Along the Adriatic Coast
€1,965.00
Discover the Northern Adriatic on this 8-days/7-nights self-guided cycling holiday, following the famous Parenzana from Trieste, down the Slovenian coast and Croatian Istria.
Cycle along the scenic coast of Italy, Slovenia, and Croatian Istria, follow the famous Parenzana cycling path, biking along the former railway and visit lovely coastal towns like Trieste, Piran, Rovinj, and Pula.
Prices are starting indications, per person, based on two people sharing a twin room, and don’t include bike hire. Please make a booking enquiry for a confirmed price based on your chosen dates and exact requirements.
Description
This self-guided cycling holiday is a unique opportunity to discover the picturesque coast of the northern Adriatic Sea — From Italy to Slovenia and then Croatia. Cycling in this Mediterranean climate is available almost throughout the whole year. It is especially enjoyable in the early spring or late autumn when it becomes too cold to bike in Alpine Slovenia, while here there are no crowds and temperatures perfect. When the temperatures get higher in summer, the sea is always inviting for a swim, although the beaches are usually more crowded.
The cycling along the coast is mostly flat and leisurely, allowing you to enjoy the sights and attractions on the way more. The route starts in Italy and takes you along the relatively short but sweet Slovenian coast. After enjoying the scenery of the cute towns on the way, your path soon takes you over the border to Croatia.
The famous Parenzana cycling path along the former railway leads you from Trieste to Poreč. Switching between well-maintained cycling paths, gravel tracks, and roads with light traffic offers an easy and enjoyable ride. When you’re not cycling along with the sea breeze of the Istrian coast, you’ll be zooming through tunnels and over bridges between many rustic villages inside the peninsula. More down south, you’ll stop at Rovinj, one of the most romantic coastal towns in Europe. Jour journey will end in the ancient city of Pula, the cultural capital of Istria, where you’ll have an extra day to explore its surroundings.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival to Trieste
The first day will be spent getting settled in Trieste and introduced to the electric bikes you’ll be using on your journey. Upon request, we can also arrange a transfer to the city from one of the nearby airports and other locations. After this, you can enjoy a quick tour of this charming Italian coastal city and then get some good rest for the following day.
Day 2 – From Italy to the Slovenia coast
After breakfast, we will make our way over the Slovenian border, just a few kilometers away. Each Slovenian coastal town we reach will be more amazing than the previous one. Passing through Koper and then continuing along the sea to Izola and Strunjan will feel like a breeze. Soon, you will arrive at the famous town of Piran, with its Venetian-style architecture and cute narrow streets. You will spend the night there or in the nearby summer vacation hub of Portorož. [36 km (22,5 mi), 310 vertical meters (1000 feet)]
Day 3 – Saltworks & small Istrian villages
Continuing along the coastline will soon bring you to the Sečovlje Saltpans, where you’ll have to see the art of traditional saltwork. Continue up a slight incline and take a last look at the saltpans back below while you cross the border to Croatia. After this, you’ll head inland and cycle your way to the Mediterranean countryside and Istrian villages like Buje, and your final destination of the day, Grožnjan. From this typical village made of stone, you’ll be able to admire a view across the gorgeous valley of the Mirna River and see Motovun, an ancient settlement dating back to the Celt times. [33 km (20,5 mi), 410 vertical meters (1350 feet)]
Day 4 – Back to the coast
This stretch of the Parenzana route is the hilliest but the most beautiful. It crisscrosses its way between many valleys, but since it’s a former railway, there are some magnificent viaducts or tunnels that make your cycling here easier. This authentic rustic vibe of Istria, complemented by the sense of solitary tranquility, will be a stark contrast to the touristy coast town of Poreč, where you’ll call it a day. [58 km (36 mi), 480 vertical meters (1600 feet)]
Day 5 – Around the Lim Channel
In the town of Poreč, the Parenzana cycling route ends, but the cycling continues. Your way will lead you along the coast towards Vrsar, where a route that should just follow the coast will be disrupted by a peculiar geographical feature — The Lim channel. This estuary that looks like a Norwegian fjord will make you cycle inland on a panoramic route worth the effort. Soon you will reach the other side and your next destination: Rovinj. [43 km (26,5 mi), 620 vertical meters (2000 feet)]
Day 6 – Along the Istrian coast
After waking up, strolling around Rovinj, one of the most romantic towns in Croatia should be the first thing on your mind. With its lovely cobblestone streets, the panoramic view from its church top, and the lively marina, it will surely not be a waste of time. After relaxing first half of the day, your way will lead you along the coast to Pula, the largest city on the peninsula. With its history reaching back to the Romans, one can admire sights like the famous Amphitheatre, or the many temples and other historic monuments. It’s the cultural hub of Istria and its most popular tourist destination, perfect as a starting point for exploring the wider area around. [45 km (28 mi), 340 vertical meters (1100 feet)]
Day 7 – Exploring the coast around Premantura
The last day of your trip is open for many options of exploring the area surrounding Pula. Explore Kamenjak, the southernmost point in Istria. It’s a peninsula well worth visiting, especially with a bike, because of its many gravel paths leading to beautiful beaches. For a more lively experience, you can also visit the small towns of Premantura and Medulin, with their lively Mediterranean atmosphere, where you can try some of that delicious Croatian seafood. When you’re back in Pula that evening, it will be time to return your bikes, reflect on the journey behind and enjoy your last night of this cycling holiday. [47 km (29 mi), 510 vertical meters (1700 feet)]
Day 8 – Adriatic Sea and departure
It’s been a week, but it’s now time to say goodbye. Don’t worry, you don’t have to travel back to Slovenia, as we will accommodate you as best we can according to your travel arrangements. Optionally, you can also arrange a transfer to the airport with us.
Your Bike
The bikes for our Slovenia tours are current model Scott bikes and are updated each year. Bike hire charges are as follows:
Road, gravel, e-bike: 60€ per day = 420 euros for 7 days
Trekking bike, hardtail MTB: 35€ per day = 245 euros for 7 days
Images to follow soon …
