8 Day Self-Guided Cycling Tour from Trieste, Italy, to Pula, Croatia
Italy and Croatia Cycling Tour
On this fantastic trip from Trieste to Pula, you will be a witness to the cultural diversity and richness of the Istrian Peninsula. Trieste and Pula were harbor centers of the Austria-Hungarian empire, Poreč and Rovinj were important trade centers in Roman Empire, and Motovun and Grožnjan were typical medieval fortified hilltop towns. Vineyards and olive groves will follow you during the cycling trip in regions where truffles are domestic food and many other specialties which you can enjoy at the end of the cycling day.
Key information
- Trip type: Self-guided
- Lodging: Point to Point
- Starts in: Trieste
- Ends in: Pula
- Total Distance: 181 Miles / 289 Kilometers
- Type of bike: Carbon road bike, Custom-built hybrid/trekking bike (Built by Musing), Custom-built E-bikes (Built by Musing) - Not included, available to rent
- E-bike: Available to rent / 230 EUR per week
- Private tour
Highlights
- 6 cycling days
- Cycling through the beautiful landscapes of Istria
- Sightseeing of local towns Motovun and Grožnjan as well as Pula, Rovinj and Poreč
- Learn about the cultural heritage and enjoy delicacies
- Information meeting before you start the tour
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- Get to use the Fiore App, offline navigation with information about POIs
- 7 nights accommodation with daily breakfast
Skill level
- Intermediate
Pula Airport (US$ 204 per person)
Franjo Tuđman Airport (US$ 386 per person)
Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (Ronchi dei Legionari Airport) (US$ 159 per person)
Venice Marco Polo Airport (US$ 375 per person)
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (Brnik Airport) (US$ 273 per person)
Accommodation
Night 1: Trieste
- Classic hotels: Hotel B&B Trieste 3* or Hotel Italia 3* or similar in Trieste
- Premium hotels: Hotel Vis a Vis 4* or Urban 4* in Trieste or similar
Nights 2 and 3: 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 4: Motovun
- Classic hotels: Hotel Kaštel 3* or Villa Borgo 3* in Motovun or similar
- Premium hotels: Wine & Heritage Hotel Roxanich 4*, Motovun
Night 5: Porec
- Classic hotels: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or similar
- Premium hotels: BO Hotel Palazzo 4* or Hotel Mauro 4* in Poreč or similar
Night 6: Rovinj
- Classic hotels: Baron Gautsch 3* in Rovinj or similar
- Premium hotels: Hotel Angelo d’Oro 4* or Caasa Garzotto 4* or Villa Tuttorotto 4* or similar
Night 7: Pula
- Classic hotels: Hotel Amfiteatar 3* or Galija 3* in Pula or similar in Pula
- Premium hotels: Hotel Oasi 4* in Pula or similar
Here’s a 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 has 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, 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.
B&B Villa Baron Gautsch (3-star)
Set in a quiet residential area of Rovinj, Villa Baron Gautsch provides air-conditioned units and free WiFi. Guests can benefit from the sun terrace and a common lounge area with a fireplace. Each room at this bed and breakfast is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All rooms have a private bathroom with a shower.
Ecomuseum Casa della Batana and St. Euphemia Church can be reached within a short walk. A variety of dining options, bars, and shops can be found in the vicinity. Main Bus Station is only 50 m away. The nearest airport is Pula Airport, 25 mi / 40 km from the property.
Hotel Amfiteatar (3-star)
A few steps from the Pula Arena amphitheater and Pula Marina, this hotel offers stylish, air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs and free internet. Mediterranean cuisine is served in the restaurant. Hotel Amfiteatar’s spacious rooms are decorated in bright lime green and beige colors. Each of the 18 rooms has a mini-bar and a large, modern bathroom with a rain shower.
A breakfast buffet is provided each morning. Guests can taste a range of characteristic Istrian dishes or enjoy international cuisine and wines in Amfiteatar’s chic restaurant. A terrace is available in warm weather. The city beach and Pula Airport are each 12 minutes away by car.
Hotel Galija (3-star)
Located in the heart of Pula, the family-run Hotel Galija offers modern 3-star accommodation. It is open all year round and features a renowned restaurant with a large terrace. The restaurant specializes in Istrian and seafood dishes, as well as a wide selection of quality wines.
