Difficulty Rating : 6 Start: Pula Finish: Pula Terrain: A hilly terrain up to 300m above sea level Daily Average: 25km Weekly Average: 240km Tour Type: Bike and Boat,Group Teaser: "The heart of Europe" is what the Istrians call their peninsula, inspired by its shape and its position at the crossroads of European arteries
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"The heart of Europe" is what the Istrians call their peninsula, inspired by its shape and its position at the crossroads of European arteries, cultures and nations. This is where Central Europe and the world of Mediterranean meet. On this tour we explore the most popular part of the Croatian coast. Fall in love with the Adriatic Sea while relaxing on a romantic motor sailer - your floating home. After breakfast we head on a cycle before enjoying a break ashore or on board, when meeting our ship in one of the pretty harbours. In the evening our ship awaits us in the next harbour. Enjoy the outstanding cuisine aboard while watching the sunset or stroll around historical harbour towns before going to sleep under the stars... The trip starts and ends on Fridays.

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Itineraries

Day 1

Omisalj (Embarkation) - Cres

DAY 1 (Fri) Omisalj (Embarkation) - Cres
Individual arrival to Omišalj, 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 Omišalj. 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 (aprx. 11 mi./19 km by bike)

After breakfast on board, the first task is to adjust our bikes in the idyllic harbor of Cres and take a first bike tour to the lighthouse. Afterwards, we take a longer crossing to Pula at the southern tip of Istria, where a guided tour of the old town awaits us. The secret capital of Istria awaits us with impressive evidence of its Roman past. Take your time for an extensive stroll and explore impressive ancient monuments, such as the famous amphitheater reminiscent of the Colosseum in Rome, the Temple of Augustus and the Golden Gate.

Day 3

Pula – Vrsar (23 mi./38 km by bike)

In the morning 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. Once there, the boat takes us to Vrsar with the chance for a swim break at the Limski Fjord. In Vrsar, where you will spend the night, the heartbreaker Casanova is believed to have sought temporary refuge from the husbands of his lovers.

Day 4

Vrsar - Porec aprx. 18 mi/29 km by bike)

From Vrsar we cycle along the Limski Canal to Kloštar in the rural hinterland. During a longer break we fortify ourselves with a local meal before the tour continues onwards to the destination of Poreč. In the afternoon, we encounter the colourful history of Poreč at every turn as we stroll through the charming old town with its beautiful buildings from bygone eras. There is a real energy to be felt in the shopping alleys. A visit to the famous Euphrasius Basilica with its magnificent early Christian mosaics is also worthwhile.

Day 5

Porec - Novigrad - Rovinj (aprx. 36 mi/59 km)

In the morning we follow the "Parenzana", 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 hop on board, with the chance for a quick swimming break, before continuing onwards to Rovinj for our overnight stay.

Day 6

Rovinj – Fazana - Rabac (aprx. 25 mi/41 km)

Our morning bike ride takes us near the coast, mostly on natural forest paths to Fažana, 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 - Omisalj (aprx. 23 mi/38 km)

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 Omišalj. 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 Omišalj, 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.

  • 7 nights on the ship with a crew
  • Twin cabin with shower/toilet
  • 2x full board, 5x half board 
  • Bed linen & towels
  • Guide cycling with the group
  • Guided tours in Pula and Rovinj
  • Maps and daily route details (on board)

     

  • Not included
  • €85.00 Hybrid Bike
  • €185.00 Road bike or Gravel bike
  • €230.00 Electric Bike
  • Optional:  bike insurance can be organised: €15 ( €25 for e bike and gravel/road bike )
  • Flat rate for bottled water and local taxes, €60 euro for adults / €30 for children up to age of 16 (to be paid to captain)
  • Entrance fees for sights are not included in the tour price
  • Tips for crew and tour guide

On this tour, you will be staying on a boat for the full duration of the trip. There is a crew consisting of the captain, cabin crew, the cook and tour guides who will make sure everything on the tour goes smoothly. Every morning after breakfast, your guide will go through the route with the group.

On each tour, there are 2 tour guides on the boat.

Normally the group cycles together but this doesn’t mean that the group will always be one after the other with no space in between. Often the group stretches long and everyone can cycle in his/her own pace.

If a guest really wants to cycle individually he/she has to be very punctual and has to have some skills in repairing a bike, since the tour guides will always be with the group.

Bike rental is not included in the basic tour cost:

However bike rental is of course possible to arrange!

On the regular Istria Tour only you can hire hybrid bikes for €85
Frames - Bicycles are available in four different frame sizes; 2 ladies (for up to 160cms (5 ft. 3 in.), and above that) and 2 men's (up to 6 ft., and above) to cater for all body heights.
• Wheels - Very stable 28 inch hollow chamber rims with Top Touring tyre (easy turning and solid).
• Gear change - 27-gear derailleur, Shimano
• Further Equipment - Tektro alloy brakes with strong "bite", partly inclination-adjustable stern, carrier, comfortable touring saddle of Bontrager H1, and safety mudguards with releasing mechanism. Rear Ortlieb pannier bag rear rack, kickstand, and water bottle cage.
• Please Note: You can bring your own saddle (without the post) or your own click pedals, and the tour guide will attach them to your rental bicycle.

