Self-guided Gravel bike tour from Triest to Pula

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Price from € 990
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Self-guided Gravel bike tour from Triest to Pula

Self - guided cycling E-bike cycling MTB / Gravel cycling

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights

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

Period

Number of people

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

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights

Difficulty:

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

Location: Italy, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trieste

Vis à Vis 4*

Location: Italy, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trieste

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
Information package including detailed route description (map and road book)

Reviews

Mrs Cynthia Lucock

, 12.11.2025

Thank you for providing a wonderful bike tour! We hope to come back one day. Here is the review that I submitted to TripAdvisor. My wife and I recently completed a one-week bicycle tour of Croatia with Fiore Bike Tours, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Every aspect—from the route planning and accommodations to the support and communication—was handled with care and professionalism. The self-guided itinerary offered a perfect balance of scenic riding and cultural immersion. Highlights for us included the breathtaking coastal ride into Rovinj, with its colorful harbor and sunset views, and the climb up to the hilltop town of Motovun, where the panoramic vistas made every pedal stroke worthwhile. The landscapes, from the Adriatic coastline to the rolling Istrian countryside, were simply stunning. The gravel bikes were excellent, the routes well-marked, the Roadbook for Discovery App worked perfectly and the Fiore team went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly. They even provided us with a portable charger! The Fiore team worked with us to reschedule our tour when an unexpected medical situation arose. They provided transportation during an extremely rainy day and helped us find new accommodations when our hotel's AC broke down. We’ve done several cycling tours around the world, but this one stands out as one of the very best. We came away with wonderful memories—and a strong desire to return. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an exceptional cycling adventure in Croatia! — Chris & Cyndie

Wendy Simson

, 27.10.2025

It was amazing! We had a fabulous time. I wanted to send a review so thank you for emailing. We cannot fault Fiore Tours, and are so glad that we booked the trip through yourselves. We wanted to book independently but could not find a company that would transport the luggage and taxis would have been too expensive. So we definitely made the right choice! From the very beginning we were very happy. Our hotel in Trieste was lovely and a great location, 5 mins from train station. We met Srecko the next morning. We cannot say enough good things about him. We felt very reassured and he explained everything about our bikes and our route very well. He even booked us into dinner at the hotel the first night, in Buje. Good things about he did as the restaurant was busy. He also sorted a minor problem very easily. We thought we would have a pannier each, on our bike, but apparently not on the mountain bike. He came the first night and fitted a rear saddle bag. Perfect. Our first day was long, only because we had an extended lunch stop in Piran, late in the day. ( however we hadn’t got started until nearly midday). We were getting used to the bikes and the app etc. But it was still a great day and the hotel was beautiful. Tight squeeze for our bikes ‘under the stairs’ but we managed. The next day we set off early and really got the hang of the sat nav. We stopped in Groznjan and then Motovun. We were absolutely delighted with the Castle hotel, a spa hotel. It far exceeded our expectations! It had a pool which was beautiful and the town was not to be missed. We biked on to Porec. Another great day. The hotel was not quite the same standard as the Castle. The garage for the bikes was very crowded and it was quite difficult to get to the plugs for electricity. We managed. They had booked us a double room, but quickly changed it to another. ( with 3 single beds). Breakfast was excellent as it was at all the hotels. Then biked onward to Rovinj. A longer day, but we did it with no problems. We were fortunate to have no punctures, or incidents along the way! The hotel at Rovinj was ok. Our bikes were outside but the staff ran an electric cable outside for us to charge bikes. Last cycle day to Pula. We found the hotel and again it was a lovely room. ( we had booked an extra night here ourselves). We left the bikes in the garage and were told that they would be collected. We had no communication from Fiore Tours at this point, which would have been nice. Ie just a message to say that the bikes had been collected and all was good. We were very pleased with everything overall. The communication before the trip was very good - thank you Asja. I would definitely book with you again. I would go back to Croatia in a heartbeat! We loved the medieval towns and pretty coastal towns. Loved the cycling and the bikes were very good quality. I would definitely encourage people to use electric bikes on that route, and mountain bikes. They were the best. We saw men with road bikes who really struggled off road. Thank you once again for everything. I will try and post on Tripadvisor too.

, 17.09.2025

We did the self guided biking trip on the Parenzana trail from Trieste to Porec. Communication was great from initial booking through trip completion. The bikes (e-bikes) were high quality and in fine condition. Fiore provided everything we needed although we opted to bring our own helmets and bike seats (highly recommend this). The app worked well although I would caution riders to be prepared for a wide variety of trail conditions from busy roads to rustic rock paths to smooth dirt. Mountain bike experience was helpful. We rode through lovely scenery from mountainous areas to vineyards. We did the premium hotel option and took advantage of the pools after a long day on the trail.