Island Hopping By Hybrid or E-Bike & Boat Highlights of Istria 2024

Individual arrival to Omišalj, a charming “pirate’s nest” on the Island of Krk. Embarkation onboard the small ship is possible from approx 1400HRS. Once we have made ourselves comfortable in our cabins, we can enjoy the first cruise to Rabac. With the weather on our side, we can enjoy our first swim stop directly from the boat along the way. On arrival in the idyllic harbour of Rabac on the east coast of the Istrian Peninsula, the bikes can be adjusted correctly, ready for the first tour the next day. The night is spent in Rabac.

After breakfast onboard, we start our first bike tour with a longer climb to the medieval clifftop town of Labin. On arrival we can enjoy a coffee or a refreshing lemonade whilst marvelling at the view across the bay of Rabac. Back on our bikes, we enjoy a round tour through traditional local villages before returning back to the boat in Rabac. The boat awaits us with a delicious lunch as we leave port and start a longer cruise to the historical city of Pula. The unofficial capital of Istria is characterised by decades of Roman rule. There is plenty of time to explore the city on foot, taking time to appreciate the ancient monuments such as the grand Roman Amphitheatre, the Augustus Temple and the Golden Gate. The night is spent in Pula.

Cycle route approx 37km

Before breakfast, the boat will depart Pula and brings us to Vrsar. It is rumoured that the famous heartbreaker Casanova took refuge here from the furious husbands of his lovers. From Vrsar, our bike tour will take us along the Lim Channel to Kloštar in the rural hinterlands. After a strengthening afternoon break and lunch, we continue by bike through local villages to Poreč. We will have a chance to indulge in the multifaceted history of Poreč in the company of our tour guide, in the afternoon on a walk through this enchanting town. The shopping streets are vibrant with life. A visit to the UNESCO protected Euphrasius Basilica with its intricate pre-Christian mosaics is highly recommended. The night is spent in Poreč.

Cycle route approx 39km

During breakfast, the boat will bring you to Novigrad, where your cycling tour will begin. You cycle through vast vineyards and olive groves to the picturesque hilltop village of Buje, overlooking the fertile pastures surrounding it. From here you follow the “Parenzana”, a decommissioned railway line, which will bring you to the artists town of Grožnjan. You will have time to visit the numerous galleries, situated in quaint stone houses. Back on our bikes we continue through the neighbouring villages and pastoral Istria to the town of Poreč where we board the boat for an enjoyable swim stop on our way to Vrsar for the night.

Cycle route approx 68km

After a short crossing by boat to Rovinj we can enjoy a cycle tour along the coastal promenade from Rovinj to the outskirts of this wonderful seaside town. We have time to enjoy a lengthy swim in the Adriatic before returning back to the boat in Rovinj. In the afternoon we enjoy a guided tour through this picture perfect town squeezed on a small peninsula surrounded by blue sea. It is not without reason why this idyllic town is a haven for artists from all over the world, whose work can be admired in the numerous galleries in town. This night is spent in Rovinj.

Cycle route approx 17km

Today’s bike tour takes us along the coast mainly on natural paths and through forests to Fažana. Its delightful harbour and splendid promenade lined with the colourful facades of the local houses. The ship awaits us here for a crossing to the Island of Cres. Our destination is the island’s capital, carrying the same name, where we will spend the night. The town is characterised by its Venetian past with winding alleyways and many churches making it impossible to resist further exploration on foot. The evening can be spent comfortably in one of the seaside bars, listening to the sound of the sea birds as dusk settles.

Cycle route approx 30km

In the early morning the boat departs for the Island of Krk, where we set out on our last bike ride of the week, from Njivice via Malinska to Omišalj. The largest of the Croatian islands, and home to the delicious white wine ‘Žlahtina’, the Island of Krk leaves a memorable impression with its great diversity. Don’t miss an opportunity to cover yourself in the mineral rich mud in the bay of Soline, it will not only leave you looking “ten years younger”, but also makes for a wonderful holiday memory! Back in the harbour of Omišalj, our boat awaits us with a delicious last evening meal onboard which can be spent in great cheer, in the company of the fellow travellers, crew and guides.

Cycle route approx 44km

After breakfast disembarkation by 0900HRS and individual trip home or extended stay in Croatia.