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Highlights of Istria + MTB Option Travel through the Heart of Europe
  • Difficulty

    Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain

    3 Difficulty level 3
  • Duration

    The duration of the tour

    8 days
  • Guidance

    Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days

    Guided cycling

Istria, also referred to as the β€œgreen heart of Europe” by the locals, is Croatia’s most famous peninsula and travel destination and its popularity is not without good reason. Together with Islandhopping, you can experience the highlights of Istria from multiple perspectives on this week-long trip; from the maritime perspective on board and on land you explore the beautiful coastlines, the fruitful hinterlands and the fascinating harbor towns such as Pula, Poreč and Rovinj. There is so much to discover along the way! Medieval villages, ancient monuments, picturesque wineries and impressive caves are to be discovered along the way. During the guided bike tours, you will learn all about the region from our knowledgeable and friendly guides. Back on board the boat local specialties are β€¦

From € 1,129 p.p.
  • Cycle on Peninsula Istria
  • Historical harbor towns
  • 230 km / 143 miles
  • Motoryachts with max. 28 passengers

Get in contact

Monday to Friday

Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM

Quickly jump to

    Highlights of Istria + MTB Option

    Istria, also referred to as the β€œgreen heart of Europe” by the locals, is Croatia’s most famous peninsula and travel destination and its popularity is not without good reason. Together with Islandhopping, you can experience the highlights of Istria from multiple perspectives on this week-long trip; from the maritime perspective on board and on land you explore the beautiful coastlines, the fruitful hinterlands and the fascinating harbor towns such as Pula, Poreč and Rovinj.

    There is so much to discover along the way! Medieval villages, ancient monuments, picturesque wineries and impressive caves are to be discovered along the way. During the guided bike tours, you will learn all about the region from our knowledgeable and friendly guides.

    Back on board the boat local specialties are prepared in the on board kitchen and you can enjoy all the benefits of a mobile accommodation. The floating hotel eliminates the need to pack your bags each day as you travel from one highlight to the next and you have the possibility to enjoy a refreshing swim directly from the boat in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.

    Arriving at the next port, picturesque old towns entice you to take an extended stroll. Vacation pure! What more do you want?

    This tour will often be operated on the same boat as the mountain bike cruise β€œHighlights of Istria” and one tour guide attends trekking bike group while the other one leads the mountain bike group. The mountain bike products are only available to guests who participate in these offroad mountain bike trails, more information about these offroad trails can be found on the website of our brand Islandhopping.

    The itinerary of the Istria Highlights tour is the same as the itinerary of the Istria Highlights PLUS tour, making the PLUS tour on board the Deluxe ship a great alternative should you have difficulties finding availability on this trip.

    The ship – Your sailing hotel

    In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You will sleep and have breakfast and 1 or 2 warm meals on board. Depending on the program, this will be lunch or dinner. The other meal is ashore (not included). It’s possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.

    Itinerary

    Day 1 OmiΕ‘alj (Embarkation) – Cres

    Individual arrival to OmiΕ‘alj, a charming pirate’s nest on the island of Krk. If you decide to arrive by car, we can gladly organize a secure parking space for your car for the week. If you are arriving from Zagreb, we can also arrange a transfer for you to the harbor of OmiΕ‘alj. Check-in on board is possible from around 2pm. Once we have made ourselves comfortable in our cabins, we enjoy the first crossing to Cres. If the weather is good, we stop for a swim in a beautiful bay and you can take a dip in the Adriatic Sea. Our destination is the island capital of the same name, where we spend the night. The Venetian-influenced old town of Cres, with its beautiful alleys and many churches, entices you to take an extensive evening stroll.

    Day 2 Cres – Pula | Pula roundtour
    28km17 mi

    In the morning we enjoy our breakfast on board with a pleasant morning cruise to Pula. In the afternoon we explore some picturesque places in and around Pula. Via Galizana we go to Vodnjan and further through the fishing village Fazana before coming back to Pula. After the bike tour you can take part on an inspiring guided city tour before enjoying our evening exploring.

