Cycle the Wine Roads of Istria

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Arrival

   Let the excitement begin! Meet with a tour representative at the hotel reception in the evening where  you will be provided with your hotel vouchers, maps, road book and bicycle with all the equipment. It would be a an excellent time to ask the tour representative any of your questions as well.

   Spend the night in the charming town of Buje or Brtonigla
   

   • Accommodation in Buje or Brtonigla
   • Dinner
2. Day 2Weaving our way to wine

   This day’s title may suggest that this journey is purely about fantastic Istrian wine, but while this is a prominent highlight at the end of the day, there is so much to be valued prior to this. You’ll begin in the beautiful town of Buje before setting the wheels in motion downhill. As the soothing peninsula wind flies past, you will cycle past olive groves and vineyards until you reach the colorful harbor and town of Umag. The influence of the renaissance and baroque period is noticeable in the structures of the old town as impressive efforts have been made to preserve the historical churches and buildings. Cycling further to the north-eastern tip off the peninsula, you will come across the oldest lighthouse in the Adriatic at the town of Savudrija. The lighthouse is still in use and protects the Gulf of Trieste. One final important element is still missing and that is the glorious vineyards and olive groves that contribute to this beautiful lands. Round off the day by visiting a typical Istrian wine cellar to taste a multitude of indigenous wines such as Muscat, Istrian Malvasia and Teran.
   

   • 29.8 miles
   • 3.3 ft
     1,453.4 ft
     1,450.1 ft
   • Accommodation in Buje
   • Breakfast
3. Day 3Glide through vineyards and olive groves

   This tour aims to satisfy every sense and with so many incredible tastes, sights and sounds on offer. It's little surprise that this goal is attainable. As you depart the quiet of Buje, the next place to explore is the small, charming town of Brtonigla. This picturesque town is dotted with churches and monasteries from the fifteenth century along with vineyards and olive groves. It’s no wonder that superior wines and olive oil, many from family cellars, can be found here.

   Cycle through endless vineyards until you reach Novigrad to visit and taste some of the best olive oils the country has to offer. The rest of the day will continue to be filled with phenomenal coastal views, quaint Istrian villages and splendid riding through vineyards that will take you back to your hotel.
   
   

   • 31.1 miles
   • 3.3 ft
     1,384.5 ft
     1,381.2 ft
   • Accommodation in Buje or Brtonigla
   • Breakfast
4. Day 4An artistic day in Grožnjan

   Sitting atop a hill, cycle to the artistic medieval town of Grožnjan. Known as ‘The Town of Artists’ there are art studios and galleries everywhere and from each comes the soothing echoes of a multitude of music genres. These sounds drift down the narrow streets and make for a delightful atmosphere. Continuing towards the east, ride through the rolling countryside by Mirna River until reaching the truffle heaven of Livade. This small village and the nearby Motovun forest is world renowned for its fungi and you can take the chance to visit a local shop and try out the various forms. This is a unique and tasty way to round off the day.
   

   • 23 miles
   • 354.3 ft
     2,273.6 ft
     1,919.3 ft
   • Accommodation in Motovun
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Small hilltop town of Motovun

     The idyllic view of picturesque Motovun is reminiscent of the Italian Tuscan landscape, beautiful with great tasting wine

5. Day 5Pedaling perfect Poreč

   Poreč is the kind of place you see on a picture-perfect postcard and it’s fantastic for exploring by bicycle. This segment of the tour takes you from the inland region to the picturesque coast. Following the road to Višnjan, you'll encounter an observatory renowned as one of the world's top five observatories. Continuing along the road, you'll arrive at the town of Višnjan, situated at an elevation of 246 meters. From here, you'll be treated to a panoramic view of the western Istrian coast and the charming coastal town of Poreč.
   
   In the vicinity of Višnjan, you'll have the opportunity to explore numerous wine cellars offering wines from the Poreč area, particularly the exquisite Malvasia. The ride then proceeds to Tar, a quaint town perched on a hill overlooking the sea, and passes through the village of Nova Vas, famous for its accessible cave that you can explore.
   
