“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 one week tour we explore the most popular part of the Croatian coast.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY 

Day 1: (Sun) Pula (Embarkation plus approx. 20 km by bicycle)

Individual arrival at Pula. The secret capital of Istria with its town full of impressive remains of its Roman past awaits your visit. Between 2 and 2:30 pm check-in on the motor yacht. Our first cycle tour starts at 3 pm and takes us in small circles around Pula and back to the ship. You might get the chance to have closer look of 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: (Mon) Vrsar – Porec (approx. 35 km by bicycle)

In the early morning (before breakfast) we go on a very scenic, aprx. 3 h cruise to Vrsar, the town where lady killer Casanova found temporary refuge from lovers pursuing him. Starting from Vrsar, we cycle along the Limski canal to Klostar in the hinterland. After a break, long enough to taste some fresh suckling pig. Our route takes us to Poreč. 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: (Tue) Porec – Visnjan – Umag  (approx. 50 km by bicycle)

Today’s bike tour takes you from Porec through extensive vineyards to Visnjan, home of the famous white cattle. After a coffee break you continue through the gentle hills of the hinterland via Vizinada to the artists’ village of Grosnjan. After a lunch break we cycle back to Pore?. We will not miss to 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 Umag.

Day 4 (Wed) Umag – Groznjan -Novigrad  (approx. 55 km by bicycle)

After breakfast we start our cycling tour to the north, starting at the headland and further on along the coastline. After a climb we get to the artist’s village of Grožnjan. Strengthened by a long relaxing stop we continue cycling to Novigrad passing the river valley of Mirna. The Mirna river valley is well known as an area where white truffles can be found. Getting to Novigrad we find the impressive battlements of the city wall, as well as the 7th century Pelagius Basilica. Around the pretty harbor we find many cafes and bars, where we can end the day. Dinner on board.

Day 5 (Thu)  Novigrad – Porec – Rovinj  (approx. 35 km by bicycle)

After breakfast we leave Novigrad and cycle along the coast all the way to Poreč. There is time to take a stroll through the beautiful old town and to enjoy the regional cuisine for lunch. The boat awaits you in the harbour of Poreč and will take you into the direction of Rovinj. Overnight stay in Rovinj.

Day 6 (Fri)  Rovinj (approx. 20 km  by bicycle)

From Rovinj we start today’s cycle tour which allows ample time for a refreshing bath in the Adriatic Sea. You got time in the afternoon to stroll through the winding alleyways of this picture perfect town. It’ll leave you enchanted. The night is spent in Rovinj.

Day 7 (Sat) Rovinj – Barbariga – Vodnjan – Pula (approx. 35 km by bicycle)

A longer boat crossing takes us to Barbariga. We get ashore, have some lunch and hop on our bicycles. Our cycle tour leads us via Vodnjan back to Pula our port of departure. There is enough time to take a walk through the town and to visit the many heritage sites which the city has to offer. A celebrative evening meal with guests, guides and crew brings a fantastic week to a happy end.

Day 8: Pula
Disembarkation by 9 a.m. after breakfast aboard. Individual departure or extend your stay in Europe.

Subject to weather and sea conditions route changes may occur!!

RATING –  Moderate

A reasonable level of fitness is required.  Our Istria tour is one of the easier cycling tours in Croatia. Although there is hilly terrain, there are no climbs where you might have to push your bike. The highest hill is 300m above sea level.

Daily routes routes average only 30km. The roads are mostly asphalted and there is little traffic outside of holiday periods.

You can decide every day for yourself whether you would like to cycle individually using the maps provided, or join one of the tour guides for a day of escorted touring.

AIRPORT / TRANSFERS

The nearest airport is Pula, only 10 minutes by taxi from the dock (approx. $25)

You may also fly into:  Trieste, Italy  – 1 hour;      Ljubljana, Slovenia – 2 hours;     Venice, Italy  – 4 hours

Private transfers may be arranged from these three airports on request.

YOUR MOTOR YACHT

Tarin

The Tarin is a fairly new two-masted motorsailing ship that was built in 2004. The 23 meters long and 6 meters broad ship has 11 cabins, from which 10 are above deck. Four cabins have a French bed (140 cm) and a single bunk. Two further cabins are equipped with just a French bed (140 cm). The five remaining cabins have two bunks, which are arranged one above the other or next to each other. Another cosy cabin is below deck. It has one small desk, separate beds and two portholes. Each cabin has got private shower/WC. All of her 10 comfortable cabins are above the water level.

The fore sundeck measures 40 m2, the upper deck 60 m2. Together with the large saloon, captain Nevio’s TARIN offers ample space to her passengers.

The on-board chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one warm meal a day. The half board starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day. One meal a day will be eaten ashore and is not included within the tour price.

SCHEDULE  & PRICE

Departure Dates 2018:      Sep. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30        Oct. 7, 14

Departure Dates 2019:   Every Sunday from April 14 to October 13

This tour includes: 

• 7 nights accommodation in a double room with private facilities (upper & lower beds)
• 2 meals per day, starting with 3-course dinner on Sat. and ending with breakfast on the day of departure.
• 7 days of escorted cycling
• 21 speed trekking bicycle with pannier, lock and full insurance.
• Overview maps
• English/German speaking tour guide

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Not Included: 

• alcoholic drinks and pop aboard the boat (tally system)
• local harbour taxes of 40.00 Euro (paid to captain)
• gratuities to guides and crew
• Helmets. These are mandatory and may be rented for free aboard ship, however we recommend you bring your own.