Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula
Old-world experience in one of Europe’s hottest destinations
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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.
Trieste, located at the head of the Gulf of Trieste, has been influenced by its location at the crossroads of Germanic, Latin and Slavic cultures. In the 19th century, it was the most important port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the union to Italy after WWI.
Istria was part of the province of Trieste until WWII. It is the largest Croatian peninsula and is considered the most popular new destination by the Croatian National Tourist Board. It is a magnificent landmass that has been etched away over the years by the Adriatic Sea, which has sprinkled its jagged coastline with a thousand lagoons and islands. The hilly interior, along with mountainous terrain to the northeast, is replete with rich forests.
In addition to the historical landmarks, including medieval villages and fantastic Byzantine cathedrals, the natural beauty of the Northern Adriatic Coast is astounding. 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. This bike tour in Croatia is not to be missed.
Tour Essence
- Ride on peaceful roads linking historic hilltop villages and a 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 and taste the latest vintages
- Visit the Arena amphitheater in Pula
What to Expect
Terrain
Mostly rolling with some hillsStart Location
Trieste, ItalyEnd Location
Pula, CroatiaMileage
Average Daily: 36/39 miles Total: 205/274 milesElevation
Average Daily: 1,982/2,313 ft Total: 13,880/16,191 ft
Once you have a trip confirmed, we will feed you a steady diet of additional pre-departure information that includes: How to train, prepare, pack and all the wonderful, inspirational and practical things you want and need to know before you go! Our Travel Advisors will be available to help plan your pre- and post-tour travel.
- Van support
- Expert, bilingual guides
- Ciclismo jersey and water bottle
- Walking guided tours of Trieste, Pula, Rovinj
- Visit of Jama Baredine cave
- 1 wine tasting
- 1 cheese and olive oil tasting
- Cycling clinics and one-on-one coaching
- Group shuttle at the end of the tour
What’s Included
- Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or Equivalent Carbon Road Bike)
- Garmin Edge Explore GPS loaded with the GPX tracks of your rides
- Two water bottles
- Saddle bag with repair kit
- Optional: Map holder on handlebar
Pedal Options
- Flat pedals
- Half-toe pedals (without straps)
What’s Not Included
- Helmet
- Optional: clipless/SPD pedals with shoes
- Optional: your own saddle
- All accommodations
- All breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 6 dinners
In addition to the historical landmarks, including medieval villages and fantastic Byzantine cathedrals, the natural beauty of the Northern Adriatic Coast is astounding. 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. This bike tour in Croatia is not to be missed.
2025
Start Location
Trieste, ItalyFly Into
TriesteEnd Location
Pula, CroatiaFly Out Of
TriesteTrieste, Italy
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
16 milesElevation Gain
1,273 feetRiding Terrain
Hilly to the Carso plateau above TriesteMeals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Grand Hotel Duchi D’Aosta
The 5-star boutique Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta is located in Piazza Unità d’Italia, Trieste’s most impressive square that opens onto the sea. It offers luxury and refined elegance accommodation with an old-world atmosphere. The rooms are decorated with classic antique furniture, and the hotel has an indoor heated swimming pool.
Umag
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
38 / 44 milesElevation Gain
1,768 / 2,067 feetRiding Terrain
HillyMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Coral Plava Laguna
Located in Umag, Hotel Coral Plava Laguna offers beachfront accommodations 800 feet from Katoro Beach and features a restaurant, a bar, and a garden. This 5-star hotel also has a private beach area, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, evening entertainment, and a 24-hour front desk.
Umag loop to Groznjan
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
43 milesElevation Gain
3,104 feetRiding Terrain
Hilly with some climbingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Coral Plava Laguna
Located in Umag, Hotel Coral Plava Laguna offers beachfront accommodations 800 feet from Katoro Beach and features a restaurant, a bar, and a garden. This 5-star hotel also has a private beach area, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, evening entertainment, and a 24-hour front desk.
Umag to Rovinj
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
43 milesElevation Gain
2,398 feetRiding Terrain
Rolling (inland and sometimes along the coast)Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Monte Mulini
The 5-star boutique hotel Monte Mulini wonderfully blends natural materials, comfort, and elegant design. It provides peaceful and relaxing accommodations for modern travelers in Istria. All rooms and suites have spacious balconies offering panoramic views of the beautiful cove and the protected Zlatni rt park forest.
Optional loop around Rovinj
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
29 / 42 milesElevation Gain
1,591 / 2,949 feetRiding Terrain
Mostly rolling with some climbsMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
Monte Mulini
The 5-star boutique hotel Monte Mulini wonderfully blends natural materials, comfort, and elegant design. It provides peaceful and relaxing accommodations for modern travelers in Istria. All rooms and suites have spacious balconies offering panoramic views of the beautiful cove and the protected Zlatni rt park forest.
The Capital: Pula
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
52 / 59 milesElevation Gain
2,516 / 3,015 feetRiding Terrain
RollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Valsabbion
Hotel Valsabbion is just 20 meters from the Adriatic Sea coast and 3 km from Pula’s center. The Mythos-Medical Spa Centre is on-site and offers numerous massage and medical treatments. The outdoor heated swimming pool is a great way to relax and enjoy the sea views. The hotel’s spacious rooms were completely renovated in 2015 and equipped with balconies offering either sea or garden views.
Pula Loop Ride
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
23 / 26 milesElevation Gain
1,230 / 1,385 feetRiding Terrain
RollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Valsabbion
Hotel Valsabbion is just 20 meters from the Adriatic Sea coast and 3 km from Pula’s center. The Mythos-Medical Spa Centre is on-site and offers numerous massage and medical treatments. The outdoor heated swimming pool is a great way to relax and enjoy the sea views. The hotel’s spacious rooms were completely renovated in 2015 and equipped with balconies offering either sea or garden views.
