MTB & Boat Adventure in Istria, Croatia

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced MTB guide with extensive local knowledge of the area
    • Accommodation in twin cabins of a standard or a sailboat for 7 nights
    • Daily MTB tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
    • 5 half-board days and 2 full-board days (7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 7 dinners)
    • Overview maps for daily tours
    • SGR Insolvency Protection (5 euros)

  Full suspension mountain bike, premium full suspension mountain bike, and e-MTB rentals are available for an added fee of $245, $610 and $325, respectively.

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to the meeting point in Omišalj (can be arranged for an additional fee)
    • Cabin above the deck or single cabins above/below the deck (available for an additional fee during booking)
    • Bike rentals and insurance (available for an additional fee)
    • Flat rate for bottled water and tourist taxes (65$ per adult and 30$ per child)
    • Any personal expenses ashore
    • Entrance fees for sights/museums en route
    • Guide and crew gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  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.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s what you’ll need:

  • • Comfortable riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material (both short- and long-sleeved clothing)
    • Helmet (mandatory to wear) — please bring your own, well-fitted helmet, rental ones are limited (reservation required)
    • Padded cycling shorts — recommended
    • Week’s worth of relaxed leisure clothing
    • Swimming gear
    • Long-sleeved sweater or sweatshirt
    • Lightweight waterproof jacket
    • Sneakers or sport shoes
    • Sunglasses
    • Plenty of water, water bottle or hydration bladder
    • Daypack with snacks
    • Biking gloves are optional but recommended
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)

  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.

• What about the bikes, can I bring my own?

  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.

• What to expect from life aboard Linda?

  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.

• Can I extend my adventure?

  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 age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • The number of participants for these group tours is usually between 14 and 29.
    • It takes a minimum of 14 people for this tour to operate. If not enough participants sign up, your guides reserve the right to cancel the reservation. Your guides will let you know as soon as possible, at least three weeks prior to the start of the trip.
    • The cost does not decrease as the group grows. However, groups with 3 participants boarding the Linda boat may opt for a 3- person cabin, with the third person receiving a 50% discount. The Andela Lora boat has 3- and 4-bed cabins and the same option is available. Keep in mind that this option is limited.

  MTB and Boat adventures in Istria can be arranged for private groups. Contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 16, you’re good to go.
    • Children as young as 10 are able to go on trips with a legal guardian. If you have a young rider strong enough to handle sustained climbs (either riding or walking their bike) of hundreds of feet, and sometimes rough terrain, then they can participate. Riders younger than 16 receive a 25% discount.

  If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  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.

• Safety measures and insurance

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

  Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  The price of the tour includes the 5 euro SGR Insolvency Protection. This is mandatory consumer contribution called the SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Deposits

  You can secure one of the 2025 dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

  Secure your early bird spot for 2026 with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!

  • • Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure any time in case the dates don’t suit you.
    • Once the dates are set, you can confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total amount.
    • The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.

  Cancellations

  Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

  Basic

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Flexible

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Super Flexible

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
• Travel and Medical Protection
  57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.