Self-guided Gravel bike tour from Triest to Pula
This cycling journey through Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia offers stunning coastal views, historic towns, and culinary delights. From the bustling charm of Trieste to the medieval allure of Motovun and the vibrant atmosphere of Rovinj, it’s a route rich in culture, nature, and unforgettable experiences. HIGHTLIGHTS: Grožnjan (artistic hub), Motovun (truffle hotspot), Poreč (UNESCO Euphrasian Basilica), tay in Buje, Motovun, and Pula, with access to local cuisine and wine
Discovering Three Countries on Two Wheels
Begin your adventure in the enchanting city of Trieste, where Italian elegance meets the Adriatic’s coastal charm. Ride along picturesque paths that lead through Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, each revealing unique cultural and natural treasures. From Trieste’s grand Piazza Unità d’Italia to the serene salt pans of Sečovlje, this journey offers a seamless blend of history, nature, and adventure.
Cycling the Legendary Parenzana Route
Follow the iconic Parenzana trail, a former narrow-gauge railway transformed into a scenic cycling path. Pass through medieval towns like Grožnjan, alive with art and music, and Motovun, perched high above rolling vineyards and renowned for its truffles. Relish the tranquil countryside, ride through historic tunnels, and pause at panoramic viewpoints that capture the essence of Istria’s beauty.
Coastal Splendor and Historic Charm
End your journey with a ride along Istria’s stunning coastline, from the vibrant streets of Poreč to the romantic allure of Rovinj and the ancient majesty of Pula. Explore UNESCO landmarks, savor local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the Mediterranean ambiance. This unforgettable ride perfectly balances adventure with cultural discovery.
Availability
Self-guided Gravel bike tour from Triest to Pula CLASSIC– 7 days / 6 nights
For the classic tour you’ll mainly stay in small, locally-run, guesthouses and 3 star hotels, which reflect the character of the area.
Self-guided Gravel bike tour from Triest to Pula PREMIUM – 7 days / 6 nights
If you choose a premium tour you will be staying at 4* boutique style hotels.
Itinerary
Independent arrival in Trieste. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Trieste. Overnight in Trieste.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: hotel B&B Trieste 3* or Hotel Roma 3* or similar in Trieste
PREMIUM HOTELS: Hotel Vis a Vis 4* or Urban 4* in Trieste or similar
Meals: not included
B&B Trieste
Vis à Vis 4*
At 9am we have a welcome briefing and those who have ordered bike rental will get fitted with our bikes and other equipment. To avoid cycling with traffic in Triest we suggest to take a ferry from Triest to Muggia, departure times are: 10:10am and 11:20, duration 30 minutes, price per person+bike EUR 5.80.
Cycling from Trieste to Buje is a scenic adventure through three countries (Italy, Slovenia and Croatia), each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re seeking stunning coastal views or quaint villages, this route offers an unforgettable experience.
Begin your journey in Trieste, a city with a unique mix of Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian influences. Explore the stunning Piazza Unità d’Italia and Miramare Castle before hitting the road. The initial ride along the coast provides breathtaking views of the Adria-tic Sea, making for a refreshing start.
Parenzana will take you all along Piran Bay through Portorož and Lucija towns to Sečovlje Salt Pans. The Sečovlje salts pans 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 it's museum. After you cross Slovenian - Croatian border Parenzana will take uphill a-long the gravel trail where you can enjoy the view on the whole bay with saltworks and the alps in the background. From Kanegra, you’ll head inland towards Buje. Once reached the hotel you can enjoy in Istrian specialities such as truffles and Istrian prosciutto. Overnight in Buje area.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Guesthouse La Parenzana 3* in Volpija or Guesthouse Lovac 3* in Kaldanija
PREMIUM HOTELS: Heritage Hotel San Rocco 4* in Brtonigla or San Servolo 4* near Buje
Meals: breakfast
Distance: 74 km/46miles
Surface: paved 57,5 km, unpaved 16,6 km
Elevation: +799 m /-677m
After breakfast you will start biking 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 even three states. Passing through magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards, it will became obvious why it was also know as the wine railway. After passing through several tunnels, over old bridges, you can stop on many fascinating view points between the medieval town of Buje, Grožnjan and Motovun before reaching Motovun. Stop in Grožnjan, the city of artist. After you saw It's galleries and viewpoints you can pass through magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards. After passing through several tunnels, over old bridges you can stop on many fascinating view point 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 is your hotel.
