Istria cycling holiday: Cycle tour of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia

Istria cycling holiday from Trieste to Pula. Join this cycle tour of Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia to explore the Istria Peninsula.

This is the perfect cycle tour of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia for lovers of sun, sea and history. You begin in the former Habsburg seaport town of Trieste in Italy. After your stay there, you will cycle southwards out of Italy through Slovenia and into Croatia. Your route will take you down the sunny Istria Peninsula, through picturesque Venetian-style seaside towns, quaint little fishing villages, alongside sparkling vineyards and fertile valleys. You will stop in many fascinating medieval walled cities along the coast.

Highlights and places of interest during Istria cycling holiday:
– Piran – a charming harbour town in Slovenia and Portorož – the Slovenian Monte Carlo
– Istrian Hills – quaint hilltop villages
– Poreč – the 6th century Euphrasia Basilica
– Rovinj – the peninsula’s prime attraction
– Brijuni Islands National Park and Limski Channel
– Pula – the 6th largest arena outside Rome

Price Includes

• Accommodation in hotels 3*/4* in a two-bed room with WC and shower, on a bed & breakfast basis
• Luggage transfer – one piece per person, max 23 kg / 50 lb. Lufthansa dimensions. Every additional piece 60 EUR per trip, payable on the spot
• Tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form, one download per person.
• Personal welcome meeting and bike handover
• Local tourist and other taxes
• Backup service during the trip

Price Excludes

1. Single travelers season A 365 EUR; season B 380 EUR; season C 395 EUR. Applies when a person travels alone. Includes single room supplement.
2. Single room season A 275 EUR; season B 295 EUR; season C 315 EUR. Applies when a person is traveling together with other persons in a party.
3. Standard touring bike rental 110 EUR. Bikes have 21 gears. Included are: one pannier per bike, helmet, one repair set per pair of bikes – includes: one long lock, one spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys, tire levers and a basic puncture patch set. Every additional rental day: 30 EUR per bike. Bike rental period starts 9:00 of day 2 of the tour and ends at 18:00 of day 7.
4. Electric bike rental 270 EUR. Every additional day 50 EUR.
5. Printed information package, including route notes and detailed maps, delivered upon arrival - 30 EUR.

What to expect

Plan for your cycle tour of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia:

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN MUGGIA
Your day trip starts in the charming town of Muggia, just south of Trieste. After checking in unwind with a delicious gelato in the town\'s historic center or relax on one of its inviting beaches. If you arrive early, consider a quick bus or boat trip into Trieste, a vibrant Italian city renowned for its rich history, cosmopolitan vibe, and captivating atmosphere. (Accommodation in 4* hotel.)

Day 2: MUGGIA – PIRAN (↔ 35 km, ↑ 230 m, ↓ 240 m)
After covering a few kilometers in Italy, you\'ll cross the border into Slovenia. Your morning ride will follow the coastal cycle path, leading you through the charming port town of Koper and onward to the picturesque Venetian villages of Izola and Strunjan. Wander through their narrow streets and explore the historic churches. Continue your journey to Portorož, a luxurious spa town on the Slovenian Riviera. Finally, arrive in Piran and enjoy a coffee in Tartini Square, surrounded by stunning Venetian architecture. (Accommodation in 4* hotel.)

Day 3: PIRAN - UMAG (↔ 38 km, ↑ 250 m, ↓ 250 m)
Today you will cycle past the vast salt-pans of Sečovlje. Aim to arrive early to catch the enchanting morning light. From here, you\'ll cross the border into Croatia and venture into the heart of Istria, across slightly hilly terrain to the town of Umag. Once a Roman colony, within its town walls and across its gated drawbridge lies a town steeped in history. Take a tour of the medieval center and visit the beautiful city tower.

Day 4: UMAG – POREČ (↔ 43 km, ↑ 340 m, ↓ 340 m)
Once again you cycle across some low hills to Novigrad (Cittanova), another medieval walled town. As well as its rich history, Novigrad is also renowned for its gastronomy, and is listed as one of Istria’s top gourmet destinations. Next stop is Poreč, where you can visit the UNESCO listed Euphrasian Basilica, a diverse mix of baroque, Gothic and Romanesque buildings. (Accommodation in 3* hotel.)

Day 5: POREČ (roundtrip ↔ 48 km, ↑↓ 400 m or day by the sea)
Today, you\'re spoiled for choice: you can either take a break from cycling, join a fish picnic boat trip, or simply relax at the beach. If you opt for the cycling adventure, it will take you deep into the heart of Istria, away from the tourists, where you can experience the authentic local life. Relish the moment as you sip a bevanda at a charming village square! (Accommodation in 3* hotel.)

Day 6: POREČ – ROVINJ (↔ 45 km, ↑ 400 m ↓ 390 m)
Today you head to Istria’s gem. Rovinj remains one of the last true Mediterranean fishing ports. The high bell tower of the Euphemia Church built on the highest spot of Rovinj is its most noticeable feature, standing proud and dominating the view no matter which direction you approach. You can also cycle to Zlatni rt (also known as Golden Cape), a peninsula, where you’ll find a park in a nature reserve. (Accommodation in 4* hotel.)

Day 7: ROVINJ – PULA (↔ 43 km, ↑ 270 m, ↓ 280 m)
The last day on your “expedition“ leads you to Pula on the peninsula’s southwest tip. Make a visit of the Brijuni-islands - twelve smaller and 2 bigger islands; the main island Veli Brijun was used by the Yugoslav statesman Tito as a summer residence. You can also follow in the footsteps of the dinosaurs, as over 200 dinosaur footprints have been found on the island. Pula is the oldest town on Istria and its commercial and cultural center. Enjoy your last day of the tour amongst various antiquities, including the mighty Pula Arena, the only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have four side towers with all three Roman architectural orders entirely preserved. (Accommodation in 3* hotel.)

Day 8: DEPARTURE

Istria cycling holiday: Cycle tour of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia: From €995 to €1,290 for 8 days

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