Istria to the Adriatic
Slovenia, Croatia, Italy Bike Tours
From Trieste to Piran on the Istrian Railway Bike Path
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1155 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This wonderful bike tour in Istria will find you pedaling through diversity, experiencing not only "Blue Istria" along the coast, but the verdant "Green Istria" inland. Your cycling adventure starts on the Italian Coast, leads into Slovenia as you meander inland, and then returns to the pristine Adriatic in Croatia.
You will pedal the Parenzana, or Istrian Railway, an abandoned railway track that was in operation between 1902 – 1935, allowing you the pleasure of cycling on a dedicated bike path, away from vehicle traffic. Today this revitalized link that connected Trieste to Porec is known as "the route of health and friendship."
For special tour date requests, you can add van support and or a guide for a supplement to be shared among the number in your group. For group bookings, this can be a very economical option.
This tour is appropriate for families, groups of friends or individuals, and anybody who appreciates a relaxed yet active cycling vacation combined with good local food and a glass of good wine. Since the majority of the journey takes place along the coastline of the Adriatic Sea, there’s always an opportunity to swim in the Adriatic!
Highlights
- Magical Piran
- Grožnjan, city of art
- Cycling immersed in nature, away from traffic
- Green Istrian hilltowns
- Blue Istria coastal attractions
- Motovun, a picturesque Istrian medieval town on top of the hill
- Local Istrian wine and foo
Don't forget to check out all our bike tours in Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia!
Itinerary
Day 1: Individual arrival to Muggia
Day 2: Muggia to Piran, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 3: Portorož to Grožnjan, 19 mi. (31 km)
Day 4: Grožnjan to Motovun, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 5: Motovun to Poreč, 22.5 mi. (36 km)
Day 6: Poreč to Umag, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 7: Umag to PIran, 20 mil. (32 km)
Day 8: Piran*All distances are approximate.
Day 1: Individual arrival to Muggia, region of Trieste
Arrive to your hotel in Muggia settle in and enjoy the Venetian atmosphere of this quaint harbor village. The architecture, dialect, customs, and culinary are all influenced and connected with the Republic of Venice. You might want to consider arriving a day early and exploring Trieste before beginning your bike tour. You can take a boat from Muggia to the port of Trieste. Trieste is a seaport city with a long and complex history, lying at a crossroads influenced by Latin, Slavic, and Germanic cultures. You will have a tour introduction before you begin your tour.Sample accommodation: Hotel San Rocco
Day 2: Muggia - Piran, 22 mi. (35 km)
For this day, you begin cycling directly from your hotel. Your rental bikes will be waiting for you at the hotel. Following the Slovenian coast, you cycle into the charming town of Piran, sitting pretty on the tip of its peninsula. In the middle of the town is Tartini Square with a monument dedicated to the great violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, born in Piran in 1692. Adding to the list of worthwhile places to visit is the town hall and the law-courts, the Gothic Venetian mansion, and the cathedral on an eminence, commanding a glorious panorama. You overnight in Piran, one of the most photogenic cities in the Mediterranean. The old town, which is one of the best-preserved historical towns in the Adriatic, is a gem of Venetian Gothic architecture. It is hard not to fall in love with Piran’s atmospheric winding alleyways, sunsets and seafood restaurants.Elevation: 253 m
Sample accommodation: Hotel PiranDay 3: Portorož - Grožnjan, 19 mi. (31 km)
Today, you leave the coast and head inland toward the Croatian border. The landscape changes and you experience the thickly forested Istrian hinterland dotted with ancient villages and farms. Grožnjan, known as the city of artists, is an ancient hilltop town and is the day's final destination. Once a dying and decaying town, in 1965 it was declared an artists' colony and was transformed into the enchanting and magical place it is today, The influx of creativity resulted in the fairytale-like atmosphere you will find here. 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. You will either be transferred to Motovun and the next morning back to Groznjan due to lack of accommodation availability in Grožnjan or overnight in Grožnjan.Elevation: 323 m
Sample accommodation: Hotel ArtegnanaDay 4: Grožnjan to Motovun, 20 mi. (32 km)
In the northern part of Istria, overlooking the Mirna river valley, lies the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval town called 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.The 13th-century Romanesque-Gothic bell tower with a crenulated crown, which stands next to the Parish Church of Saint Stephen from the 17th century, dominates the town’s historic core. Motovun serves as a venue to many events, the most significant being the International Motovun Film Festival that takes place at the end of July and where many world-renowned film artists can be spotted.
