Istria (Bike and Boat) – 8 Days
Type of tour: Guided
Level: 3
Duration: 7 Nights
Distance: 24 Miles/day average
Dates: Sundays: Apr 26-Jun 21; Aug 30-Oct 18, 2015
Tour price: €890
Start city: Pula, Croatia
End city: Pula, Croatia
Tour Description
“The heart of Europe” is what the Istrians call their peninsula, inspired by its shape and its position at the crossroads of European arteries, cultures and nations. This is where Central Europe and the world of Mediterranean meet. On this tour, we explore the most popular part of the Croatian coast.
Starting in Pula, the ship takes us a bit further north every day, and our tour guides show us the most beautiful routes of the whole coastal region. We 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.
Highlights: Guided Daily Program: Guided Day 1: Arrival to Pula; warm up ride around Pula (19 miles/30 km) Our first cycle tour starts at 3 pm and takes us in a large circle around Pula and back to the ship. You might get the chance to have a closer look at the famous Amphitheatre. After your cycle tour you go on your first cruise just a couple of miles north to a quiet bay for your overnight stay. Day 2: Vsar – Porec (19 miles/30 km) After a break, long enough to taste some fresh suckling pig, our route takes us to Porec. On a guided walk, we encounter the evidence of the town’s eventful past at every step along the way. While strolling through the charming historical centre, with its beautiful buildings of many different periods as well as the bustling shopping lanes, we will not miss the famous Euphrasian Basilica, with its gorgeous early Christian mosaics. Day 3: Porec – Visnjan – Porec (31 miles/50 km) After a lunch break we cycle back to Porec. We will visit Baredine Cave on our cycle tour. Our excursion takes us through five amazing halls which are beautifully illuminated. It leads us 60 m under ground to a subsurface lake and if we are lucky we’ll meet a native – the famous amphebia (Proteus anguinus): the olm. This little cave dweller is a unique one. It is endemic to this karst area. Back at the ship we hop on our boat and enjoy a lovely cruise to Novigrad. Day 4: Novigrad – Groznjan – Umag (31 miles/50 km) After a long relaxing stop in Grožnjan we continue cycling to Umag, which offers a picturesque old town centre located on a promontory as well as some remains of a medieval city wall. Dinner on board. Day 5: Umag – Savudrija – Umag – Novigrad (12.5 + 9 miles/ 20 +15 km) In the afternoon we cycle along quiet sea promenades from Umag to Novigrad. There we find the impressive battlement 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. Day 6: Novigrad – Porec – Rovinj (13 miles/20 km) The boat awaits you in the harbour of Porec and will take you further on to Rovinj. A city tour before the evening meal will tell you everything there is to know about this Adriatic gem. The winding alleyways of this picture perfect town will leave you enchanted. Day 7: Rovinj – Palud – Pula (12 miles/20 km) The last evening aboard our ship follows a nice tradition. While enjoying the communal dinner in a cosy atmosphere you will have the chance for a last get-together with your crew and your tour guides. Day 8: Departure from Pula * We reserve the right to make changes to the planned itinerary due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements. Included Services: Guided Please note: Bike Rentals: Guided All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge: Additional specifications on the hybrid touring bikes: 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. Bicycle insurance is available to buy. It costs 10 Euros/week for the hybrid touring bikes, and 20 Euros/week for the electrically assisted bikes. Pedals Seats Helmets Additional specifications on the electrically assisted bikes: The i:SY-Flyer ECO, a relatively light model of 50 pounds (21 kg), is a compact bike with a special low frame geometry for easy mounting and 20-inch wheels. The handlebar “Speedlifter Twist” is turnable, making the bike space-efficient for storage. This E-Bike model is equipped with an 8-gear-Shimano hub gearshift (Nexus), as well as Shimano V-brakes. It has a 10-amp battery along with an 8-amp back-up that allow for unlimited riding. The type i:SY Flyer ECO is available for all persons with a height of 150- 190 cm (it is not available for heights above 190 cm).
Individual arrival at Pula. The secret capital of Istria with its town full of impressive remains of its Roman past awaits your visit. If you arrive by car, we arrange a secure parking place for you. Between 2 and 2:30 pm check-in on the motor yacht.
Overnight in Pula.
After breakfast we go on a very scenic, approximately 3 hour cruise to Vrsar, the town where Casanova found temporary refuge from lovers pursuing him. Starting from Vrsar, we cycle along the Lim fjord to Klostar in the hinterland.
Overnight in Porec.
Today’s cycle tour takes us from Porec through extensive vineyards to Visnjan, home of the famous white Boskarin-Cattle. After a coffee break we continue cycling through the gentle hills of the hinterland to Vizinada.
Overnight in Novigrad.
After breakfast cycling takes us from Novigrad through the river valley of Mirna to the artist’s village of Grožnjan. The Mirna river valley is well known as an area where white truffles can be found. A gourmet’s heart will jump of joy.
Overnight in Umag.
In the morning we do a round trip to the Savudrija peninsula and cycle to the northernmost point of Istria. In favorable weather conditions we 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.
Overnight in Novigrad.
After breakfast you leave Novigrad on your bike following the coastline in the direction of Porec. There is time to take a wander through the beautiful old town and to enjoy the regional cuisine for lunch.
Overnight in Rovinj.
A cycle round trip will take us to the Palud Nature Reserve in the morning. It is situated in a naturally originated land subsidence close to the sea and is the only Nature Reserve in Istria especially for birds. After a short break we cycle back to Rovinj. We get on board and cruise back to Pula, where you have time to stroll around or to explore the cultural heritage of the ancient town.
Overnight in Pula.
After breakfast disembarkation until 9 am and individual trip home or extended stay in Croatia.
a required visitor’s tax is not included in this tour package. The fee is €40 per adult and €20 per child (ages 1-16), and it should be paid directly to the captain upon arrival.
Bikes available to be rented (in advance at the time of booking) include:
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.
If you plan to bring your own seat, please ensure that it is a universal seat post. The guide on board can also assist you if you bring your own seat.
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, thought it is highly recommended to bring your own helmet.