On the regular Istria tour and the Luxury tour you can rent gravel or road bikes for €185.

It is also possible to rent an E-Bikes for €230
The cycle tours require at least basic level of fitness from participants, which they should have acquired from steady cycling. The tours will take us up to a height of 200 to 650 m above sea-level. The day tours from 12 mi. to 37.5 mi. (20 to 60 km) will take us through hilly and mountainous terrain and will be completed without any time-constraints. Participants will also need to master long and steep climbs, during which they are, however, also permitted to push their bicycles. We traverse mostly asphalted roads, which are rarely travelled on outside the holiday seasons. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned cycle tour.

Helmet use is mandatory on all bike tours in Croatia. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well fitted) helmet. Rental Helmets are available on board in limited number (reservation requested).

On a scale from 1 - 10 (1 being the easiest and 10 being the hardest) we are giving this tour 6 points

Children
We believe that only children in a good physical condition and with a minimum age of 10 and previous cycling tour experience are able to master the cycle tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1,40 m (4,7 ft). There is a helmet duty for all children up to age 16 in Croatia.

The cycle tours require at least basic level of fitness from participants, which they should have acquired from steady cycling. The tours will take us up to a height of 300 m above sea-level. The day tours from 9 mi. to 20 mi. (15 km to 33 km) will take us through hilly and mountainous terrain and will be completed without any time-constraints. We traverse mostly asphalted roads, which are rarely travelled on outside the holiday seasons. Unpaved or gravel roads will be cycled at times, during which participants are, however, also permitted to push their bicycles. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned cycle tour.

The on-board chef is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one or two warm meals a day. The catering consists of 2 x full board and 5 x half board. Catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day.

Specialised cycle clothing may be handy but not strictly necessary. What you do need (among other things) is the
following:
• shorts/ long trousers/ track suit/ leggings
• shirts/ sweater/ rain clothing
• good shoes plus shoes for use on deck only
• sunglasses/ cap/ swimming costume
• extra towel for swimming
• soap/ insect repellent
• own helmet

ISTRIA 2024 (Friday start)
Comfort Linda:
€1290 per person sharing below deck cabin all season
+€150 per person supplement above deck cabin
+€400 single supplement below deck cabin
+€500 single supplement above deck cabin

May 10, 24
June 7, 21
August 30
September 27

Deluxe Ship Andela Lora:
€1690 per person sharing below deck cabin low season 1
€1790 per person sharing below deck cabin low season 2
€1890 per person sharing below deck cabin mid season
€1990 per person sharing below deck cabin high season

+€150 per person supplement above deck cabin
+€400 single supplement below deck cabin
+€500 single supplement above deck cabin

April 19 (low season 1)
May 3 (low season 1)
May 17 (mid season)
June 14 (mid season)
July 26 (low season 2)
August 9 (low season 2)
August 23 (high season)
September 6 (high season)
October 4 (low season 2)

Self Guided Tour Information

A self guided option is not available on this tour.

How to get to the start point in Istria: 

Our Istria tour start and end in Omisalj, nearest airport is Rijeka
*The embarkation will take place between 2 and 2.30 pm. The first cycling tour will start at 3pm.

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 (11:30am from Zagreb Centre or 12:15pm from Zagreb Airport / return transfer from Omisalj to Zagreb Airport starts at 8:00am: €65 one way (reservation required two weeks in advance)
To investigate and book a suitable flight you can for example use the website www.opodo.com
Exclusive transfers can be booked on request.

For more details please have a look at the tour dossier.   Or please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).

Comfort Ship LINDA (all cabins with shower/toilet)

At 31 x 6 m, the Linda is a sleek wooden motor yacht rebuilt as an Islandhopping passenger ship in 2006. There are 14 friendly guest cabins each with a private shower and WC. The spacious and tastefully fuished salon with its wooden tables and upholstered benches provides a welcoming atmosphere. The large sundeck and the two shaded decks at the ste are fuished with sun mats and comfortable lounge fuiture. Perfect to unwind for a relaxing cruise.

Comfort Ship LINDA (all cabins with shower/toilet)  image 1Comfort Ship LINDA (all cabins with shower/toilet)  image 1

Deluxe Ship ANDELA LORA (all cabins with shower/toilet)

At 40 x 8.5 m the Andela Lora is an extraordinary, elegant steel ship, built in 2012. With its impressive length it is one of the largest ships in our Croatian fleet. The 17 spacious guest cabins are air-conditioned and include a shower and WC. The Andela Lora also offers a cozy salon on the top deck and numerous comfortable spaces on deck to relax. At the ste of the ship, a swimming platform provides effortless access to the sea.

Deluxe Ship ANDELA LORA (all cabins with shower/toilet) image 1Deluxe Ship ANDELA LORA (all cabins with shower/toilet) image 1</

Tour Date Options

Red = booked out / not available, Blue = Limited Availability, Green = available















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Booking Form

Primary Contact Details.

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Insurance

We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

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Other members of your group if applicable.

Please indicate below how many people are in your group including yourself.

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Sixth person details

 

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Acommodation

For single travellers, we organise accommodation on a twin sharing basis. Please note it may not be possible on all our tours and a single supplement will be applied.

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Other Information

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Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €250.00 deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The Balance payment is required two month prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The balancing payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.