The Mirna river flows at the foot of the hill. On the other side of the river is the famous Forest of Motovun with an area of about 10 square kilometers and a patch of 280 hectares that has been placed under special protection. This area is completely different not only from the nearby forests but also from the entire surrounding karst region because of its wildlife as well as the moist soil rich with prized black and white truffles (Tuber magnatum) which grow here in abundance.
Elevation: 239 m
Sample accommodation: Hotel KaštelDay 5: Motovun - Poreč, 22.5 mi. (36 km)
Day 4 is all about comfortable cycling along the fields that are rich in fertile red soil, before returning the coast. The final destination is the town of Poreč at the western coast of the Istrian peninsula. The major landmark, the 6th century Euphrasian Basilica in the historic old town, is famous for its gem-studded Byzantine mosaics. In 1997, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The almost 2000 years old town of Poreč is situated around a harbor and protected from the sea by the small island of Saint Nicholas. Ever since the 1970s, the coast of Poreč and that of the neighboring Rovinj have been the most frequented tourist destinations in Croatia.Elevation: 315 m
Sample accommodation: Villa HasiDay 6: Poreč - Umag, 26 mi. (42 km)
Heading north now along the coast, the day's destination is Umag. The old town has the narrow, cobbled streets, so typical of the region and the coastline is full of pretty little bays. Umag is a small town and port on the north-western coast of Istria. A place Croatians say presents ‘Croatia’s gateway to Europe’.Elevation: 230 m
Sample accommodation: Villa BadiDay 7: Umag - Piran, 20 mi. (32 km)
On the last day of the cycling tour, the route follows the Croatian coastline as far as the terrain allows. It is worth to make a few stops and enjoy some more beautiful vistas and the easy breeze before crossing the border to Slovenia. The last leg of the journey leads back to Portorož and then Piran, where the tour ends.Unlike the first visit to Piran on Day 2, there is now enough time left to enjoy the impressive atmosphere of the old town. That would be the right time to enjoy a cup of coffee at the Tartini Square that features a monument dedicated to the great violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, who was born in Piran in 1692, and to take a dip in the sea before the dinner.
Sample accommodation: Hotel Piran
Day 8: Piran and transfer back to Trieste Central
Be sure to look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Hotels & Bikes
Standard Accommodations are three-star hotels. Upgrade is possible based on availability. Listed in the itinerary is the preferred accommodation. If the hotel listed is not available, a hotel of equal standard will be offered
Bicycles
Scott Aspect 940
The SCOTT Aspect 940 is a mountain hardtail that is designed to be light, efficient, and reasonably priced. Featuring a lockout mechanism for the fork, disc brakes, and Syncros components, this is the perfect bike for both the novice or experienced mountain biker.
Photos may not be of the exact rental bike but of a similar model.
Inclusions
What’s Included
Self-guided:
- Accommodation for 7 nights in 3–4 star hotels/guest houses
- 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners featuring regional cuisine
- Tour briefing
- Luggage transfer
- Scott Contessa 710/720 or Scott Aspect 940 with front suspension, pannier, lock, helmet, water bottle, and repair kit for 6 days, includes lock, helmet, spare tube, and tool kit (one per group)
- Water bottle, first aid kit, snack package, and free gift
- Navigation pack: pre-loaded GPS (one per group), maps, and tour booklet
- Final transfer back to Muggia/Trieste
- 24/7 hotline number
- Accommodation for 7 nights in 3–4 star hotels/guest houses
- 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners featuring regional cuisine
- Fully qualified and experienced bike guide
- Luggage transfer
- Bike rental for 6 days, includes lock, helmet, spare tube, and tool kit (one per group)
- Meeting and briefing at the tour start
- Final transfer back to Muggia/Trieste
- 24/7 hotline number (support)
Guided
What’s Not Included
- One dinner
- Lunches
- All beverages with included meals
- Arrival transfer to first hotel
- Cycling guide on non scheduled dates (can be booked for supplement)
- Support vehicle on non scheduled dates (can be booked for supplement)
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2021
Guided
June 6, September 12, September 26, 2021
Minimum number of participants required to confirm departures. Please contact us and we will check on the status of tour date
Special tours can be organized on any date for a group with a minimum of 2 people.
Self-guided
Arrivals are possible on any day. Pricing based on number of participants. See pricing.
