Ever been to Istria? Dubbed Terra Magica by the locals, this captivating Croatian peninsula will take your breath away from the get-go. With its thousands of years of history and its bucolic charm, Istria has it all. Pedal through blissful trails winding through serene forests and picture vineyards that lead to medieval hilltop gems. Sail and explore the coastline with its secluded bays and ancient olive groves, visit Istria’s historic towns adorned with Venetian churches and Roman temples. Let yourself stop for a minute, and feel the pulse of the Mediterranean as it once was, as it should forever be enjoyed.
Combine sailing and mountain biking, explore the coast and the interior and get a complete picture of Istria
Marvel at a Roman arena and Byzantine mosaics, visit medieval hilltop villages, soak up the atmosphere of quaint coastal towns
Experience comfort and elegance aboard the Linda or Andela Lora, enhancing your Istrian odyssey
What you get on this adventure:
Full suspension mountain bike, premium full suspension mountain bike, and e-MTB rentals are available for an added fee of $220, $385 and $330, respectively.
What’s not included:
To participate in this guided MTB adventure in Istria, Croatia, you should have a moderate level of fitness. The daily tours are designed to be easy to moderate, with stages ranging from 15 to 31 mi/25 to 50 km and elevation gains of 980 to 2,952 ft/300 to 900 m. The region offers a variety of trails suitable for mountain biking, with options ranging from easy to moderate.
During the tours, you will be riding on mainly unblocked flow trails, wide natural paths, and quiet asphalt roads. It is not expected that you will need to carry your bike over any blocked paths. However, being able to skillfully brake and shift your weight while riding on small obstacles such as roots, stones, and tight corners is important. For the more medium difficulty trails, you should be prepared for loose surfaces, larger obstacles like stones and roots, and light hairpin turns. Constant readiness to brake, shift your center of weight to overcome obstacles, and maintaining consistent body tension are required for these sections.
Keep in mind that your guide will always be by your side to observe your technique, encourage you, and even change the route if riding gets too strenuous. There will often be a chance to take a break during rides. You will also be able to skip a half day or even a full day of riding if you decide to get some rest and spend some more time on the beaches or in towns.
Wearing a protective bike helmet is mandatory during the tours, and it is recommended that you bring your own helmet with you. In case you need a rental helmet, make sure to reserve one in advance as they are available in limited numbers on board.
If you feel that the moderate fitness level matches your abilities and you are comfortable with the skill requirements for the respective trail difficulties, then you are well-prepared to embark on this exciting MTB adventure in Istria, Croatia.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Bring comfortable clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Summer months are usually sunny and hot, but there is always a chance for an occasional summer storm or rainy day. Weather is more unpredictable in late spring and early fall, with a possibility for cooler windy days, so it is instrumental that you are informed about the weather forecasts and prepared for different conditions.
If you want to bring your own bike on the trip, bring a mountain bike that meets the technical requirements. In addition, your bike will need to have good tires (e.g. Gravel Bike or Cyclocross Bike). Before traveling, please check the condition of brakes, gears, and tires as well as bringing repair kits and essential spare parts (e.g. inner tube). Your bike must be in top technical condition. Please keep in mind that transporting your own bike will result in additional costs when flying.
Due to safety regulations on ship, it is not allowed to bring your own e-bike. By renting it from your guides, you will get high-quality, fully serviced rental bikes perfect for the terrain of this tour.
You can bring your own bike seat and pedals — guides will be happy to assist you in attaching these to your rental bikes.
Helmet wearing is mandatory and it’s recommended you bring your own, well-fitted helmet. Rental helmets are available, but in a limited capacity, so reservation is required should you need it.
This meticulously reconstructed wooden motor yacht offers you a delightful escape into a world where relaxation and adventure harmoniously coexist. The Linda’s wooden-clad cabins, designed with your comfort in mind, provide a cozy retreat where you can unwind and recharge. With both below-deck and above-deck cabins, you’ll find your haven adorned with modern amenities, including air conditioning, tiled bathrooms, and all-in-one showers, ensuring your comfort throughout your voyage.
