Cycling Tour of Istria

2012 Prices and Departure dates

Other dates on request

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NOTE: The prices are fixed in euros. This conversion is for comparison purposes only.
The exact price in dollars or pounds is calculated on the day of booking according to the exchange rate of the Croatian National Bank.

High season - July 14 - August 24, 2012
Intermediate season - June 9 - July 13, August 25 - September 14, 2012
Low season - April 21 - June 8, September 15 - October 5, 2012

All prices are per person, in EUR.

Prices include:

• 7 nights in double/twin rooms
• 2 meals per day (dinner day 1-breakfast day 8)
• use of bicycles
• 5 days organized activities
• Plitvice Lakes National Park entrance fee
• local taxes and river permits
• Saturday transfers from/to Zagreb or Rijeka airport
• skilled English speaking guide and assistance
• ground transportation
• insurance

Not Included:

• international airfare to/from Croatia
• items of a personal nature and optional gratuities to your guide(s)
• optional trip on day 5
• beverages and lunches or picnics as noted in itinerary

Optional trips on Day 5 are NOT included in price and can be booked and paid on spot – the additional charge of approx 50€ per person is payable on site, and is dependent on suitable weather conditions. The price is based on a min. of 4 participants.

- Maximum number of participants: 16 guests per group. Larger groups on request.
- Minimum age: 8 years if accompanied by parent(s).
- Children discount: valid for children 8-14 years of age if accompanied by an adult. One child enjoying discount shares parents’ room; two or more children can have their own room.
- Rooms: Zeleni kut hotel offers rooms from 1 to 4 beds.

Single use rooms are available upon request, with 20% surcharge. Sharing a room with another person is possible.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Sat: Introducing Rovinj

Rovinj is one of the most romantic and picturesque old towns in Croatia, not far from the airports and harbors of Pula, Rijeka, Trieste and Venice. We will meet you at the airport, train/bus station or in the harbour and take you there (unless you travel by your own car). Rovinj was built on an island near the coast, that was connected with the mainland in 1763 by filling in the channel. The spirit of some ancient times in the labyrinth-like stone streets of the old town takes us back to the mystic and mysterious Middle Ages.

Our groups usually get together around mid-day which will give us enough time to choose and test the bicycles on a short tour through the old town. Before sunset we will meet on the terrace of a local restaurant for a welcome drink, dinner and brief orientation where we will have a chance to discuss the upcoming holiday and get to know our guides and fellow travelers.

Meals: D

Day 2 - Sun: Touring Rovinj and its surroundings

Today we shall explore Rovinj's famous attractions. The tour begins with a tradition of a morning coffee in one of the open-air cafes of this ancient town, followed by a tour of its pleasant surroundings. In the afternoon, we shall explore the nearby islands – by boat or in kayaks – and there will be opportunities to have a swim in the sea.

Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Cycling: easy/moderate, 2-3 hours, Kayaking: easy, 2 hours

Day 3 - Mon: Bike roundtrip of Lim Bay and the countryside

The bicycles will take us along the coast to Valalta and into the country to explore the farms and villages of Istria. Stops will be made to taste the fruit, drinks or lunch produced by local farmers. We will also walk along some hiking / walking paths to enjoy the views of the Lim Fjord Nature Reserve and find a secluded spot for a refreshing swim in the clear sea. We will explore the wildlife of the area in two bird sanctuaries. Evening as usual – with a glass of Istrian wine, beer or ice cream.

Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Cycling: easy/moderate, 3-4 hours

Day 4 - Tue: Motovun, Oprtalj and Groznjan

Today we leave Rovinj (by a passenger van, to avoid cycling / biking in traffic), stopping at the end of Lim Channel, one of the most popular Istrian tourist attractions. The bay shores are unique – the northern shore facing the sun is covered by quite different vegetation than the southern shore, which is always in shade. The bay is a part of the 35 km long Lim Valley (Draga) that stretches almost to the center of Istria, to the town of Pazin. The plant covering is lush and diverse, reaching from evergreen to deciduous trees, inhabited by wild animals such as boars, fox, deer and birds like hawks, buzzards and owls. 

Cycling / biking will take place in the Valley of Mirna River surrounded by hills with picturesque old towns like Motovun, Groznjan and Oprtalj. They were built on top of the hills, which was an important strategic feature in the past. We will explore the most famous one – Motovun, have a stop in Oprtalj and finish in Groznjan, a charming town celebrated for its art and music festivals, where we will stay for the night.

Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Cycling: easy/moderate: 3-4 hours

Day 5 - Wed: A leisure day

For those who chose a 5-day trip, this is the end of your holiday. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time. The rest of the group continues the trip. You will have a chance to rest from the cycling / biking done on the previous days and choose between some other optional activities: visit Porec for a walk through the 2,000 years old town and its major landmark from the 6th century: the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or Brijuni Islands National Park. The Brijuni are a group of fourteen small islands in the Croatian part of the northern Adriatic Sea, separated from the west coast of the Istrian peninsula by the narrow Fazana Strait. The largest island, Veli Brijun (where you could bike and hike / walk), lies 2 km off the coast. Famous for its scenic beauty, the island offers a great experience of walking the ruins from the Roman Empire period.

