Experience the best of Parenzana trail
Gravel Cycling from Italy to Croatia
Embark on an unforgettable gravel cycling journey from Italy to Croatia, where you'll traverse stunning landscapes, historic towns, and breathtaking coastal routes. #Lovevelo #LoveCycling #Ridefurther
Gravel Cycling From Italy to Croatia
What to Expect on This Trip
- Start in Trieste. Begin your gravel adventure in the historic port city of Trieste, cycling along quiet paths and roads that lead into the stunning Istrian peninsula.
- The Parenzana Trail. Follow this iconic former railway route, now a gravel cycling haven, winding through tunnels, viaducts, and rolling vineyards.
- Charming Istrian Villages. Explore hilltop towns like Motovun, where cobbled streets and breathtaking views reward your efforts.
- Coastal Gravel Paths. Ride along the Adriatic coast, combining rugged trails with panoramic sea views and opportunities for seaside stops.
- Finish in Pula. End your journey at the historic city of Pula, home to the iconic Roman amphitheater and a lively waterfront for a well-earned celebration.
This is a trip that goes from place to place
You will stay in curated, cycling friendly, boutique hotels.
We have the best gravel bikes for your ride as well as lightweight leisure bikes, e-bikes and road bikes.
We will provide you with airport transfers and luggage transfers to take your belongings from hotel to hotel.
As part of your cycling adventure, we will provide you with our curated set of digital routes. Just download to your Garmin or Wahoo, or navigate from your phone.
Arrive & Depart At Any Time
Your Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival
Fly into Trieste and we will pick you up in a private transfer from the airport. You will stay overnight in Trieste and get your bike fitted ready for the start of your adventure tomorrow.
Day 2 - Trieste to Buje
75km total distance
Today you will leave Trieste in Italy and join the famous Parenzana trail taking you through Slovenia and into Croatia. The route takes you to Piran Bay through Portorož and Lucija to the saltworks of Sečovlje. Your ride will continue on the trail to Buje where you stay.
You will ride 57km on paved sections and 16 km on unpaved sections.
Day 3 - Buje to Motuvun
57km total distance
Today you will continue your ride one the Parenzana trail which connects 33 Istrian towns between Porec and Trieste. You will ride through magnificent rolling landscapes and countless vineyards - you will soon realise why the former railway track is now named the wine railway. Keep riding over bridges and through tunnels before reaching Motovun, where you will stay this evening,
You will ride 24km on paved sections and 32 km on unpaved sections.
Day 4 - Motuvun to Porec
50km total distance
Before you leave today, take in the medieval town of Motovun-Montona, a captivating hilltop town complete with its 13th century Gothic bell tower. In the central square is the Romanesque Municipal Palace, the largest secular building in Istria as well as a number of historic churches and buildings.
You will leave the town by riding through a tunnel under the city heading towards Poreč. You will ride through Vižinada and the caves at Baredine. Continue through the vineyards before reaching Poreč, a city steeped in history and architecture.
You will ride 11km on paved sections and 39 km on unpaved sections.
Day 5 - Porec to Rovinj
60km total distance
Your ride today heads through a cursed city, past an abandoned monastery, via beaches where pirate treasure is said to be buried, and where you can visit milennia old caves and an ancient solar observatory. You will ride the coastline before reaching Vrsar, a fishing village where the legendary Casanova visited twice. Your ride continues through the magical forest Kontija with a panoramic view of the Lim bay before you reach Rovinj, nicknamed little Venice. This is a truly incredible day on the bike.
You will ride 25km on paved sections and 35km on unpaved sections.
Day 6- Rovinj to Pula
42km total distance
Today you will ride along the coast to Pula. You will head through the Brioni archipelago, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. You will reach Pula where you can enjoy the magnificent Roman amphitheatre. You will finish with a visit of the old city and the Sergius' Triumphal Arch, built at the end of the 1st century BC.
You will ride 25km on paved sections and 17 km on unpaved sections.
Day 7 - Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before getting a transfer to the airport for your homeward travel.
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Whether you're a keen road cyclist, enjoy riding an e-bike or hybrid bike, or want to get your family more active, we have the perfect cycling holiday for you.
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Awesome customer Service like it used to be. When planning my husband's 50th birthday and knowing very little about cycling I decided to try Love Velo and I can't recommend them, and the service I've received from James Danvers highly enough.
Read full reviewAbby
In one word. Brilliant! Luke and the team were great. Super communication and very helpful with any questions. A very laid back real person style. Thanks for the great experience, excellent communication and truly brilliant customer service.
Read full reviewTim
Booked our first ever cycling holiday to Croatia and surrounding islands through Love Velo and it was one of the best holidays we’ve ever had. Good communication beforehand and everything taken care of from the moment we arrived until we left. Now looking at another trip, this time to Cambodia and Vietnam! Can’t wait!
Read full reviewHelen
Italy to Croatia through your lens
Join Us on An Italy to Croatia Bike Tour
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