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Cycling Through Unexplored Istria
Duration
8 days
Site savings
$23
From
$1,080 USD
The idyllic Istria peninsula is the perfect place to join this bicycling experience of a lifetime. There is a reason this area is known as the ‘Adriatic Tuscany’ as it combines fine Mediterranean cuisine and glorious wines from local vineyards with picture perfect nature and coast. Throw in plenty of historical and cultural landmarks and you have yourself the best place to travel by bike.
- CategoryAdventurous
- TypeSelf-Guided
- Duration8 days
- Culture LevelAdventurous
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainHilly
- Distance190.8 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance26.7 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration8 days
- Main DestinationCroatia
- Distance190.8 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance26.7 miles
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainHilly
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Arrival in Buje/Brtonigla
Having touched down, meet with the tour operator representative at 7:00pm in the reception area of the hotel. The representative can answer any of your questions and will provide the hotel vouchers, maps, road book and bicycle with all the equipment.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Guesthouse La Parenzana 3* in Volpija or Guesthouse Lovac 3* in Kaldanija
PREMIUM HOTELS: Hotel San Rocco 4* in Brtonigla or Hotel San Servolo 4* Buje- Overnight in Buje area/Brtonigla
- Dinner
- Day 2Cycling Buje Loop
Starting in the historic town of Buje, the route takes you through charming villages like Krug and Bibali, with rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves lining the way. The journey goes through Momjan, famous for its medieval castle and renowned winemaking, providing both adventure and cultural immersion in one thrilling ride. Don’t miss the chance to sample the Momjan Muscat and other local delicacies, which are a highlight of this area.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Guesthouse La Parenzana 3* in Volpija or Guesthouse Lovac 3* in Kaldanija
PREMIUM HOTELS: Hotel San Rocco 4* in Brtonigla or Hotel San Servolo 4* Buje- 26.7 - 23.6 miles
7,585.3 ft
7,585.3 ft- Overnight in Buje area
- Breakfast
- Day 3Cycling Buje to Porec
In the morning start your ride on Parenzana trail to Grožnjan, typical Istrian medieval town sprout high on top of a hill along the right coast of the river Mirna. If you just occasionally pass along its streets in which almost every door leads to art studios or galleries, and which windows from every direction echoes the sounds of different music genres, from classical to jazz, you’ll understand why Grožnjan is known as "The town of artists".
From here you will ride on the legendary route of the Parenzana, the former narrow-gauge railway line which penetrates deeply into the Istrian peninsula connecting 33 Istrian towns between Porec and Trieste, which today are located on the territory of even three states. Passing through magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards, it will become obvious why it was also known as the wine railroad. After passing through its several tunnels, over old bridges you can stop on many fascinating viewpoints between the charming medieval town of Grožnjan and Vižinada before reaching Poreč. Once in Poreč, visit the famous Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stroll along the seafront promenade. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the old town.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: BO Hotel Palazzo 4*, Martis Forum Heritage Hotel 4*- 44.7 - 42.3 miles
- -1,269.7 ft
6,843.8 ft
8,113.5 ft - Overnight in Poreč
- Breakfast
- Day 4Cycling Poreč Loop
After the previous day’s historical beauty, it is back to pure nature riding as you cycle the trail of the Istrian Malvasia. The ride along this trail is particularly pleasant because you're riding along the coastline with beautiful bays where you can enjoy the breath-taking Mediterranean landscape with green vineyards and olive groves and taste home-made food, wine, brandy and honey produced in this area. Continuing along the trail, you will reach Višnjan, a little place that vaunts an astronomical observatory ranked among the 5 most important observatories in the world. If you have found here your guiding star, or if you have refreshed yourself with a glass of excellent home-made wine you can continue your ride towards Poreč where your adventure has, actually, began.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: BO Hotel Palazzo 4*, Martis Forum Heritage Hotel 4*- 34.8 miles
- -9.8 ft
5,800.5 ft
5,810.4 ft - Overnight in Poreč
- Breakfast
- Day 5Cycling from Poreč to Rovinj
After riding along the coastline you'll reach Vrsar, a romantic fishermen village where the famous Casanova came back even two times. Our bike ride continues through the magical forest Kontija with a panoramic view of the beautiful landscape of the Lim bay, passing by the old Benedictine abbey at Kloštar and to the ruins of the medieval town Dvigrad. Just to stir your imagination – you are now in an area where many legends and mysteries based on historical events still live on: that of Dvigrad devastated by the plague because of an ancient curse, of the buried treasure of Captain Morgan's pirates near the village named after him (Mrgani), of the cave where the remains of the primitive man were found and where, as legend has it, St Romuald used to live as a hermit in the Middle Ages.
