Quick info
Duration:
7 days
Number of nights:
6 nights
Start location:
Buje, Croatia
Starting time:
Between 3 and 5 PM
Tour ends:
Pula or Rovinj, Croatia
Ending time:
Between 10 and 11 AM
Tour average daily cycling distance:
35 km
Road surface:
Paved
Suitable for families:
YES
About the tour
Join us on cycling, historical and gastronomical journey along Istrian Peninsula, one of the last Europe’s hidden gems.
Many times compared or called Croatian Tuscany, Istrian peninsula has it all; from the charming and picturesque countryside and hilltop villages such as Grožnjan and Motovun, Istrian cuisine, excellent wines and top rates olive oils, to the Adriatic Sea where rich history and culture formed a must see historical towns of Poreč and Rovinj. Even though Istria’s coast is very popular with visitors in the summer, we will show you magical parts of its interior. With Meridien Ten’s support, local expertise and small group departures, we have created another perfect Croatian cycling holiday!
Highlights
- Back roads along charming and picturesque countryside with olive groves, vineyards and hilltop towns
- Coastal towns of Rovinj and Poreč, inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list
- Wine and Olive oil tasting
- Carefully designed trips for small groups
- Van support, drinks, refreshments and snacks
- Unique Croatian travel experience and immersion in local culture
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival to Istria
Welcome to Istria! We meet in the late afternoon for introductions and bike fitting at our hotel before having dinner together.
Meals: Dinner
Distance biked: 0 km
Overnight: Hotel La Parenzana, Buje area
Highlights: Istrian peninsula
DAY 2
Istrian wine and Olive roads
Get ready to discover the Croatian Tuscany! We cycle along rolling hills of Istria’s north-western part, where we will pass numerous vineyards and olive groves, medieval towns and picturesque villages. Therefore, a wine and olive oil tasting are a must on today’s agenda!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine tasting
Distance biked: 38 km
Overnight: Hotel La Parenzana, Buje area
Highlights: Momjan vine area, Brtonigla, rolling hills of north west Istrian peninsula
DAY 3
Grožnjan and Motovun
Our ride today will be particularly interesting for art lovers as we bike to the famous art colony in Istria – Grožnjan. Its cobbled streets and ancient houses serve as art galleries for painters, potters, carvers as well as musicians. As we continue along backroads with stunning views over hills, vineyards and valleys we arrive to the Istrian truffle kingdom – Livade and Motovun, where we will spend the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance biked: 38 km
Overnight: Vila Borgo, Motovun
Highlights: Grožnjan, Motovun
DAY 4
Poreč
Today we cruise down to the Istrian coast. On our way, we will have the opportunity to discover Višnjan, a beautiful hilltop town with a gothic chapel from the 15th century. After lunch on a local family farm, we continue our ride to Poreč. Enjoy an evening at your disposal and pay a visit to the UNESCO-protected Euphrasian Basilica and other historical sites.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance biked: 43 km
Overnight: Hotel Riviera, Poreč
Highlights: Višnjan, Istrian inland, Poreč
DAY 5
Magical Istria
We leave the Istrian coastline behind us as we ride again into the interior areas of the Istrian peninsula. Discover authentic and real life of Istrian villages, farms and hill towns such as medieval Dvigrad which is dominated by the remains of the Roman basilica and the legend of the undiscovered treasure of the British pirate Captain Morgan. We spend the next 2 nights in the medieval town of Bale, some say the best kept secret of Istria. This afternoon we will learn about history, production and taste great olive oils, one of Bale trademarks!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Olive oil tasting
Distance biked: 47 km
Overnight: Hotel La Grisa, Bale
Highlights: Dvigrad, Istrian inland roads, Bale
DAY 6
Rovinj
Today we head back to the Istrian coast. On the way, we will ride to Svetvinčenat, another hidden gem of Istrian medieval architecture. Our ride ends in Rovinj – the pearl of Istria. After lunch, we discover the old town, Church of St. Euphemia, the ramparts and its cobbled alleys which dominate the Rovinj cityscape!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance biked: 40 km
Overnight: Hotel La Grisa, Bale
Highlights: Rovinj, Svetvinčenat
DAY 7
Tour end
Today after breakfast we will provide a transfer to Pula (or Rovinj) where your tour ends. Živili and pomalo!
Meals: Breakfast
Distance biked: 0
Overnight stay: –
Map
Insert MAP code here
Accommodation
Hotel Casa Parenzana
A small luxury hotel at the heart of the historic Varoš neighbourhood in the old city of Split. Located in a traditional stone house complex built in 1799.
Riviera
Hotel Riviera is located in the historic part of Poreč. It is part of Valamar hotels. Its location offers great views on Sveti Nikola Island or opportunity to take a short walk to discover ancient town of Poreč.
La Grisa
Located in the ancient Bale village, La Grisa hotel represents family owned hotel which combines modern and traditional style.
Prices and dates
Prices
Private departures only in 2025! Please contact us with dates you prefer.
The price includes:
- Carefully designed trip for small groups
- 6 overnights
- 2 Local, professional and experienced tour guides
- 1 Wine tasting
- 1 Olive oil tasting
- All breakfast, 5 lunches, 2 dinners
- Great custom build hybrid or road bikes and professional bike fitting
- Daily maps (with detailed route instructions in case you prefer to bike on your own)
- Mobile offline navigation application – (please note we do not provide mobile phone or phone adapter for the bike)
- Bike water bottles (to be kept as a souvenir), small bike bag and a helmet
- All entrance fees, organized special events, visits to unique sites and boat transfers as per itinerary
- Daily refreshments, various soft drinks and snacks
- Van support and luggage transfers
- Travel planning assistance, pre-tour information, pre-post tour hotel/travel reservations or suggestions
- Unique Croatian travel experience and immersion in local culture
- Carefree holidays experienced with the best adventure company in Croatia
The price does not include:
- Airport transfer upon tour start
- Accommodation in Pula (Day 7)
- Tips or gratuities for tour leaders
- Travel insurance
OPTIONAL SERVICES:
- E-bike hire (supplement 180,00 €)
- Carbon road bike hire (supplement 250,00 €)
- Airport transfers (Trieste airport transfer available; 200,00 € per transfer, 1 to 7 persons per vehicle)