“Explore Parenzana on two wheels”
5 Day Exploring Parenzana on Two Wheels Self-guided MTB Cycling in Italy and Croatia
Trieste, Italy; Buje - Motovun - Porec, Croatia
Italy and Croatia Cycling Tour
Join Fiore Tours in exploring the former narrow-gauge railway line Parenzana, which was turned into a true attraction for cyclists! You will be thrilled with the small picturesque towns, and landscapes dotted with old villages through which you pass. Sweeping into beautiful valleys with forests and rivers framing them and then emerging onto the slopes of the hills, the beauty of nature will take your breath away. Take a short break and soak up the abundance of peace and greenery.
Key information
- Trip type: Self-guided
- Lodging: Point to Point
- Starts in: Trieste
- Ends in: Poreč
- Total Distance: 88 Miles / 141 Kilometers
- Type of bike: Hardtail mountain bikes, MTB: Giant Talon E+ 3 (not included)
- E-Bike available to rent at 135,00 EUR for the entire tour
- Private tour
Highlights
- 3 cycling days
- Cycling tour along the railway line Parenzana
- Sightseeing tour of the Istrian mainland and visiting Poreč and Euphrasian Basilica
- Learning about its cultural heritage and enjoying the culinary specialties
- There will be an information meeting before you start the tour
- Luggage transport between accommodations is included
- Get to use the Fiore App, offline navigation with information about POIs
- 4 nights accommodation with breakfast included
Skill level
- Intermediate
- Advanced
3 days with instruction
Accommodation
Night 1: Trieste
- Classic hotels: Hotel B&B Trieste 3* or Hotel Roma 3* or similar in Trieste
- Premium hotels: Hotel Urban 4* or Hotel Vis a Vis 4* * in Trieste or similar
Night 2: Buje
- Classic hotels: Guesthouse La Parenzana 3* in Volpija or Guesthouse Lovac 3* in Kaldanija
- Premium hotels: Heritage Hotel San Rocco 4* in Brtonigla or San Servolo 4* near Buje
Night 3: Motovun
- Classic hotels: Hotel Kaštel 3* or Villa Borgo 3* in Motovun or similar
- Premium hotels: Wine & Heritage Hotel Roxanich 4*, Motovun
Night 4: Porec
- Classic hotels: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč
- Premium hotels: BO Hotel Palazzo 4* or Martis Forum Heritage Hotel 4*
Here’s the list of the preferred hotels to be used on this tour.
Classic hotels (3-star)
Hotel B&B Trieste 3*
B&B Hotel Trieste is set in a Neo-classical building from the Austro-Hungarian period, in front of the railway station and the airport terminal Ronchi dei Legionari. WiFi is free throughout. Enjoy your breakfast in the comfortable dining room or simply rest in the elegant ambiance of B&B Hotel Trieste after a walk around the city or after a day of work. The hotel services always include an en suite bathroom fitted up with bidet and shower with extra-large showerhead; the room is furnished with a Memory Foam made-in-Italy mattress, a soft quilt, unlimited access to the Internet thanks to the free Wi-Fi and a 32" flat-screen Smart TV to get the most out of free Sky channels. Closest point of interest are the historical city center, the harbor and the Miramare Castle. Piazza Unità D'Italia is a 10-minute walk from the property. Trieste airport is located 19 mi / 30 km away. Trieste bus and train station are only 3 minutes walking from the hotel.
Hotel Roma 3*
Hotel Roma is a comfortable recently renovated 3 stars hotel in the heart of Trieste's old town. Located in a lively but quiet area, allowing a peaceful rest. It is at easy reach both if you arrive by train, as it is located at just 5 minutes walking distance from the station, and if you arrive by car, thanks to many paying car parks located close to it. Wi-Fi connection is free and available in the whole hotel. Our buffet continental breakfast is served from 7am to 10am in the breakfast room located at the top floor. Trieste airport is located 19 mi / 30 km away.
B&B Lovac 3*
Bed and Breakfast Lovac is located 3.1 mi / 5 km from the center of Buje. This charming property is surrounded by a lush garden and an olive grove. The on-site restaurant serves Istrian specialties. Free Wi-Fi and parking are available. All accommodations units are air-conditioned and feature a wardrobe and a TV. Private bathrooms are fitted with a shower. Breakfast is served daily at the on-site restaurant. A bike and tool storage is at the guests’ disposal. The restaurant serves local foods such as truffle and fish dishes, wild asparagus and game specialties. The town of Grožnjan is 7,5 mi / 12 km away, and Motovun 16,7 mi / 27 km. While the coast is 9.3 mi / 15 km away. Trieste and Pula airport are both 50 mi / 80 km away from hotel.
