Istria by Bike

Day by day

1. 01

   Home to Poreč

   Arrival

   Travel via Venice and Trieste to Poreč. On arrival, a welcome drink and rooms at the hotel, about 4 km from the town centre. Dinner at the hotel.

2. 02

   The Croatian Tuscany

   After breakfast, around 09:00, we set off for the Croatian Tuscany. This part of Istria is among the most beautiful and most romantic on the peninsula. World famous small towns, a breathtaking landscape and singular food await us on today’s ride.

   We start on the bikes in Buje and ride alongside the famous former narrow gauge Parenzana railway to Grožnjan, one of the most romantic artists’ towns in Istria. After an unhurried coffee stop we carry on along all but traffic free roads.

   At midday we reach a well known restaurant where the specialities of the region are waiting. Besides excellent wines such as Malvazija, Teran and Merlot, Istria is known above all for its world famous truffles. Many other kinds of mushroom grow here too.

   After lunch we have a choice: either we board the bus back to the hotel, or we join our guide and ride a few kilometres further before returning.

   Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

   Technical data: 35 km and 300 m of ascent, or 65 km and 650 m, 100 per cent asphalt.

3. 03

   Through the land of olives

   After breakfast we drive into the heart of the Istrian peninsula.

   Žminj is the starting point of today’s ride. From here we head towards the coast, mostly downhill. We ride on all but traffic free asphalt roads and visit fine places such as the historic castle of Svetvinčenat before carrying on to Vodnjan and the coast.

   From here well built cycle paths take us on towards Pula, the oldest and largest city in Istria. After about 45 km we finish the ride in Fažana, the gateway to the Brijuni islands.

   This region was already known in Roman times for its excellent olive oil. The tradition is kept up to this day, and some of the best olive oils in the world now come from Istria.

   Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

   Technical data: 45 km, 300 m of ascent, 80 per cent asphalt.

4. 04

   Terra Istriana with pleasure

   After breakfast the bus takes us inland. On all but traffic free back roads we get to know the central part of the peninsula by bike.

   Today’s ride runs through gorgeous hill country east of Poreč. On many of these hills small medieval towns and former castles still sit.

   We also ride through the famous Lim channel, often compared to a fjord for its landscape. Afterwards we visit the abandoned medieval town of Dvigrad before tackling one of the two climbs.

   Thanks to the famous bora wind, a very particular speciality is made in this region: Istrian prosciutto, the pršut. After a tasting of the traditional prosciutto the bus takes us back to the hotel.

   On the way back we also say goodbye to our local cycling guide.

   Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

   Technical data: 55 km, 850 m of ascent, 100 per cent asphalt.

5. 05

   Home

   After breakfast we set off for home, full of fine impressions and experiences.