Hotel & Bike Istria from Poreč/to Rovinj
Discover Croatia’s largest peninsula on a guided bicycle tour!
(8 days/7 nights, approx. 289 km/180 mi., Level 1 – 2)
Located between the Kvarner Bay and the Gulf of Trieste, Istria is the largest peninsula in Croatia. The region is often called the “Heart of Europe” due to its characteristic shape. The peninsula’s fertile interior with its numerous medieval towns that crown the rolling hilltops is reminiscent of Tuscany. Istria also boasts more than 2,300 hours of sunshine every year as well as a 445 km long coastline with dreamlike beaches and bays, making it the perfect place for an unforgettable, relaxing holiday experience.
On this Hotel & Bike tour through Istria we explore this unique coastal region of the Adriatic. The famous amphitheatre in Pula as well as the cultural treasures of Rovinj, Poreč and Grožnjan all feature in the program alongside spectacular nature experiences on remote trails and authentic insights into the life of the locals. Istrian cuisine is a highlight in itself with truffle, wine, and olive oil tastings to look forward to.
For more and updated info visit: www.inselhuepfen.com/en/ish
Culture: enjoy a visit to the impressive amphitheatre in Pula that is protected by the UNESCO | |
Nature: cycle along the beautiful Limksi canal | |
Activity: a stroll through through the artist’s village of Groznjan will be an unforgettable holiday experience | |
Gastronomy: famous white truffles from Istria are a true culinary delight |
1st Day Poreč (Arrival)
Individual journey to Poreč, check in at the hotel is possible from 2 pm onwards. Whether relaxing by the pool, enjoying a delicious cocktail at the bar, jumping into the turquoise blue water of the Croatian Adriatic, or taking a stroll through the alleys and streets of Poreč – your vacation can now truly begin! The first meeting with the guide and fellow travellers is held at 6 pm in the hotel lobby.
2nd Day Poreč – Vrsar – Kloštar – Poreč (aprx. 40 km/25 mi. & 500 m/1,640 ft. of elevation)
The first cycling tour leads from Poreč to Vrsar, where the heartbreaker Casanova temporarily sought refuge from the husbands of his lovers. From Vrsar we cycle along the Limski Fjord inland to Kloštar. After a long lunch break in a typical konoba, we cycle back to Poreč. In the afternoon, we have the opportunity to learn about Poreč’s eventful history as our guide leads us through the charming old town with its numerous, beautiful buildings from various eras. A visit to the famous Euphrasius Basilica with its magnificent early Christian mosaics is also very worthwhile. The city tour ends with a visit to an historic wine cellar.
3rd Day Poreč – Višnjan – Poreč (aprx. 29 mi./47 km & 1,969 ft./ 600 m of elevation)
Today’s bike tour leads us from Poreč through expansive vineyards to Višnjan, home of the famous white Boškarin cattle. After a coffee break, we continue inland towards Vabriga, where we enjoy lunch at a gourmet restaurant. The way back to Poreč takes us through the largest olive grove in Europe.
4th Day Grožnjan – Livade – Motovun – Poreč (aprx. 43 mi./69 km & 3,772 ft./1,150 m of elevation)
In the morning, a 30-minute transfer takes us from Poreč to the artists’ village Grožnjan, where we have time to take a stroll and enjoy a coffee. The following cycling stage leads us through typical Istrian villages to Opratlj. Here we enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view of the Mirna valley, one of the principal places where white truffles, highly valued by connoisseurs, can be found. Our next stop is the truffle capital of Livade, where we have a little time to rest before we tackle the longer climb to Motovun. Once we arrive, we enjoy a well-deserved lunch break before hopping back on the bikes. We follow the historic narrow-gauge route of the Parenzana to Vižinada and then continue along small side roads back to Poreč.
5th Day Kanfanar – Rovinj (aprx. 34 mi./55 km & 1,706 ft./520 m of elevation)
Today we pack our bags and say goodbye to Poreč. After a half hour transfer, we reach Kanfanar, the starting point of the day’s tour. From here we follow small country roads through the historical villages of Sveti Petar u Šumi (Saint Peter in the Woods) and Svetvinčenat (Saint Vincent) all the way to Bale. Here we enjoy a rich lunch at a nearby farm with an attached restaurant, where we can taste a variety of Istrian specialities. Afterwards, we continue cycling to Rovinj, where we check into our hotel. Once settled, we have the opportunity to discover the enchanting old town on a guided walking tour.
6th Day Round tour Labin (aprx. 22 mi./35 km & 1,837 ft./560 m of elevation)
After breakfast at the hotel, we take a 45-minute transfer to Labin, where our round trip begins. The tour leads through the beautiful villages in the Labin area, and along the way we enjoy spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea. Once back in Labin, we enjoy lunch in the beautiful old town. Afterwards we explore this wonderful town on foot with a guided tour. In the late afternoon, we take a transfer back to Rovinj.
