Explorer: Croatia Blue & Green

Highlights:  Test ride and welcome dinner

Welcome to Trieste! The capital of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region has rich Austro-Hungarian and Slovenian influences, and was an important location in the struggle between the Eastern and Western blocs after WWII. This port-town, sits on the coast of the enchanting Adriatic Sea and is a tiny slice of Italy almost entirely surrounded by Slovenia. We will meet in the afternoon for a bike fitting and test ride before enjoying dinner together in this beautiful and multi-cultural city.

Highlights: Cycle through three countries! Coastal bike path

Begin the morning warming up your legs in Italy and soon you’ll make your first border crossing of the day into Slovenia. We’ll follow a cycling path along a stunning section of the coast as we make our way through the charming seaside towns of Koper, Izola, Piran and Sečovlje Saltpans Natural Park, the largest wetland on the coast and famous for its salt production. We’ll then cross into our third country of the day, Croatia. Tonight we sleep in a small agriturismo (farm stay) located near the Slovenian- Croatian border. Road Surface: Mostly paved.

Highlights: The Adriatic coast, the Parenzana trail

Today’s loop ride takes us to the Croatian coast, with views overlooking Slovenia and Italy to the west before heading inland to the Istrian Peninsula. We will follow part of the Parenzana trail, once a narrow gauge railway which connected Trieste with Porec. In its short operating period (1902-1935) the railway contributed greatly to the economic progress of Istria, transporting local products including wine, olive oil, salt, stone, lime, coal, wood, and passengers. This area is famous for its culinary specialties; in coastal areas you’ll find a plethora of traditional seafood specialties and as you move inland the focus turns to wine and olive oil. Make sure Teran wine and extra virgin olive oil are on your list of things to try. Road Surface: 24% gravel, 76% paved.

Highlights: Cycling through vineyards, olive groves and medieval villages

Today’s ride features rolling hills, medieval villages and olive groves and it’s easy to imagine you’ve been transported to Tuscany, but with far fewer visitors. First you’ll cycle to the medieval village of Momjan – famous for its Muscat. The next stop is Groznjan, a small renaissance town also known as the “City of Artists”, where almost every house entrance has a small gallery or art studio. We finish the day in Motovun, a medieval hilltop town and the region’s truffle capital. Today’s ride is a perfect sampling of the cultural richness of Istria’s interior. Road Surface: 35% gravel, 65% paved.

Highlights: UNESCO Poreč

This morning, we leave the verdant interior of Istria behind as we cycle back to the coast. We will finish the day in the town of Vrsar and pedal through Poreč along the way. Poreč is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its 6th century Euphrasian Basilica featuring gem-studded mosaics. There are also excellent examples of Romanesque and Baroque architecture, and plenty of great cafés and bars to relax and enjoy a beverage or meal. Tonight we’ll sleep on the coast in Vrsar. Road Surface: 64% gravel, 36% paved.

Highlights: Inland istria, two-night stay in Rovinj

Enjoy another ride along the Istrian coast – as we cycle to the Venetian city of Rovinj. Explore the charming old center, beautiful fishing port and the majestic bell tower of the Euphemia Church built on the highest point in Rovinj. Certainly the city’s most distinctive feature, and a coastal landmark, the bell tower commands your attention no matter which direction you approach the city. Along the way you’ll find quaint villages, beautiful architecture, cycle through the vineyards of Malvasija, farms and medieval hill towns like Dvigrad, which is dominated by the remains of a Roman basilica. Road Surface: 45% gravel, 55% paved.

Highlights: Bale, the coast

Enjoy our final ride along the Istrian coast and loop back into the interior. We’ll pedal through Bale, a charming medieval town you’ll want to explore. Take your time as you explore the old town, wander around the narrow, cobbled streets within the fortified city walls. Tonight we’ll celebrate our cycling adventure with a special dinner together. Road Surface: 60% gravel, 40% paved.

Highlights: Pula

Our tour ends today with a group transfer to the Pula airport. Pula is Istria’s largest city. We recommend you plan at least one night here to explore the charming cobblestone streets of this well-preserved Roman outpost. Don’t miss the Roman amphitheater in the heart of the city and the nearby pristine beaches!