Hotel Casa Romantica La Parenzana 3*
The family-owned Casa Romantica La Parenzana is a rugged former farmhouse with thick stone walls, wooden beams and open fireplaces, offering fine Istrian cuisine and free internet. Located close to Buje in Istria, on the former tracks of the Parenzana Railway Line, the historic town of Grožnjan is 6,2 mi / 10 km away, and Motovun 15,6 mi / 25 km from the Casa Romantica La Parenzana. Traditional local food are served in the restaurant. All 16 rooms are heated and have an private bathroom and a TV. Internet access is available for free at the reception. Trieste and Pula airport are both 50 mi / 80 km away from hotel.
Hotel Villa Borgo 3*
This B&B, situated close to the main square, the walls and the main Motovun street filled with restaurants and souvenirs, has the most beautiful view of the natural beauty of the interior of Istria from its terrace. Formerly old traditional stone house (formerly a seashell) is now newly renovated with all together nine rooms with private bathrooms. There is also the neighboring building “Baka Ljubica”, which contains six newly renovated rooms, with private bathrooms and a street view. Pula Airport is 44 mi / 70 km from Villa Borgo, while Rijeka Airport can be reached within 60 mi / 95 km. A bus stops at the foot of Motovun.
Boutique Hotel Kaštel 3*
Featuring an indoor swimming pool and à-la-carte restaurant, the family-run Hotel Kaštel is set at the top of a hill in the center of the medieval town of Motovun. Its guests can enjoy spa area with a sauna, a relaxing garden and various massage treatments. The wellness and spa area as well as most of the hotel rooms offer views of characteristic central Istrian landscape, the valley of the river Mirna and the famous Motovun vineyards. Amenities in each of 33 rooms include air-conditioning, satellite TV, a telephone, free Wi-Fi internet and central heating. All rooms consist of a bathroom with bathtub or shower and a hairdryer. The distance to the beach in Novigrad is 19 mi / 30 km from the Kaštel Hotel. Pula Airport is 44 mi / 70 km from Villa Borgo, while Rijeka Airport can be reached within 60 mi / 95 km.
Hotel Poreč 3*
Hotel Poreč, located directly beside the Marina of Poreč, takes only a short walk to the city center or the town beach. The parking is located in front of the hotel, a garage for motorcycles and bicycles is available for guests. The rooms, 54 of them, are modernly decorated, air-conditioned and have a balcony and a private bathroom with a shower. Satellite TV, a minibar, a safe and free Wi-Fi internet are available. A breakfast buffet is served in the restaurant. Pula airport is 36,2 mi / 58 km away, while Trieste airport is 77 mi / 123 km away.
Premium hotels (4-star)
Duchi Vis a Vis Hotel (4-star)
Duchi Vis a Vis is a designer hotel in Trieste city center, 46 m from Piazza Unita' d'Italia. It offers modern and elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi. Rooms offer a flat-screen TV with satellite and pay-per-view channels. Enjoy soccer matches for free on Sky. Each room features parquet floors. The hotel is set on the first floor of a historic building on a quiet street. Its hall is decorated in a contemporary style with marble and crystal details. Guest can access the common areas and Harry’s Grill restaurant in Grand Hotel Duchi d'Aosta 5*, which overlooks the main square. Hotel Duchi Vis a Vis is a 5 minute walk from the harbor and half a kilometer from Trieste Train Station. Trieste airport is located 19 mi / 30 km from the hotel.
Hotel Urban 4*
Urban Design Hotel mixes modern style and elegance, all in a lively area of Trieste’s centre. Rooms and hotel interiors feature state-of-the-art furniture and pieces of urban art. Rooms are spacious and come in minimalist design with mostly black and white colors and very particular armchairs. You have free wired internet in your room and free Wi-Fi in public areas. In the morning, a varied continental breakfast is served in a stylish dining room with bare-stone walls. This includes savory and sweet food, along with fresh fruit and freshly squeezed fruit juices. The 4-star design Urban Hotel is 150 metres from Trieste’s seafront and main square, Piazza Dell’Unità. Staff are available 24 hours a day and can recommend sights in the surroundings.
Hotel San Rocco 4 *
An award-winning boutique hotel overlooking the quiet village of Brtonigla, this beautifully restored family estate with lush gardens, olive groves, and renowned restaurant welcomes visitors from all over the world. Each of the 14 double-occupancy rooms is uniquely designed to evoke the local traditions in wood, stone and wrought iron. Most have views of the park, the swimming pool, possibly even the distant Adriatic on clear days. Hotel features wellness and spa with outdoor and indoor pool. As members of the Association des Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe, San Rocco’s gourmet restaurant is at the pinnacle of Istrian and Croatian cuisine. Pula Airport can be reached in 45 mi / 73 km, while Trieste Airport is at a distance of 57,5 mi / 92 km. City of Buje is 3,4 mi / 5,5 km away.