Accommodations are provided in modern rooms and suites. All are equipped with air-conditioning, a satellite TV, a telephone, a mini-bar, internet access, a safe, and a hair dryer. The nearest airport is Pula Airport, 4,5 mi / 6,7 km from the property.
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 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.
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 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 m 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 meters. Pula Airport is located 31 mi / 50 km from the property.
Hotel Angelo d'Oro (4-star)
The Heritage Angelo d'Oro, formerly a Bishop`s Palace from the 17th century, is an elegant boutique hotel in Rovinj's historic pedestrian center. The green-shuttered façade on the Via Svalbe street is typically Venetian and inside, vaulted ceilings and exposed stone walls create intimate spaces for dining and relaxation. A tiny rooftop loggia offers stunning views over the rooftops.
Located in a centuries-old building, rooms are unique in size, position, and views, each comfortable and cozy in its own way. Every room has air conditioning, free WiFi, a well-stocked mini bar, and an en-suite bathroom with a bath or shower. All beds are double but also twin set is offered on request. Earth colors and natural materials are signatures of the Angelo d’Oro brand. The nearest airport is Pula Airport, 19 mi / 31 km from the hotel.
Villa Tuttorotto (4-star)
Located in Rovinj Old Town, the boutique Villa Tuttorotto is set in a historic building and features air-conditioned rooms overlooking Rovinj harbor and the Adriatic Sea. Free WiFi is provided in all areas. Tastefully decorated 6 double and 2 single rooms and a suite feature antique details and consist of a mini-bar, a safe, and a flat-screen satellite TV.
Private bathrooms come with a shower, a hairdryer, and free toiletries. Guests can start their day with a gourmet breakfast in the dining room or on the sunny balcony of the hotel bar. Villa Tuttorotto has a lounge area with comfortable sofas and a wide selection of local and international spirits. Pula Airport can be reached in 24 mi / 39 km.
Casa Garzotto (4-star)
Decorated with stone walls and old-style window shutters, Hotel Casa Garzotto is set in Rovinj's historical center and is 300 meters from St. Euphemia's Basilica. The nearest beach is a 5-minute walk away. All accommodations units are equipped with air conditioning, a safe, and satellite TV. Casa Garzotto provides laundry, ironing services, dry cleaning services, and free bicycle rental.
Guests can start their day with a rich and varied buffet breakfast, which is served in the tavern across the street. Casa Garzotto is 19 mi / 30 km away from Pula Airport and 50 mi / 80 km from Trieste in Italy. Rovinj is also connected to Venice by a 2-hour ship journey.
Hotel Arupinum (4-star)
Located in the picturesque town of Rovinj, Hotel Arupinium is set 200 meters from the Nature Park Zlatni Rt. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, an à-la-carte restaurant, and a bar with a spacious terrace. Free Wi-Fi and parking are provided. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, a safe, and a mini-bar. The private bathroom provides a shower and bath, while the room also features a balcony.
A pebbly beach can be found 500 meters away, while the center of Rovinj is 801 meters from the property. A grocery store can be found 100 m away, while shops and a green market are reachable at 801 meters. A Wellness and Spa center can be found 100 meters away, while basketball and tennis courts are available 150 meters from the property. Hiking and cycling trails can be found all around the hotel. Main Bus Station can be reached at 2625 feet / 800 m, while Pula Airport is 25 mi / 40 km away.
Hotel Oasi (4-star)
Located in Pješčana Uvala, a peaceful bay just a few km from the busy town of Pula, Boutique Hotel Oasi is surrounded by lush Mediterranean greenery. Featuring an outdoor pool, sun loungers, a covered terrace, and a wellness area, it also offers an on-site bar and restaurant. Free Wi-Fi and parking are provided. The rooms offer a seating area with a flat-screen satellite TV, a mini-bar, and air conditioning.
The private bathroom is fitted with a shower, free toiletries, a bathrobe, and slippers. Some rooms overlook the pool or the sea. The hotel’s restaurant serves traditional specialties, as well as vegetarian and macrobiotic cuisine. Breakfast is served each morning, while the cafe is open all day. A pebbly beach can be reached in 200 meters.
