Included: An experienced English-speaking cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the area 8-day boat and bike tour in Istria Accommodation aboard the Linda yacht for 7 nights (twin/double cabin below deck with shower and toilet) Most meals — 2x full-board, 5x half-board on board Tourist tax & drink package (drinking water, tea, filter coffee) Guided bike tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary Bed linen and towels SGR Insolvency Protection Add-ons (can be added at checkout): Single occupancy cabin Bike rental Bike insurance Cabin above deck Not included: Transportation to Omišalj Meals and beverages ashore & not mentioned above Beverages on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain) Entrance fee for sights not included in the tour price Accommodation before or after the tour Guide and crew gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance

How fit do I need to be?

This MTB tour is Istria is ideal for riders with good fitness who are capable of handling easy to moderate daily tours with stages of about 15-31 mi (25-50 km) and 980-2,952 ft (300-900 m) of elevation gain. Istria is a mountain biker’s paradise with a range of trails from easy to moderate to choose from. We ride on mainly unblocked flow trails, wide natural paths and quiet asphalt roads. It should not be required to carry your bike over any blocked paths. Instead of taking part on a MTB tour, you are also welcome to either join the hybrid bike group or to remain on/near the boat. To ensure you’re aware of how technical the singletrails are, below you’ll find a classification of all singletrails that could be ridden on the tour: Blue (Easy, S0–S1): Small obstacles (roots, stones, erosion), gradients up to 40%, loose surfaces, and tight corners. Requires skillful braking, weight shifts, and standing riding. Red (Medium, S2): Loose surfaces, larger stones/roots, steps, shallow stairs, gradients up to 70%, and light hairpins. Requires precise braking, weight shifts, and body tension. Black (Difficult, S3–S5): Blocked trails, large boulders/roots, slippery surfaces, scree slopes, large drops, gradients over 70%, and tight hairpins. Expert bike control required. The speed of the group is determined by mountain bikers on regular bikes. If you decide to hire an e-MTB, be aware of this and respect those in group who are riding without the electric support.

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?

Due to safety regulations on the boat, it is not allowed to bring your own e-bike. By renting it with 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. 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. 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. Mountain bikes Your guides only use high-quality full-suspension rental bikes from GIANT and SCOTT, whose components are perfectly tailored to the demands of the Mediterranean terrain. For effortless climbing and ultimate trail fun, there lightweight fullys are usually equipped with 27.5 inch rims, 140-150 mm travel, suspension forks and shocks, Shimano or SRAM shifting and brake groups as well as dropper seat posts. In order to meet the highest material requirements, your guides will also be offering premium full suspension rental bikes from SANTA CRUZ. E-mountain bikes If you’re looking for an easy uphill ride with an epic downhill trail experience, then these e-mountain bikes are the perfect rental bike for you! These full suspension e-MTBs are equipped with 27.5’’ wheels and robust tires ready for exploring fantastic trails. The powerful Bosch motor, large battery, 150 mm RockShox suspension, Shimano or SRAM gear and brake systems as well as hydraulic dropper posts make these e-MTBs a biker’s best friend.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: Depending on the number of people, there can be between 1 and 3 professional guides per trip. It takes a minimum of 14 people aboard the boat for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 29 people. If you’d like to join as a solo traveller , please note that the single occupancy cabin is mandatory. It’s not possible to join as a solo traveller and share a cabin with another guest. Generally, single occupancy cabin is an additional 50% of the tour price on top of it. If interested in joining solo, please let us know before booking! Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Only children with a good physical condition, previous bicycle tour experience and a minimum age of 10 can join . Please note that the minimum height for a rental e-bike is 1.50 m (4’9”). Follow-me bikes, bike seats, and bike bungees can also be hired for accompanying children. Children up to the age of 16 are eligible for a 200-euro discount (double occupancy), let us know at checkout if you’re booking for a child. 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 (ZAG) , which is 2 hours away. The easiest way to get to Omišalj is to first 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 (RJK) , 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). Check-in is on Day 1 of the tour at around 2pm.

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.