From Kanfanar you will take an old railway called “Štrika ferata” converted into a traffic-free gravel bike path finishing in Rovinj, the "Pearl of Adriatic“. Known for its picturesque old town and vibrant harbour. With narrow cobblestone streets, colorful Venetian-style buildings, and a bustling waterfront, Rovinj exudes a unique blend of history and Mediterranean charm. The town’s centerpiece is the Church of St. Euphemia, which offers stunning views from its bell tower. Rovinj is also famous for its lively arts scene, delicious seafood restaurants, and beautiful beaches. The nearby islands and nature parks provide opportunities for outdoor activities, making Rovinj a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Baron Gautsch 3* or Vila Lili 4* in Rovinj or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: Hotel Angelo d’Oro 4* or The Melegran 4*- 36 - 38.5 miles
- 203.4 ft
7,877.3 ft
7,673.9 ft - Overnight in Rovinj
- Breakfast
- Day 6Cycling from Rovinj to Pula
After breakfast you'll start riding along the coastline towards Pula. On the way you will pass through Fažana. Situated on a low coast, well protected from the open sea by the enchanting Brijuni National Park and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves in the hinterland. Here you can stop for a drink and enjoy the beautiful view of Brijuni Islands or you can take a walk through one of the most charming old town on the Istrian coast. – Pula!
Which city is situated on seven hills, has a magnificent Amphitheatre and is not Rome? The answer is No, it is not a mistake – you are, indeed, in front of Pula, the largest city in Istria. Pula is an enchantress with thousand appearances which has been casting spell on its visitors for centuries. Today you'll finish visiting the old city with the Sergius' Triumphal Arch and famous Arena, a Roman amphitheatre (from the 1st century B.C.).
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Amfiteatar 3* or Galija 3* in Pula or similar in Pula
PREMIUM HOTELS: Hotel Park Plaza Histria 4* or Hotel Milan 4*- 24.9 - 26.1 miles
- -121.4 ft
3,323.5 ft
3,444.9 ft - Overnight in Pula
- Breakfast
- Day 7Cycling from Pula to Rt Kamenjak Loop
Gravel biking from Pula to Cape Kamenjak and Medulin offers a scenic coastal adventure through Istria, Croatia. The route combines rugged off-road trails and picturesque seaside paths, winding through lush nature reserves, ancient ruins, and hidden beaches. Starting in the historic city of Pula, riders journey along the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea towards the protected landscape of Cape Kamenjak, famed for its cliffs and wildlife. Kamenjak is a protected nature reserve known for its rugged coastline, clear blue waters, and scenic viewpoints. The gravel paths here are perfect for biking, with views of rocky beaches, coves, and small islands. Don’t miss the Safari Bar, a hidden bar nestled among the trees, perfect for a break. Visit the Dinosaur Footprints along the coast for a unique stop. Continue through Medulin, a charming coastal town back to Pula.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Amfiteatar 3* or Galija 3* in Pula or similar in Pula
PREMIUM HOTELS: Hotel Park Plaza Histria 4* or Hotel Milan 4*- 24.9 miles
- -9.8 ft
4,412.7 ft
4,422.6 ft - Overnight in Pula
- Breakfast
- Day 8Departure Day