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Istria-Back roads & sea
- Stay in the beautiful Venetian style seaside towns of Porec and Rovinj, UNESCO listed
- Amazing beaches with grassy shores along the way
- Quiet roads and coastal cycle paths
- Motovun’s stunning views and lovely hotel on the village square
- Friendly people
- Great food and wines
From: 435 €
Tripcode: HRSB010
3 Comfort
Level 1 - EN:
Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.
Level 1 - EN:
Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
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2 Difficulty
Level 1:
Walking levels:
Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.
Cycling levels:
Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 1:
Walking levels:
Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.
Cycling levels:
Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
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Duration: 7 days
Details
The Heart Shaped Peninsula
As the cycle tour takes you inland, the adventure begins. You'll discover an area of well-preserved charm and beauty, with many remote villages hidden away in unspoilt settings among these extensive forests. You won't forget the moment the imposing hill-top town of Motovun looms into view. According to many Croatians, this is the country's most beautiful Medieval town, with houses scattered across the hill interspersed with vineyards which produce great Istrian wines. After cycling the first 45 kilometres, you'll be feeling dizzy. Not from exhaustion but from the impressive scenery. Yet this area features not only outstanding natural beauty, but also traces of a glorious past. Medieval towns - all protected cultural monuments - stand on hilltops, as if they were some kind of strange hill cap, and each one of them will fascinate you with its special charm. En route, you'll never suffer too long from hunger or thirst, as most of the larger villages have at least one tavern, inn or restaurant where you can enjoy home-made dishes and the fine local wine.
Itinerary
Expand itinerary Collapse itineraryDay 1: Arrival in the beautiful town of Porec
Today you arrive in Porec. If you have rented a bike with us, it will be waiting for you at the first accommodation.
Villages along the way: Porec
Day 2: Circular ride from Porec to St. Lovre & Vežnaveri
You set off from the beautiful old city centre of Porec; with its many treasures, such as the Roman Forum which was once a fortified Roman camp, several magnificent palaces from different historical periods, the House of the Two Saints and the famous Euphrasian Basilica, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Leaving the bustling port behind, you take a cycling path along the coast, through the fresh-smelling pine woods and continue along the beaches of Plava Laguna and Zelena Laguna, a true paradise for tourists. You cycle past such authentic Istrian villages as Mugeba and Fuakulin to reach St Lovre . You can stop here for a while and walk into the small fortressed town, inhabited since the 9th century, to visit the parish church of St Martin with lovely frescos. Enchanted by the romantic images of Lovre you the continue cycling through the delightful countryside, past picturesque villages such as Žikovii, Vežnaveri and Kosinoži, and back to Porec.
Challenge: 45.2 km; 350m ascent; 350m descent
Villages along the way: St. Lovre , Žikovii, Vežnaveri & Kosinoži
Day 3: Circular ride from Porec through Tar, Kaatelir & Vianjan
Through the fresh forested park along the coast north-east of Porec you head to Tar, on a fertile plateau which stretches from the sea to the river Mirna. According to the experts of the UN-FAO, the olive plantations of Larun, below Tar, produce Europe's best olive oil. Once you start to ascend you will soon catch sight of Kaatelir, a picturesque town inhabited since prehistoric times, which later became a Roman fortification and a medieval citadel. Unfortunately there are no remains of the medieval walls in Kaatelir's village centre, but you can visit the 19th century three-nave church of St Kosmas and St Damian with its imposing belfry. Ride along the narrow village lanes enjoying views of the neatly tended gardens, nearby fields and vineyards. You continue through a pleasant landscape of green vineyards and olive orchards, where you can sample local dishes, wine, brandy and honey. You cross the lovely town of Vianjan, famous for its astronomical observatory, ranked among the five most important in the world. Look for your guiding star as you refresh yourself with a glass of excellent homemade wine. Through typical Istrian countryside with rolling hills, forests, small scale agriculture and authentic villages, you find your way back to Porec.
Challenge: 36.4km; 400m ascent; 400m descent
Villages along the way: Tar, Kaatelir & Vianjan
Day 4: From Porec to Motovun
From Porec you ride through rolling hills in an easterly direction passing tiny villages, where you can stop to try the delicious local wine. Visit the churches of St Jacob and the Blessed Virgin Mary, surrounded by rich vegetation and picturesque Istrian houses. You then continue along a plateau to reach Vianjan, with its Medieval church dedicated to St Anthony the Abbot, Glagolithic inscriptions from 1550 and precious remains of frescoes painted by Dominic of Udine. From historical sights and sacred art, you move on to breathtaking landscapes. If you're longing for some genuine homemade food and excellent wine, stop off at any of the numerous agriturismos along the road. Then a delightful descent takes you down into the Mirna Valley and on to the imposing hilltop town of Motovun.