ISTRIA | CROATIA

MTB & Boat Adventure in Istria, Croatia

5.00

Mountain bikers on a trail in Istria, Croatia.

A mountain biker traversing grassland near sheep in Istria, Croatia.

Kamenjak, an example of indented Croatian coastline in Istria.

The small port town of Fažana in Istria, Croatia.

The town of Omišalj on the island of Krk, Croatia.

Mountain bikers riding by the coast in Istria, Croatia.

Aerial view of the hilltop town of Grožnjan in Istria, Croatia.

The historic center of Pula with a Roman arch.

Aerial view of Pula from the sea with a large Roman Amphitheater.

Mountain bikers in Istria riding near olive groves.

Mountain bikers overlooking the Mirna Valley in Istria, Croatia.

Loggia of an elegant house in the village of Grožnjan.

Atrium of a Byzantine Basilica in Poreč, Croatia.

Mountain bikers on a scenic road in Istria, Croatia.

The coastal port town of Novigrad, Istria, Croatia.

From $1,335 ()

Duration

8 days

Season

August through October

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Life on board
Reviews
Things to know

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.

Adventure highlights

Comprehensive experience

Combine sailing and mountain biking, explore the coast and the interior and get a complete picture of Istria
Beyond MTB

Marvel at a Roman arena and Byzantine mosaics, visit medieval hilltop villages, soak up the atmosphere of quaint coastal towns
Comfortable yacht

Experience comfort and elegance aboard the Linda, enhancing your Istrian odyssey

Itinerary

Download itinerary

Embark on an unforgettable guided MTB and boat trip through Istria, where each day unveils thrilling adventures and discoveries. Begin at Omišalj's pirate nest and cruise to the lively Rabac. Explore Rabac Bike Skills Park's trails, unearth Pula's rich Roman history, and pedal through picturesque landscapes adorned with forests, river valleys, vineyards, and olive groves, winding between dreamy hilltop villages and historic coastal towns. Venture along the dramatic coastline and idyllic bays and savor catered meals aboard the cozy Linda yacht, your haven of comfort. Combine sailing and MTB for an ultimate experience of this magical peninsula.

Arrive individually in Omišalj, a charming town on the island Krk. If you’re coming by car, we can gladly arrange a secure parking space for the week. For those arriving from Zagreb, we can also organize a transfer to the harbor of Omišalj. Check-in on board is available from around 2pm. Once settled into our cabins, we embark on our first crossing to Cres, where we spend the night in the island’s capital of the same name. The Venetian-influenced old town, with its beautiful alleys and numerous churches, invites us to take a leisurely evening stroll.

Accommodation: Linda yacht
In the morning, we enjoy breakfast on board during a scenic cruise to Pula. In the afternoon, we explore Cape Kamenjak, a diverse cycling destination with numerous trails and over 30 bays rich in flora and fauna. After our bike tour, we return to Pula for an inspiring guided city tour before spending the evening exploring at our leisure. We stay overnight in Pula.

Distance: 24 miles (40 km)
Elevation gain: 1,640 ft (500 m)
Accommodation: Linda yacht
In the morning, we enjoy breakfast on board during a scenic cruise to Vrsar, where the famous heartbreaker Casanova is said to have once sought refuge from jealous husbands. From there, we cycle along the Limski Channel, passing through forests, fields, and vineyards, and visit the small San Servolo bike park, which offers trails of varying difficulty. After an exciting afternoon of biking, we conclude our ride in Poreč, a lively town with a long promenade and bustling shopping streets. A visit to the famous Euphrasius Basilica, known for its stunning early Christian mosaics, is highly recommended. There’s also plenty of time to swim and relax before we spend the night in Poreč.

Distance: 16 miles (27 km)
Elevation gain: 820 ft (250 m)
Accommodation: Linda yacht
In the morning, we follow the *Parenzana*, an abandoned railroad line, leading us to the famous artists’ village of Grožnjan. This picturesque medieval gem in the Istrian hinterland welcomes us with romantic alleys, flower-filled squares, and diverse galleries nestled in old stone houses. From here, we can test our skills on a variety of technical downhill trails before continuing along gravel roads through rural Istria to Novigrad, where we enjoy the evening and spend the night.