7th Day Round tour Pula (aprx. 27 mi./43 km & 1,804 ft./550 m of elevation)
The day begins with a 20-minute transfer to Pula, where our last cycling tour begins. We cycle north towards Vodnjan, home to the oldest olive groves in Istrian. Here we have the opportunity to enjoy an olive oil tasting. We then continue cycling towards the sea before returning to Pula via Fažana, where we have our lunch break. Once back in Pula, we have time to take part in a guided tour of Istria’s largest and oldest city, during which we discover the city’s rich cultural heritage including the famous amphitheatre. Afterwards, we return back to Rovinj by transfer.
8th Day Rovinj (Departure)
After breakfast it is time to check out of the hotel. Individual journey home or extended stay in Croatia.
GOOD TO KNOW
Language
Due to our international audience all Islandhopping tours are conducted bilingually, in English and German.
Itinerary changes
We reserve the right to make changes to the planned route due to changing wind and weather conditions, and where necessary for organizational purposes. You are free to set aside a day to swim, relax or spend time at the hotel, instead of taking part in the planned bike tour.
Catering
Catering includes 7 x breakfast and 4 x dinner. Boarding begins with dinner on the day of arrival and ends with breakfast on the day of departure.
Requirements (level 1-2):
Easy to medium cycling tours through hilly terrain (approx. 22 – 43 mi./35 – 69 km & 1,640 – 3,772 ft./500 – 1,150 m of elevation per day) suitable for Islandhoppers with a good basic level of fitness. The paths cycled are mostly asphalt, however about 30% of the routes follow gravel and forest roads. If necessary, it is of course possible to push the bikes along sections of such paths.
Riding pace
On our regular cycling tours the riding pace is determined by the cyclists on regular bicycles. 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 longer to climb the hills. We thank you for your understanding.
Requirement to wear a helmet
Helmet use is mandatory on all cycle tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. Rental helmets are available in limited numbers (reservation required).
Bringing Children
We believe that only children with a good physical condition and a minimum age of 10 with previous cycling experience are able to master the cycle tours independently. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.30 m (4.3 ft.) for hybrid bikes.
Accommodation: Bike Friendly Hotels (3-4 stars)
On our Istria tour, we offer good to very good mid-range hotels (3-4 stars). All accommodation possibilities are carefully selected and offer the greatest possible comfort after a day full of activity. They are all very well-kept and are characterized by a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff, and delicious cuisine. Of course, all hotels have secure places to keep your bicycles. You will receive a hotel list and further detailed information about the tour before the start of your trip.
Hybrid Bikes Those choosing to rent a hybrid bike will receive a reliable, low maintenance, aluminum frame bike in the suitable size. Our hybrid bikes are equipped with 28 inch hollow chamber rims with puncture-proof touring tires, high-quality derailleur gears and break systems, a carrier and a sturdy bike stand, touring saddle as well as mudguards and a pannier rack. All components are selected based on our twenty years of experience in bike tourism, insuring that they fulfill the necessary criteria to provide the rider with an uncompromised cycle experience. These high-quality hybrid bikes are rented for 80 euro/600 kn per week. Unfortunately there is no possibility to reserve one particular bike-brand in advance. | Bike | |
E-Bikes Clients who wish to be supported by a tail-wind and seek to hire an e-bike will receive a high-quality pedelec, powered mainly by a Bosch motor capable of covering long distances, and characterized by their light weight and great components. Alternative drive systems may also be used. Standard components of our e-bikes in varying frame sizes include, 28 inch hollow chamber rims with puncture-proof touring tires, high-quality derailleur gears and break systems, a carrier and a sturdy bike stand, touring saddle as well as mudguards and a pannier rack. With our e-bikes you will conquer the hills with a smile, they are a true declaration of independence for all who wish to cycle and seek the support of a little push. These high-quality hybrid bikes are rented for 180 euro/1.350 kn per week. Unfortunately there is no possibility to reserve one particular bike-brand in advance. | E-bike |
This Hotel & Bike tour is available for private groups of 8 people or more.
If you are a group interested in this tour itinerary or similar, please send us your preferred time frame via our email to info@islandhopping.com
The price for this tour varies depending on the time of year, the requested hotel category and the size of the group.
vices
Additional optional services (on request)
Not included in the basic tour price
Discount
For parties with a minimum of 10 members we give a 10 % discount off the basic price
Booking Check-List
If you are interested in booking this tour we require the following details from every accompanying traveller:
Arrival Information:
For more and updated information and direct booking please visit:
If you would like to book this trip directly, please follow this booking link:
Direct booking of the bike & boat trip in Istria
If you have any questions about this trip before booking, please contact us by email at:
info@islandhopping.com