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Self Guided Istria Cycling Holiday

7 nights from £855.00

Cycling Trip Highlights

  • The natural landscape of Istria from beautiful rivers to sweeping valleys and hills
  • Beautiful, preserved medieval villages such as Pula and Rovinj, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’
  • Picturesque olive groves and vineyards
  • Become immersed in the peninsula’s rich history and culture
Self Guided Istria Cycling Holiday
7 nights from £855.00
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WE LOVEMedieval Architecture
The traditional architecture of Istria is unique due to the area's rich cultural history. You will visit 12th century fortresses and authentic Croatian houses in the country's quaint coastal villages.
WE LOVEIstria Wine
The area offers various opportunities to try the local wine with the small village of Porec a particularly popular place to do this. You will also be spoilt for choice for food with a magnitude of relaxing spots to stop and eat along your trip.

What's Included

Day By Day Self Guided Istria Cycling Holiday

We can tailor make this trip for you
Day1Arrival

Upon your arrival into Pula airport, you will be taken to Porec where you will stay for the evening. You will be provided with a briefing for the week ahead and be fitted for your bike.

Day 2Porec to Buje

Your first ride will be from Porec. Explore this majestic area of grand palaces and historic buildings. Next cycle along the coast on the way to Visnjan, passing through traditional Mediterranean landscapes filled with the fresh scents of olive groves and vineyards. You can stop off and visit one of the world’s best observatories en route to Umag. This beautiful old town is your gateway to Buje, your overnight stay.

Total distance72kmTotal climb725m
Day 3Buje to Buzet

The first part of your ride will take you to Groznjan, cloaked by its vaulted walls. After a morning’s ride through this medieval village, you will soon know why it is named “The town of artists”. Explore the renaissance summer house, baroque church and countless art galleries. You then continue on to Sterna and then Oprtal, full of untouched medieval features. It is best known for its view of the peninsula and is considered one of the most beautiful in Istria. Your ride will end today in Buzet, the “City of truffles”, named as such as it surrounded by forest full of them.

Total distance54kmTotal climb845m
Day 4Buzet to Labin

Fill up at breakfast as you’ll need the energy for the morning’s steep climb to Prodani. From there, you’ll ride to a once thriving town called Draguc which now lies abandoned. Its total isolation offers tranquillity amongst the modest stone buildings and 19th century architecture. You will then head to Gracisce, passing through Pazin, dating back to 938. The entrance to Gracisce is worth a look – a Salomon Mansion combining gothic and renaissance features. You finish the day in Rabac, the “pearl of the Kvarner bay”.

Total distance67kmTotal climb1205m
Day 5Labin to Pula

After starting the day riding through Rasa, a modern riding town, the next stop off point will be “Liburna” a nature reserve, followed by the historic town of Pula. Located on top of seven hills with its own amphitheatre, it’s named after an enchantress which legend has it has been casting spells over Istria’s biggest town for hundreds of years. Visit the old city and see Sergius’ Triumphal Arch before spending the night in Pula.

Total distance53kmTotal climb560m
Day 6Pula to Rovinj

You will start the day with a cycle along the coast towards Rovinj and then onto the Bale region. Known for it’s Soardo-Bembo castle and parish church, Bale was created by the Roman military. Cycle to Svetvincenta, visit its fort and see the beauty of the Venetian buildings before finishing the day in Rovinj.

Total distance61kmTotal climb591m
Day 7Rovinj to Porec

For your final day, you will be treated to a myriad of sights. From hidden pirate treasures to caves and wild nature, today is one of the best days for riding in Istria. The first part of the ride will take you to Dvigrad, (another) medieval town. Dvigrad was decimated by Europe’s plague and so offers a unique insight into one of the darkest periods of civilisation. The area is shrouded in mystery and legend. It is said that Captain Morgan’s pirate treasure was hidden nearby and that the remains of a primitive man were found in a cave close by. Your final ride of the week will be to the quiet village of Vrsar where Casanova spent time during his adventures.

Total distance60km
Day 8Departure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before departing for your homeward travel.

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What to ExpectFrom breathtaking views to superb wines

Join us on a cycling adventure along the Istrian peninsula, a region famous for its wine, its gastronomy and its history. Ride along both the east and west coasts, overlooking the Adriatic, and pass through beautiful landscapes dotted with historic villages and picturesque towns.

Your ridng will take you into the heart of sweeping valleys as you pedal beside rivers and through forests, before you once again emerge on to the slopes which prodcue so much of Istria’s wines and olive oils.

Spend time riding through medieval towns such as Grožnjan and Motovun, explore Roman ruins and marvel and the views over the sparkling waters beneath you.

8day holiday
Or tailor your trip
60km avg
Expect to ride an average of 60km per day
650m avg
Expect an average ascent of 650m per day

How's the Weather? in Istria

The SpringMarch to May
Istria generally has a mild climate so Spring is a very pleasant time to ride, especially as you move through April into May. Temperatures are not sweltering and the summer crowds have not descended.
The SummerJune to August
The summer is hot and you're likely to experience good weather with warm temperatures. July & August are exceptionally warm and you are likely to want to ride early and stay out of the midday sun.
The AutumnSeptember to November
September is a great time to visit Croatia as temperatures drop from the stifling summer heat. Cycling will be hugely enjoyable in the early Autumn. November has the most rainfall so plan your trip to be home before then.
The WinterThe Winter
The winter is best avoided for cycling in the Istria Peninsula as you're likely to experience cold weather and rain.

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