Distance: 37 miles (60 km)
Elevation gain: 2,625 ft (800 m)
Accommodation: Linda yacht
In the morning, we enjoy breakfast on board as the boat takes us to Rovinj, the starting point of today’s bike ride. This scenic route is less technical, leading us to a beautiful beach where we can take a refreshing swim. After returning to the boat, we have plenty of time to explore the city in the afternoon. In the evening, a guided tour unveils Rovinj’s hidden secrets before we settle in for the night.

Distance: 17 miles (28 km)
Elevation gain: 985 ft (300 m)
Accommodation: Linda yacht
Our morning bike ride follows the coast, mostly along natural forest paths and gravel roads, leading us to Fažana with its charming harbor and colorful waterfront promenade. From there, we board the boat and cruise along the coast to Rabac, a picturesque bay on Istria’s east coast. Here, we can relax on stunning white pebble beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and explore the beautiful harbor. In the evening, a cocktail at a local bar is the perfect way to end the day.

Distance: 20 miles (33 km)
Elevation gain: 820 ft (250 m)
Accommodation: Linda yacht
In the early morning, we cross to the island of Krk for our final tour. The route takes us from Njivice to Omišalj, featuring some fantastic trail sections along the way. As Croatia’s largest island and home to the delicious Žlahtina white wine, Krk impresses with its diverse landscapes. A stop at Soline Bay offers the chance to cover ourselves in mineral-rich mud—said to make us look ten years younger and a fun memory to take home! Back in Omišalj, our boat awaits with a delicious final dinner, enjoyed in great company with fellow travelers, crew, and guides.

Distance: 25 miles (41 km)
Elevation gain: 1,575 ft (480 m)
Accommodation: Linda yacht
Enjoy your last breakfast and disembark before 9 am. Say goodbye to fellow bikers, crew, your guide, and to Croatia—or explore further during the extended stay.

Croatia Bike Tours

Cycling (4) | Mountain biking (5)

Explore similar adventures

MTB & Boat Adventure in Istria, Croatia

Adventure Brochure

Brochure sent, check your inbox

If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

5.00

Islandhopping

Founded in 1998, Islandhopping is your top choice for biking, mountain biking, road biking, e-biking, and multi adventures aboard a boat. What started out as two bicycle tours in Croatia has grown into 300 tours a year with over 7,000 guests from all around the world. They guide travelers all over the Mediterranean, Central & Northern Europe, in Vietnam, South Africa, and Patagonia. Islandhopping’s tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable, multilingual, and educated in first aid, cultural presentations, and bike repairs. They’ll liven up the tour experience and make sure guests create lasting memories for a lifetime.

Life on board

Linda

Reconstructed in 2006, Linda is a wooden motor yacht with a cozy atmosphere. This is enhanced by wooden-clad cabins—three below deck and eleven above—as well as a spacious, functional saloon with wooden tables and upholstered benches.

Guests can relax on the expansive decks, with the sundeck offering comfortable mats to fully enjoy the panoramic views. In good weather, meals can be served at the outdoor table for a delightful dining experience.

The crew, having worked together for many years, is a well-practiced team whose warm smiles and attentive service create a welcoming atmosphere on board.

There are 14 cabins below and above deck aboard the Linda, offering 28 beds—double are 200 x 160 cm, single and twin 200 x 80 cm.

Cabins feature A/C, a hair dryer, tiled bathrooms with a mirror, all-in-one shower, and a toilet.

If you’d like to join as a solo traveller, please note that the single occupancy cabin is mandatory. It’s not possible to join as a solo traveller and share a cabin with another guest.

