Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula
Old-world experience in one of Europe’s hottest destinations
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- What to expect
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Italy’s neighbor to the east, Croatia, offers idyllic cycling through a medieval landscape of castles and vineyards, all with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
Trieste, located at the head of the Gulf of Trieste, has long been influenced by its location at the crossroads of Germanic, Latin, and Slavic cultures. In the 19th century, it served as the most important port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until it became part of Italy after WWI.
Once part of the province of Trieste until WWII, Istria is Croatia’s largest peninsula and has been named the most popular new destination by the Croatian National Tourist Board. This magnificent landmass, shaped over centuries by the Adriatic Sea, boasts a jagged coastline dotted with lagoons and islands, while its hilly interior and mountainous northeast are covered in rich forests.
The Northern Adriatic Coast offers breathtaking natural beauty paired with historical landmarks such as medieval villages and Byzantine cathedrals. Bright blue waters hug a coastline adorned with architectural wonders, all framed by deep green, truffle-filled forests.
For cyclists, the peninsula provides a perfect mix of gently rolling and hilly terrain, combining Croatia’s rich history with its pristine natural beauty. This bike tour in Croatia is not to be missed.
Tour Essence
- Ride along peaceful roads connecting historic hilltop villages and picturesque seaside towns
- Discover Trieste, a cultural hub where Germanic, Latin, and Slavic influences converge
- Admire the stunning Croatian coastline with a boat transfer across the pristine Adriatic Sea
- Explore the charming coastal towns of Rovinj, Umag, and Pula
- Visit Poreč, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its exquisite Byzantine Basilica
- Learn about Croatia’s flourishing wine industry and savor the latest vintages
- Tour the iconic Arena Amphitheater in Pula
What to Expect
Terrain
Mostly rolling with some hillsStart Location
Trieste, ItalyEnd Location
Pula, CroatiaMileage
Average Daily: 35/40 miles Total: 245/275 milesElevation
Average Daily: 2,000/2,300 ft Total: 13,900/16,000 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
- Guided walking tours of Trieste, Rovinj, and Pula, featuring the iconic Pula Arena
- Visit the Jama Baredine Cave
- 1 wine tasting
- 1 cheese and olive oil tasting
- Cycling clinics and one-on-one coaching
- Ferry to the Parenzana Trail and the Limsky Canal, ending in Rovinj
- 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
2026
Start Location
Trieste, ItalyFly Into
TriesteEnd Location
Pula, CroatiaFly Out Of
TriesteTrieste warm-up ride
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
15 milesElevation Gain
1,300 feetRiding Terrain
HillyMeals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Grand Hotel Duchi D’Aosta
The 5-star boutique Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta is situated in Piazza Unità d’Italia, Trieste’s most stunning square that opens onto the sea. This elegant hotel offers luxurious accommodations with a charming old-world atmosphere. The rooms feature classic antique furnishings, and guests can enjoy the indoor heated swimming pool for ultimate relaxation.
Trieste to Umag
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
40 / 45 milesElevation Gain
1,800 / 2,100 feetRiding Terrain
HillyMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Coral Plava Laguna
Located in Umag, Hotel Coral Plava Laguna is a luxurious 5-star beachfront hotel just 800 feet from Katoro Beach. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, and garden, along with a private beach area, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center.
Umag Loop
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
45 milesElevation Gain
3,100 feetRiding Terrain
Hilly with some climbingMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Coral Plava Laguna
Located in Umag, Hotel Coral Plava Laguna is a luxurious 5-star beachfront hotel just 800 feet from Katoro Beach. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, and garden, along with a private beach area, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center.
Umag to Rovinj
Meals Provided
Breakfast, LunchAverage Mileage
45 milesElevation Gain
2,400 feetRiding Terrain
Rolling (inland and sometimes along the coast)Meals Provided
Breakfast, LunchAccommodations
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 Rovinj Loop
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
30 / 40 milesElevation Gain
1,600 / 2,900 feetRiding Terrain
Mostly rolling with some climbsMeals Provided
Breakfast, 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.
Rovinj to Pula
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
50 / 60 milesElevation Gain
2,500 / 3,000 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
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
20 / 25 milesElevation Gain
1,200 / 1,400 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.
