There is something magical in Istria, the largest Croatian peninsula, immersed in the blue of the Adriatic. Its green forests, historic hilltop towns, vineyards, olive groves and gentle rivers are a perfect combination of the beauty of nature, history and culture. When you add to this the seductive tastes of excellent Istrian wines, you just know that this is an area which offers you everything you need. Enjoy an easy bike ride and explore Istria, passing through the hidden medieval towns of Grožnjan, Oprtalj, Motovun, and the former Roman colony of Poreč whose charm will leave you breathless. Passing through a landscape of hills framed by rivers, with forests, vineyards and olive groves, you’ll enjoy every moment. Take a break at the winemakers and taste indigenous wines such as Malvasia and Teran, treat yourself to tasty delicacies and experience all the charms of Istria, this exciting Croatian wine region.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Cycling through the breathtaking Istrian landscape;
- Visit to Istrian winemakers,
- Tasting the wines and culinary specialties of Istria;
- Visiting the medieval towns of Motovun, Grožnjan, Poreč, Rovinj
ELEVATION PROFILE:
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 ARRIVAL: Arrival in Istria. Info meeting with our representative at 7pm at the hotel reception area where we will provide you with the package including hotel vouchers, bicycle with all equipment, maps and a road book. Overnight in Buje area.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa la Parenzana 3* in Volpija or Lovac 3* in Kaldanija or A Casa 3*, Grupija(Buje area)
DAY 2 BUJE - UMAG - BUJE - 47 km / 29 miles: This tour starts with easy downhill ride to the coast on the northernmost point of Istrian peninsula. Nearby is a lighthouse , according to the legend build by count Metternich as his love nest. Savudrija is one of the oldest lighthouse in the Adriatic, built in 1818. It is also the northernmost Istrian lighthouse. Its building is 36 meters tall and there is a keeper living inside it. The trail continues south to Umag. Little town with about 45 km of the coastline and interesting hinterland integrates special features of the whole region and might be the best introduction into a different experience of the Mediterranean. Umag's history is extremely interesting; it was founded by roman nobleman who decided to make it his summer residence. The glamour, magnificence and glare of the times can be seen today in the Venetian houses of the old town. City walls and fortification are partially preserved as well as some renaissance and baroque buildings and churches. Vineyards and olive groves will create an atmosphere of typical west Istrian landscape. Visit to wine cellar to taste the Muscat or Malvazija , local sorts of wine. Overnight in Buje area.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa la Parenzana 3* in Volpija or Lovac 3* in Kaldanija or A Casa 3*, Grupija (Buje area)
Meals: Breakfast included
Distance: 47 km / 29 miles , Ascent +413m
Highlights: Savudrija lighthouse, Umag, local wineries and restaurants.
DAY 3 BUJE - BRTONIGLA -NOVIGRAD - BUJE - 39 km / 24 miles: From Buje area you're cycling through Kršete picturesque village and arriving to small town Brtonigla. It has churches and monasteries from XV. century. Further the trail leads through vineyards and olive groves of Brtonigla area. Wine is very popular from this area (Teran). Across endless vineyards You'll reach Novigrad where you can visit the olive oil production and taste some of the best olive oils, in one word taste Istria. Through Dajla and Karigador villages on the coast you're getting to Lovrečica venetian bishops coastal village. Following the road through Škrinjari, Babići and Buroli village you'll see traditional istrian houses. Road by the vineyards will take you back to your hotel. Overnight in hotel in Buje area.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa la Parenzana 3* in Volpija or Lovac 3* in Kaldanija or A Casa 3*, Grupija(Buje area)
Meals: Breakfast included
Distance: 39 km / 24 miles, Ascent +370m
Highlights: Novigrad, Olive oil mill, local wineries and restaurants.
DAY 4 BUJE - MOTOVUN – 37 km / 22 miles: From Buje you will continue towards Grožnjan. Typical Istrian medieval town sprout high on top of a hill along the right coast of the river Mirna, renaissance loggia dating from 1585 and the beautiful St. Vitus and Modesto’s baroque church. If you just occasionally pass along its streets in which almost every door leads to art studios or galleries, and which windows from every direction echoes the sounds of different music genres, from classical to jazz, you’ll understand why Grožnjan is known as "The town of artists". From Grožnjan you'll ride on quiet istrian village roads through beautiful settlement and arrive to Oprtalj. Unchanged urban medieval style of building, the narrow streets, the shops, the beautiful Venetian palaces, portals and covered passages and particularly the unique view to the Istrian peninsula from the town loggia, according to many the most beautiful of Istria. From Oprtalj you are going downhill enjoying the view on Mirna river and eventually arriving in Livade, the truffle center of Istria where you can visit the local truffle shop and taste it in various forms. The truffle is a underground malodorous fungus believed to be an aphrodisiac. On the hill in front of the Livade is Motovun, surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval hill-town. Around Livade is the Motovun forest which stretches along Mirna River valley is especially rich with truffles. Overnight in hotel "Kaštel" in Motovun.
