjole, 19 mi. (30 km)
2. Bay of Banjole - Vrsar - Porec, 19 mi. (30 km)
3. Porec - Grosnjan - Umag, 38 mi. (60 km)
4. Umag - Savudrija - Umag - Novigrad, 22 mi. (35 km)
5. Novigrad - Porec - Vrsar, 22 mi. (35 km)
6. Vrsar - Rovinj - Palud, 12 mi. (20 km)
7. Palud - Barbariga - Fazana - Brijuni Islands - Pula, 12 mi. (20 km)
8. Disembark in Pula by 9AM.

*All distances are approximate. The above planned itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.

There are times that the tour is conducted with a reverse itinerary. The tour of Brijuni may be conducted without bicycles.

SUNDAY: Arrival in Pula. Pula - Medulin - Bay of Banjole, 19 mi. (30 km)
Individual arrival in Pula, the secret capital of Istria, a town full of impressive remains of its Roman past. From 11:00AM you can move into your cabins on the motor yacht. Our first bike tour takes us from the harbor along beautiful bays to the southern tip of Istria. From there we ride on a good asphalt road to Medulin, easily recognized from afar by its two white church towers. In the shady village square we take a short break for refreshments. From Medulin we bike to the bay of Banjole for our overnight.

MONDAY: Bay of Banjole - Vrsar - Porec, 19 mi. (30 km)
After breakfast we start on a 3-4 hour cruise to Vrsar, the town where lady killer Casanova found temporary refuge from lovers pursuing him. Starting from Vrsar, we bike along the Lim fjord to Klostar in the hinterland. After a break, long enough to taste some fresh suckling pig, our route takes us to Porec. On a walk after dinner with our town guide, we encounter the evidence of the town's eventful past at every step along the way, strolling through the charming historical center, with its beautiful buildings of many different periods, and the bustling shopping lanes. The famous Euphrasius Basilica, with its gorgeous early Christian mosaics, is also well worth a visit.

TUESDAY: Porec - Grosnjan - Umag, 38 mi. (60 km)
Today's bike tour takes us from Porec through extensive vineyards to Visnjan, home of the famous white cattle. After a coffee break we continue through the gentle hills of the hinterland via Vizinada to the artists' village of Grosnjan. Along the way we’ll have a fortifying picnic. Our destination is Umag, which offers a picturesque old town center with the remains of a medieval city wall located on a promontory. Dinner on board.

WEDNESDAY: Umag - Savudrija - Umag - Novigrad, 22 mi. (35 km)
In the morning we undertake a round trip to the Savudrija peninsula, the northernmost point of Istria. In favorable weather conditions we’ll have an amazing view as far as Slovenia, Italy and even the Alps. On the way back to the ship, there are plenty of opportunities for a refreshing dip in the sea. In the afternoon you bike along quiet sea promenades from Umag to Novigrad. There we’ll find the impressive battlements of the city wall as well the 7th century Pelagius Basilica. Around the pretty harbor we find many cafes and bars, where we can end the day.

THURSDAY: Novigrad - Porec - Vrsar, 22 mi. (35 km)
After breakfast we leave Novigrad and bike along the coast to Porec. Here we meet up with the ship and have time for a swim or another stroll through the wonderful old town center. After lunch on board we continue along the coast to Vrsar, where we’ll spend the night. Along the way we have a break at an open air museum, where we can admire the sculptures of the famous stone mason school of Vrsar.

FRIDAY: Vrsar - Rovinj - Palud, 12 mi. (20 km)
In the morning our ship takes us to Rovinj, often called the "pearl of Istria". The charm of this dreamy artists' town will quickly captivate you. After a round trip to the Palud Nature Reserve, we’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Rovinj. After dinner a town guide leads us through the maze of narrow lanes making up the old town.

SATURDAY: Palud - Barbariga - Fazana - Brijuni Islands - Pula, 12 mi. (20 km)
After a short cruise to the bay of Barbariga, we unload our bikes and cross with a ferry over to the Brijuni Islands. Until Tito's death in 1980, the paradise of the Brijuni Islands was a prohibited area accessible only to the government elite and their official guests. The island's sightseeing train takes us to the remotest corners of this subtropical nature park with its lush vegetation and exotic fauna. On the way across the island we’ll also visit some well preserved Roman excavations with a local guide. In the evening we bike from Fazana to Pula, where dinner on board of the ship is already waiting for us.

SUNDAY: Disembark in Pula by 9AM.
Departure after breakfast.

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Questions? Call us! 877-965-2064 or e-mail us