Challenge: 44.4km, 550m en ascenso, 450m en descenso
Villages along the way: Vianjan & Motovun
Day 5: From Ziminj to the coastal town of Rovinj
After breakfast a short transfer takes you to Zminj, situated on a limestone hill between Limska Draga Cove and Raaa Valley. This is the region's agricultural centre and crossroads. Through beautiful surroundings you come to Kanfanar and St Silvestre Church. Built in the year 1714 after a severe plague, the building was constructed around a valuable pulpit with carvings of St Sofia, from the basilica of the same name. From here, you cross a lovely and sparsely populated area near Rovinj, among abundant heather and brooms, feeling that you are completely isolated from civilization. Your next adventure takes you along the old railway line from Rovinj to Kanfanar, through virgin forests just south of Limski Fjord. This is an exhilarating section, where you cycle through forests of oaks and strawberry trees with the deliciously sweet perfume of aromatic vegetation. You return to the civilized world when you reach the magnificent coastline near Rovinj also called little Venice. This typical Mediterranean seaside resort will seduce you with its extraordinary beauty. Within the labyrinth of narrow streets and tiny squares of the old city centre, there are several beautiful palaces from different historical periods, as well as a wonderful promenade with many seaside cafes.
Challenge: 39.1km, 150m ascent, 500m descent
Villages along the way: Zminj, Kanfanar & Rovinj
Day 6: Circular ride from Rovinj through Bale & Punta Corrente
From Rovijn, you head toward beautiful Venetian Bale. Stroll along winding lanes with Venetian-Gothic manor houses and visit Kaatel Bembo, a magnificent Gothic-Renaissance citadel. Along the narrow streets of Bale, a number of good taverns can be found. After this delightful rest stop, you continue along marvellously quiet gravel roads and cycling paths to the splendid natural coastal area of 'Zlatni rt. Punta Corrente', a protected forest of singular beauty and great botanical value, one of the most important parks on the Istrian coast. Of equal importance is the Palud ornithological nature reserve, a brackish marsh where you can enjoy the rich variety of 217 (!) registered bird species. You continue in a northerly direction along this enchanting isolated coastal area through undisturbed lush Mediterranean vegetation, past coves, cliffs and beaches. Suddenly, the stunning contours of Rovinj appear again, an awe-inspiring view to top off a fabulous cycling tour, sure to leave you with memorable impressions.
Challenge: 35.5km, 250 ascent, 250m descent
Villages along the way: Bale, Kaatel Bembo, Zlatni rt. & Punta Corrente
Day 7: Farewell to Istria!
This trip and our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked a transfer to the airport or other additional services, such as an extra night in Venice.
Villages along the way: Rovinj
Practical info
Included:
- 6 nights accommodation, all rooms with private en-suite bathrooms in comfortable 3* hotels
- 6 large breakfasts
- 3 dinners (wine is not included)
- Luggage transfer on day 4 and, on day 5, you are taken to Zminj and your luggage to Rovinj
- 24-hour telephone assistance (simple punctures not covered)
- Detailed road book and maps
Not Included:
- Flights and public transport
- Travel insurance
- Admissions and entrance fees of any kind
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses such as meals not mentioned in the program, drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, taxis, etc.
- Any items that have not been specifically mentioned in the program
Optional Services:
- Extra day ride around Motovun (50 km, 700m climb, 700 descent)
- 21 speed hybrid bike hire, helmet (puncture repair kit, pump, lock, map holder) Bike is picked up and dropped off at first and last hotels
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
Extra Overnight:
Additional night/s can be booked in advance, at any of the accommodations on the way, in Venice or any other destination in Italy and Croatia
Getting there & back:
The airports closest to Porec and Rovinj are Pula in Istria and Trieste in Italy. From these towns there are direct buses going to and from Porec and Rovinj.
You can also fly into Treviso or Venice airports and take the train to Trieste then the bus, or if you stay a night in Venice, you can take a boat from Venice to Porec or from Rovinj to Venice.
Reviews
Start: Porec
Finish: Rovinj
Dates & prices
Trip availability: Every week day from 1st April to the 31st October
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 465 €/person |
| double room: | 560 €/person |
| twin room: | 575 €/person |
| single room: | 625 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 825 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 550 €/person |
| twin room: | 655 €/person |
| double room: | 690 €/person |
| single room: | 740 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 935 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 625 €/person |
| double room: | 750 €/person |
| twin room: | 760 €/person |
| single room: | 800 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 1000 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 660 €/person |
| double room: | 790 €/person |
| twin room: | 805 €/person |
| single room: | 845 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 1040 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 625 €/person |
| double room: | 750 €/person |
| twin room: | 760 €/person |
| single room: | 800 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 1000 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 465 €/person |
| double room: | 560 €/person |
| twin room: | 575 €/person |
| single room: | 625 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 825 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 455 €/person |
| double room: | 550 €/person |
| twin room: | 560 €/person |
| single room: | 610 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 810 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 435 €/person |
| double room: | 525 €/person |
| twin room: | 540 €/person |
| single room: | 575 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 775 €/person |
Other prices
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| hybrid Bike: | 80 €/person |