    Day 3 Pula – Vrsar – Poreč
    40km24 mi

    In the morning we enjoy our breakfast on board with another pleasant morning cruise, this time to Vsar. It’s in Vrsar that the heartbreaker Casanova is believed to have sought temporary refuge from the husbands of his lovers. From here we cycle along the Limski Canal to KloΕ‘tar in the rural hinterland to the destination of today, Poreč. The town has a lively vibe with its long promenade and shopping streets. A visit to the famous Euphrasius Basilica with its magnificent early Christian mosaics is also worthwhile. There is also plenty of tiome to go for a swim and relax in the afternoon. The night is pent in Poreč.

    Day 4 Poreč – Novigrad
    59km36 mi

    In the morning we follow the β€œParenzana”, an abandoned railroad line, which leads us to the famous artists’ village of Groznjan. The picturesque artists’ village is a medieval jewel in the Istrian hinterland. It awaits us with romantic alleys, flower-filled squares and diverse galleries that have made their home in old natural stone houses. In the afternoon, we bike through rural Istria via Buje to Novigrad, where we can enjoy the evening and spend the night.

    Day 5 Novigrad – Rovinj | Rovinj roundtour
    20km12 mi

    In the morning the ship takes us to Rovinj during breakfast, the starting point of today’s bike tour. Close to the town, the sprawling green wilderness of the local park is the perfect setting for a bike ride past picture perfect bays where we can stop for a refreshing swim. After a pleasant morning on our bikes and at the beach, we return back to the ship and there is plenty of time to explore the city in the afternoon. In the evening a guided city tour reveals the secrets of the town before spending the night there.

    Day 6 Rovinj – FaΕΎana – Rabac
    37km22 mi

    Our morning bike ride takes us near the coast, mostly on natural forest paths to FaΕΎana, with its quaint little harbor and promenade lined with colorful houses. Afterwards, we continue to Pula, where our boat will take us on a longer crossing to Rabac. Here, located on a picturesque bay on the east coast of Istria, we can enjoy gorgeous white pebble beaches, crystal clear waters and a beautiful harbor. Not to be missed is an evening cocktail in a local bar.

    Day 7 Rabac – Njivice – OmiΕ‘alj
    43km26 mi

    In the early morning, we cross to the island of Krk, where a final cycling stage awaits us. The route will lead us from Njivice to OmiΕ‘alj. The largest island in Croatia and home of the delicious Zlahtina white wine impresses with its diverse landscapes. Don’t miss the 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 harbor of OmiΕ‘alj, our boat awaits us with a delicious last evening meal on board which can be spent in great cheer in the company of the fellow travelers, crew and guides.

    Day 8 Omisalj (Disembarkation)

    After breakfast disembarkation until 9 am and individual trip home.

