Road Cycling in Istria – Discover History and Natural Beauty Road Cycling in Istria – Discover History and Natural Beauty Embark on an exciting cycling adventure through Istria’s stunning landscapes. Ride through medieval towns, explore historical landmarks like the Savudrija lighthouse and the magnificent Roman amphitheater in Pula, and enjoy the charm of coastal gems such as Rovinj and Novigrad. Savor culinary delights of truffles, wine, and olive oils as you discover the unique blend of history and Mediterranean beauty that defines Istria. HIGHLIGHTS: medieval towns, historical sites, and world-class gastronomy
On this tour you will be based in Poreč and cycle every day to towns like Rovinj, Momjan, and Pula. You're in for a mix of coastal and inland rides, passing through scenic Istrian landscapes, historic towns, and beautiful coastlines.
By basing yourself in Poreč, you’ll have easy access to a variety of cycling routes that combine the beauty of the Istrian coast with the charm of inland villages, historical sites, and world-class gastronomy. You’ll get a perfect mix of challenging rides and relaxing coastal routes, with plenty of opportunities to explore local culture and indulge in delicious Istrian cuisine and wine.
For the classic tour you’ll mainly stay in small, locally-run, guesthouses and 3 star hotels, which reflect the character of the area.
If you choose a premium tour you will be staying at 4* boutique style hotels.
Arrival in Istria. Orientation meeting with Fiore 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 Poreč.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: BO Hotel Palazzo 4* or Martis Forum Heritage Hotel 4* in Poreč or similar
Road will take you through Brtonigla to the northest point of Istrian peninsula - Savudrija. There is a lighthouse which you can visit, 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. 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. Continue all along the Istrian coastline through Novigrad and back to Poreč. Once in Poreč, visit the famous Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stroll along the seafront promenade. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the old town. Overnight in Poreč.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: BO Hotel Palazzo 4* or Martis Forum Heritage Hotel 4* in Poreč or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 103 km / 66 mi – available shorter ride on request
Elevation: +1028m / -1028 m, +3372ft / -3372ft
With its grandiose Morosini-Grimani citadel with towers, parish church, municipal loggia and a line of 16th century houses of the Renaissance and a town cistern - šterna in the middle, Svetvinčenat really belongs to a range of the most attractive Venetian creations of that period effected in this region which held one of the rare witchcraft trials in Istria during 17th century. You next stop is another medieval town, Bale. After visiting the old town with the Bembo palace, city square and museum continue cycling until you will reach Rovinj, your goal of this tour, the "Pearl of Adriatic". Known for its picturesque old town and vibrant harbor. With narrow cobblestone streets, colorful Venetian-style buildings, and a bustling waterfront, Rovinj exudes a unique blend of history and Mediterranean charm. The town’s centerpiece is the Church of St. Euphemia, which offers stunning views from its bell tower. After the ride and freetime in Rovinj you will take a shuttle back to Poreč. Overnight in Poreč.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: BO Hotel Palazzo 4* or Martis Forum Heritage Hotel 4* in Poreč or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 111 km / 70 mi – available shorter ride on request
Elevation: +1218 m / -1218 m, +3995 ft / -3995 ft
Today’s ride is and epic ride with few epic climbs and time to visit Istrian hilltop towns. Motovun - a picturesque hilltop town renowned for its stunning medieval architecture and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Perched atop a 277-meter-high hill, it features narrow cobblestone streets, ancient city walls, and charming stone houses. The town is famous for its truffles, making it a culinary hotspot, especially during the annual truffle festival. 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". 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. Overnight in Poreč.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: BO Hotel Palazzo 4* or Martis Forum Heritage Hotel 4* in Poreč or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 109 km / 68 mi – available shorter ride on request
Elevation: +1737 m / -1737 m, +5697 ft / -5697 ft
After breakfast head inland, passing through many small villages, riding through Gračišće and Vodnjan. From Žminj you pass through Gračišće, an absolute pearl of the Istrian hinterland. The entrance into this town can be really enchanting: a magnificent Salomon Mansion made in the combination of gothic and renaissance styles, it makes you think for a moment as if you were lost in some distant corner of Venice. Continue further through Vodnjan to your final destination. Which city is situated on seven hills, has a magnificent Amphitheater and is not Rome? The answer is - Pula. No, it is not a mistake – you are, indeed, in front of Pula, the largest city in Istria. Pula is an enchantress with thousand appearances which has been casting spell on its visitors for centuries. This day we finish visiting the old city with the Sergius' Triumphal Arch (from the end of the 1st century B.C. and the beginning of the 1st century A.D.) and famous Arena, a Roman amphitheatre (from the 1st century B.C.).After the ride and free time to explore Pula you will take a shuttle back to Poreč. Overnight in Poreč.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: BO Hotel Palazzo 4* or Martis Forum Heritage Hotel 4* in Poreč or similar
Meals: breakfast
Distance: 113 km / 71 mi – available shorter ride on request
Elevation: +1386 m / -1383 m, +4546 ft / 4536 ft
After breakfast transfer on your own.
Here you can find tracks and accommodation.
Do you love cycling adventures? Or perhaps you prefer hiking? Unsure how to combine your passion with an unforgettable trip? Fiore Tours is here for you! Tell us what you love – spectacular views, fragrant vineyards, secluded trails, or cultural gems? We take care of everything – from accommodation and transfers to guides and the best places to relax and enjoy local specialties.
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