Cycle the fishing villages and coastline of the Istrian Peninsula
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.
Highlights of the Istria Deluxe Cycling Tour
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The Istria Deluxe Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Istria
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
Day 2 Ride to Pula and/or Day Boat Trip to the Brijuni National Park
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
Day 3 Vodnjan Circular Ride
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
Day 4 Ride to Rovinj via Bale
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
Day 5 Ride from Rovinj to Motovun
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
Day 6 Ride from Rovinj to Porec
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
Day 7 Circular Ride in Porec
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
Day 8 Arrivederci Istria!
The tour wraps up after breakfast. Onto the next destination!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departure on April 1st – 6th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,775 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,375 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,125 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $925 USD
Departure on April 7th – 20th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,825 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,395 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,150 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $925 USD
Departure on April 21st – May 11th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,995 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,575 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,295 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,075 USD
Departure on May 12th – 25th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $2,025 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,625 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,325 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,075 USD
Departure on May 26th – June 22nd, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $2,125 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,695 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,375 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,150 USD
Departure on June 23rd – 30th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $2,150 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,725 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,425 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,175 USD
Departure on July 1st – August 23rd, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $2,275 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,850 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,525 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,250 USD
Departure on August 24th – September 7th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $2,150 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,725 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,425 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,175 USD
Departure on September 8th – 20th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $2,125 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,695 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,375 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,150 USD
Departure on September 21st – 28th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,995 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,575 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,295 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,075 USD
Departure on September 29th – October 5th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,895 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,475 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,225 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,025 USD
Departure on October 6th – 19th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,850 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,450 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,195 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $975 USD
Departure on October 20th – 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,775 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,375 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,125 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $925 USD
Accommodation on the Istria Deluxe Cycling Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 2 and 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Villetta Phasiana ★★★
With a gorgeous terrace that looks over to the sea, this inn is exactly where you want to begin your trip. the rooms are upscale and luxurious and there’s a sauna and spa onsite.
Hotel Villa Tuttorotto ★★★
The rooms at this boutique hotel are cozy and perks like luggage storage and clothing ironing service make for a stay that feels taken care of.
Hotel Kastel ★★★
Hotel Kastel is elegant and chic. Unwind in the sauna or spa or take a dip in the pool or book one of the most extensive wellness experiences.
Hotel Flores at Porec ★★★
Hotel Flores is located close to the beach and to the town centre. The rooms are modern and spacious, and the breakfast buffet is tasty.
What’s Included in the Istria Deluxe Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
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.
Also Included
- 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
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
Frequently Asked Questions about Istria Deluxe Cycling Tour
S-Cape Travel is a boutique tour operator focused on sharing the best walking, cycling, cultural and food & wine tours in Europe. Book one of their self-guided tours to live La Dolce Vita for a week or two, as you walk or cycle around Europe, enjoying incredible views and amazing food and wine.
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