Overview
An eight day, self-guided cycling holiday from north to south down the Istrian Peninsula, from Trieste to Pula. Starting in Italy, this is an Adriatic adventure through three countries. After leaving the historic Italian port, pop into Slovenia’s coastal towns of Piran and Koper, then it’s Croatia all the way south. With inland Balkan beauties en route including the medieval hilltop towns of Buje and Motovun, then hitting the Parenzana Trail, a former railway line, to coastal wonders such as the historical powerhouses of Poreč and Rovinj. Then last but not least, the tip of the prettiest of peninsulas at Pula, a city where ancient stone meets the shimmer of the Adriatic.
- Motovun
- Grožnjan
- Svetvinčenat
- Pula
- Parenzana Trail
- Rovinj
- Poreč
Itinerary
Day 1: Trieste
Arrive in Trieste and, if time allows, spend the day exploring the squares and canals of this Italian port city. Trieste has a multicultural history due to its location and governance over the centuries, which can be seen in the mix of architectural styles around the city. We recommend a visit to the Canal Grande and Piazza Unità d’Italia, before relaxing at one of many fine restaurants.
- Accommodation: Hotel B&B Trieste or similar in Trieste
- Upgraded accommodation: Hotel Vis a Vis or similar in Trieste
Day 2: Trieste – Buje | 46/58km
The day starts with a welcome briefing and bike fitting (if renting from us). To avoid cycling with traffic in Trieste we suggest taking the ferry from Trieste to Muggia (30mins, payable locally) as this cuts 12km from the journey. Pick up the famous Parenzana Trail, a former railway line connecting 33 Istrian towns and villages, now converted for hikers and cyclists. Cross over into Slovenia, cycling through historic coastal towns such as Piran and Koper and past the Secovlje salt mines. Finally, cross over into Croatia to end the day in Buje, a medieval hilltop town filled with cobbled streets and historic buildings.
- Cycling for the day: 46km, ↑697m ↓558m or 58km, ↑708m ↓576m
- Accommodation: Hotel La Parenzana or similar in Buje
- Upgraded accommodation: San Rocco or similar in Buje
Day 3: Buje loop | 48km
Begin by cycling downhill to the most northern point on the Istrian peninsula, taking time to visit Savudrija, one of the oldest lighthouses in the Adriatic dating back to 1818. The trail continues south to Umag, a city founded by a Roman nobleman who established it as a summer residence. There is still a glamorous feeling here today as you can see from the Old Town’s Venetian houses. Return to Buje via a typical Istrian landscapes of fields, vineyards and olive groves.
- Cycling for the day: 48km, ↑443m ↓442m
- Accommodation: Hotel La Parenzana or similar in Buje
- Upgraded accommodation: San Rocco or similar in Buje
Day 4: Buje – Motovun | 37km
Today’s route takes you through many medieval towns, including a lovely rest point with views in Grožnjan before continuing on to Oprtalj. End the day in Motovun, an ancient Istrian hilltop town. Spend the evening strolling around the fortified walls and cobbled streets, dating back to the middle ages, or try the local truffles and wine that the area is famous for.
- Cycling for the day: 37km, ↑693m ↓585m
- Accommodation: Hotel Kaštel or similar in Motovun
- Upgraded accommodation: Motovun Roxanich or similar in Motovun
Day 5: Motovun – Poreč | 40km
Continue along the Parenzana Trail over Vižinada and Kaštelir to the coast. The route to Poreč follows the coastline with views of bays, vineyards and olive groves. Take the chance to stop along the way and taste local food, wine, brandy and honey produced in the area. End the day in Poreč and spend the evening exploring the old Roman forum and world-famous Euphrasian Basilica and ancient palaces.
- Cycling for the day: 40km, ↑367m ↓614m
- Accommodation: Hotel Poreč or similar in Poreč
- Upgraded accommodation: BO Hotel Poreč or similar in Poreč
Day 6: Poreč – Rovinj | 66km
Head inland through small villages, passing vineyards as well as the towns of Sveti Lovreč and Kanfanar to reach Svetvinčenat. Take the time to view the Morosini-Grimani citadel with towers, municipal loggia and 16th-century houses. Continue on to Bale and head along the along the coast to Rovinj, your final destination. Known as the Pearl of Adriatic, with its church and bell-tower on the hill by the sea, it’s very recognisable from all sides. Also called Istrian Venice, Rovinj is a traditional Mediterranean seaside resort.
