Cycling Tour of Istria

Cycling tour on one of the most beautiful penninsulas in Croatia!

Istrian Peninsula is the premier Croatian bike touring region offering a great mixture of nature, activity, culture and history. Some routes follow the coast but most are inland between charming old towns, villages, farms, forests and hills including Mt. Učka Nature Park, Brijuni Islands National Park and Mt. Risnjak National Park (one hour drive from Istria).

The tour starts in romantic Rovinj, a place of incredible charm and beaches to relax after cycling. This is the area of Teran (red) and Malvazija (white) wines as well as gourmet seafood and other specialties including famous Istrian pasta, truffles and olive oil. Flat and downhill sections dominate the routes while a shuttle van provides luggage transport and additional comfort. This is an easy to moderate bicycle tour with full vehicle support. We use modern multi-gear touring bicycles, paved roads with no or very little car traffic and predominantly downhill or flat sections. The uphill parts will be few and short, easy to walk along your bike. The combination of activity, nature, scenery and cultural immersion makes this journey not only a unique and unforgettable experience but also a very healthy way to spend your holidays. The areas that we travel have no big cities. Unpolluted forest and mountain oxygen rich air, clear rivers and healthy farm food will make you feel very well and fit after your trip.

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Itinerary / Highlights

DAY 1: Arrival in Rovinj
Rovinj is one of the most romantic and picturesque old towns in Croatia, not far from the airports and harbors of Pula, Rijeka, Trieste and Venice. Rovinj was built on an island near the coast, which was connected with the mainland in 1763 by filling in the channel. The spirit of some ancient times in the labyrinth-like stone streets of the old town takes us back to the mystic and mysterious Middle Ages.
Our groups usually get together around mid-day which will give us enough time to choose and test the bicycles on a short tour through the old town. Before sunset we will meet on the terrace of a local restaurant for a welcome drink, dinner and brief orientation where we will have a chance to discuss the upcoming itinerary and get to know our guides and fellow travellers.

DAY 2: Touring Rovinj and its surroundings
Today we shall explore Rovinj's famous attractions. The tour begins with a tradition of a morning coffee in one of the open-air cafes of this ancient town, followed by a tour of its pleasant surroundings. In the afternoon, we shall explore the nearby islands – by boat or in kayaks – and there will be opportunities to have a swim in the sea.

DAY 3: Bike roundtrip of Lim Bay and the countryside
The bicycles will take us along the coast to Valalta and into the country to explore the farms and villages of Istria. Stops will be made to taste the fruit, drinks or lunch produced by local farmers. We will also walk along some hiking paths to enjoy the views of the Lim Fjord Nature Reserve and find a secluded spot for a refreshing swim in the clear sea. We will explore the wildlife of the area in two bird sanctuaries. Evening as usual – with a glass of Istrian wine, beer or ice cream.

DAY 4: Motovun, Oprtalj and Groznjan
Today we are leaving Rovinj (by a passenger van, to avoid biking in traffic) stopping at the end of Lim Channel, one of the most popular Istrian tourist attractions. The bay shores are unique – the northern shore facing the sun is covered by quite different vegetation than the southern shore, which is always in shade. The bay is a part of the 35 km long Lim Valley (Draga) that stretches almost to the center of Istria, to the town of Pazin. The plant covering is lush and diverse, reaching from evergreen to deciduous trees, inhabited by wild animals such as boars, fox, deer and birds like hawks, buzzards and owls.
Biking will take place in the Valley of Mirna River surrounded by hills with picturesque old towns like Motovun, Groznjan and Oprtalj. They were built on top of the hills, which was an important strategic feature in the past. We will explore the most famous one – Motovun, have a stop in Oprtalj and finish in Groznjan, a charming town celebrated for its art and music festivals, where we will stay for the night.

DAY 5: A leisure day
For those who chose a 5-day trip, this is the end of your holiday. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time. The rest of the group continues the trip. You will have a chance to rest from the biking done in the previous days and choose between some other optional activities: visit Porec for a walk through the 2,000 years old town and its major landmark from the 6th century the Euphrasian Basilica, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, or Brijuni Islands National Park.

DAY 6: Biking & Hiking Nature Park Ucka
After two nights in Groznjan and on our way to Mt. Ucka Nature Park we will visit Roc and Hum. Hum has a population of only 22 people, but is officially a town, the Guinness World Record holder as the smallest town in the world. This small-fortified habitation has maintained all the features of medieval urban architecture and organisation. Along the road from Roc to Hum is Glagolitic avenue, a memorial avenue of ten monuments from the history of the Glagolitic alphabet.
Ucka is a mountain range that rises behind Opatija riviera. Ucka's highest peaks are considered nature reserves and memorial areas. It includes the highest peak, Mt. Vojak, (1401 m above sea level) from which we will enjoy a magnificent view over the whole of Istria, the Bay of Trieste, the Julian Alps and the Adriatic islands, all the way south to Dugi Otok (island). The biking will be mostly downhill.

DAY 7: Biking National Park Risnjak
Risnjak National Park and Kupa River Valley. The Park includes Risnjak and Snježnik ranges, as well as the source area of the Kupa River which is beyond doubt one of the most beautiful places in Gorski Kotar. The Kupa flows through a picturesque valley, also known as the mysterious valley of butterflies - more than 500 species of butterflies inhabit the area! We will explore the valley and its surroundings cycling through little villages and forest paths, where the fresh clean air will renew your senses.

DAY 8: Departure day
Depart from Ucka Nature Park to the airport and flight home. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time. If you decide to spend more time in Croatia, our guides will be happy to recommend other beautiful places to visit - especially those you won't find in tourist guidebooks.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Private guesthouses in Rovinj (3 nights), Groznjan (2 nights) and Ucka Nature Park area (2 nights)

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

May 26, Oct 6: 560 Euro
Jun 9, Sept 8: 670 Euro
Jul 21, Aug 18: 740 Euro

Other dates on request.

Child reduction (12-16 years): 10%
Single room supplement: 20%

+385 1 618 33 33