Cycling Tour - Istria, Croatia

arrival

After arrival to Pula, Adventure Roads team will transfer you to our base for the next two days at the northwest tip of Istria. After welcome drinks, tour overview and briefing await, where our fearless tour leaders will fill you in with all the details. Welcome dinner of local cuisine will get your taste buds on high alert for the following week.

distance 55 km (35 mi) / elev. 500 m (1700 ft)

The Northwest part of Istria is most famous for its wines, so a visit to a couple of winemakers is appropriate. Wine tastings of local sorts teran (red) and malvazija (white) will get you acquainted with some of Istrian gastronomic gems. We’ll cycle on Parenzana cycle route, which was an Italian nickname for a pre-WW2 narrow-gauge railway connecting Trieste in Italy and Poreč in Istria (then Austro-Hungarian Empire). Today’s route takes us to hilltop Grožnjan village, with one of the most stunning views in Istria.

distance 60 km (37 mi) / elev. 1400 m (4600 ft)

Another Istrian gastronomic gem is in line today, the famous Istrian truffle. Micro location for mythical white truffle hunt, Valley of Mirna River, is conveniently situated in the middle of today’s route. View of the most famous Istrian hilltop town Motovun. Perched on the hilltops, these medieval settlements offer authentic scenery and unforgettable vistas. Long day of cycling winding roads and rolling hills finishes off in the cutest and smallest town in the world, Hum. Return to the hotel by shuttle.

distance 80 km (50 mi) / elev. 1100 m (3600 ft) or 55 km (35 mi) / elev. 1000 m (3200 ft)

Another glorious day ahead, full of roads to explore and numerous little green hills to overcome. Official and unofficial bike trails will take you past Istria’s castles, hidden ruins, picturesque villages and of course, more vineyards. Green, lush and hilly, Central Istria will be left behind as todays route finishes in Rovinj, a pearl of Istrian seaside towns. Magnificent sunset view of Rovinj Old Town, protruding into Adriatic Sea, is truly unforgettable.

distance 50 km (30 mi) / elev. 350 m (1200 ft)

Continuing to the very south of Istria, the destination of the day is Premantura. Rocky peninsula known for numerous and popular beaches, and dinosaur footprints. Although the road to today’s destination is mostly flat and easy, the scenery, quite different from the hilly north, is still captivating. South’s red soil and Mediterranean climate are perfect for olive growing, especially in the town of Vodnjan, which is home to several world renowned premium olive oil growers and producers. A tasting of premium olive oil is not to be missed. Just before reaching Premantura, a brief ride through the largest city in Istria, Pula. Beside a Venetian fortress, an extensive system of subterranean tunnels, and an ancient Roman temple, Pula’s highlight is a 2 000 year old Roman oval amphitheater, one of just the world’s six largest surviving ones. Return to the hotel by shuttle.

63 km (40 mi) / elev. 800 m (2600 ft)

Traversing Istria peninsula west to east, arriving at Bay of Kvarner. The exact middle of today’s route is the town of Žminj, which is the exact geographical center of Istria. Central and eastern Istria is a sparsely populated area, with numerous forgotten quaint villages consisting of only a few houses. Scenic views of the hilly part of Istria won’t be the only reward for today’s long day. Rabac town has been blessed with maybe the nicest location on Istria’s east coast. Premium accommodation, with a very accessible beach, is exactly what sore behinds and legs ask for.

distance 80 km (50 mi) / elev. 2200 m (7200 ft) or 40 km (25 mi) / elev. 800 m (2600 ft)

Today could be the most challenging or the most relaxing day yet, we’ll let you decide. Tackling Učka mountain, or taking the easy seaside route? The challenging route follows Boljuncica river past renovated and some forgotten castles, mountain cheese makers before reaching Vojak peak. On a clear day, the view from Vojak is the greatest reward you could ask for, as you might be able to see the whole of the Istria peninsula. From Umag in the northwest where we started, all the way to the southern tip of Premantura. And of course to the east, the whole Bay of Kvarner with its diverse islands of Krk, Cres, and Lošinj. The area of Lovran is known as Kvarner Riviera, a touristic hotspot of Austrian nobility dating from the late 19th century is filled with colorful historic century-old hotels, villas, and meticulous gardens. Going steeply downhill from there to Lovran town will only take moments, knowing a boutique hotel at the beautiful beachfront awaits you.

departure

Departure day from Pula airport with complimentary airport transfer included on this day. We suggest extending your visit for a few days to give yourself a few days of well-earned rest and to explore Kvarner islands at your own pace.