Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula
Old-world experience in one of Europe’s hottest destinations
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- A thorough daily itinerary
- Details for exact accommodations
- What to expect
- Travel planning tips
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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 picturesque seaside towns
- 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 unspoiled Brijuni National Park — once the vacation spot for aristocrats of centuries past
What to Expect
Terrain
Mostly rolling with some hillsStart Location
Trieste, ItalyEnd Location
Pula, CroatiaMileage
Average Daily: 37 miles Total: 261 miles
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
- Ferry ride to Brijuni National Park
- Guided tours of Pula, Trieste, Brijuni National Park and Rovinj
- 1 wine tasting
- Cycling clinics and one-on-one coaching
- Group shuttle at the end of the tour
What’s Included
- Use of a carbon road bike equipped with Garmin Edge Touring GPS
- Ciclismo jersey and water bottle
- Two water bottle holders
- Map holder on handlebars and a Garmin Edge GPS
- Handlebar bag
- Tire pump
- Combination bike lock
- Gel-padded saddle
- Choice of pedals
- Card with your tour leaders’ mobile phone numbers
Pedal Options
- Flat pedals
- Half-toe pedals (without straps)
- Toe cage pedals
What’s Not Included
- Helmet
- Optional: clipless pedals with shoes
- Optional: your own saddle
- All accommodations
- All breakfasts
- 2 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.
Start Location
Trieste, ItalyFly Into
TriesteEnd Location
Pula, CroatiaFly Out Of
TriesteTrieste, Italy
Meals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
20/21.5 milesRiding Terrain
Hilly on the Carso plateau above TriesteMeals Provided
Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Urban Hotel Design
Situated in the vital center of Trieste, close to Piazza Unità, the splendid square by the sea, the Urban Hotel offers a cosmopolitan comfort. Each room is designed in a contemporary style, emphasizing elegance and technology.
Umag
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
44.8/53.3 milesRiding Terrain
HillyMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Sol Umag
The Sol Umag hotel is situated by the sea and is a perfect starting point for discovering the beauties of Umag and Istria. It was awarded the city’s best wellness center in Croatia in 2009.
Umag loop to Groznjan
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
48/53 milesRiding Terrain
Hilly with some climbingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Sol Umag
The Sol Umag hotel is situated by the sea and is a perfect starting point for discovering the beauties of Umag and Istria. It was awarded the city’s best wellness center in Croatia in 2009.
Umag to Rovinj
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
40 milesRiding Terrain
Rolling (inland and sometimes along the coast)Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Monte Mulini
The 5-star boutique hotel Monte Mulini succeeds in combining natural materials and comfort with elegant design, offering the modern traveler a sanctuary accommodation for relief and relaxation in Istria. All rooms and suites have large balconies with panoramic views of the picturesque cove and protected Zlatni rt park forest.
Loop around Rovinj
Meals Provided
BreakfastAverage Mileage
32/41.7 milesRiding Terrain
Mostly rolling with some climbsMeals Provided
BreakfastAccommodations
Monte Mulini
The 5-star boutique hotel Monte Mulini succeeds in combining natural materials and comfort with elegant design, offering the modern traveler a sanctuary accommodation for relief and relaxation in Istria. All rooms and suites have large balconies with panoramic views of the picturesque cove and protected Zlatni rt park forest.
The Capital: Pula
Meals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAverage Mileage
52/59 milesRiding Terrain
RollingMeals Provided
Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Valsabbio
Offering first class service, attention to detail, and luxurious accommodation, the Hotel Valsabbio makes an excellent choice for visitors to Pula. The recently created spa and wellness program offers a wide range of facilities and treatments.
The Brijuni Island National Park
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
24 milesRiding Terrain
Island hoppingMeals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Valsabbio
Offering first class service, attention to detail, and luxurious accommodation, the Hotel Valsabbio makes an excellent choice for visitors to Pula. The recently created spa and wellness program offers a wide range of facilities and treatments.
