“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 Italia 3* or similar in Trieste
- Premium hotels: Hotel Urban 4* or Hotel Vis a Vis 4* or Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta 5* 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 or Hotel Vista 3* in Vrsar
- Premium hotels: BO Hotel Palazzo 4* or Hotel Mauro 4* in Poreč
Here’s the list of the preferred hotels to be used on this tour.
Classic hotels (3-star)
Hotel B&B Trieste (3-star)
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 a bidet and shower with an 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.
The 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 from the hotel.
Hotel Italia (3-star)
Located in the heart of Trieste, Hotel Italia lies only a few minutes from the most important business centers, the congress center, the museums, and the shopping areas. Open all over the year, it's only 200 m far from the Main Railway Station and the terminal for the airport. The hotel is completely accessible for handicapped people and offers also 1 specially equipped room based on CEE standards.
A hearty sweet and savory breakfast can be enjoyed in the morning, and a gluten-free breakfast is available on request. On the ground floor, the Italia Hotel offers a small but comfortable bar. Every one of the 3 floors has a saloon at the guests' disposal for meeting each other and reading. The soundproof rooms, furnished with cherry wood and warm colors, provide a relaxing atmosphere. Trieste airport is located 19 mi / 30 km from the hotel.
B&B Lovac (3-star)
Bed and Breakfast Lovac is located 1.9 mi / 3 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 towns of Grožnjan and Motovun can be reached at 6.2 mi / 10 km, while the coast is 9.3 mi / 15 km away. Pula Airport can be reached in 43 mi / 70 km.
Hotel Casa Romantica La Parenzana (3-star)
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 towns of Motovun and Grožnjan are just about a few meters from the Casa Romantica La Parenzana.
Traditional local food like Čripnja – roasted meat or fish and potatoes cooked in a cast iron pot over an open hearth fire – or dishes with truffles are served in the Konoba restaurant. All 16 rooms are heated and have a private bathroom and a TV. Internet access is available for free at reception. Trieste airport is 29 mi / 46 km away, while Pula Airport is 39 mi / 63 km away from the hotel.
Hotel Villa Borgo (3-star)
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. The 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 / 71 km from Villa Borgo, while Rijeka Airport can be reached within 62 mi / 100 km. A bus stops at the foot of Motovun.
Boutique Hotel Kaštel (3-star)
Featuring an indoor swimming pool and an 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 the 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 the characteristic central Istrian landscape, the valley of the river Mirna and the famous Motovun vineyards.
Amenities in each of the 33 rooms include air-conditioning, satellite TV, a telephone, free Wi-Fi internet, and central heating. All rooms consist of a bathroom with a bathtub or shower and a hairdryer. The distance to the beach is 19 mi / 30 km from the Kaštel Hotel. Pula Airport can be reached within 44 mi / 71 km and Rijeka Airport is at a distance of 62 mi / 100 km.
Hotel Poreč (3-star)
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, and a garage for motorcycles and bicycles is available for guests. The rooms, 54 of them, are modernly decorated, and 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 a restaurant with the possibility to book lunch or dinner at the reception desk. Pula Airport is 28 mi /44.3 km away, while Trieste Airport is 42 mi / 67.5 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 meters from Piazza Unitŕ 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. A buffet breakfast is served 11 m away, at Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta. Here, guests can access the common areas and Harry’s Grill restaurant, which overlooks the main square. Hotel Duchi Vis ŕ 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.
Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta (4-star)
Grand Hotel Duchi d'Aosta is located in Piazza Unitŕ d'Italia, Trieste's most impressive square that opens onto the sea. It offers luxury accommodations with an old-world atmosphere. Guests can relax in the indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, and Turkish bath. The rooms are decorated with classic, antique furniture. They come with a flat-screen TV with satellite and pay-per-view channels. WiFi here is free.
Guests can choose between two fine restaurants: Harry's Bistro and the Michelin-starred Harry's "Piccolo". Buffet breakfast is offered every morning in an elegant dining hall and includes freshly baked pastries. The Grand Duchi d'Aosta is 901 m from Trieste Railway Station and a 40-minute drive from the Ronchi dei Legionari Airport.
Hotel San Rocco (4-star)
An award-winning boutique hotel overlooking the quiet village of Brtonigla, this beautifully restored family estate with lush gardens, olive groves, and a 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, and possibly even the distant Adriatic on clear days. The hotel features a wellness and spa with an 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 at 45 mi / 73 km, while Trieste Airport is at a distance of 56 mi / 90 km. The city of Buje is 3.73 mi / 6 km away.
San Servolo Residence (5-star)
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 4-star 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 5.6 mi / 9 km. Trieste is 16 mi / 26 km from the property, while Portorož is at a distance of 7.5 mi / 12 km. Pula Airport is 38 mi / 61 km away.
Wine & Heritage Hotel Roxanich (4-star)
Wine & Heritage hotel ROXANICH has a restaurant, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and a 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 WiFi 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. Portorož is 24 mi / 38 km from Wine & Heritage hotel ROXANICH, while Poreč is 17 mi / 28 km from the property. The nearest airport is Pula Airport, 42 mi / 68 km from the hotel
BO Hotel Palazzo (4-star)
Built in 1910, it is the first hotel in the rich cultural and historical heritage of the town of Porec whose guests were aristocrats. Renovated in 2009 with respect for the original architecture, it offers a union of the luxurious architecture of a past era and the comfort of first-rate modern catering.