San Servolo Residence 4* / 5*
Featuring a restaurant, a wellness center and free WiFi throughout the property, San Servolo Resort & Beer Spa is set in the Istrian countryside near Buje. This property offers a 24-hour front desk and free private parking. All rooms are air-conditioned and fitted with a flat-screen TV, a safe and a mini-bar. Private bathrooms include a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. San Servolo Resort & Beer Spa offers a continental buffet breakfast. The wellness area can be used free of charge and consists of a fitness room, a swimming pool and a Turkish and Finnish sauna. The use of the Beer Spa services is available upon request and at a surcharge. The nearest beach can be reached in 8.7 mi / 14 km. Trieste is 31 mi / 50 km from the property, Pula Airport is 50 mi / 80 km away.
Wine & Heritage Hotel Roxanich 4*
Wine & Heritage hotel ROXANICH has a restaurant, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a bar and garden in Motovun. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The property has a 24-hour front desk, room service and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. All 32 rooms come with a closet. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a hairdryer, the rooms have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms include a balcony. All guest rooms will provide guests with a desk and an electric tea pot. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The wellness area features a sauna. Poreč is 16,2 mi / 26 km from the property. The nearest airport is Pula Airport, 42 mi / 68 km from the hotel.
BO Hotel Palazzo 4*
Built in 1910 for the aristocrat society and the wealthy bourgeoisie right at the seaside on the Porec Peninsula, BO Hotel Palazzo offers you the latest comfort after its refurbishment in 2009. The wellness centre on site includes a hot tub offering wonderful views of the sea and you can select from elegantly furnished and air-conditioned rooms and large suites. Refined local and international cuisine is served in the Ritzi restaurant. You enjoy superb views of the historic monuments of the Old Town or of the Sveti Nikola island and the sea on the other side. The scent of the sea and of the pine trees in the nearby park combine to a truly Mediterranean experience. Wireless internet access is available for free in the entire BO Hotel Palazzo. Parking is possible at a secured parking space nearby with free shuttle service. It is located 36,2 mi / 58 km away from Pula airport and 79 mi / 126 km from Trieste airport.
Hotel Martis Forum Heritage 4*
Martis Forum Heritage Hotel offers absolute relaxation and the experience of staying in the historical area of Poreč with elegant rooms, beautiful view, fine drinks and food. The hotel is located in the old town of Poreč, on one of the most interesting archeological sites, Marafor Square (Martis Forum – ancient Roman forum). The terrace of the restaurant is located right on the ancient paving of the Roman Forum from the 1st century, from which the remains of ancient Roman temples, named the Temple of Mars and the Temple of Neptune- are visible. The hotel is located 36,2 mi / 58 km away from Pula airport and 79 mi / 126 km from Trieste airport.
Program
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Independent arrival in Trieste. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Trieste. Overnight in Trieste.
Day 2: Biking Trieste - Buje
At 9:00 am, there is a welcome briefing, and those who have ordered bike rental will get fitted with the bikes and other equipment. To avoid cycling with traffic in Triest, it is suggested that you take a ferry from Triest to Muggia, departure times are 10:10am and 11:20, duration 30 minutes, price per person EUR 5.80.
Cycling from Trieste to Buje is a scenic adventure through three countries (Italy, Slovenia and Croatia), each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re seeking stunning coastal views or quaint villages, this route offers an unforgettable experience. Begin your journey in Trieste, a city with a unique mix of Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian influences. Explore the stunning Piazza Unità d’Italia and Miramare Castle before hitting the road. The initial ride along the coast provides breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, making for a refreshing start.
Parenzana will take you all along Piran Bay through Portorož and Lucija towns to Sečovlje Salt Pans. The Sečovlje salts pans are the northernmost salt flats in the Mediterranean. The salt is produced in the traditional way based on a 700-year-old method that harmonizes man and nature. You can visit it's museum. After you cross Slovenian - Croatian border Parenzana will take uphill along the gravel trail where you can enjoy the view on the whole bay with saltworks and the alps in the background. From
Savudrija, you’ll head inland towards Buje. The route takes you through rolling hills and vineyards, showcasing the lush Istrian countryside. Once reach the hotel you can enjoy in Istrian specialties such as truffles and Istrian prosciutto. Overnight in the Buje area.
