„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.

Pula, 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.

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.

Participants:

• Minimum: 14 participants
• Maximum: 26 participants

Services included:

• 8-day-trip on a motor yacht with a crew of four
• 7 nights on a motor yacht in a double cabin with shower/toilet  (single cabin not an option)
• 7 x half board on the ship
• Bed linen and towels
• English-speaking tour guide
• 7 guided cycling tours
• Overview-maps for the daily tours on board
• Entrée,and guided tour in Brijuni national park.

Additional costs:

• Visitor’s tax and local charges 20 Euro (to be paid to the captain)
• Drinks on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain)
• International banking fees 50 Euro
• Tips for crew and tour-guides
• Lunches on land

Additional optional services:

• Charge for a cabin on deck: 50 Euro/person
• Charge for a single cabin or a double cabin for single use below deck: 200 Euro (on request)
• Charge for a single cabin or a double cabin for single use on deck: 300 Euro (on request)
• A ½ double cabin can be booked without supplement
  
• 21-speed trekking bike rental or Unisex-7-gear-bike with bicycle bag: 70 Euro
• A safe parking space: 40 Euro (to be paid on-site)
• Transfer from the train station of Rijeka to Pula and back: 40 Euro p.p. and distance
• Additional night incl. Breakfast  near Pula: from 35 Euro p.p. (double room) or 45 Euro (single room) can be booked on request

Reductions:

• In combination with our Kvarner Bay Tour you get a total reduction of 50 Euro per person.
• You can book a cabin for three persons and get a 50 % price reduction for the third person (regardless of age) on some of our ships. Further the third person doesn´t have to pay the on deck charge. These cabins are furnished with a French bed and a single bunk bed above.