Istria – the green paradise of the Adriatic Sea

Southern Europe

Facts

Start / End

Opatija

Next Airport

Rijeka

Tour duration

8 Days vacation, 6 Riding days

Accommodations

charming and carefully selected hotels

Route

safe and well-maintained cycle paths, forest roads and roads

Further info

MINIMUM PARTICIPANTS

Tour Grading

Detailed view

Highlights

Parenzana bicycle track

Livade

Limski canal

Rovinj

Brijuni national park

sculpture park dubrova

320 sunny days, Mediterranean cuisine and stunning landscapes – a must for every cycle enthusiast

Mediterranean climate, turquoise blue sea and a moving history – this is Istria. The Ottman, the Habsburg and the Venetian all wanted to rule over this piece of heaven on earth: Istria has a lot to offer! The backcountry of Ucka Nationalpark is characterized by picturesque mountain villages, thick war walls, vineyards and olive groves. The Parenzana bicycle trail takes us to this secluded gem.

Picturesque cities like Rovinj or Labin surprise with magnificent villas and cathedrals. The Brijuni National Park, Tito’s former private residency , and the Limski Fjord are definitely worth a stopover. We indulge in culinary delights such as seafood from the Kvarner bay, truffles and hearty countryside sausages. All this will be accompanied with delicious regional wine.
The variety and beauty of the bike routes make this tour very appealing and inviting – get enchanted!

Travel schedule

Day 1: Arrival in Opatija
Your adventure begins with our Welcome Briefing in the hotel at 4 pm where you can meet the group.

Day 2: Opatija - Buzet
We will leave the blue coast of Kvarner Bay and cycle west to the Ucka National Park. High above the Mirna Valley, we will reach Buzet. The patrician houses of this little town are built snug and close next to each other. They are nestled within the Cicarija mountain massif. The abundant tree stock served as a foundation for entire Venice.

Day 3: Buzet - Poreč
We will follow the river Mirna and reach the Motovun truffle forest. We turn into the Parenzana bicycle path, which was originally a narrow-gauge railway. This opened up easier access to the mountain villages of the surrounding countryside. Porec, which is entirely built of white limestone, welcomes us. The local Euphrasian Basilica is world heritage.

Day 4: Poreč - Rovinj
A 35 km long cycle path will lead us along the Limski-Fjord. We will explore the Romuald cave and the impressive viewing platform. Our destination is Rovinj, a little town built on a circular island formation right within the Adriatic.

Day 5: Rovinj - Pula
We will head south along the coastline. The Brijuni National Park with its 34 islands awaits us. There Robert Koch discovered the Anopheles mosquito as a causative agent of malaria. Not long ago the archipelago was closed to the public, as it forms part of Tito's residence. Pula (Italian Pola), the ancient heart of Istria, has its very own unique charm. The local amphitheater is comparable to the Coliseum. Pula is built on seven hills.

Day 6: Pula - Labin
We will leave Pula to the east and cycle along the secluded and beautiful beaches to Labin. The palaces still reveal the long-past wealth of this city. Enjoy sweet ravioli with nuts, sea bass with truffle sauce and an incomparable view of the Kvarner bay - Life is good.

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