Cycling the Istrian Peninsula
TOUR DESCRIPTION
This week-long self guided cycling tour of Istria starts and ends in the costal town of Porec and passes along the coast and inland to see the highlights of this beautiful peninsula. You will cover between 50 and 70 km per day, staying in a different location on the route each night, with luggage transportation included. Enjoy the fantastic cuisine and locally produced wines along the way! Contact us for availability, prices start from € 1,090 per person
DURATION
7 nights
HIGHLIGHTS
INCLUDED
EXCLUDED
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrival
Arrival in Poreč. A local representative will meet you at your hotel reception at 7pm where they will provide you with the package including hotel vouchers, bicycle with all equipment, maps and a road book. Overnight in Poreč or Vrsar.
Day 2 - Poreč - Buje - 70 km / 44 miles
Head off from Poreč, hugging the coastline and enjoying the beautiful scenery. On to Višnjan, a little place that boasts an astronomical observatory ranked among the 5 most important observatories in the world. Passing by the Mirna river delta and Novigrad you'll arrive in Umag. Continuing to the northernmost point in Istria (Savudrija) and overnight in the Buje area.
Day 3 - Buje - Buzet - 51 km / 31 miles
This morning head out towards the medieval hilltop town of Grožnjan known locally as the 'town of artists'. Continue on to Šterna then to Oprtalj, with its beautiful Venetian palaces, then on to Buzet, a town famous for its truffles. Overnight in Buzet.
Day 4 - Buzet - Rabac - 67 km / 42 miles
Start the day with a steep climb to Prodani, from where the road leads to one of the most picturesque Istrian medieval towns – Draguć. On to Pazin in the centre of Istria. From here pass through the lovely town of Gračišće, Continuing further through Kršan you will arrive in Rabac, on the eastern coast of Istria. Overnight in Rabac or Labin.
Day 5 - Labin/Rabac - Pula - 51 km / 32 miles
After breakfast ride through Raša to Pula. On the way you can stop off at "Liburna", a nature reserve of indigenous animals. Head on to Pula, the largest city in Istria. Overnight in Pula.
Day 6 - Pula - Rovinj - 60 km / 38 miles
Ride along the coastline towards Rovinj through the Bale region. Overnight in Rovinj.
Day 7 - Rovinj - Porec - 60 km / 37 miles
Today's ride will take you across Kanfanar to the ruins of the medieval town of Dvigrad. After riding along the coastline you will reach Vrsar, a romantic fishing village visited by Casanova . Head back to Poreč where the tour will end. Ovenight in Poreč.
Day 8 - Departure
Departure after breakfast.
EXTRAS
Bike hire is available starting from € 120 per bike/week. Hybrid, gravel, road and e-bikes available.
Price includes: 1 20 litre waterproof side pannier, 1 handlebar bag or map holder, helmet, cycle computer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube, tyre lever and tools, rear rack, hand pump and lock.
ACCOMODATION
You will stay at 3* hotels along the route in a room with en suite bathroom, breakfast included. Day 1: Porec/Vrsar - Hotel Porec or similar in Porec, Hotel Vista in Vrsar Day 2: Buje area: Hotel Casa la Parenzana in Volpija, or Hotel Lovac in Kaldanija Day 3: Buzet: Hotel Vela Vrata, Hotel Fontana or similar Day 4: Labin/Rbac: Hotel Peteani in Labin or Hotel Mimosa in Rabac Day 5: Pula: Hotel Amfiteatar, Hotel Galija or similar Day 6: Rovinj: Hotel Vila Lili, Hotel Baron Gautsch or similiar Day 7: Porec/Vrsar - Hotel Porec or similar in Porec, Hotel Vista in Vrsar If you would prefer 4* accommodation please let us know and we will send you a quote. Accommodation details will be confirmed by our travel partner after booking.
GET IN THERE
Nearest Airport: Pula Airport (45 mins) Other airports: Trieste airport (1 hour 35 mins), Ljubljana airport (2 hours) By Car Take the A9/E751 from Pula to the D66. Follow the A9/E751 to D302 in Bonaci. Exit at 5-Baderna. Continue onto D302 before taking Vukovarska ul. To Ul. Alda Negrija in Poreč. By Public Transport There is a bus from Pula central bus station to Poreč that takes between 60 and 90 mins. From Trieste central bus station there is a direct Flixbus from the bus station to Poreč which takes around 90 mins. By Private Transfer Taxi available outside airport. Private transfer available on request after main booking.
LOCATION
Istria is the largest peninsula on the Adriatic sea in the North of Croatia. While it mainly belongs to Croatia, parts of it are Italian and Slovenian territory, which means that historically there is a real melting pot of cultures here. There is a large Italian speaking community, especially along the coast close to the Italian border. While this area is mostly famous as a wildly popular seaside destination for people from all over Europe, the interior is still relatively peaceful and you can enjoy exploring the charming hilltop villages and historic churches and amphitheatres undisturbed by crowds. The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč is an essential stop during your stay. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it dates back to 533AD and gives a fascinating insight into the history of the area. The cuisine is highly regarded, including truffles, seafood and wild asparagus, as well as the excellent local wines. There is a notable Italian influence too, with homemade pasta and gnocchi dishes on offer in many restaurants and country inns.