Arrive at your hotel in Mestre on the mainland. Take time to explore the beautiful and historic downtown Venice. Further information about public transport in the area will be included in your arrival pack, which will also contain your route notes and destination manual. Your bike will arrive today or tomorrow.
The numerous cycle paths that run over the coastline provide the perfect means of exploring the stunning landscape. On your Venice to Croatia cycling holidays, you can choose between two different routes. The shorter coastal route will take you from Mestre into Venice. From there the Vaporetto boats will take you across the enchanting Venetian Lagoon to Punta Sabbioni, where you may wish to visit the nearby ‘Pagoda’ lighthouse. Your ride will take you along the Litorale di Cavallio, a piece of land suspended between the sea and the lagoon. The sandy shores and vast stretches of water provide the perfect spot to relax and swim. You will continue onto the picturesque harbour and centre of Caorle. The shorter route is 60km with a total ascent of 190m.
Today you will travel inland towards the spectacular Julian Alps. As you ride through the vast fields and waterways, you will arrive at the elegant town of Portogruaro. Portogruaro was born as a river port in the 12th century and maintains the look and feel of a Venetian city with meandering waterways, narrow streets and majestic palaces.
Today you will either ride or take the train to Latisana, whichever you prefer.
From Latisana you can take a detour to Palmanova, a fantastic example of the star forts of the late Renaissance era. From here you will ride through acres of farmland, passing small churches until you arrive at Aquileia. Marvel at the archaeological merits of this Roman city – where you will be able to visit the impressive open excavation sites and museums.
After Aquileia you will ride to the coastal town of Grado which has a working fishing port and picturesque historic town centre. Your accommodation will be in Grado, Aquileia or Palmanova. The shorter route is 85km with a total ascent of 345m.
Today you will explore the natural beauty of the delta of the River Isonzo, a protected wetland area. You will ride along the coast and then on the river dike before heading into Monfalcone. From Monfalcone you will travel by train to Trieste. Alternatively you can ride to Trieste, passing the villages of Duino and Sistiana and the stunning grounds surrounding the palace of Miramare, above the bay of a Grignano. Once you arrive at Trieste, the Italian port nestled into the Slovenian border, enjoy the lively atmosphere over a late afternoon aperitivo. The shorter route is 35km with a total ascent of 75m.
Take the boat to Muggia and follow the coastline into Slovenia. You will pass the villages of Koper (Capodistria), Izola (Isola d´Istria) and Piran (Pirano) until finally arriving at the seaside resort and spa town of Portoroz.
You will ride to the salt lakes of Secovlje, home of the largest Slovenian salt pond. Passing Secovlje, you will cross into Croatia where you will take the famous Parenzana route, once a disused railroad track that has been converted into a cycle path, into the heart of the Istrian peninsula. You will pass Buje, before heading back to the coast towards the medieval coastal town of Porec. Take some time to visit Porec’s major landmark, the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before departing for your homeward travel.
The waterways and canals of Venice are something to behold on your Venice to Croatia cycling holidays. Reflecting the stunning architecture of the grand Venetian buildings that line the banks, you can lose yourself in the romance and beauty of this unique city. Riding from Venice towards Croatia, you will skirt beautiful bays and medieval cities as you head toward Trieste and the Slovenian border. From there, you ride across the Istrian Peninsular. Rolling hills and fertile plains attract cyclists and hikers to explore hilltop villages, farmhouses and sun drenched coastlines.