The town of Pula is located just 2.5 mi / 4 km away. Local busses stop 100 m away and drive to the center of Pula, while the Main Bus Station is 3.1 mi / 5 km away. Pula Airport is 5.6 mi / 9 km away.
Park Plaza Histria (4-star)
Only steps from the beach, Park Plaza Histria Pula is 4 km from Pula’s center. Featuring 3 restaurants, and tennis and racquetball courts, it features an outdoor pool, pool tables, mini golf, and lounge chairs. Providing panoramic views, the accommodations include a balcony, modern furnishings, and an LCD satellite TV. Each unit is air-conditioned and has a private bathroom with a bathtub or a shower.
The wellness and spa area is 5,920 square feet and features an indoor swimming pool with seawater, Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, ice bath, and relaxation zone with heated lounge chairs. There is also a fully equipped gym and an on-site hair and beauty salon with 4 treatment rooms.
Park Plaza Histria has various restaurants serving traditional Istrian cuisine and international dishes. Guests can also enjoy the Adriatic Sea view from the terraces of the hotel’s cafés. Pula International Airport is 6.7 mi / 11 km from the Park Plaza Histria.
Program
Cycling from Trieste to Pula is not just a physical challenge; it's an exploration of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're an avid cyclist or a casual rider, this route offers an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, hop on your bike, and get ready for an adventure you'll cherish forever!
Grade: Moderate
This holiday requires cyclists with a better level of fitness who are occasional cyclists. Cycling days are longer and higher hills are possible. Distance for a day is 40 kilometers / 25 miles to 66 kilometers / 41 miles.
Day 1: Arrival in Trieste
Independent arrival in Trieste. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Trieste. Overnight in Trieste.
Day 2: Biking Trieste over Piran to Buje
At 9 am, you have a welcome briefing and those who have ordered bike rental will get fitted with their bikes and other equipment. To avoid cycling with traffic in Trieste, they suggest you take a ferry from Triest to Muggia. Departure times are 10:10 am and 11:20, duration 30 minutes. Price per person and bike is 5.80 EUR.
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 view 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.
You will start riding on the legendary route of the Parenzana, the former narrow-gauge railway line which penetrates deeply into the Istrian peninsula connecting 33 Istrian cities and town from Trieste to Poreč (in Italian Parenzo from which the rail road got its name) spanning to the territory of three states. As you cross into Slovenia, the landscape becomes more rural and picturesque. Enjoy a smooth ride through charming villages and vineyards.
Your journey ends near Buje, a town that captures the essence of Istria with its rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards. Explore the historic center and treat yourself to local Istrian specialties like truffles and Malvasia wine.
Overnight in Buje area.
Shorter option from Muggia:
- Distance: 46 km / 29 mi
- Elevation: +697 m / -558 m, +2286 / -1830 ft
Longer option from Trieste:
- Distance: 58 km / 36 mi
- Elevation: +708 m / -576 m, +2322 ft / -1889 ft
Day 3: Biking Buje over Novigrad / Umag to Buje
This tour starts with an easy downhill ride to the coast on the northmost point of the Istrian peninsula. There is a lighthouse that you can visit, according to the legend built by Count Metternich as his love nest. Savudrija is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Adriatic, built in 1818. It is also the northernmost Istrian lighthouse. Its building is 36 m (118 ft) tall and there is a keeper living inside it. The trail continues south to Umag.
Little town with about 45 km (29 mi) of coastline and interesting hinterland integrates special features of the whole region and might be the best introduction to a different experience of the Mediterranean. Umag's history is extremely interesting; it was founded by a Roman nobleman who decided to make it his summer residence.
The glamour, magnificence, and glare of the times can be seen today in the Venetian houses of the old town. City walls and fortifications are partially preserved as well as some Renaissance and Baroque buildings and churches. Vineyards and olive groves will create an atmosphere of a typical West Istrian landscape.
Overnight in the Buje area.
- Distance: 48 km / 30 mi
- Elevation: +443 m / -442 m, +1453 ft / -1450ft
- Terrain: Begins with an easy downhill ride
Day 4: Biking Buje to Motovun
Breakfast, apart from enjoying the breath-taking landscape of the terrace-styled vineyards which resemble an image on the front page of a holiday guide to Tuscany, you can indulge in the sensation the area of Buje gives, a real polyphony of fragrances and tastes.
