„The heart of Europe“ is what the Istrians call their peninsula, inspired by its shape and its position at the crossroads of European arteries of cultures and nations. This is where Central Europe and the world of Mediterranean meet.  On this tour you will explore the most popular part of the Croatian coast. Starting in Pula, the ship will take you a bit further north every day, and our tour guides will show you the most beautiful routes of the whole coastal region. You 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.

Rovinj, the starting port of the trip, can easily be reached by bus as well as by car.  The trip always starts and ends on Sundays, which allows you an unhurried and comfortable arrival.

  How does the Istria tour differ from our other tours in Croatia?

• The Istria tour is a journey with boat and bike nearly without islands, but also nearly without  increases. The bicycle tours are not too challenging. Therefore the Istria tour is particularly suitable for epicures.

Individual arrival in Rovinj, the pearl of Istria. Rovinj is one of the most charming and romantic but nevertheless lively Croatian coastal towns. Winding alleys full of beautiful details lure you uphill through the old town to the church on top. Falls Sie mit dem Auto anreisen, organisieren wir für Sie einen sicheren Parkplatz. If you are planning to come to Pula by car, we can reserve a safe parking space for you. The cabins on the motor yacht will be ready for you from 11 am. At 1 pm the ship will leave and bring you to Porec, the starting point for your first cycling tour to Novigrad. Overnight stay in Novigrad.

Along the coast and later on through the backcountry you will cycle all the way to Umag, where you can see the remains of the city walls and the charming old town. This bike-tour can be prolonged by an additional 20 km to visit remote villages on the Savudrija peninsula with various viewpoints over the sea.

Today’s cycle tour leads you through from Umag extensive wine fields to Visnjan, the home of the famous white Boskarin-cattles. Here you can enjoy an Espresso and afterwards you will cycle on asphalted roads and through old villages to Porec, where you will spend the night. In the afternoon you can stroll through the picturesque Old town with its enchanting patios and wide view over the sea.

From Porec you will cycle to the shore of the Lim-channel, where we will have lunch in one of the famous caves - the local oysters enjoy a special reputation. Near to this cave you will have opportunity for swimming. Afterwards you cycle to Vrsar. the ship will be waiting for you. Along the way you can try the delicious Istrian cheese, olive oil and Grappa. The ship will bring you to Pula, the most important port of Istria with an impressive cultural heritage from Roman times.

In the morning your cycling tour will start in the harbour of Pula and will lead you nearby the coast to the southernmost point of Istria. On asphalted roads you will continue your tour to Medulin, a beautiful village which you will easily recognize by its two white bell towers. From Medulin you will return to Pula. In the evening crossover to Brijuni.

Until the death of Tito in 1980 the paradise-like islands of Brijuni were a prohibited area, reserved for the government elite and their guests. In a relaxed and enjoyable bike-tour you will explore every corner of this subtropical park of nature and get to know its rich flora and illustrious fauna. In the afternoon the ship will take you to Barbariga where you will spend the night.

While having breakfast the ship will bring you to Rovinj. Along expanded seaside walks you will cycle through a pristine macchia area. Afterwards you will reach a famous wine-growing region and in a vineyard you wiIl have opportunity to taste one of the best wines of Istria as well as some cheese. Later on you will return to Rovinj and get a guided tour through the unique Old town.

Alterations 
We reserve the right to make alterations to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organisational requirements. Sometimes the tour will be conducted in inverse order. The tour of Brijuni may be conducted without bicycles. You will find further details in your booking information packet.

Requirements (level 1-2)
The bike routes require a basic level of fitness, which you should have 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 hilly terrain and can be completed without time constraints. 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.

Bringing Children
We believe that only children in a good physical condition and of a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the bike-tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1,40 m (4.6 ft.)

Catering
The cook on board 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.

Guided tours
The tour will generally be guided in German language. One of the guides will translate into English for non-German-speaking participants.

Participants

• Minimum: 14 participants
• Maximum: 26 participants