explore istria

Hotel & MTB Trip Istria from/to Poreč
Explore the Istrian Peninsula by mountain bike

(8 days/7 nights, approx. 295 km/185 mi., 14,630 ft./4,460 m of elevation, MTB Level 2-3)

Explore Poreč, Rovinj and the Istrian peninsula by bike, discover the local way of life, relax by the hotel pool with the sound of the sea in your ears, the warm sun on your skin and a cocktail in your hand. In short: enjoy an active, adventurous, and relaxing holiday.

Experience this Hotel & MTB, variety packed week in Poreč, Rovinj and the surrounding areas. Bike through the “green oasis” of Europe, across green meadows and fields, idyllic vineyards, and beautiful olive groves. Explore wide forest paths, exciting single trails, and freshly built flow trails. We also have some fantastic, secret trails to introduce you to!

This is the perfect holiday for MTB off-road enthusiasts! Along the way we visit local farms and sample delicious typical local specialities.

The Istrian Hotel & Bike tour takes place parallel to this tour, with one guide accompanying the mountain bikers and the other accompanying those on hybrid bikes and e-bikes. If you have a partner or friend who prefers a different biking style to you, then on this trip is the perfect fit as it allows you to spend your vacation together while each of you enjoy your preferred biking style during the day in the different groups.

For more and updated info please visit www.inselhuepfen.com/en/ihm

1^st Day Poreč (Arrival, aprx. 6 mi./10 km & 328 ft./100 m of elevation)
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. Once the bikes have been set up for each guest, we have the chance to get a feel for the bikes on a short warm up tour.

2^nd Day South Poreč (aprx. 25 mi./40 km & 1,640 ft./500 m of elevation, S0-S1)
Our first longer bike tour leads southward. We make our way along the coast to Vrsar, where the heartbreaker Casanova temporarily sought refuge from the husbands of his lovers. After a short coffee break, we continue along the Limski Fjord following forest paths inland to Kloštar. After a long lunch break in a typical konoba, we bike back to Poreč along small country roads. 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.

3^rd Day North Poreč (aprx. 35 mi./56 km & 2,493 ft./760 m of elevation, S0-S1)
Today we bike through northern Poreč. We start the tour along a country road which leads through small villages and vast vineyards to Višnjan, home of the famous white Boškarin cattle. After a coffee break, we continue inland along flow trails towards Vabriga, where we enjoy lunch at a gourmet restaurant. The way back to Poreč takes us along the coast on wide forest trails through the largest olive grove in Europe.

4^th Day Grožnjan – Livade  – Motovun – Parenzana – Poreč (aprx. 39 mi./62 km & 2,953 ft./900 m of elevation, S0-S1)
Today’s bike tour is an absolute highlight of the week and a journey through time as we explore one of the most popular bike routes in Istria, the old railroad Parenzana. In the morning we take a transfer to the starting point of the day’s tour, Grožnjan, where we have time to explore the old town together. Afterwards, we hop on our bikes and make our way through typical Istrian villages to Opratlj, where we have time to take photos and enjoy the unforgettable panoramic view over the Mirna valley. Afterwards, we enjoy a 5 km descent into the Mirna Valley towards our next destination: the truffle capital of Livade. Here we have a little time to rest before we tackle the day’s most challenging climb up to Motovun. Numerous secret trails, fantastic views, interesting history, charming villages, and typical local specialities all play a part in making this tour such a special experience. We take our lunch break in Motovun – the truffle capital is one of the highlights of Istria. After lunch we continue biking along the Paraenzana, through the tunnels and over the bridges of the old narrow-gauge railroad to Vižinada. After a short break, we enjoy a last descent back to Poreč and the hotel.

5^th Day Brajkovići – Rovinj (aprx. 32 mi./51 km & 1,969 ft./600 m of elevation, S0)
Today we pack our bags and say goodbye to Poreč. After a half hour transfer, we reach Brajkovići, 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. We then continue on to last destination of today’s tour, Rovinj, where we enjoy lunch in the old town. Afterwards, we check into our hotel, and, once settled, we have the opportunity to discover the enchanting old town on a guided walking tour.

6^th Day Bike Park Rabac – Ripenda Kras – Labin (aprx. 24 mi./38 km & 3,609 ft./1,100 m of elevation, S1-S3)
After breakfast at the hotel, a 45-minute transfer brings us Rabac. Today we can look forward to pure mountain biking fun at the starting point of the day’s tour, Bike Park Rabac! Special single and flow trails on sandy soil and terrain with varying levels of difficulty for beginners and advanced bikers as well as two pump track practice areas promise lots of variety and fun. Afterwards, a bike shuttle brings us to Ripenda Kras, from where we start the last leg of the day’s biking tour. Accompanied by spectacular views we make our way to the small town of Labin where we take a break for lunch. After lunch we have the chance to explore the old town of Labin on a guided walking tour through the streets and alleyways.  In the late afternoon, we take a transfer back to Rovinj.

7^th Day Pula – Kamenjak – Pula (aprx. 24 mi./38 km & 1,640 ft./500 m of elevation, S1-S2)
The day begins with a 20-minute transfer to Pula, where our last bike adventure begins. We head north towards Vodnjan, home to the oldest olive groves in Istrian. Here we have the opportunity to enjoy an olive oil tasting. Afterwards we ride on to 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.

8^th Day Rovinj (Departure)
After breakfast it is time to check out of the hotel. Individual journey home or extended stay in Croatia. As the trip ends in Rovinj, we would be happy to organize a free transfer back to your vehicle in Poreč on the day of departure.