Along the way you can stop at 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 (909 ft) 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.
- Distance: 37 km / 23 mi
- Elevation: +693 m / -585 m, +2273 ft / -1919 ft
- Terrain: Scenic route through rolling hills and picturesque landscapes
Day 5: Biking Motovun to Poreč
Begin in the historic town center, enjoying the views before you set off. This part of the trail goes from inland to the coast. It follows the road to Višnjan where you will pass by one of the 5 most famous observatories in the world. The road continues to the town of Višnjan which is on 246 m (807 ft) altitude and from there you'll be able to catch a view on west Istrian coast and the coastal town of Poreč. In Višnjan surroundings it is possible to visit many wine cellars with wine from Poreč area, especially Malvasia.
The tour continues to Tar, a little town on the hill above the sea and to Nova Vas village by the famous 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: 40 km / 25 mi
- Elevation: +367 m / -614 m, +1204 ft / -2014 ft
Day 6: Biking from Poreč to Rovinj
Start riding on secondary local roads through small villages. Passing vineyards, towns Sv. Lovreč and Kanfanar you will reach Svetvinčenat. With its grandiose Morosini-Grimani citadel with towers, parish church, municipal loggia and a line of 16th century houses of the Renaissance and a town cistern - šterna in the middle, Svetvinčenat really belongs to a range of the most attractive Venetian creations of that period effected in this region which held one of the rare witchcraft trials in Istria during 17th century.
Continue cycling on asphalted road until you will reach Bale. You can visit the Bembo palace, city square and museum.
From Bale you will be riding on mix of gravel and asphalted roads and trail all along the coast until you will reach Rovinj, the "Pearl of Adriatic.“ Known for its picturesque old town and vibrant harbor. With narrow cobblestone streets, colorful Venetian-style buildings, and a bustling waterfront, Rovinj exudes a unique blend of history and Mediterranean charm. The town’s centerpiece is the Church of St. Euphemia, which offers stunning views from its bell tower. Rovinj is also famous for its lively arts scene, delicious seafood restaurants, and beautiful beaches. The nearby islands and nature parks provide opportunities for outdoor activities, making Rovinj a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure.
Overnight in Rovinj.
- Distance: 66 km / 41 mi
- Elevation: +860 m / -860 m, +2821 ft / -2821 ft
- Terrain: A mix of gravel and asphalted roads
Day 7: Biking from Rovinj to Pula
After breakfast you start riding along the coastline towards Pula. On the way you will pass through Fažana, situated on a low coast, well protected from the open sea by the enchanting Brijuni National Park and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves in the hinterland. Here you can stop for a drink and enjoy the beautiful view of Brijuni Islands or you can take a walk through one of the most charming old towns on the Istrian coast. – Pula!
Which city is situated on seven hills, has a magnificent Amphitheatre and is not Rome? The answer is No, it is not a mistake – you are, indeed, in front of Pula, the largest city in Istria. Pula is an enchantress with a thousand appearances which has been casting a spell on its visitors for centuries. This day you finish visiting the old city with the Sergius' Triumphal Arch and famous Arena, a Roman amphitheatre (from the 1st century B.C.).
Overnight in Pula.
- Distance: 40 km / 25 mi
- Elevation: +309 m / -320 m, +1013 ft / -1050 ft
Day 8: Departure from Pula
After breakfast departure.
Bikes available for rental
Bike hire is not included in the tour price. With a fleet of more than 150 bikes, they can find the best bike for you.
Custom built hybrid/trekking bikes
- Bike hire price: 6 days - 130 EUR
The hybrid/trekking bikes are custom built by Musing bike manufacturer and designed for several day touring. All of the hybrid bikes have adjustable stem and come in 7 different sizes, male and female frame, so you will be able to make a perfect fit for you.
Hybrid bikes are built from lightweight aluminum, and have wide gear range; triple chainring and 9 speed cassette, comfortable Selle Royal Freccia saddle, 28 inch wheels, fenders, integrated rear rack, dynamo powered lights.
Gears: 3 x 9 Shimano Alivio, chainring 28-38-48, cassette 11-32
Equipment: cycle odometer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube and tire lever, hand pump, lock, 1 side panier.