The heart of the Linda lies in its spacious and inviting saloon. Here, you’ll gather with fellow travelers on cushioned benches around wooden tables, sharing stories and forming new connections. The attentive crew, a well-practiced team, wear smiles that mirror the serene atmosphere on board, enhancing every moment of your journey.
Venturing outside, the Linda beckons you to its various decks, each offering a unique perspective of the stunning surroundings. Bask in the golden sun on the sundeck, where plush sunning mats invite you to recline and soak in the breathtaking panoramas. For al fresco dining, the outside table is set to perfection, creating a charming backdrop for enjoying delectable meals in the open air.
Indulge in a voyage of luxury and convenience aboard the Andela Lora, an exquisite steel ship that promises an unforgettable Croatian sojourn. Immerse yourself in the spacious guest cabins, adorned with top-notch furnishings, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. The elegantly furnished top-deck salon, complemented by inviting sunbathing areas, offers the perfect setting for relaxation. A swimming platform at the stern allows you to easily access the sea for refreshing dips in secluded bays. The attentive crew and onboard amenities ensure a carefree sailing experience.
Built to the highest standards and adorned with contemporary decor, your comfort is of paramount importance. A saltwater pool and numerous sun mats on the sundeck provide ultimate relaxation. Impeccable design ensures that polished decks and elegant public areas feel airy and spacious, adorned with warm woods and cool fabrics. Unwind in well-appointed outside cabins featuring luxurious double or twin beds, stylish wood flooring, and modern bathroom fittings. The ship offers various cabin options, including doubles, twins, triples, and quads. Individually controlled air conditioning, LCD TV, a safe, hairdryer, and a table and chair are among the thoughtful amenities.
There are several options available for those wishing to extend their stay in Croatia. You can extend your stay by adding one, two, or three days before or after the Istria MTB adventure.
The one-day extension module is simply adding one night on the island of Krk. You could use an extra day to explore beautiful locations on or close to the island, such as Baška, Krk, Malinska, the island of Košljun, Vrbnik, etc. The island is home to a wealth of sites, some of which are significant for medieval Croatian history.
The two-day extension program is for those who wish to explore the Croatian capital, Zagreb. Here you can explore the lively arts, culture, and culinary scene. You can visit some of the city’s museums and enjoy its Central European flair, somewhat of a contrast to what you’ll find in the coastal parts of Croatia.
On that note, the three-day extension module takes you even further north—to the baroque town of Varaždin (at one point the capital of Croatia) and the romantic Trakošćan castle, the most famous castle in Croatia perched on top of a hill overlooking a lake. This extension in continental Croatia will give you a more complete idea of this incredibly diverse country.
Prices of these extensions are available upon request. Contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Group sizes and prices:
MTB and Boat adventures in Istria can be arranged for private groups. Contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
A 20% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 2 months (60 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If the Client cancels…
If two people have booked a double cabin together, and no replacement can be found to fill the space of the withdrawing client, your guides maintain the right to charge the remaining participant the corresponding accommodation surcharge, or if possible, to relocate them otherwise.
Changing to a new departure date is handled the same way as a cancellation. There will be a €50 administration fee for changes made 28 days or more before the beginning of the trip. This also includes changes of minor relevance like hotel stays, transfers, bike hire etc. Any later changes (if possible) will need to be handled as a cancellation and new registration. Cancellation and reservation change fees are due immediately.
To get to Omišalj, most people fly into Zagreb International Airport, which is 2 hours away. The easiest way to get to Omišalj is first to take a bus from the airport to the Central Bus Station in Zagreb, followed by a direct bus to Omišalj. Alternatively, take a bus from Zagreb to Rijeka, followed by a short bus ride from Rijeka to Omišalj. You can also fly directly into Rijeka International Airport, which is located in Omišalj.
If you prefer to keep things as simple and fuss-free as possible, direct transfers from Zagreb and Rijeka (either from airports or bus/train stations) can be arranged with your guide for an additional fee (for a minimum of 2 people).
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, usually somewhere in Omišalj close to the docks.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.
Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.
We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Croatia, please refer to Croatia’s foreign travel advice.
If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
