Cycling the Enchanting Parenzana: Exploring Picturesque Towns & Nature's Beauty

Join us in exploring the former narrow-gauge railway line Parenzana, which was turned into a true attraction for cyclists! You will be thrilled with the small picturesque towns and landscapes, dotted with old villages through which you pass. Sweeping into beautiful valleys with forests and rivers framing them and then emerging onto the slopes of the hills, the beauty of the nature will take your breath away. Take a short break and soak up the abundance of peace and greenery. On this interesting trip you will pass through tunnels, over bridges and viaducts, between olive groves and vineyards that give this area special charm. The medieval hill towns of Grožnjan and Motovun will delight you as much as the unique Poreč and the former Roman colony of Pula, and feel the magical spirit of the past there.

Highlights:
♦ Cycling through the beautiful landscapes of Istria
♦ Visiting interesting towns Motovun, Grožnjan, Poreč
♦ Learning about the cultural heritage
♦ Enjoying delicacies

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in Muggia (Trieste)
Independent arrival in Trieste. Free day. Overnight in Trieste.

Day 2. Trieste - Buje
At 09 am we have a welcome briefing and those who have ordered bike rental will get fitted with bikes and other equipment.We will transfer you after info meeting point together with bikes outside of Trieste (Skofije or Muggia) to avoid traffic in Trieste.

Today Parenzana takes all along Piran Bay through Portorož and Lucija towns to saltworks of Sečovlje.The Sečovlje salt flats 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 the Slovenian - Croatian border Parenzana will take uphill along the trail where you can enjoy the view on the whole bay with saltworks and the alps in the background. After passing by Savudrija - Salvore train station. Following Parenzana train along the road and passing through the once important villages of Buje region, you are getting to you hotel where you can enjoy the local Istrian specialties such as truffles and Istrian prosciutto. Overnight in Buje region.
Distance: longer option (Muggia) 51km / 31 miles, Elevation: +654/-506m
shorter option (Koper) 35 km / 22 miles, Elevation: +511/-364m

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.
Distance: 38 km / 24 miles, Elevation: +750/-620m

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.
Distance: 37 km / 23 miles, Elevation: +335/-594m

Day 5. Departure from Poreč

Price Includes:
4 x overnights
4 x breakfasts
Information package including detailed route description (map and road book)
Luggage transport between accommodations
24/7 emergency number

Not Included:
Bike rentals and equipment (cycle computer,water bottle holder,saddle bag containing spare tube,tire lever and tools,hand pump,lock)
Travel and bike insurance
Arrival and departure from Istria
Transfer from airport to hotel and re-tour (can be organized)
Lunches,dinners and drinks

Additional Services:
Bike rental: 100 EUR per person for 3 days
E-bike rental: 135EUR 3 days
Solo supplement fee: on request
Additional transfers: on request

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