- Cycling for the day: 66km, ↑860m ↓860m
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel Lili or similar in Rovinj
- Upgraded accommodation: Angelo d’Oro
Day 7: Rovinj – Pula | 40km
The route starts along the coastline and winds through Palud, an wildlife reserve inhabited by 215 different bird species. Continuing on to Fažana, take in Brijuni National Park before arriving at your final destination in Pula, known for its ancient history. We recommend a visit not only to the Roman amphitheatre, but the other Roman ruins such as Hercules Gate or the Temple of Augustus before sampling some local delicacies and fresh seafood.
- Cycling for the day: 40km, ↑309m ↓320m
- Accommodation: Hotel Amfiteatar or similar in Pula
- Upgraded accommodation: Park Plaza Histria or similar in Pula
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of mostly small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to natural adventures. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotels
- Hotel B&B Trieste (Trieste)
- Hotel La Parenzana (Buje)
- Hotel Kaštel (Motovun)
- Hotel Poreč (Poreč)
- Boutique hotel Lili (Rovinj)
- Hotel Amfiteatar (Pula)
Accommodation is subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel or guesthouse being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Click to view upgraded hotels
- Motovun Roxanich (Motovun)
- Hotel Vis a Vis (Trieste)
- San Rocco (Buje)
- BO Hotel Poreč (Poreč)
- Angelo d’Oro (Rovinj)
- Park Plaza Histria (Pula)
Accommodation is subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel or guesthouse being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available en route, lunches and snacks can either be bought from local shops or packed lunches can be pre-ordered from some hotels the night before. Dinner is available from restaurants in the local area.
Difficulty and terrain
This trip is graded moderate, with daily distances ranging from 37-66km (read more about difficulty grades). The itinerary is relatively flexible and you can take shorter routes on some of the days. There is also an option for renting an e-bike which makes the trip practically accessible to anyone.
We recommend that you have basic bike repair skills, such as fixing a flat tire. We strongly advise you only to follow marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain.
When to go
This trip is available from March to November. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date within the season.
Croatia’s coast and islands, from Istria and Kvarner in the north through to Dalmatia in the south are governed by a Mediterranean climate, although it is usually several degrees cooler in the northern Adriatic than in the south. In the summer, the mean temperature is between 24C and 26C along the coast. For more information, see our blogs, Best time to go to Croatia and Best time to go to Istria.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airports for this tour are Pula Airport (PUY) and Trieste Airport (TRS).
By train or bus
- Pula Airport: there are regular buses to Trieste with a change in Novigrad. To return to the airport at then end there are regular buses (13mins). For more information see the local provider Pulapromet or the Omio planner above
- Trieste Airport: there are regular trains (30mins) and buses (56mins) to the city centre. To return to the airport there are buses and trains, times may vary. For more information see APT Gorizia the Omio planner above
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- Arrival meeting with our local representative
- Digital information package including detailed route description (map and road instructions) and vouchers
- Water bottle
- Luggage transport on all cycling days
- 24/7 phone support by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable locally)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room. For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers.
- Private airport transfers
- Extra nights along the trail are bookable upon request
- Transfer to shorten the ride on day six
Bike rental
If you would like to rent a bike from us, we can offer a variety of bikes and e-bikes. All bikes are equipped with an odometer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube and tire lever, hand pump, lock, phone holder, helmet. Sample pictures can be seen below, note that the exact models may differ depending on the availability, but the standard will be the same.
E-bikes
Full carbon frame with 28“ wheels and 45-622 tyres
Drive unit: Bosch Performance
Battery: 400Wh
Gears: GRXn 1×12 speed
Brakes: hydraulic disk brakes
Weight: 14.2kg
Gravel bikes
Lightweight aluminum frame with 28“ wheels and 38c tyres
Gears: 2×11 GRX speed
Brakes: hydraulic disk brakes
Other e-bike models are also available on request:
- Trekking e-bike with low entry
- Trekking e-bike with high bar
When booking, please state which model you would prefer or ask the sales team for more details.
