Exploring Parenzana on two wheels

Itinerary:   

Day 1. Arrival in Muggia (Trieste)
Arrive independently in Trieste. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city. Overnight stay in Trieste

Day 2. BIKING TRIESTE - BUJE - 65 km

At 9:00 AM, we will have a welcome briefing. Those who have reserved bike rentals will be fitted with their bikes and other equipment. To avoid cycling in the traffic of Trieste, we recommend taking the ferry from Trieste to Muggia. Departure times are at 10:10 AM and 11:20 AM. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, and the ticket price per person (including bike) is EUR 5.80. Today, the Parenzana route takes you along the Piran Bay, passing through the towns of Portorož and Lucija, and continuing to the Sečovlje saltworks. These salt flats are the northernmost in the Mediterranean and are still operated using a 700-year-old traditional method that harmonizes nature and human activity. You may also visit the saltworks museum. After crossing the Slovenian-Croatian border, the Parenzana trail continues uphill, offering beautiful panoramic views of the bay, the salt flats, and the Alps in the background. You will pass the former Savudrija–Salvore train station and continue along the old Parenzana railway line, passing through once-important villages in the Buje region. You will arrive at your hotel, where you can enjoy Istrian culinary specialties such as truffles and Istrian prosciutto. Overnight stay at a hotel in the Buje region.B/-/-/

Distance: 65 km/ 40,6 miles, Elevation:+615 m / -481m, +2017 ft / -1578 ft

Day 3. Buje - Motovun
After breakfast you will start cycling (on macadam) 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 three states. Passing through magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards, it will became obvious why it was also known as the wine railway. You can stop by many fascinating view points between the medieval town of Buje, Grožnjan and Motovun, before reaching Motovun. Take a stop in Grožnjan, the city of artist. After you saw It's galleries and viewpoints you can continue through the magnificent landscapes and vineyards. After passing through several tunnels, over a vew old bridges and view points, you will reach the village of Livade - the truffle center of the world, where you can taste and buy some products with truffles. On the hill next to Livade is situated Motovun, the town where you will spend the night. Overnight in Motovun.B/-/-
Distance: 39 km / 24 miles, Elevation gain: +629 m / -496 m, +2063 ft / -1627 ft

Day 4. Motovun - Poreč 
Overlooking the Mirna River valley lies surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval town of Motovun - Montona. This captivating hilltop town is one of the characteristic symbols of the Istrian interior. The Romanesque-Gothic bell tower with a crenulated crown from the 13th century, standing next to the Parish Church of St. Stephen from the 17th century, dominates the town's historic core. In the central square is the Romanesque Municipal Palace, the largest secular building in Istria of that period, surrounded by many other historic buildings. Passing the tunnel under the city of Motovun, Parenzana will take you towards Poreč through Vižinada village.You will pass by Nova Vas village where you can visit Baredine Cave. Following the trail along the vineyards you will reach Poreč. This is a town where you can find material and spiritual evidence of great cultures at every step. Ride along the old city center where you will find the Roman Forum, magnificent palaces from different historical periods and to top it all, the famous Euphrasian Basilica (Euphrasiana). Overnight in Poreč. B/-/-
Distance: 38 km / 23,8 miles, Elevation: +265 m / -514 m, +869 ft / -1686 ft

Day 5. Departure from Poreč

After breakfast departure

Start / finish: Trieste / Poreč
Availability: March to November
Departures: Any day in a week
Total distance: 141 km / 88 miles
Grade: Easy to 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 35 km to 55 km)