Motovun is 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. Overnight in Motovun.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Kaštel 3* or Villa Borgo 3* in Motovun or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: Wine & Heritage Hotel Roxanich 4*, Motovun
Meals: breakfast
Bike distance: 57 km / 36 miles,
Surface: paved 24,7 km, unpaved 32,7 km
Elevation: +870m/-731m, +3093ft/-2624ft
Begin in the historic town center, enjoying the views before you set off. Cycle down the winding roads from Motovun towards Vižinada. Enjoy the beautiful Istrian countryside, with vineyards and olive groves lining your path. Taste home-made food, wine and honey produced in this area. Take a short break in Vižinada, a charming village with a local café.
From there, follow the bike paths leading to Poreč. The route offers lovely views of the landscape, and you may pass through other small villages along the way. You will pass by Nova Vas village where you can visit Baredine Cave. 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*
Meals: Breakfast
Bike distance: 50 km / 31 miles,
Elevation: +396/-640m, +1299/-2099ft
Surface: paved 11,6 km, unpaved 38,4 km
After riding along the coastline we reach Vrsar, a romantic fishermen village where the famous Casanova came back even two times. Our bike ride continues through the magical forest Kontija with a panoramic view of the beautiful landscape of the Lim bay, passing by the old Benedictine abbey at Kloštar and to the ruins of the medieval town Dvigrad. Just to stir your imagination – you are now in an area where many legends and mysteries based on historical events still live on: that of Dvigrad devastated by the plague because of an ancient curse, of the buried treasure of Captain Morgan's pirates near the village named after him (Mrgani), of the cave where the remains of the primitive man were found and where, as legend has it, St Romuald used to live as a hermit in the Middle Ages. From Kanfanar you will take an old railway called “Štrika ferata” converted into a trtaffic free gravel bike path finishing in Rovinj, 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. Rovinj is also famous for its lively arts scene, delicious seafood restaurants, and beautiful beaches. The nearby islands and nature parks provide opportunities for outdoor activities, making Rovinj a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure. Overnight in Rovinj.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Baron Gautsch 3* or Villa Lili 4* in Rovinj or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: Hotel Angelo d’Oro 4* or The Melegran 4*
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 61 km / 38 miles
Surface: paved 25,7 km, unpaved 35,9 km
Elevation: +698m/-678m, +2289ft/-2224ft
After breakfast we start riding along the coastline towards Pula. On the way you will pass through Fažana. Situated on a low coast, well protected from the open sea by the enchanting Brijuni National Park and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves in the hinterland. Here you can stop for a drink and enjoy the beautiful view of Brijuni Islands or you can take a walk through one of the most charming old town on the Istrian coast. – Pula!
Which city is situated on seven hills, has a magnificent Amphitheatre and is not Rome? The answer is 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 and famous Arena, a Roman amphitheatre (from the 1st century B.C.). Overnight in Pula.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Amfiteatar 3* or Galija 3* or similar in Pula
PREMIUM HOTELS: Hotel Park Plaza Histria 4* or Hotem Milan 4*
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 42 km / 26 miles -optional ride 37 km / 23 miles
Surface: paved 24,2 km, unpaved 17,7 km
Elevation: +350m/-364m, +1148ft/-1194ft
Optional loop ride to cape Kamenjak 37 km / 23 miles, elevation +397m/-397m , +1302ft/-1302ft,
Surface: paved 24,6 km, unpaved 13 km
Elevation: +457m/-457m, +1499ft/-1499ft
After breakfast departure
Accommodation: none
Meals: Breakfast
Map
Here you can find tracks and accommodation.
Conditions
Price includes
- orientation meeting with Fiore representative
- 1 x overnight in Triest
- 1 x overnight in Buje
- 1x overnight in Motovun
- 1 x overnight in Poreč
- 1 x overnight in Rovinj
- 1 x overnight in Pula
- 6 x breakfasts
- Information package, water bottle, vouchers, luggage tags
- luggage transport between accommodations
- Use of Fiore App – offline navigation with voice guidance, info about the POI’s and restaurant recommendation
Not included in price
- travel and bike insurance
- arrival and departure from Istria
- transfer from airport to hotel and re-tour (can be organized)
- lunches, dinners and drinks
- bike rental
