Istria - The Heart of Europe

Day 1: Poreč
Day 2: Poreč - Vrsar - Kloštar - Poreč, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Poreč - Višnjan - Poreč, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 4: Grožnjan - Livade - Motovun - Poreč, 43 mi. (69 km)
Day 5: Kanfanar - Rovinj, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 6: Labin, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 7: Pula, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 8: Rovinj

All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the route, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.

Day 1: Poreč
Individual journey to Poreč, check-in at the hotel is possible from 2 pm onwards. Whether relaxing by the pool, enjoying a delicious cocktail at the bar, jumping into the turquoise blue water of the Croatian Adriatic, or taking a stroll through the alleys and streets of Poreč – your vacation can now truly begin! The first meeting with the guide and fellow travelers is held at 6 pm in the hotel lobby.

Day 2: Poreč - Vrsar - Kloštar - Poreč, 25 mi. (40 km) | Elevation: 1,640 ft (500 m)
The first cycling tour leads from Poreč to Vrsar, where the heartbreaker Casanova temporarily sought refuge from the husbands of his lovers. From Vrsar, you cycle along the Limski Fjord inland to Kloštar. After a long lunch break in a typical konoba, you cycle back to Poreč. In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to learn about Poreč’s eventful history as your guide leads you through the charming old town with its numerous, beautiful buildings from various eras. A visit to the famous Euphrasius Basilica with its magnificent early Christian mosaics is also very worthwhile. The city tour ends with a visit to a historic wine cellar.

Day 3: Poreč - Višnjan - Poreč, 29 mi. (47 km) | Elevation: 1969 ft. (600 m)
Today’s bike tour leads away from Poreč through expansive vineyards to Višnjan, home of the famous white Boškarin cattle. After a coffee break, you continue inland to Vabriga, where you will enjoy lunch at a gourmet restaurant. Your return to Poreč leads through the largest olive grove in Europe.

Day 4: Grožnjan - Livade - Motovun - Poreč, 43 mi. (69 km) | Elevation: 3772 ft. (1150 m)
In the morning, a 30-minute transfer transports the group to the artists’ village of Grožnjan. Once a dying and decaying town, in 1965, Grožnjan was declared an artists' colony and was transformed into the enchanting and magical place it is today. Its history still permeates the present with ancient churches and castles, prehistoric archaeology, magnificent palaces, and many other old buildings, whose past glory have been recovered through restoration. The following cycling stage leads through typical Istrian villages to Opratlj. Here we enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view of the Mirna valley, one of the principal places where white truffles, highly valued by connoisseurs, can be found. The next stop is the truffle capital of Livade, where you have a little time to rest before you tackle the longer climb to Motovun.  The captivating hilltop settlement is often used as a typical Istrian interior decoration motif. Situated on a hill rising 270 meters above the sea level, its houses are scattered all around the area. After a well-deserved lunch break, you follow the historic narrow-gauge route of the Parenzana to Vižinada and then continue along small side roads back to Poreč.

Day 5: Kanfanar - Rovinj, 34 mi. (55 km) | Elevation: 1706 ft. (520 m)
After a half-hour transfer, you reach Kanfanar, the starting point of the day’s tour. The route follows small country roads through the historical villages of Sveti Petar u Šumi (Saint Peter in the Woods) and Svetvinčenat (Saint Vincent) all the way to Bale. Lunch will be enjoyed at a nearby farm with an attached restaurant and features a variety of Istrian specialties. The day's final destination is Rovinj.  Once settled to your hotel, you will have the opportunity to discover the enchanting old town on a guided walking tour.

Day 6: Labin, 22 mi. (35 km) | Elevation: 1837 ft. (560 m)
A loop ride begins after a transfer to Labin, a medieval town situated on the hill above Rabac.  Your cycling route leads through the beautiful villages in the area and highlights the spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea. Once back in Labin and after lunch in the old town, you will explore this beautiful place on a guided tour.  In the late afternoon, you transfer back to Rovinj.

Day 7: Pula, 27 mi. (43 km) | Elevation: 1804 ft (550 m)
The day begins with a 20-minute transfer to Pula, where the last cycling tour begins. You cycle north towards Vodnjan, home to the oldest olive groves in Istria, and of course, an olive oil tasting is on the agenda. You then continue cycling towards the sea before returning to Pula via Fažana. Once back in Pula, you take part in a guided tour of Istria’s largest and oldest city, during which we discover the city’s rich cultural heritage including the famous amphitheater. Afterward, we return back to Rovinj by transfer.

Day 8: Rovinj
Official end of your tour. Airport transfers are available or an included transfer back to Poreč.

Accommodations

This tour features good to very good mid-range hotels (3-4 stars). All accommodation possibilities are carefully selected and offer the greatest possible comfort after a day full of activity. They are all very well-kept and are characterized by a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff, and delicious cuisine. Of course, all hotels have secure places to keep your bicycles. You will receive a hotel list and further detailed information about the tour before the start of your trip.

Bicycles

Standard Trekking Bike

Trapeze (step-through) frame or diamond frame

• Aluminum frame
• 21- 24 Shimano Alivio gearing
• Shimano V-brakes
• Rear rack
• Selle Royal touring saddle
• 28-inch hollow chamber rims
• Continental touring tire
• Rear pannier from Ortlieb

This bicycle features an upright riding position.

Standard Sport Bike

Cube Nature Black 'n' White

• Sportier riding position
• Doble butted Aluminum tubes
• 27 speed Shimano gearing with upgraded XT level rear derailleur
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Selle royal Viper saddle
• Suntour suspension fork
• Rear rack
• Front roller pannier from Ortlieb

This bike features a sportier riding positon.

Electric Bike

Various models, mostly Cube and Orbea

• High-quality Pedelec
• Bosch motor
• Puncture-proof tires
• High-quality gearing (9 or 11 speeds)
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Rear rack
• Front roller pannier from Ortlieb

Mountain Bike

Various models mostly Giant, Scott, or Cube*

• Aluminum frame
• 27.5 or 29 inchwheels
• Front and rear suspension
• Shimano gearing
• Hydraulic disc brakes

Electric MTB*

• Cube or Giant brands
• 11 speed
• 27.5 inch wheels
• Front and rear suspension

*Available for those who are booking the mountain bike itinerary.

Children’s Bikes and Accessories

21- gear kids bike

• Two different frame sizes for 100 - 119 cm and from 120 - 150 cm
• Rear rack
• V brakes

Fun-kid trailer

• For children up to 30 kg
• 6 gear shift
• Height and individual adjustable handlebar and saddle

Booster seat

• Römer brand
• For children from 9 - 22 kg