The Charm of Istria by Bike & Boat

GUIDED - 8 Days / 7 Nights, 250km

“The Heart of Europe” is what the Istrians call their peninsula, inspired by its shape and position at the crossroads of European arteries of cultures and nations.

Starting in Omisalj, the ship will take you further north along the coast every day. You will cycle beautiful routes 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
 

Your Journey

Day 1: (Friday) Omisalj - Rabac

Tour departs from Omisalj. Embarkation is between 2pm - 2.30 pm. Boat departs around 3pm to cruise to the island of Rabac with a swim stop on the way.

Day 2: (Saturday) Rabac  -  Pula (37 km)

After breakfast we start our first bike tour  to the medieval clifftop village of Labin.  On arrival we can enjoy a coffee whilst admiring the view across the bay of Rabac.  Back on our bikes for a round tour through local villages before returning back to the boat in Rabac.  After lunch we leave port and start a longer cruise to the historical city of Pula, the main town of Istria. Explore this enticing city with the mighty amphitheatre, the Augustus Temple and the Golden Gate. The night is spent in Pula.

Day 3: (Sunday) Pula - Vrsar - Porec (39 km)

Morning cruise for 3 hours to Vrsar - the town where Casanova found temporary refuge from lovers pursuing him. From Vrsar bike along the Limski Canal to Klostar. Continue to the picturesque old town of Porec. Your guide will take you for a stroll through the charming historical centre, with its beautiful buildings of many different periods, and the bustling shopping lanes. We suggest you visit the Euphrasius Basilica, with its gorgeous early Christian mosaics.

Day 4: (Monday) Porec - Novigrad - Vrsar (68 km)

During breakfast, the boat will cruise to Novigrad, where your cycling tour begins.  You cycle through  vineyards and olive groves to the hill top village of Buje.  Then follow thje Parenzana, a decommissioned railway line, to the town of Groznian. After a break we will continue through the villages and pastrol Istria to the city of Porec where we board the boat on our way to Vrsar for the night.

Day 5: (Tuesday) Rovinj (17 km)

Cross by boat to Rovinj and start a cycle tour along the coastal promenade to the outskirts of this seaside village.  Time for a swim in the Adriatic Sea on the way.  Return to the ship for lunch then in the afternoon enjoy a guided city tour through this picture-perfect town squeezed on a small peninsular surrounded by sea.  . Return to the ship for lunch then take an afternoon stroll through the winding alleyways of this picture perfect town which will leave you enchanted. The night is spent in Rovinj.

Day 6: (Wednesday) Rovinj - Fazana - Rabac (30 km)

Cycle along the coast on natural paths and through forests to Fazanna with its delightful harbour and splendid promenade. The ship awaits us here to take across to the island of Cres, where we will spend the night. Explore its Venetian past with winding alleyways and many churches.  The evening can be spent comfortably in one of the sea-side bars. 

Day 7: (Thursday) Cres - Nijvice - Malinska -  Omisali (37 km)

In the early morning the boat departs for the island of Krk where we have our last bike ride of the week, from Njivice via Malinska to Omisalj.;  The largest of the Croatian islands, and home to the white wine, Zlahting.  Cover yourself in the mineral rich mud in the bay of Soline - not only may it leave you looking ten years younger, but makes for a wonderful holiday memory.  Board the boat and enjoy an afternoon cruise back to Omisalj. The last evening on board ship follows a nice tradition of a communal dinner with your fellow travellers, crew and tour guides.

Day 8: (Friday) Omisalj

After breakfast you will disembark by 9 am.

Terrain/Grade

The bike routes require a basic level of fitness. The routes reach a maximum height of 300 m on mostly asphalted roads. Daily routes of 30 km on average cover hilly terrain and can be completed without time constraints. You can choose to skip a bike tour and cruise and relax on the ship instead.

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    Auckland 0622, New Zealand
  • P: (0064) 09 486 7473
    F: (0064) 09 484 0091

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Cycling Europe Offers Cycling Holidays in Europe and around the world.

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