MS Morena / Route PB

Today we start the 2-country tour. After breakfast we cycle along the coast past the ATP stadium and via Karigador, the Savudrija lighthouse and Crveni Vrh across the border into Slovenia. Opportunity for lunch in Portorož. Those who wish can continue cycling 5 km along the sea to the Venetian town of Piran and back to Portorož. We cycle through the Slovenian and Istrian hinterland back to Umag. We set sail again and cycle to the cosy town of Novigrad for an overnight stay. Dinner on board. 60.3 bike kilometres, ascent and descent 430 metres in altitude each.

We first cycle from Novigrad to Tar, where we take part in an olive oil tasting. Afterwards, we make a small detour inland and arrive in Poreč via Labinci and Višnjan after a break with the opportunity for lunch. We continue through the Blue and Green Lagoon to Funtana and on to Vrsar, where the ship is already waiting for us. Late afternoon guided tour of Vrsar, followed by dinner on board and overnight. 49.8 bike kilometres, ascents and descents 450 metres in altitude each.

After breakfast we climb back into the saddle and cycle first via Kloštar to the viewpoint above the Limfjord. Via Marasi and Flengi we return to Vrsar. After lunch on board, we take the boat into the Limfjord – a narrow, fjord-like bay that stretches about 10 km into the mainland. The bay is a nature reserve and also widely known for its mussel and oyster farming. We continue to Rovinj, probably the most picturesque old town in Istria. Dominated by the baroque church of St. Euphemia and the 60 m high bell tower, the old town is situated on the Monterosso peninsula. The characteristic silhouette of the little town has attracted many painters, which is why Rovinj is a true artists' colony today. But it is not only the painters who offer their works in galleries, streets and squares, but also the narrow, winding streets and steep staircases with their countless wine bars and cafés that attract tourists from all over the world, who populate the old town every evening. Guided tour of Rovinj, opportunity for dinner in one of the numerous restaurants. 25.7 bike kilometres, ascents and descents 240 metres in altitude each.

After breakfast, we cycle to Bale in the interior of Istria and return to the coast shortly before Peroj. From here we cycle directly along the sea with a view of the Brijuni Islands National Park via Fažana and Valbandon to Štinjan and on to Pula. Pula was first mentioned by the Greeks three thousand years ago, and it was here that the Romans left behind one of their most impressive buildings: the Arena – an amphitheatre for 23,000 spectators at that time, framed by a 31 m high circular wall. Today, the "Days of Antiquity", the film festival, the "Histria Festival", as well as music concerts and opera performances take place here – the list of internationally renowned artists who have performed in the Arena of Pula is long. After lunch on board, during a guided tour of the city in the afternoon, you will get to know not only the Arena but also the other ancient sights, from the Roman Forum to the Sergian Arch. In the evening Captain's Dinner and overnight. 41.2 bike kilometres, ascents and descents 280 metres in altitude each.

In the morning we cycle from Pula via Stoja, Pješčana Uvala, Vinkuran and Pomer to Premantura, situated at the beginning of the Cape Kamenjak Nature Park. Cape Kamenjak has preserved a unique flora and fauna. The peninsula is home to over 550 different plant species, five of which have their only habitat in Croatia on Cape Kamenjak. The numerous orchid species are also a special botanical attraction. More than 23 different protected species can be found here. Via Pomer and Vinkuran we return to Pula and go on board again. During lunch we leave Pula and reach the National Park of the Brijuni Islands, off the west coast in the south of Istria, less than an hour later. The national park consists of 14 islands and islets. The islands were already inhabited in prehistoric times, archaeological traces point to a first settlement around 3000 BC. In 1893, the Austrian industrialist Paul Kupelwieser bought the islands and made them habitable. The reason for the "uninhabitability" was malaria, which he eradicated here together with the German physician Robert Koch. From 1947 onwards, Yugoslavian state and party leader Tito had one of his favourite residences here, and the entire archipelago was thus off-limits to the ordinary population. After Tito's death in 1980, the islands became a national park. The island of Veli Brijun is still used by the Croatian government for state receptions and as the summer residence of the Croatian president. During an approximately one-hour round trip by mini-train, we see remains from ancient times, the unique flora with around 680 plant species, over 250 bird species such as cormorants, as well as free-roaming deer, roe deer and mouflon. One of the biggest attractions is the Safari Park - here we see elephants, llamas, zebras, Nile Gau antelopes, Somali sheep, sacred Indian cows, donkeys and ostriches. The museum "Interactive Boat House" and the exhibition "Tito on Brijuni" complete the experience. Opportunity for dinner in one of the restaurants on Veliki Brijun and overnight stay. 39.8 bike kilometres, ascent and descent 380 metres in altitude each.

After breakfast we take a leisurely bike tour around the island of Veliki Brijun. Afterwards we load the bikes on board for the last time and set sail again. Before we return to the starting point of our journey in Poreč in the afternoon, we take a bathing break in one of the bays on the west coast of Istria. Guided tour of Poreč, followed by dinner in one of the restaurants in Poreč and overnight stay. 16.8 km by bike, ascent and descent 120 m each.

After breakfast, disembarkation until 9:00 am.