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Croatia's Istrian Peninsula

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  • Overview
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Croatia's Istrian Peninsula

Cycling the unspoiled Istria peninsula along the Adriatic Sea

Highlights

  • Ride on peaceful roads linking historic, hilltop villages and picturesque seaside town
  • Discover Trieste, where Germanic, Latin and Slavic cultures converge
  • Admire the beauty of the coast with a boat transfer and enjoy the blue and pristine Adriatic sea on the Croatian side
  • Explore the coastal towns of Rovinj, Umag and Pula
  • Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Porec and its Byzantine Basilica
  • Learn about Croatia’s growing wine industry & taste the latest vintages
  • Visit the unspoiled Brijuni National Park -- once the vacation spot for aristocrats of centuries past
  • Enjoy the gastronomic delights of Valsabbion in Pula

Description

Italy’s neighbor to the East, Croatia, offers idyllic cycling through a medieval landscape of castles and vineyards, all with a beautiful view of the Adriatic Sea. Bright blue waters line a coast littered with architectural wonders, against a backdrop of deep green, truffle-filled forests. The terrain on this peninsula’s coast is perfect for the cyclist who wants to combine slightly rolling and hilly terrain with images of Croatia's history and unspoiled beauty.

  • Price

    $4,195 - $4,295

  • Single Supplement

    $800

  • Ability Level

    Intermediate

  • Terrain

    Mostly Rolling

  • Distance

    Total Mileage: 264 Daily Average: 37

  • Departing

    Trieste, Italy

  • Arriving

    Trieste, Italy

  • Bike Rental

    Included!

  • View our Suggested Reading
  • Other Trips You'll Like

    Friuli & Slovenia
    Austria & Czech Republic

  • Dates

    • June 23, 2013
    • September 15, 2013
Day 1: Trieste, Italy
Trieste, Italy

We begin our tour in Trieste, a city that has for centuries been the natural gateway to Eastern Europe. Rich in Jewish history, Trieste is the biggest city and capitol of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.

   
Day 2–3: Umag, Croatia
Umag, Croatia

Day 2: Today we leave Italy, cross through a small part of Slovenia, the medieval port of Koper, and then we reach the nice coastal summer resort town of Umag, famous also for its Roman remnants and the Croatia Open ATP tennis tournament.
Day 3: On our lop ride we cycle to Groznjan, a veritable magnet for Istrian artists and musicians also considered the most beautiful medieval town in Istria. The finest Istrian white wines hail from vineyards in this area and today we also discover and savor the local Moscato.

   
Day 4–5: Rovinj
Rovinj

Day 4: Our ride today leaves the quiet and hilly mainland for the flat and warm shores of the “Istrian Riviera”. Rovinj is a popular tourist resort due to its exceptionally agreeable climate, and its exuberant Mediterranean greenery will amaze your eyes! The town is also famous for its majestic bell tower, and the narrow cobblestone streets which are reserved for pedestrians only.
Day 5: Take note of the rich blues and greens of our surroundings, heading east and leaving the Venetian city of Rovinj. Other highlight of the day includes also the discovery of the authentic and rural area of the Istrian Peninsula like the village of Barat.

Day 6: The Capital: Pula
The Capital: Pula

Pedal further south to Pula, the largest city in Istria and home to a Roman amphitheater and majestic Venetian castle. Having viewed its breathtaking sites, relax on the beach and enjoy Pula's spectacular seafood restaurants!

Day 7: Brijuni Island National Park
Brijuni Island National Park

After a ride down the coast, we'll catch a ferry ride to the Brijuni Islands. Surrounded by crystal clear waters, the lush parks are filled with rare trees and exotic animals.

Day 8: Zdravo! (Goodbye!)

We provide a return transfer to Trieste, Italy. Saying goodbye to the tour does not have to be the end of your trip! You may choose to spend some more time exploring Croatia or other Adriatic islands. We are happy to help you plan any further excursions!

Related Testimonials

  • Jamie C., Shaker Heights OH had this to say about Croatia:

    This was a tremendous biking, culinary & social trip.
  • Tricia M., Eaton NH had this to say about Croatia:

    This trip, this incredible experience, far exceeded even my wildest (and they can be wild) dreams.
  • Jennifer M., Wayne PA had this to say about Croatia:

    This was the first time I had ever used a road bike and Ivo and Andrea were so helpful in getting me acquainted with the gears and helping me with my riding. I definitely became a better cyclist, and hopped on a road bike first thing after getting home!
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All Levels

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Easy

You’re new to biking, or you just want to take it easy with lots of stops to take pictures and explore and no one hurrying you along. Expect a leisurely pace over generally flat terrain.

Average distance per day: 18-35 miles.

Moderate

You’re not a fanatical rider, but you exercise regularly and enjoy a leisurely day’s spin on your bike. You might want to graduate to “intermediate” one day, or not. The pace is relaxed but the terrain gently rolling, more ups and downs, more vistas and valleys than Easy tours.

Average distance per day: 35-45 miles.

Intermediate

You’re active on your days off, and recreational biking is most likely your weekend sport of choice. You love to ride and it shows in your endurance and strength. A steady but active pace, with opportunities to push yourself and some challenging climbs, with great descents over rolling terrain. (These folks ARE cyclists, they are usually pretty serious cyclists but do not train at the expert level.)

Average distance per day: 40-50 miles.

Expert

You crave vigorous pacing, challenging climbs and thrilling descents. You crave longer mileage with lots of hills and descents, varying terrain, and a mountain pass or two only makes it better.

Average distance per day: 45+ miles.

Family

If you have kids under 16, we have great options for you! With fewer hotel changes, easier biking and wheels for all ages, we've got your ideal active family holiday.

Average distance per day: 20–30 miles.