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Guided (fixed tour dates) Double/twin $ 2625 £ 1484 $ 2,576 € 1635 NZ$ 2840 kr 16869 $ 2,024 Single supplement $ 337 £ 191 $ 331 € 210 NZ$ 365 kr 2167 $ 260 Self-guided 2 ppl 4 ppl 6 ppl 8 ppl Double/twin $ 2255 £ 1275 $ 2,213 € 1405 NZ$ 2440 kr 14496 $ 1,740 $ 1982 £ 1121 $ 1,945 € 1235 NZ$ 2145 kr 12742 $ 1,529 $ 1902 £ 1075 $ 1,867 € 1185 NZ$ 2058 kr 12226 $ 1,467 $ 1854 £ 1048 $ 1,819 € 1155 NZ$ 2006 kr 11917 $ 1,430 Single supplement $ 337 £ 191 $ 331 € 210 NZ$ 365 kr 2167 $ 260 $ 337 £ 191 $ 331 € 210 NZ$ 365 kr 2167 $ 260 $ 337 £ 191 $ 331 € 210 NZ$ 365 kr 2167 $ 260 $ 337 £ 191 $ 331 € 210 NZ$ 365 kr 2167 $ 260 Extra Options
All tour dates:
Electric bike: $ 112 £ 64 $ 110 € 70 NZ$ 122 kr 722 $ 87 Set of 2 rear panniers: $ 90 £ 51 $ 88 € 56 NZ$ 97 kr 578 $ 69 Wine and local food tasting on Day 2: $ 40 £ 23 $ 39 € 25 NZ$ 43 kr 258 $ 31Extra nights: On request
Non-fixed dates guided tour supplements:
Van support (to be shared among group members) for 6 days: $ 2079 £ 1175 $ 2,040 € 1295 NZ$ 2249 kr 13361 $ 1,603 Supplement for guided (to be shared among group members) for 6 days: $ 2143 £ 1211 $ 2,103 € 1335 NZ$ 2319 kr 13774 $ 1,653Group Transfers (total price to be split among number of participants):
Venice Airport to Muggia, up to 8 people: $ 634 £ 358 $ 622 € 395 NZ$ 686 kr 4075 $ 489 Trieste Airport to Muggia, up to 8 people: $ 289 £ 163 $ 284 € 180 NZ$ 313 kr 1857 $ 223 Piran to airport in Trieste, up to 8 people: $ 128 £ 73 $ 126 € 80 NZ$ 139 kr 825 $ 99 Piran to airport in Venice, up to 8 people: $ 385 £ 218 $ 378 € 240 NZ$ 417 kr 2476 $ 297Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
This is a moderate self-guided or guided tour, that is approximately 215 km in length. The tour mainly uses an abandoned railway track known as Parenzana which is a comfortable and safe gravel or dirt path, away from vehicle traffic. However, as always, you will "share the road" when entering or exiting the towns/cities. The climb into Motovun is steep, but short. If you are not accustomed to riding on rails to trails type path or never venture off-road, do note that there are gravel paths and off-road sections that require good balance and good command of your bicycle.
Airport Info
This tour begins in Muggia in Italy and ends in Piran, Slovenia. Closest international airport to Muggia is the Trieste Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (TRS) located 60 km away. Another option is the Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) located 169 km from Muggia.
Local Travel
Trieste Airport: Take a bus (bus line E 51) from Trieste Airport to Trieste Centrale train station. From the train station, you can take bus line 40 or 41 to Dommio. Then Bus line 47 to Muggia. Total travel time is approximately 2 1/2 hours to 3 hours depending on your departure times and transfer times.
Venice Airport: Take a bus (bus line 68) to Portogruaro Caorle. Train from here to Trieste Centrale train station and then bus number 20 to Muggia.Upon arrival, airport transfers can be arranged to your first hotel for a supplement. See pricing. At the end of the tour, there is an included return transfer to Muggia from which you can access onward travel to your departure airport. One suggestion is that you fly to Trieste, overnight and explore this unique city, and then take a ferry to Muggia for the start of your tour.
Climate
The area experiences a warm and temperate climate with significant rainfall at different times of the year. Please check local conditions prior to your arrival.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.You can also use this field (which has formatting capabilities) to add other information that is needed such as
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Bike Good Place.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
Photos
Reviews
Denise O.
1 year agoVerified Reviewer
Ivette S.
3 years agoVerified Reviewer
Larry H.
3 years agoVerified Reviewer
Yael U.
3 years agoVerified Reviewer
Yael S.
3 years agoVerified Reviewer
knut S.
3 years agoVerified Reviewer
Michael E.
3 years agoVerified Reviewer
Tripsite Customer Reviews
Denise O.
1 year ago
Verified Reviewer
Ivette S.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer