Explore the Istrian peninsula by cycling through its pristine nature, accompanied by expert guides. Join us in exploring the former narrow-gauge railway line Parenzana, which was turned into a true attraction for cyclists! You will be thrilled with the small picturesque towns, and the landscapes dotted with old villages through which you pass. With the beautiful valleys, forests and rivers emerging onto the slopes of the hills, the beauty of the nature will take your breath away. Take a short break and soak up the abundance of peace and greenery. On this interesting trip you will pass through tunnels, over bridges and viaducts, and between olive groves and vineyards that give this area special charm. The medieval hill towns of Grožnjan and Motovun will delight you just as much as the pristine nature of the protected areas of Lim Bay, the ornithological reserve at Palud, and Cape Kamenjak Rt Kamenjak). Do not miss unique Poreč and the former Roman colony of Pula, and feel the magical spirit of the past there.
HIGHLIGHTS:
cycling through the beautiful landscapes of Istria,
visiting interesting towns Motovun, Grožnjan, Pula, Rovinj and Poreč,
Learning about the cultural heritage;
Enjoying delicacies
ITINERARY.
Day 1 - ARRIVAL
Arrival in Muggia (Trieste). Meeting with your guide. (map with location will be sent to you) where we will provide you with the package including hotel vouchers, bicycle with all equipment, maps and a road book. Overnight in Trieste
Accommodation: Hotel 3* in Muggia (Trieste)
Points of interest: Trieste
Day 2 - BIKING TRIESTE - BUJE - 56 km / 35 miles
Today Parenzana takes all along Piran Bay through Portorož and Lucija towns to saltworks of Sečovlje.The Sečovlje salts flats are the northernmost salt flats in the Mediterranean. The salt is produced in the traditional way based on a 700-year-old method that harmonizes man and nature. You can visit the museum. After you cross the Slovenian - Croatian border, Parenzana will take you uphill along the trail where you can enjoy the view on the whole bay with saltworks and the alps in the background. After that you will pass by the Savudrija - Salvore train station. Following the Parenzana train along the road you will pass through the once important villages of the Buje region where you will get to your hotel where you can enjoy in Istrian specialties such as truffles and Istrian prosciutto. Overnight in hotel in Buje region.
Accommodation: Hotel 3* "Casa la Parenzana" or similar in Buje area
Meals: Breakfast included
Distance: 56km / 35 miles
Points of interest: Parenzana ex railway, Secovlje saltworks
Day 3 - BIKING BUJE - MOTOVUN - 36 km / 22 miles
After breakfast you will start biking (on macadam) on the legendary route of the Parenzana, the former narrow - gauge railway line which penetrates deeply into the Istrian peninsula connecting 33 Istrian towns between Porec and Trieste, located today on the territory of three states. Passing through magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards, it will became obvious why it was also known as the wine railway. After passing through several tunnels and over old bridges, you can stop at many fascinating viewpoints between the medieval town of Buje, Grožnjan and Motovun before reaching Motovun. You will stop in Grožnjan, the city of artists. After you see its galleries and viewpoints you can pass through the magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards. After passing through several tunnels and over old bridges you can stop at many fascinating viewpoints before reaching the village of Livade, the truffle center of the world, where you can taste and buy some products with truffles. In front of Livade on a hill is the town of Motovun where you will find your hotel. Overnight in Motovun.
Accommodation: Hotel 3* "Kaštel" in Motovun or similar
Meals: Breakfast included
Distance: 36 km / 22 miles
Points of interest: Wineries and restaurants with local food, wine cellars, Grožnjan the city of artists, Livade (truffle center of the world), Motovun
Day 4 - MOTOVUN - POREČ - 36 km / 22 miles
Overlooking the Mirna River valley lies surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval town of Motovun-Montona. This captivating hilltop town is one of the characteristic symbols of the Istrian interior. The Romanesque-Gothic bell tower with a crenulated crown from the 13th century, standing next to the Parish Church of St. Stephen from the 17th century, dominates the town's historic core. In the central square is the Romanesque Municipal Palace, you will see the largest secular building in Istria of that period surrounded by many other historical buildings. Passing the tunnel under the city of Motovun, Parenzana will take you towards Poreč through Vižinada village. You will pass by Nova Vas village where you can visit Baredine Cave. Following the trail along the vineyards you will reach Poreč. This is a town where you can find material and spiritual evidences of great cultures at every step. You will ride along the old city center where you will find the Roman Forum, magnificent palaces from different historical periods, and to top it all, the famous Euphrasian Basilica (Euphrasiana). Overnight in hotel in Poreč.
Accommodation: Hotel 3* "Poreč" in Poreč or similar
Meals: Breakfast included
Distance: 36 km / 22 miles
Points of interest: Motovun, Baredine cave, Basilica Euphrasiana
Day 5 - DEPARTURE
After breakfast departure.
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