    Good to know
    • Itinerary changes We reserve the right to make changes to the planned itinerary due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements. Should it be the case for example that the harbors on the above mentioned tour sequence are overcrowded, the tour will be operated in reverse.
    • Language aboard Due to our international audience all tours are conducted bilingually, in English and German.
    • LEVEL 3 /5Cycling tours through hilly terrain with longer ascents of up to approximately 250 meters. All tours, including the elevation gains, can be mastered more easily with electronic assistance. Suitable for cyclists who ride regularly and can confidently navigate varying surface conditions.
      • Distance: 16 – 66 km per day
      • Elevation: 200 – 600 meters of elevation per day
      • Road conditions: 70% paved roads, 30% on unpaved roads and forest paths.
      • Traffic: Traffic is to be expected in and around the coastal towns of Pula and Rovinj.
      • Infrastructure: There are only a few designated bike paths in Istria, so the bike tours take place on public roads, preferably on quiet side streets.
    • Relevant for all levels: Safe cycling skills and familiarity with road traffic are prerequisites for taking part in our tours. All tours, including the elevation gains, can be mastered more easily with electronic assistance. Anyone renting an e-bike should already have experience and be confident in handling e-bikes, as these bikes are significantly heavier and faster than conventional bikes.
    • Individual cycling: If you prefer to cycle alone rather than with a group, you can cycle the tours independently and at your own pace. For orientation, we provide you with access to the free RideWithGPS route app for your smartphone, a detailed cycle map and GPS tracks. Your guides cycle the same route as you. They are therefore close by and can be contacted by phone in case of emergencies, problems or questions. Instead of a bike tour, you can also opt for a half or full day of swimming on the boat.
    • Group riding pace: On our regular cycling tours, the cyclists on regular bicycles determine the pace. We ask guests who have reserved an e-bike to be mindful of this and to acknowledge that the regular cyclists need time to rest and take longer to climb the hills. We thank you for your understanding.
    • Requirement to wear a helmet: Helmets are mandatory on our bike tours. It is advised to bring your own, well fitted, helmet with you as our rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required).
    • Bringing children We believe that only children in a good physical condition and with a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the cycle tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.20 m (4 ft.) for hybrid bikes and 1.50 m (4.5 ft.) for e-bikes. There is a helmet duty for all children up to age 16 in Croatia.
    • Catering The on-board chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. Catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day. The catering consists of 2 x full board and 5 x half board.
    • Our ships Please do not forget that the ship is your hotel as well as a machine, which has to be maintained and operated – day and night. A certain level of noise is therefore inevitable.
    Friday
    Apr 17, 2026
    Friday
    Apr 24, 2026
    OmiΕ‘alj
    Guided
    Linda
    Available
    –€100.00
    Prices from
    €1,129.00 p.p.
    €1,029.00 p.p.
    Friday
    May 1, 2026
    Friday
    May 8, 2026
    OmiΕ‘alj
    Guided
    Linda
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,529.00 p.p.
    Friday
    May 15, 2026
    Friday
    May 22, 2026
    OmiΕ‘alj
    Guided
    Linda
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,429.00 p.p.
    Sep 18, 2026Sep 25, 2026
    Fully booked
    Friday
    Oct 2, 2026
    Friday
    Oct 9, 2026
    OmiΕ‘alj
    Guided
    Linda
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,679.00 p.p.
    Friday
    Oct 16, 2026
    Friday
    Oct 23, 2026
    OmiΕ‘alj
    Guided
    Linda
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,279.00 p.p.
    Included in this tour
    • 8-day-trip on a motorized yacht with a crew
    • 7 nights in a twin cabin below deck with shower/toilet
    • 2 x full board and 5 x half board
    • English-speaking tour guide
    • Guided cycling tours and sightseeing as described in itinerary
    • Guided tours in Pula and Rovinj
    • Bed linen and towels
    • Daily cabin cleaning
    • Overview-maps for the daily tours on board
    Excluded from this tour
    • Transfer to Omisalj
    • Tourist taxes and Basic-drink-package (drinking water, tea and filter coffee): 80 euro/person. For children up to age 16: 40 euro/person (to be paid to the captain)
    • Rental bicycle or E-Bike (optional)
    • Rental bicycle helmet (optional)
    • Entrance fees & excursions
    • Meals and beverages ashore
    • Parking fee
    • Other transfers
    • Drinks on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain)
    • Personal (travel) insurances
    • Tips for tour-guides and crew (at your discretion)
    • SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person – will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
    Additional options & information
    • Rental E-bike with Ortlieb pannier: e-bike: € 252 per week;
    • Rental hybrid bicycle: € 80 per week
    • Insurance against theft and damage of the rental bike: e-bike: €28 /week; hybrid bicycle: €14 /week (not insured: grossly negligent damages)
    • A safe parking space: motorcycle: €40 /week, car until 6 m of length: €80/week, vehicle above 6 m of length: €120 /week (to be paid on-site to the tour guide)
    • Transfer from/to Rijeka airport (on embarkation and disembarkation days only): price on request
    • Collective transfers between Zagreb and Omisalj on day of embarkation/disembarkation only (11:30 am from Zagreb Center or 12:15 pm from Zagreb Airport / return transfer from OmiΕ‘alj to Zagreb Airport starts at 8 am: price on request (reservation required two weeks in advance, booking incl. complete transmission of flight details)
    • Exclusive transfers: on request

    Requirement to wear a helmet

    Helmets use is mandatory on all cycling tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. Rental helmets are available on board in limited number (on request).