- Distance: 65 kilometers / 40.6 miles
- Elevation gain:+615 m / -481 m, +2017 ft / -1578 ft
Day 3: Biking Buje - Motovun
Breakfast, apart from enjoying the breath-taking landscape of the terrace-styled vineyards which resemble to an image on the front page of a holiday guide to Tuscany, you can indulge the sensation the area of Buje gives, a real polyphony of fragrances and tastes. Head southeast from Buje and follow the winding roads through vineyards and olive groves. Along the way you can stop on many fascinating viewpoints from the charming medieval town of Grožnjan to Oprtalj until you reach Motovun.
Take your time to explore Grožnjan, known for its art galleries and stunning hilltop views. Enjoy a coffee at a local café. Continue from Grožnjan, taking the scenic route through the Istrian countryside. Enjoy the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. Arrive in Motovun, a picturesque hilltop town renowned for its stunning medieval architecture and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Perched atop a 277-meter-high hill, it features narrow cobblestone streets, ancient city walls, and charming stone houses. The town is famous for its truffles, making it a culinary hotspot, especially during the annual truffle festival. Overnight in Motovun. Overnight in Motovun.
- Distance: 39 kilometers / 24 miles
- Elevation gain:+629 m / -496 m, +2063 ft / -1627 ft
Day 4: Motovun - Porec
Begin in the historic town center, enjoying the views before you set off. Cycle down the winding roads from Motovun towards Vižinada. Enjoy the beautiful Istrian countryside, with vineyards and olive groves lining your path. Taste home-made food, wine and honey produced in this area. Take a short break in Vižinada, a charming village with a local café.
From there, follow the bike paths leading to Poreč. The route offers lovely views of the landscape, and you may pass through other small villages along the way. You will pass by Nova Vas village where you can visit Baredine Cave. Once in Poreč, visit the famous Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stroll along the seafront promenade. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the old town. Overnight in Poreč.
- Distance: 38 kilometers / 23.8 miles
- Elevation:+265 m / -514 m, +869 ft / -1686 ft
Day 5: Departure
After breakfast departure.
Grade
Easy to moderate (This holiday requires cyclist with a better level of fitness who are occasional cyclists. Cycling days are longer and higher hills are possible. Distance for a day are 35 km to 55 km)
Bike rental
Hardtail mountain bikes
The hardtail mountain bike Giant Talon came in 5 different frame sizes and 27,5“ and 29“ wheels. Built on a lightweight ALUXX aluminium frame that features a classic hardtail design plus the balanced riding characteristics of larger diameter 29-inch wheels, Talo is a great choice for XC terrain.
The frame geometry is specifically designed for its wheel size and a 100mm suspension fork. It’s a confident ride that’s perfect for ambitious riders who want to take their off-road skills to the next level.
- Gears: 3x9 Shimano Alivio/Deore, chainring 22-30-40, cassette 12-36
- This bike is available in the following frame sizes: Wheels 27.5“ - frame sizes XS and S, Wheels 29“- frame sizes M, L, XL
- Equipment: cycle computer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube, tire lever, and tools, hand pump, lock.
- Available pedals: flat pedals, SPD pedals
- Bike hire for 3 days: 84 EUR
- GPS devise: 30 EUR for 3 days
- Extra side panier: 10 EUR for 3 days
- Rear rack + top bag (for gravel and MTB): 12 EUR for 3 days
- Clipless pedals (SPD, SL, KEO): 10 EUR for 3 days
- Extra equipment included in bike rental: map holder, helmet
- Equipment: cycle computer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube, tire lever and tools, hand pump, lock
MTB: Giant Talon E+ 3
With a lightweight aluminium frame that blends classic hardtail design with modern E-bike technology, Talon E+ 29 delivers comfort and confidence on off-road terrain. Perfect for bike paths or XC trails, it features a SyncDrive Core motor system that makes those hard climbs easier and encourages you to extend your ride time.
It’s designed for a 100mm suspension fork to smooth out the bumps, and its 29-inch wheels give it a stable, balanced ride quality. The side-release EnergyPak battery is integrated into the frame and can be easily removed for charging.
And the RideControl ONE control lets you adjust settings as you ride. The Frame geometry is specifically designed for its wheel size and a 100mm suspension fork. Drive unit Giant SyncDrive Core, Akku Giant Energypak 400Wh and 500 Wh, side release ( 55-135 km range).
- Gears: Shimano M2010 9 speed, chainring 36T, cassette 11-36T
- This bike is available in the following frame sizes: S, M, L
- Equipment: cycle computer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube, tire lever, tools, hand pump, lock.