This bike is available in the following frame sizes:
- Male frame: 49cm, 52cm, 55cm, 58cm, 61cm
- Female frame: 43cm, 48cm, 53cm
Available pedals: flat pedals (included), toe cages and clipless pedals (SPD, SL, LOOK) with supplement.
Custom built E-bikes
- Bike hire price: 6 days - 230 EUR
The E-bikes are custom built by Musing bike manufacturer and designed for several days touring. All of the E-bikes have adjustable stem and come in 3 different sizes, with low entry frame, so you will be able to make perfect fit for you.
The E-bikes are built from lightweight aluminum, and have wide gear range; single chainring and 10 speed cassette, comfortable Selle Royal Freccia saddle, 28 inch wheels, front suspension, Shimano hydraulic brakes, fenders, integrated rear rack, dynamo powered lights, drive unit Shimano Steps E6100 (250W), Akku 418Wh (duration in eco mode 100km, power mode 50km).
Gears: 1 x 10 Shimano Deore, chainring 38, cassette 11-32
Equipment: cycle odometer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube and tire lever, hand pump, lock, 1 side panier.
This bike is available in the following frame sizes: 48cm, 52cm, 56cm
Available pedals: flat pedals (included), toe cages and clipless pedals (SPD, SL, LOOK) with supplement.
E-trekking bike - Haibike trekking 9 low / trekking cross 9 low
- Bike hire price: 6 days - 230 EUR
The E-bikes are built from lightweight aluminum, and have wide gear range; single chainring and 11 speed cassette, comfortable saddle, 27,5 inch wheels, Continental tyres 62-584, front suspension SR Suntour 100mm travel, hydraulic disc brakes, SKS enders, integrated rear rack, led lights, drive unit.
Equipped with the compact Bosch Performance CX Gen 4 motor, that makes those hard climbs easier and encourages you to extend your ride time. Drive unit Bosch Performance CX GEN 4, 85Nm Bosch Powertube battery, (55-155 km range).
Gears: Shimano Deore 11 speed, chainring 40T, cassette 11-51T
This bike is available in the following frame sizes: M-52cm (160-175 cm), L56cm (175-188 cm), XL-58 cm (185-200 cm)
Equipment: cycle computer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube (charged when used EUR 5 per tube) and tire lever, hand pump, lock.
Available pedals: flat pedals (included), toe cages and clipless pedals (SPD, SL, LOOK) with supplement.
E-trekking bike - Giant explore E+3
- Bike hire price: 6 days - 230 EUR
The E-bikes are built from lightweight aluminum, and have wide gear range; single chainring and 10 speed cassette, comfortable Selle Royal Freccia saddle, 28 inch wheels, Giant Crosscut gravel tyres 700x45, front suspension 63mm travel, Tektro hydraulic brakes, fenders, integrated rear rack, dynamo powered lights, drive unit.
With modern E-bike technology, it features a SyncDrive Core motor system that makes those hard climbs easier and encourages you to extend your ride time. Drive unit Giant SyncDrive Core, Akku Giant Energypak 500 Wh, side release ( 55-155 km range).
Gears: Shimano Alivio M3100 9 speed, chainring 36T, cassette 11-36T
This bike is available in the following frame sizes: M-52cm, L-56cm, XL-58 cm
Equipment: cycle odometer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube and tire lever, hand pump, lock, 1 side panier.
Available pedals: flat pedals (included), toe cages and clipless pedals (SPD, SL, LOOK) with supplement.
Gravel bike Giant Revol 0/1
- Bike hire price: 6 days - 230 EUR
The lightweight ALUXX-quality aluminium frame with lightweight Advanced-Grade carbon fork will win you over, whether you're just starting out or have been cycling for a while. Since control is key, the Giant OverDrive steerer tube provides solid and precise steering, while the compliant D-Fuse handlebar provides a smooth riding experience and the D-Fuse seatpost absorbs vibrations for comfort and stability on bumpy roads. A mix of hard-wearing GRX600 and 810 components give you superior shifting and braking performance, even in bad weather and on poor surfaces. Finally, a wheelset specifically designed for use in all weather and unpredictable terrain, and fitted with 38c tyres. Tubeless tires.
Gears: 2x11 GRX
Brakes: hydraulic disk brakes
Equipment: cycle computer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube and tire lever, hand pump, lock.