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.

Requirements:

MTB Level 2-3
This trip consists of daily tours with lengths of 18 – 37 mi./30 – 60 km and an average daily total of 1,640 – 3,609 ft./500 – 1,100 m of elevation leading through partly mountainous terrain. Single trails can range in difficulty between S2 and S3 on the Single Trail Scale, though most trails are easy, with S1 difficulty. The terrain we cycle is as varied as the landscapes of Istria. The tours differ each day, so there is plenty of biking variety from wide forest paths, small back roads, and fun single trails, to flow trails, and narrow forest trails. The group is accompanied by a transfer vehicle so should the climbs prove to be too exhausting, there is always the possibility of making use of the vehicle for certain stretches if needed. Moreover, your guide can easily avoid S2 and S3 trails should the group desire easier routes and can customize the trips according to the riding skills of the group.

Single trail classification

To ensure that you are well prepared for your bike tour with Islandhopping and know what technical difficult level to expect, we have created a classification for all single trails that could be ridden on our tours. The difficulty levels included in our classification coincide with the Single Trail Scale which can be found at here.

Blue (easy, S0 – S1): small obstacles such as small roots, small stones, some erosion, gradients of up to 40 %, loose surfaces, tight corners but no hairpins, obstacles can be rolled over. Skilful braking and weight shift required, riding while standing.

Red (medium, S2): loose surfaces, larger stones and roots, steps and shallow stairs, gradients of up to 70 %, light hairpins. Constant readiness to brake, shift of centre weight to overcome obstacles, accurate braking, consistent body tension required.

Black (difficult, S3 – S5): blocked single trails, many large boulders and roots, smooth/slippery surfaces, loose scree slopes, large steps/drops, extremely steep gradients of over 70 %, tight hairpins. Expert level of bike control/handling required.

Riding in a group
On a guided MTB tour the speed of the group is determined by the mountain bikers on regular bikes. If you have hired an e-MTB, we ask you to respect those in the group who are riding without electric support. Those on regular bikes require more time and recovery when biking up hill. 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). Furthermore, we recommend riders to carry arm and leg protectors during the bike tours.

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.

Catering
The tour price includes daily breakfasts as well as 3 lunches during the biking tours and 4 dinners at the hotel. Catering begins with dinner on the day of arrival and ends with breakfast on the day of departure.

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.  

Included services

• 7 overnight stays in a double room in good to very good mid-range (3-4 star) hotels
• 7 x breakfast, 4 x dinner
• Guided cycling tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
• Overview maps for the daily tours
• Guided city tours in Poreč, Rovinj, Grožnjan, and Pula
• Transfer from Rovinj to Poreč on the day of departure
• English speaking tour guide

Additional optional services (on request)

• Single room surcharge 490 Euro/ 3.675,00 kn
• Rental bike: full suspension MTB (Fully): 180 euro/1.350 kn per week; full suspension E-MTB (E-Fully): 240 euro/1.800 kn per week; MTB (hardtail): 100 euro/750 kn per week
• Insurance against theft and damage of the rental bike: hardtail MTB: 10 euro/75 kn per week; fully MTB & e-fully MTB: 20 euro/150 kn per week (not insured: grossly negligent damages)
• Collective transfer from/to Zagreb on day of arrival/departure only (11:30 am from Zagreb Center or 12:15 pm from Zagreb Airport to Poreč / return transfer from Rovinj to Zagreb Airport starts at 7 am: 60 euro/450 kn per person/way and 60 euro/450 kn per bicycle/way (reservation required two weeks in advance, booking incl. complete transmission of flight details) 
• Exclusive transfers from Pula Airport to Poreč on day of arrival only: 60 euro/450 kn per way (max. 3 people per car)
• Exclusive transfer from Rovinj to Pula Airport on day of departure only: 40 euro/300 kn per way (max. 3 people per car)
• Customized transfers
• Additional night (B&B) in Pula
• 2-Day Extensions Program Zagreb incl. transfer from Airport Zagreb – Hotel Zagreb // Hotel Zagreb – Hotel Poreč (when booked pre-Istria Hotel & Bike Tour) or transfer Hotel Rovinj – Hotel Zagreb // Hotel Zagreb – Airport Zagreb (when booked post Istria Hotel & Bike Tour), 1 night in a 3 or 4 star hotel; guided sightseeing tour in Zagreb (entry fees for sights not included), dinner in a local restaurant; price per person: 3 star hotel in a double room: 330 euro/2475 kn; single room: 370 euro/2.775 kn; 4 star hotel in a double room: 380 euro/2.850 kn; single room: 450 euro/3.375 kn (People driving independently, without the need of a transfer, receive a discount of 60 euro/450 kn off all prices mentioned)

Not included in the basic tour price

• Journey to Poreč/from Rovinj
• Meals other than those listed under catering and beverages
• Entrance fees for sights not included in the tour price
• Tips for drivers and tour guides

Booking checklist 

To book this trip, you need to provide the following data about the guest(s): 

• first and last name (as written in the travel document, NO nicknames) 
• Date of birth 

• Nationality 
• Rental bike desired? Which type of bike? 
• Body height (for rental bike) 
• Contact number of guests while abroad 

Arrival information 

• Guests time of arrival 
• How are the guests arriving? (for flights please include flight number and airline) 
• Is a (possibly chargeable) transfer required? If so, from where/whereto? For how many people? 
• Would the guest(s) like to reserve a parking space? 

For more and updated information and direct booking please visit:

www.inselhuepfen.com/en/ihm