From Trieste to Pula by bike

Itinerary:   

Day 1. Arrival in Trieste
Independent arrival in Trieste. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Trieste. Overnight in Trieste.

Day 2. Cycling from Trieste over Piran to Buje
At 9:00 AM, we will have a welcome briefing. Those who have ordered bike rental will be fitted with their bikes and other equipment.
To avoid cycling in traffic in Trieste, we suggest taking a ferry from Trieste to Muggia. Departure times are at 10:10 AM and 11:20 AM. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, and the price per person (including a bike) is EUR 5.80. Your cycling adventure through three countries — Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia — will begin on the legendary Parenzana route, the former narrow-gauge railway line that once connected 33 Istrian cities and towns, stretching from Trieste to Poreč (known in Italian as Parenzo, from which the railway got its name). Although out of use for many decades, the Parenzana has recently been transformed into a unique tourist attraction. The County of Istria, in cooperation with the Management Board for Tourism and the Association for the Renovation of the Poreč-Koper-Trieste Railway, launched the important project: "Parenzana – The Trail of Health and Friendship", promoting the former railway as a scenic cycling path. After riding a few miles through the city of Trieste, we will cross into Slovenia, often cycling on designated bike paths through famous coastal resorts such as Koper — once a Venetian and later an Austrian town — and Piran, another important town that was under Venetian rule for centuries. Continuing southward, you will pass through the Secovlje salt pans, located in a large wetland area that is especially important for birdwatching and ornithology. A few miles later, we will cross the Croatian border and continue riding through Istria, the Adriatic Sea’s largest peninsula. Overnight stay in the Buje area.  B/-/-

2 options for cycling: Shorter option from Muggia 46 km, Elevation: +697/-558m;  longer option from Trieste 58 km , Elevation: +708 m /-576 m

Day 3. Cycling from Buje over Novigrad/Umag to Buje
This tour starts with easy downhill ride to the coast on the northest point of Istrian peninsula. 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. About 45 km down the route, along the coastline and interesting hinterland integrates special features of the whole region and might be the best introduction into a different experience of the Mediterranean. Umag's history is extremely interesting - it was founded by Roman nobleman to be his summer residence. The glamour, magnificence and glare of the times can be seen today in the Venetian houses of the old town. City walls and fortification are partially preserved as well as some renaissance and baroque buildings and churches. Vineyards and olive groves will create an atmosphere of typical west Istrian landscape. Visit a wine cellar to taste the muscat, local sort of wine! Overnight in Buje area. B/-/-
Cycling distance: 48 km / 32 miles , Elevation: +443/-442m

Day 4. Cycling from Buje to Motovun
Breakfast, apart from enjoying the breathtaking landscape of the terrace - styled vineyards which resemble to an image on the front page of a holiday guide to Tuscany, you can indulge the sensation the area of Buje gives, a real polyphony of fragrances and tastes. Riding through magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards, it will become obvious why it was once known as a wine railway. After passing through many tunnels, over old bridges we will stop by many fascinating view points from charming medieval town of Grožnjan to Završje until we reach Motovun, a historical heritage site, an ancient little Istrian town located atop a 277-meter-high hill, 21 km southeast from Buje. Its present appearance with the city walls surrounding the centre of the town dates back to the Middle Ages. B/-/-
Cycling distance: 37 km / 23 miles , Elevation: +693/-585m

Day 5. Cycling from Motovun to Poreč
After breakfast we continue riding on Parenzana trail over Vižinada and Kaštelir to the coast. The ride towards Poreč is particularly pleasant because you are riding along the coastline with beautiful bays where you can enjoy the breathtaking Mediterranean landscape with green vineyards and olive groves and taste home made food, wine, brandy and honey produced in this area. In afternoon hours we reach Poreč, the town where you can find material and spiritual evidences of great cultures at every step. Cruise along the old city centre and see the old Roman forum, the world famous Euphrasian Basilica with it's mosaics, palaces belonging to the city nobles and fortifications. Overnight in Poreč area.
Cycling distance: 40km / 24 miles, Elevation: +367/- 614m

Day 6. Cycling from Poreč to Rovonj
Start riding on secondary local roads through small villages, passing vineyards and the towns of Sv. Lovreč and Kanfanar, until you reach Svetvinčenat. This charming town is known for the grandiose Morosini-Grimani citadel, featuring towers, a parish church, a municipal loggia, a row of 16th-century Renaissance houses, and a town cistern (šterna) in the central square. Svetvinčenat (also known as Savičenta) is considered one of the most attractive examples of Venetian architecture in the region and was the site of one of the rare witchcraft trials in Istria during the 17th century. Continuing on asphalted roads, you will reach Bale, where you can visit the Bembo Palace, the main square, and the local museum.From Bale, you will cycle on a mix of gravel and asphalted roads and trails, following the coastline until you reach your final destination: Rovinj, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic."With its church and bell tower perched on a hill by the sea, Rovinj is recognizable from every direction. Often referred to as the "Istrian Venice," the old town was once an island before being connected to the mainland. It is also famous for its traditional boat called the batana. Overnight stay in Rovinj B/-/-
Cycling distance: 66km,Elevation: +860/-860m

Day 7. Biking Rovinj to Pula
After breakfast we start riding along the coastline towards Pula. Riding through the ornithological reserve Palud with rich variety of ornithology-fauna, a unique place where you can hear the chirping of even 215 different bird species we reach Fažana, Situated on a low coast, well protected from the open sea by the enchanting Brioni archipelago (nowadays a national park) and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves in the hinterland, Fažana was well known already in ancient Roman times. Which city is situated on seven hills, has a magnificent Amphitheatre 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.). Overnight in Pula area. B/-/-
Cycling distance: 40 km / 25 miles, Elevation:+309/- 320m

Day 8. Departure from Pula
After breakfast departure.

Availability: March to November

Departures: Еvery day of the week

Total distance: 289 km / 181 miles

Grade: Moderate (This holiday requires cyclist with better level of fitness who are occasional cyclist. Cycling days are longer and higher hills are possible. Distance for a day are 40 km to 66 km)