This bike is available in the following frame sizes: S, M, ML, L, XL
Available pedals: flat pedals (included), toe cages and clipless pedals (SPD, SL, LOOK) with supplement.
Carbon road bikes
Bike hire price: 6 days - 260 EUR
The Wilier GTR Team Endurance 105 is a quick and comfortable ride, striking a good balance between a traditional-style race bike and a relaxed geometry sportive machine. The carbon frame and fork are also impressively light and stiff. To make sure it performs flawlessly under shifting on the hills they use Shimano's 11 speed 105 shifters and derailleurs. With its compact crank and wide-spaced cassette, the bike will take you up hills and mountains and get back you down with confidence.
Gears: 2x11 Shimano 105, chainring 34-50T, cassette 11-30T
Equipment: cycle computer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube and tire lever, hand pump, lock.
This bike is available in the following frame sizes: S (158-168cm), (M (169-177cm), L (174-182cm, XL (179-187cm)
Available pedals: flat pedals (included), toe cages and clipless pedals (SPD, SL, LOOK) with supplement
Equipment rental
- GPS – EUR 50 for 6 days
- Extra side panier – EUR 15 for 6 days
- Rear rack and top bag (for gravel and MTB) – EUR 15 for 6 days
- Clipless pedals (SPD, SL, KEO) – EUR 12 for 6 days
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, but sometimes they also use 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
You will start this trip from Trieste, Italy, and end in Pula, Croatia. You will learn about the importance of the harbor and trade centers of the Austrian-Hungarian and Roman empires by visiting Trieste, Pula, Poreč and Rovinj. Challenge yourself by cycling the hilltops of Motovun or Grožnjan, typical medieval fortified cities with some magnificent views.
Enjoy your cycling days by allowing yourself to taste local wines, olive oils and truffle specialties in local restaurants, making friends like locals do.
Food
Breakfast is included from day 2 to day 8. 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)
What's included
- Orientation meeting with Fiore representative
- Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
- Information package including detailed route description (map and road instructions)
- Water bottle, luggage tags and vouchers
- 24/7 emergency number
- Use of Fiore App (offline navigation with information about POIs and restaurant recommendations)
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
What's not included
- Airfare
- Travel and bike insurance
- Arrival to Trieste and departure from Pula
- Transfers from/to airport/bus-train station to hotel and re-tour (can be organized)
- All lunches, dinners, and drinks (if not mentioned in the itinerary)
- Bike rentals with equipment
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Pula Airport
85 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 204 per person
Franjo Tuđman Airport
179 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 386 per person
Treviso-Sant'Angelo Airport
122 km
Transfer not provided
Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (Ronchi dei Legionari Airport)
30 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 159 per person
Venice Marco Polo Airport
111 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 375 per person
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (Brnik Airport)
83 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 273 per person
Arrival by car
It is possible to arrive in Trieste by car. There is a parking place in the center of Trieste close to the central station which is available for approximately 10 EUR a day.
Getting back to the airport:
- From Pula to Pula airport
There are local buses and shuttle buses from the bus station in Pula to Pula airport.
- From Pula to Trieste
There are bus lines that go back to Trieste but they are limited.
- From Trieste center to Trieste airport
Airport is connected by train and shuttles to Trieste center.
Arrival by airplane
Fiore tours is offering private transfers from airports or towns (Venice, Trieste, Treviso, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Pula) on request and for an extra charge. The prices are net in EUR per vehicle and one-way.
From Pula - Pula airport
- 50 EUR for 1-3 persons
- 60 EUR for 4-8 persons
From Pula - Trieste airport
- 280 EUR for 1-3 persons
- 300 EUR for 4-8 persons
From Pula - Trieste train/bus station
- 210 EUR for 1-3 persons
- 230 EUR for 4-8 persons
From Pula - Venice airport
- 430 EUR for 1-3 persons
- 460 EUR for 4-8 persons
From Pula - Zagreb airport /bus/train station
- 410 EUR for 1-3 persons
- 440 EUR for 4-8 persons
From Pula - Ljubljana airport /bus/train station
- 320 EUR for 1-3 persons
- 350 EUR for 4-8 persons
Arrival by bus
- From Pula you can take a bus to Trieste central station.
- From Mestre/Venice you can take a bus to Trieste central station.
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.