Accommodation: Hotel Kaštel 3* or Villa Borgo 3* in Motovun
Meals: Breakfast included
Distance: 37 km / 22 miles, Ascent +718m
Highlights: Grožnjan the city of artists, Livade (truffle center of the world), Wineries and restaurants, Motovun
DAY 5 MOTOVUN - POREČ 38 km / 23 miles: This part of the trail goes from inland to the coast. It follows the road to Višnjan where you will pass by an observatory. It’s one of the 5 most famous observatories in the world. The road continues to the town of Višnjan which is on 246m altitude and from there you'll be able to catch a view on west Istrian coast and the coastal town of Poreč. In Višnjan surroundings is possible to visit many wine cellars with wine from Poreč area, especially Malvasia. Tour continues to Tar, a little town on the hill above the sea and to Nova Vas village by the famous cave (which you can visit). after passing a few more villages the trail reaches Poreč. Overnight in Poreč.
Accommodation: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or similar
Meals: Breakfast included
Distance: 38 km / 23 miles, Ascent +394m
Highlights: Višnjan observatory, Wine cellars with local sorts Malvasia and Teran, Baredine cave
DAY 6 POREČ - VRSAR - POREČ 44 km / 27 miles: From Poreč the trail starts with sightseeing the Euphrasiana, the most valuable monument in Poreč, a church build in 6th century. Follow the road until you reach the village of Bačva village. Bačva is the highest point of this stage and there is local restaurant with traditional dishes where you can enjoy tasting local food. It continues to southern villages and it comes down to coast in the town of Vrsar. With a commanding view of the coast, it was natural for Vrsar to become a defended fortress. Only parts of the fortification system, built in the 12th century, have been preserved but the fortress-castle used as summer residence of the Poreč bishops, is well worth a look. After Vrsar the trail passes Funtana fishing village, through Zelena and Plava Laguna touristic villages and it leads along the coast all the way back to Poreč.
Accommodation: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or similar
Meals: Breakfast included
Distance: 43 km / 27 miles, Ascent +417m
Highlights: The Euphrasian Basilica, Vrsar, vineyards
DAY 7 POREČ - KANFANAR - ROVINJ 33 km / 21 miles (optional) 32 km / 19 miles: After breakfast you can choose between taking a car transfer to Kanfanar or reach it on your own on bike. Kanfanar is a small town above the Lim valley. From Kanfanar starts the flattest ride of all in this tour. Passing by istrian inland villages you will see traditional Istrian tool-houses (kažun). After reaching Bale you can visit the Bembo palace, city square and museum. Continue to Rovinj and on the way you can visit see "Palud" an ornithological reserve where you can cycle around. After village Kokuletovica you can turn in Monkodonja. Monkodonja is a prehistoric hill-town inhabited about 1800-1200 BC during the Bronze Age. After Monkodonja you will reach Rovinj, your goal of this tour, the "Pearl of Adriatic". With its church and bell-tower on the hill by the sea it’s very recognizable from all sides. Also called Istrian Venice, old town which was once an island and then connected with land, famous for its traditional boat called batana. Restaurants with fresh fish combined with Malvasia will complete this week's atmosphere. It will fascinate you. Everybody can enjoy Rovinj, its charm and magic. Overnight in hotel Villa Lili in Rovinj.
Accommodation: Hotel Vila Lili 3* or Baron Gautsch 3* in Rovinj or similar
Meals: Breakfast included
Distance: (optional Poreč to Kanfanar) 33 km / 21 miles – Ascent +562m / regular Kanfanar to Rovinj 32 km / 19 miles – Ascent +170m
Highlights: Dvigrad, Bale, Monkodonja historical site, Rovinj, local food.
OPTIONAL RIDE FROM POREČ TO KANFANAR:
FROM KANFANAR TO ROVINJ:
DAY 8 DEAPARTURE
Departure after breakfast.
Accommodation: -
Meals: Breakfast included
Distance: none
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