Istria and Parenzana Bike Tour
Cycle along the scenic coasts of Italy, Slovenia, and Croatian Istria
Journey on the historic Parenzana cycle trail, a former railway path
Visit enchanting seaside towns, including Trieste, Piran, Rovinj, and Pula
Experience the diverse beauty of the Northern Adriatic coastal region on two wheels
Enjoy this adventure throughout most of the year
Itinerary
Start your journey in the charming coastal city of Trieste, where you’ll familiarize yourself with your bikes. We can arrange transfers from nearby airports or other locations if required. Spend the day exploring Trieste before preparing for the adventure ahead.
Transfer from the airport
Hotel in Trieste or Muggia
After breakfast, you’ll head towards Slovenia, cycling through beautiful coastal towns like Koper, Izola, and Strunjan. The day ends in the picturesque town of Piran or the popular resort town of Portorož.
36 km (22,5 mi), 310 vertical meters (1000 feet)
Hotel in Piran or Portorose
Coastal towns of the Slovenian coast
Cycle along the coast to the Sečovlje Saltpans, a testament to traditional salt production. After a gentle climb, cross into Croatia and head inland to explore the Mediterranean countryside and quaint Istrian villages like Buje and Grožnjan. Enjoy the stunning views of the Mirna River valley and Motovun.
33 km (20,5 mi), 410 vertical meters (1350 feet)
B&B in Grožnjan
Sečovlje salt pans
Slovenian inland Istria
Rustic villages of Motovun and Grožnjan
The hilly segment of the Parenzana route offers stunning visuals. The old railway line passes through valleys, with viaducts and tunnels easing your journey. End the day in the vibrant coastal town of Poreč.
58 km (36 mi), 480 vertical meters (1600 feet)
Hotel in Poreč
Old tunnels and viaducts of Parenzana trail
Coastal town Poreč
From Poreč, cycle towards Vrsar, where the Lim Channel interrupts the coastal route. Follow a scenic path inland to the charming town of Rovinj.
43 km (26,5 mi), 620 vertical meters (2000 feet)
B&B in Rovinj
Lim Channel
Old town of Rovinj
Start your day in Rovinj, a romantic town with cobblestone streets and a lively marina. Continue along the coast to Pula, the peninsula’s largest city, rich in history and cultural landmarks.
45 km (28 mi), 340 vertical meters (1100 feet)
Hotel in Pula
Spend your last day exploring the area around Pula. Visit Kamenjak, Istria’s southernmost point, or enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere of Premantura and Medulin. Return your bikes to Pula and reminisce about your journey.
47 km (29 mi), 510 vertical meters (1700 feet)
Hotel in Pula
Cape Kamenjak natural reserve
After a week of adventure, we’ll assist with your travel arrangements, including airport transfers if needed.
Self guided
Included in price
Description
Embark on an extraordinary journey with our Istria and Parenzana Bike Tour, a unique exploration of the Northern Adriatic’s stunning coastline. This adventure begins in Italy, meanders through Slovenia, and culminates in the beautiful landscapes of Croatia.
Imagine the thrill of cycling along sun-drenched coastal paths, the wind in your hair, and the sun on your skin. Each pedal stroke brings you closer to charming seaside towns, each with its own unique character and rich cultural history.
The beauty of this tour is that it’s not confined to a particular season. The Mediterranean climate is welcoming almost all year round. The milder temperatures of spring and autumn offer comfortable cycling conditions and a chance to avoid crowds. For those who thrive in the summer heat, the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea provide a refreshing respite.
Our journey follows the historic Parenzana cycling route, a former railway line stretching from Trieste to Poreč. This route offers a diverse cycling experience, from well-kept paths and gravel tracks to quiet country roads.
One of the tour’s highlights is undoubtedly Rovinj, a coastal town that exudes romance. Its cobblestone streets and lively marina are a joy to explore. The journey concludes in Pula, Istria’s cultural hub, where an extra day allows for a deeper exploration of the city’s fascinating surroundings.
This bike tour is designed to offer a balance of structure and freedom. We provide a detailed itinerary and directions, but the journey is yours to shape. Our support team is always on hand to ensure a seamless experience.
Whether you prefer an electric or a standard bike, we cater to all fitness levels. So, there’s no reason to hesitate. Dive into the magic of Istria, create unforgettable memories, and start an adventure that will leave a lasting impression. The time to start is now!
Location
Things to know
Croatia has a Mediterranean climate along the coast and a continental climate inland. Pack light clothing for summer months and warmer clothing for winter. A swimsuit, sunblock, and a hat are musts for the sunny beaches. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring historic cities.
Croatia is considered very safe for tourists. However, like anywhere, it’s good to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas.
Croatia is part of the European Union, so many visitors won’t need a visa for short stays. It’s best to check the current visa requirements with your local Croatian embassy if you want to be 100% sure.
The best time to visit depends on what you want to do. The warmest months are July and August, perfect for beach holidays. However, May, June, and September offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Croatia recently switched to Euros (EUR) at the start of 2023. Therefore, you won’t need to exchange them for Kunas anymore. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s worth carrying some cash for smaller establishments.
We strive to provide the utmost flexibility and tailor our tours to meet your specific needs. That’s why we work with various accommodations of the same quality to accommodate different preferences, budgets, and availability, especially during peak seasons. You can rest assured we will inform you well in advance about all the details regarding your stay.
We believe in giving our guests the freedom to choose their dining experiences, as everyone has different preferences. You have the liberty to select restaurants that cater to your taste and dietary requirements. We can certainly provide recommendations and even assist with reservations at specific restaurants upon request. Our knowledgeable guides are also more than happy to suggest excellent dining options. There is absolutely no way you will go hungry throughout the journey!
The availability of restaurant options may vary depending on the severity of your dietary restrictions. Most restaurants readily offer vegetarian meals. However, finding vegan or gluten-free options, especially in suburban areas, smaller towns, or villages, can be more challenging. While specific dishes may not be listed on menus for more specialized diets, you can always contact restaurants in advance or inquire on-site about accommodating your dietary needs.
We craft each itinerary from scratch based on your expectations and the type of holiday you desire. The itineraries showcased on our website serve as inspiration, providing a glimpse of what we can create. Once we’ve had our initial conversation, our dedicated travel expert will start designing a customized itinerary tailored specifically to your preferences.
We understand that every traveler has different preferences and may desire personal time during the journey. Therefore, most of our tours are self-guided, meaning you do them at your own pace, so what you’ll do is only up to you. Our priority is to ensure that every guest feels comfortable and has the opportunity to fully enjoy their time in Croatia, making the most of the tour while allowing for personal moments.
Absolutely! We understand that as time goes on, you may come up with new ideas and desires. Depending on availability, we are more than happy to incorporate any additional experiences or services you wish to include. Our goal is to ensure your journey is as personalized and enjoyable as possible, accommodating your evolving preferences throughout the planning process.