    Price reductions

    • With three people sharing a cabin, we allow a €200 discount p.p. on the basic tour price (not combinable with other discounts)
    • Children up to age 16 receive a discount of €200 on the basic tour price (double occupacy, not combinable with other discounts)

    Participants

    Minimum: 14 Maximum: 28

    Loyalty Discount

    Explore our Loyalty Discount!

    After your tour, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code:

    • You get 3% on your second tour with us.
    • From the third tour onwards, you will receive a 5% discount.
    • Enjoy savings on any of our upcoming trips in 2026.

    Check your post-tour email for details. You can combine this discount with other promotions for additional savings. Join us again for another adventure by boat and bike!

    Discover more

    Pedal past rocky shorelines, UNESCO treasures like Dubrovnik and Split, and hidden bays perfect for a refreshing swim, and discover more tours in Croatia.

    Media (36)

    Cycling
    Kamenjak
    Beautiful sea
    Rovinj coastline
    Amphitheatre of Pula
    A little break with an ice cream
    Pula
    Rovinj
    Port of Rovinj
    Coastal town of Rovinj
    Savicenta
    Groznjan
    Columns
    Local specialities
    Amphitheatre of Pula
    Amphitheatre of Pula
    Sailor with a guitar
    Truffel
    Festini
    Bicycle in Groznjan
    Goats
    Sea and coast
    A curious goat with a child
    Pula
    Istrian landscape
    Istrian landscape
    Streets of Labin
    Labin
    Church in Labin
    Motovun
    Streets of Rovinj
    Savicenta
    Small bridge in Istria
    Old house
    Photoshoot at the sea
    Landscape around Motovun
    5/5
    based on 3 reviews on
    5 star
    2 (67%)
    4 star
    1 (33%)
    3 star
    0 (0%)
    2 star
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    1 star
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    • 5 / 5
      Super Trip

      Every aspect of the trip was great. Our guides were very helpful, informative and helped to form our group from being strangers at the beginning to becoming friends by the end of our tour. The boat staff could not have been better – great food and service. The Istrian coast was stunningly beautiful. We highly recommend this tour.

      Reply from Boat Bike Tours

      Thank you for sharing your experience with great guides and a beautiful route along the Istrian coast! Best regards, Boat Bike Tours

      Jeff and Martha
      Jun 12th, 2023
    • 5 / 5
      Awesome!

      Safe caring guide. Amendments made to itinerary due to weather conditions.

      Reply from Boat Bike Tours

      We’re glad to hear that you had a safe and caring guide, and we appreciate your understanding of itinerary adjustments due to weather conditions. Best regards, Boat Bike Tours

      Patricia Steil
      May 21st, 2023
    • 4 / 5
      Outstanding guides, OK food

      Our guides were fantastic – Ana was incredibly knowledgeable about Croatian history and geology, and so upbeat and fun. The rides were scenic and interesting (except for occasional rain, but not their fault). City walk tours (by Ana) were excellent. The boat (Linda) accommodations were comfortable enough but a bit spartan. My only disappointment was the food. While tasty and plentiful, it was not close to the fabulous gourmet dinners I remember from my previous Boat Bike tour.

      Reply from Boat Bike Tours

      We appreciate your feedback about the food, and we’ll certainly take it into consideration as we aim to provide the best possible culinary experience for our guests. Thank you for your valuable input, and we hope to welcome you on another tour in the future! Best regards, Boat Bike Tours

      customer
      May 17th, 2023

    Monday to Friday
    Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00

    Monday to Friday
    New York: 6:00AM to 07:00PM

    We will respond within 48 hours

    • Linda

      • Comfortable cabins
      • Classic elegance
      • Deck chairs
      • Spacious lounge area
      max. 27 passengers 13 cabins
      More info

    Your selected tour:

    Istrien
    Highlights of Istria + MTB Option

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