The hotel features 70 elegantly decorated and modernly furnished rooms, as well as 4 luxury and spacious suites, wellness, and a spa with an outside pool. A pleasant and charming interior with discreet secession style details offers a gourmet experience by tasting traditional Istrian specialties and Mediterranean cuisine. It is located 28 mi / 45 km away from Pula airport and 42 mi / 67 km from Trieste airport.
Hotel Mauro (4-star)
Set in the historic building right on the vivid seaside promenade, Boutique Hotel Mauro offers elegantly decorated rooms overlooking the Adriatic Sea or Poreč historic core. The UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica is just 200 meters away. Free WiFi and free private parking are provided. These modern-style rooms are decorated with stone and wooden elements.
Each room is air-conditioned and amenities include a flat-screen TV, mini-bar, and a safe. The private bathroom consists of a bathtub. An a la carte Mauro Restaurant serves specialties made from fresh local ingredients and fish. There is a beach area and 2 seasonal outdoor pools at guests' disposal. Please note that they are located 1.2 mi / 2 km from the hotel, but a free shuttle service is provided. Main Bus Station at a distance of 601 m. Pula Airport is located 31 mi / 50 km from the property.
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 09 am we have a welcome briefing and those who have ordered bike rental will get fitted with our bikes and other equipment.
To avoid cycling with traffic in Triest we suggest to take a ferry from Triest to Muggia, departure times are: 10:10am and 11:20, duration 30 minutes. Price (in 2023) per person+bike EUR 5.55. Today Parenzana takes all along Piran Bay through Portorož and Lucija towns to the saltworks of Sečovlje. The Sečovlje salt flats 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 its museum. After you cross the Slovenian - Croatian border, Parenzana will take you uphill along the trail where you can enjoy the view of the whole bay with saltworks and the alps in the background. After passing by Savudrija - Salvore train station. Following the Parenzana train along the road and passing through once-important villages of the Buje region you are getting to your hotel where you can enjoy Istrian specialties such as truffles and Istrian prosciutto. Overnight in a hotel in the Buje region.
- Distance: 65 kilometers / 40.6 miles
- Elevation gain:+615 m / -481 m, +2017 ft / -1578 ft
Day 3: Biking Buje - Motovun
After breakfast you will start biking (on macadam) on the legendary route of the Parenzana, the former narrow-gauge railway line which penetrates deeply into the Istrian peninsula connecting 33 Istrian towns between Porec and Trieste, located today on the territory of even three states. Passing through magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards, it will become obvious why it was also known as the wine railway.
After passing through several tunnels, and over old bridges, you can stop at many fascinating viewpoints between the medieval town of Buje, Grožnjan, and Motovun before reaching Motovun. Stop in Grožnjan, the city of artists. After you saw It's galleries and viewpoints you can pass through magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards.
After passing through several tunnels, and over old bridges you can stop at many fascinating viewpoints before reaching the village of Livade, the truffle center of the world where you can taste and buy some products with truffles. In front of Livade on a hill is the town of Motovun where is your hotel. Overnight in Motovun.
- Distance: 38 kilometers / 24 miles
- Elevation gain:+629 m / -496 m, +2063 ft / -1627 ft
Day 4: Motovun - Porec
Overlooking the Mirna River valley lies surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval town of Motovun-Montona. This captivating hilltop town is one of the characteristic symbols of the Istrian interior. The Romanesque-Gothic bell tower with a crenulated crown from the 13th century, standing next to the Parish Church of St. Stephen from the 17th century, dominates the town's historic core.
In the central square is the Romanesque Municipal Palace, the largest secular building in Istria of that period surrounded by many other historic buildings. Passing the tunnel under the city of Motovun Parenzana will take you toward Poreč through Vižinada village. You will pass by Nova Vas village where you can visit Baredine Cave. Following the trail along the vineyards, you will reach Poreč.
This is a town where you can find material and spiritual evidence of great cultures at every step. Ride along the old city center where you will find the Roman Forum, magnificent palaces from different historical periods, and to top it all, the famous Euphrasian Basilica (Euphrasiana). Overnight in a hotel 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: 80 EUR
- Extra day: 25 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 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
- Information meeting
- 4 nights accommodation
- 4 breakfasts
- Information package including detailed route description (map and road book), vouchers, luggage tags
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- 24/7 emergency number
- Use of Fiore App (offline navigation with information about POIs)
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 180 EUR (1-3 persons) or 200 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Trieste airport - Trieste 140 EUR (1-3 persons) or 170 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Venice airport/station - Trieste 330 EUR (1-3 persons) or 360 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Zagreb airport/station - Trieste 340 EUR (1-3 persons) or 370 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Ljubljana airport/station - Trieste 240 EUR (1-3 persons) or 280 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Poreč –Pula airport 90 EUR (1-3 persons) or 100 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Poreč –Trieste airport 170 EUR (1-3 persons) or 190 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Poreč –Trieste Train/Bus station 120 EUR (1-3 persons) or 150 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Poreč –Venice airport 330 EUR (1-3 persons) or 360 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Poreč –Zagreb apt/Bus/Train station 340 EUR (1-3 persons) or 370 EUR (4-8 persons)
- Poreč –Ljubljana apt/Bus/Train station 240 EUR (1-3 persons) or 280 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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