Former Yugoslavian President Tito made the Brijuni Islands his personal summer residence where the famous politicians and stars were frequent guests – Indira Gandhi, Henry Kissinger, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Sophia Loren and many others. Even nowadays, the Safari Park is a home to exotic animals brought to the island as gifts to Tito, such as Sony and Lanka, two Indian elephants donated by Indira Gandhi. 

The city of Pula is not far from Brijuni Islands and a visit to the Roman Amphitheater, popularly called the Arena of Pula, is necessary. It was built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, at the same time as the magnificent Colosseum in Rome. In those times it was the site of gladiator fights and in the Middle Ages it was the site of knights' tournaments and fairs. Today it is the venue for summer performances - the Film Festival, Opera Season, Equestrian Festival, concerts.

Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own)

Day 6 - Thu: Cycling / Biking & Hiking Nature Park Ucka

After two nights in Groznjan and on our way to Mt. Ucka Nature Park we will visit Roc and Hum. Hum has a population of only 22 people, but is officially a town, the Guinness World Record holder as the smallest town in the world. This small fortified habitation has maintained all the features of medieval urban architecture and organization. Along the road from Roc to Hum is Glagolitic avenue, a memorial avenue of ten monuments from the history of the Glagolitic alphabet. 

Ucka is a mountain range that rises behind Opatija riviera. Ucka's highest peaks are considered nature reserves and memorial areas. It includes the highest peak, Mt. Vojak, (1401 m above sea level) from which we will enjoy a magnificent view over the whole of Istria, the Bay of Trieste, the Julian Alps and the Adriatic islands, all the way south to Dugi Otok (island). The cycling / biking will be mostly downhill.

Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own); Cycling/Hiking: easy/moderate, 4 - 5 hours

Day 7 - Fri: Cycling / biking Risnjak National Park

Today we shall explore Risnjak National Park. The pristine park covers an area of 63,5 km2 including Risnjak and Snježnik ranges, as well as the source area of the Kupa River which is one of the most beautiful places in Gorski Kotar mountain region. The Kupa River forms a natural border between Croatia and Slovenia. It springs from a karstic well at the Park's lowest point, forming a turquoise pond some 200 m long and 30 m wide. This natural phenomenon is one of the deepest and strongest river sources in Croatia and remains a mystery to the scientists. The Kupa flows through a picturesque valley, also known as the mysterious valley of butterflies - more than 500 species of butterflies are found in the area! We will start cycling / biking along the Leska Route in the park and bike towards Razloge, a little village above the Kupa River source. The route leads through small villages and forest paths, where the fresh clean air will renew your senses. Once in Razloge, we'll descend to the Kupa source and enjoy a picnic at this magical spot. You will most certainly feel the desire to take a swim in clear water, but the temerature of merely 7 degrees Celsius will probably discourage you from having a swim. After the break, back on the road along the river. The bridge crossing the Cabranka River by Zamost is also a border crossing to Slovenia. After a short passport procedure, we will bike along the Slovenian bank of the green Kupa River to Brod where we will cross back to Croatia.

Meals: B and D (picnic lunch on your own), Cycling: easy/moderate, 3-4 hours

Day 8 - Sat: Departure day

Depart from Ucka Nature Park to the airport and flight home. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time. If you decide to spend more time in Croatia, our guides will be happy to recommend other beautiful places to visit - especially those you won't find in tourist guidebooks.

Meals: B

Note on the itinerary:

This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, water levels, special events of interest, etc. Huck Finn guides and trip leaders will do their utmost to ensure the best possible experience for their clients without compromising safety at any time. This may mean changing the original itinerary to avoid discomfort or risk which could be caused by exceptional situations. Huck Finn reserves the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.

Contact for booking

Vanja Kelemen
vanja@huck-finn.hr
Mob: +385/(0)99 261 57 09
Tel. +385/(0)1 618 3333

If you are contacting us by e-mail, please include the following information in your request:

• number of persons in your party
• average age
• your preferred date(s)
• contact telephone number
• means of travel to / in Croatia
• other preferences

Gear List

This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, this will help you and the field staff. In addition to your usual clothing you should consider bringing along some other items which will make your activities more enjoyable. Required gear for paddling and cycling is provided. 
Clothing:

• Few lightweight, casual, easily washable items for travel and daily wear
• Hiking shorts, synthetic
• T-shirts (at least 1 synthetic)
• Swimmwear
• Brimmed sun hat

Outerwear:

• Lightweight rain jacket, waterproof and breathable

Footwear:

• Lightweight hiking shoes
• Water shoes for kayaking/ rafting (stiff sole sandals)

Travel Accessories:

• Water bottle or hydration pack
• Sunglasses
• Sunblock and lip balm
• Personal first aid kit
• Small backpack

Optional Accessories:

• Camera (waterproof), film/memory cards and spare batteries

Reviews

Hello Zeljko,

We are home in our crispy cool Reno. Pat has begun to print out our 2000 or so pictures from our trip to Italy and then to your Croatia. Thank you so much for all you did to create and share such a wonder land of activity and beauty and warm friendly people. We truly hope that you are able to come to Reno and possibly bring some of your guides... We want to have you to dinner and/or show you around if it works into your busy schedule. Pat has put together a wonderful picture show of your adventure in Croatia.....you would be proud to see how happy you made all of us....our faces are full of smiles in each picture. Please let us know how we can share Reno with you.

Sincerely,

Pat and Rae Ann M.
Reno, Nevada