   As you journey through a few more villages, you'll eventually reach Poreč, where you'll spend the night. Poreč is a captivating coastal town that holds its own unique charm.
   
   

   • 24.9 miles
   • -810.4 ft
     1,204.1 ft
     2,014.4 ft
   • Accommodation in Poreč
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Hotel Poreč

     A conveniently located hotel that's close to the beach, marina and historical old town.

   • 

     Hotel Poreč

     A conveniently located hotel that's close to the beach, marina and historical old town.

6. Day 6Loop ride of Poreč

   Starting from Poreč, the trail begins with a visit to the Euphrasian Basilica, an invaluable monument in the city, dating back to the 6th century. Take the road onwards until you reach the charming village of Bačva, which marks the highest point of this stage. Here, you'll find a local restaurant serving traditional dishes, allowing you to indulge in the flavors of the region.
   
   Continuing through the southern villages, the trail gradually descends towards the coast, leading you to the town of Vrsar. Perched with a commanding view of the coastline, Vrsar was naturally fortified over time. While only fragments of the 12th-century fortification system remain, the fortress-castle, once used as a summer residence by the bishops of Poreč, is a noteworthy sight to explore.
   
   Moving forward from Vrsar, the trail traverses the fishing village of Funtana and passes through the touristic villages of Zelena and Plava Laguna. Following the scenic coastline, the path eventually leads you back to Poreč, offering picturesque views throughout the journey.
   
   As you complete this stage of the trail, you'll have experienced the rich historical heritage, stunning vistas, and culinary delights of the region.
   
   

   • 28 miles
   • 
     1,689.6 ft
     1,689.6 ft
   • Accommodation in Poreč
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Hotel Poreč

     A conveniently located hotel that's close to the beach, marina and historical old town.

   • 

     Hotel Poreč

     A conveniently located hotel that's close to the beach, marina and historical old town.

7. Day 7Cycle to the Pearl of the Adriatic

   After a satisfying breakfast, you have the option of either taking a car transfer or embarking on a bike ride to Kanfanar. Kanfanar is a charming small town nestled above the scenic Lim valley. If you choose to cycle, this leg of the tour offers the flattest terrain. As you pass through the picturesque inland villages of Istria, you'll catch glimpses of the traditional Istrian tool-houses known as kažun.
   
   Upon reaching Bale, you'll have the opportunity to explore the Bembo Palace, the city square, and the local museum. Continuing your journey, you'll make your way to Rovinj. Along the way, consider visiting "Palud," an ornithological reserve where you can enjoy cycling amidst its natural beauty. Another point of interest lies near the village of Kokuletovica, where you can make a detour to visit Monkodonja. This prehistoric hill-town dates back to the Bronze Age, with habitation spanning from 1800 to 1200 BC.
   
   Following your visit to Monkodonja, you'll finally arrive at Rovinj, the ultimate destination of your tour. Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Rovinj captivates with its church and bell tower perched on a hill overlooking the sea, making it instantly recognizable from any direction. Often referred to as the "Istrian Venice," Rovinj's old town was once an island and has since been connected to the mainland. The town is famous for its traditional boat called a batana. Indulge in the culinary delights of the local seafood restaurants, complemented perfectly by a glass of Malvasia wine, as you soak in the atmosphere of this enchanting week. Rovinj's charm and magic are bound to fascinate you.
   
   

   • 21.1 miles
   • Accommodation in Rovinj
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Delightful coastal Rovinj

     Spend time exploring the maze of cobbled streets and the charming coastal setting of this beautiful fishing village

8. Day 8Time for goodbyes

   That sad time has come to bid farewell to everybody and the beautiful Istria peninsula. By cycling this sensational land you have seen and enjoyed so much more, while being able to justify all the fantastic Istrian wine you’ve had. Enjoy one final breakfast together before going your own ways.
   

   • Breakfast