5.00(2 reviews)

John P.

|July 2024

Gary H.

|July 2024

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced English-speaking cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 8-day boat and bike tour in Istria
  - Accommodation aboard the Linda yacht for 7 nights (twin/double cabin below deck with shower and toilet)
  - Most meals — 2x full-board, 5x half-board on board
  - Tourist tax & drink package (drinking water, tea, filter coffee)
  - Guided bike tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
  - Bed linen and towels
  - SGR Insolvency Protection
Add-ons (can be added at checkout):
- - Single occupancy cabin
  - Bike rental
  - Bike insurance
  - Cabin above deck
Not included:
- - Transportation to Omišalj
  - Meals and beverages ashore & not mentioned above
  - Beverages on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain)
  - Entrance fee for sights not included in the tour price
  - Accommodation before or after the tour
  - Guide and crew gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance
This MTB tour is Istria is ideal for riders with good fitness who are capable of handling easy to moderate daily tours with stages of about 15-31 mi (25-50 km) and 980-2,952 ft (300-900 m) of elevation gain.

Istria is a mountain biker’s paradise with a range of trails from easy to moderate to choose from. We ride on mainly unblocked flow trails, wide natural paths and quiet asphalt roads. It should not be required to carry your bike over any blocked paths. Instead of taking part on a MTB tour, you are also welcome to either join the hybrid bike group or to remain on/near the boat.

To ensure you’re aware of how technical the singletrails are, below you’ll find a classification of all singletrails that could be ridden on the tour:
- - Blue (Easy, S0–S1): Small obstacles (roots, stones, erosion), gradients up to 40%, loose surfaces, and tight corners. Requires skillful braking, weight shifts, and standing riding.
  - Red (Medium, S2): Loose surfaces, larger stones/roots, steps, shallow stairs, gradients up to 70%, and light hairpins. Requires precise braking, weight shifts, and body tension.
  - Black (Difficult, S3–S5): Blocked trails, large boulders/roots, slippery surfaces, scree slopes, large drops, gradients over 70%, and tight hairpins. Expert bike control required.
The speed of the group is determined by mountain bikers on regular bikes. If you decide to hire an e-MTB, be aware of this and respect those in group who are riding without the electric support.
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.
Due to safety regulations on the boat, it is not allowed to bring your own e-bike. By renting it with 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.

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.

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.

Mountain bikes

Your guides only use high-quality full-suspension rental bikes from GIANT and SCOTT, whose components are perfectly tailored to the demands of the Mediterranean terrain. For effortless climbing and ultimate trail fun, there lightweight fullys are usually equipped with 27.5 inch rims, 140-150 mm travel, suspension forks and shocks, Shimano or SRAM shifting and brake groups as well as dropper seat posts. In order to meet the highest material requirements, your guides will also be offering premium full suspension rental bikes from SANTA CRUZ.

E-mountain bikes

If you’re looking for an easy uphill ride with an epic downhill trail experience, then these e-mountain bikes are the perfect rental bike for you! These full suspension e-MTBs are equipped with 27.5’’ wheels and robust tires ready for exploring fantastic trails. The powerful Bosch motor, large battery, 150 mm RockShox suspension, Shimano or SRAM gear and brake systems as well as hydraulic dropper posts make these e-MTBs a biker’s best friend.
Group sizes and prices:
- - Depending on the number of people, there can be between 1 and 3 professional guides per trip.
  - It takes a minimum of 14 people aboard the boat for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 29 people.
  - If you’d like to join as a solo traveller, please note that the single occupancy cabin is mandatory. It’s not possible to join as a solo traveller and share a cabin with another guest. Generally, single occupancy cabin is an additional 50% of the tour price on top of it. If interested in joining solo, please let us know before booking!
Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Only children with a good physical condition, previous bicycle tour experience and a minimum age of 10 can join. Please note that the minimum height for a rental e-bike is 1.50 m (4’9”). Follow-me bikes, bike seats, and bike bungees can also be hired for accompanying children.
  - Children up to the age of 16 are eligible for a 200-euro discount (double occupancy), let us know at checkout if you’re booking for a child.
If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Omišalj, most people fly into Zagreb International Airport (ZAG), which is 2 hours away. The easiest way to get to Omišalj is to first 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 (RJK), 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).

Check-in is on Day 1 of the tour at around 2pm.
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

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.