Istria Deluxe Cycling Tour
Cycle the fishing villages and coastline of the Istrian Peninsula
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Istria Deluxe Cycling Tour Overview
On this outstanding cycling trip, you will become one with the greens and blues of the lush, undisturbed landscape of the idyllic peninsula of Istria in Croatia. Ride with the sea breezes on your face as you pass through enchanting forests, olive groves, and vineyards. On the Istria Deluxe Cycling Tour, you’re never far from the natural beauty, rich culture, and storied history of this region.
Your true adventure begins when the route leads you inland to an area of Croatia of ancient villages nestled amidst wild, captivating nature. Experience a journey through time as you encounter protected cultural monuments, impressive historic citadels and timeless nature reserves. Sit back in delight and relax with a glass of divine Istrian wine at one of the cozy seaside terraces in Rovinj. From the sea inland, this cycling tour will make you fall in love with Istria.
Trip highlights
Ride through the fishing villages, harbors, quaint towns, and scenic spots on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula
Check out Roman amphitheatres, Byzantine basilicas, frescoed churches, and medieval squares.
Stop by gorgeous beaches alongside the deep blue sea for swims or breaks on the sand.
Sample delicious fresh seafood, fragrant truffles, pasta, and tasty wines after your rides.
Day By Day Itinerary
Arrive in Fazana and check-in at your accommodation. Take some time to relax and explore this nice village. If you arrive early you can take the boat over to the Island of Brijuni, a national park.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Fazana
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
You can start your day with a short easy warm up ride in Pula. Cycle around the warrens of marbled alleys and the beautifully preserved amphitheatre from 27 BC.
After the ride, get on the boat to the Brijuni National Park, which a long time ago used to be Tito’s private island archipelago. Explore the Roman villas and the Byzantine villages, admire the herds of deer, pine-fringed bays, and Tito's personal zoo.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Fazana
- Distance:
- 3/4 hours, 18/32 km, 100/285m of ascent, 100/270m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today you cycle inland to Vodnjan, the Istrian ancient capital where you will find a mix of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. After lunch you pedal along the coast, passing remains of Roman baths on the shore until you reach the village of Fazana.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Fazana
- Distance:
- 2-4 hours, 19-38 km, 150-215m of ascent, 160-220m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Heading north, reach the charming and bustling port town of Rovijn. First, a gentle ascent takes you to the small town of Bale, also known as the Roman stronghold of Castrum Vallis, built by the Romans to help defend the saltpans and the roads that connect to and from Pula and Porec.
If you have booked it in advance, you can do the optional guided city tour of Rovinj.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Rovinj
- Distance:
- 3-3.5 hours, 39 km, 250m of ascent, 260m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Ride inland to the impressive wooded valley of the Lim Fjord. Freewheel down to the bottom and ascend a 2 km hill to the panoramic viewpoint on the other side. Continue the ride inland through gently ascending terrain till the final stretch with two short steep climbs (well worth the effort) to take you up to the fortified hill town of Motovun from where you can admire wonderful views over vineyards and truffle filled forests.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Motovun
- Distance:
- 1.5 hours, 35-57 km, 2515/795m of ascent, 535/655m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
A steep descent takes you to the Parenzana, a dismantled old railway turned into a gravel cycle path that gently winds its way through the fields towards Porec, an ancient port town located in the small peninsula of San Nicholas. Here, do not miss its magnificent historical palaces, the “House of the two Saints” and the popular UNESCO Heritage Basilica of Euphrasian.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Porec
- Distance:
- 37 km, 180m of ascent, 445m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Cycle along the shore as you head towards the fertile plateau of Tar and pass by the Larun olive plantations, said to produce Europe’s best olive oil. Loop back inland to visit the giant limestone Cave of Jama Baredine. Return to Porec and enjoy your last Istrian evening enjoying a glass of homemade brandy on the terrace of the hotel overlooking the sea.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Porec
- Distance:
- 2.5 hours, 32 km, 260m of ascent, 260m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
The tour wraps up after breakfast. Onto the next destination!
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 7 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
- Luggage transfer on Days 4, 5 and 6 plus transfer for you and your bike from Rovinij to Lim Fjord on Day 5 are included. Other luggage transfers are not included. Airport transfers are available as an optional supplement.
- Bike delivery to Fazana, bike fitting & trip briefing, bike theft insurance, and bike collection from Porec
- Detailed information pack, route notes, and maps with tracks on
- 24/7 telephone support
- Luggage Transfers
- Airport Transfers
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Touristic city taxes
- Bike rental
- Helmet
- Flights
- Trains, busses or boats wherever necessary
- Meals not previously mentioned
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Bike rental (including 1 rear bag, 1 repair kit, odometer, 1 padlock, bottle holder, lights, 1 map holder for every 2 bikes):
- E-bike
- Hybrid bike
- Helmet (free): request when booking
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Additional night/s can be booked at any accommodation along the way
- Transfer from airport to Fazana
- Transfer from Porec to airport
- Transfer from Porec back to Fazana
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 3/5. You’ll ride in nearly flat to hilly areas with a daily distance of 30 km-50 km with short climbs from time to time. Strong beginner and intermediate cyclists are best suited to this tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts are included.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
The best airports to fly into are Pula (PUY) in Istria and Trieste (TRS) in Italy, but you can also fly from either Treviso (TSF) or Venice (VCE). Both Pula and Trieste are connected to Fazana and Poreč by bus. If you are flying into Treviso (TSF) or Venice (VCE), you first need to get to Trieste by train. You can book airport transfers as an upgrade.
The tour ends in Porec. You can take the train or bus to your departure airport.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are City bike 28'' Alloy Torpado with frame size 17'' to 22''
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a road bike suitable for the demands of the tour
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why book Istria Deluxe Cycling Tour with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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