- Available pedals: flat pedals, SPD pedals, toe cages, clipless pedals
- 3 days 135 EUR
- Extra day: 35 EUR
- GPS rental: 30 EUR for 3 days
- Clipless pedals - SPD: 10 EUR for 3 days
- Rear bag: 10 EUR for 3 days
- Extra equipment included in bike rental: map holder, helmet
- Equipment: cycle computer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube, tire lever, tools, hand pump, lock.
Assistance Provided during the Tour
Assistance will be provided from arrival day, with first contact with Fiore Tours' representative on welcome meeting through all days on tour you will have full assistance from Fiore Tours staff. Phone lines are always open. All necessary phone numbers you will have from the first day. You can contact them by phone: you can call the office, or you can call them on their emergency mobile phone. You can send them an E-mail or send a text message with the Viber app or whats up app. Also, you can use assistance from the hotel front desk help to send questions or requests. All the booked hotels are familiar with their tours and they are also very helpful to all guests.
Navigation
You will be given a road book with maps and descriptions for each cycling day. For all clients, you will be given the Fiore Tours app with maps that work offline.
Luggage transfers
Luggage transfers are included. On all tours, whether guided or self-guided, your luggage is transferred to your following night’s accommodation. Luggage transfer is mostly carried out by Fiore Tours, by sometimes we use also the accommodation provider or a local taxi service. Luggage needs to be ready at the lobby at the hotel by 9:00 in the morning. About all details for local transfers and luggage transfers, you will be informed at the info meeting on your arrival day.
Location
Gentle hills, valleys and forests, small picturesque towns on hilltops framed by rivers – the beauty of Istria will surely take your breath away. One of the best ways to discover it is certainly by bike. Explore the former narrow-gauge railway line Parenzana, now turned into a cycling track which passes through some of the most beautiful parts of Istria. Enjoy cycling through the charming medieval town of Motovun, situated on a hilltop, offering stunning views of the green vineyards and olive groves of top Istrian producers.
In the past, this railroad used to connect with the lands of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and served to send quality products from Istria to the imperial and royal courts. But it also connected 33 towns and villages on its way. After the economic and industrial crisis in 1935. the railway line was terminated and disassembled and today it offers cyclists who follow its current path an exploration of the beauty of Istria.
The medieval hilltop towns of Grožnjan and Motovun will delight you as much as the coastal Poreč and the former Roman colony of Pula. Feel the magical spirit of the past and take it home in a memory.
Food
Daily breakfast is included from Day 2 to Day 5, no meal is included on Day 1.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- Orientation meeting with Fiore representative
- 1x overnight in Triest
- 1x overnight in Buje
- 1x overnight in Motovun
- 1x overnight in Poreč
- 4x breakfasts
- Information package including detailed route description (map and road book), vouchers, water bottle and luggage tags
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- 24/7 emergency number
- Use of Fiore App – offline navigation with voice guidance, info about the POI’s and restaurant recommendation
What's not included
- Airfare
- Travel and bike insurance
- Arrival and departure from Istria
- Transfer from the airport to hotel and re-tour (can be organized)
- All lunches, dinners, and drinks
- Bike rentals with equipment
How to get there
Recommended Airports
PUY
Pula Airport
60 km
Transfer not provided
ZAG
Franjo Tuđman Airport
191 km
Transfer not provided
TRS
Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (Ronchi dei Legionari Airport)
48 km
Transfer not provided
VCE
Venice Marco Polo Airport
102 km
Transfer not provided
LJU
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (Brnik Airport)
109 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by shuttle
Private transfer fee for one way as follows:
- Pula airport/station - Trieste: 210 EUR (1-3 persons) or 230 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Trieste airport - Trieste: 190 EUR (1-3 persons) or 210 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Venice airport/station - Trieste: 360 EUR (1-3 persons) or 390 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Zagreb airport/station - Trieste: 400 EUR (1-3 persons) or 440 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Ljubljana airport/station - Trieste: 260 EUR (1-3 persons) or 290 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Poreč - Pula airport: 100 EUR (1-3 persons) or 120 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Poreč - Trieste airport: 190 EUR (1-3 persons) or 210 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Poreč - Trieste Train/Bus station: 140 EUR (1-3 persons) or 160 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Poreč - Venice airport: 360 EUR (1-3 persons) or 390 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Poreč - Zagreb apt/Bus/Train station: 360 EUR (1-3 persons) or 390 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Poreč - Ljubljana apt/Bus/Train station: 260 EUR (1-3 persons) or 290 EUR (4-8 persons)
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
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