Croatian Vineyards and Villages of Undiscovered Istria
Self guided from EUR € 1030
Bike tour in Croatia
Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour
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Let yourself be captivated by Croatia's largest peninsula
There is something very special about Istria - the largest Croatian peninsula - immersed as it is in the azure blue of the sublime Adriatic Sea. Its rich forests, historic hilltop towns, verdant vineyards, aromatic olive groves, and gentle rivers provide the perfect combination of nature, history, and culture. Add to this the seductive taste of the immaculate Istrian wines, and Croatia is bound to capture your heart.
Enjoy an easy cycling exploration of Istria, passing through the hidden medieval towns of Grožnjan, Oprtalj, Motovun, and the former Roman colony of Poreč. The charm of these authentic Croatian settlements will earn a very special place in your memory.
Passing onwards, you'll glide through a landscape of gorgeous green hills framed by rivers, forests, vineyards, and olive groves, and you'll enjoy every moment. Take a break at the winemakers and tantalize your taste buds with indigenous wines like Malvasia and Teran, treating yourself to tasty delicacies on the side.
Explore the abundant charm of illustrious Istria, a captivating Croatian paradise!
Highlights
- Illustrious Istrian landscapes
- Visit to Istrian winemakers
- Tasting the wines and culinary specialties of Istria
- Medieval towns of Motovun, Grožnjan, Poreč, and Rovinj
Learn More
Learn more about self-guided tours or see more Croatia bike tours.
Interested in adding to your itinerary? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Pula. -
Traveler photos
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Daily program
Day 1: Arrival in Istria
Arrive in Istria and meet your Fiore representative at 7:00 pm - they'll be waiting in the hotel reception area to provide your tour package, including hotel vouchers, bicycles with all the necessary equipment, maps, and a road book.Overnight in the Buje area/Brtonigla.
Day 2: Buje – Umag – Buje (30 miles/48 km, +1453/-1450ft +443/-442m)
Your first day's touring begins with an easy downhill ride to the sensational coastline along the northernmost point of the Istrian peninsula. Legend has it that the nearby lighthouse was built by Count Metternich to be his 'love nest'! Savudrija is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Adriatic, having been built in 1818, and is also Istria's northernmost lighthouse. These days, a keeper still lives inside this 36 meter-high coastal building.Today's trail continues south to Umag, a little town boasting around 45 km of coastline and intriguing hinterlands integrating many of the Mediterranean's most magical features. The history of this little town is very interesting - founded by a Roman nobleman who decided to make Umag his summer residence, the town still emanates magnificence, especially in the Venetian houses of the Old Town. You'll find Umag's walls and fortifications still partially preserved, along with a selection of Renaissance and Baroque buildings and churches. The verdant vineyards and aromatic olive groves surrounding the town create a serene atmosphere typical of West Istrian landscapes. Enjoy a visit to a wine cellar to taste the local Muscat or Malvazija.
Overnight in Buje area.
Day 3: Buje – Brtonigla – Novigrad – Buje (31 miles/50 km, +1384 ft /-1381ft, +422/-421 m)
Biking off from the Buje area, you'll cycle through the picturesque village of Kršete and arrive in the small town of Brtonigla, boasting churches and monasteries from the 15th century. Further on, the charming trail leads you through the vibrant vineyards and sun-kissed olive groves of the Brtonigla area, known for the popular Teran wine. Crossing the seemingly endless vineyards, you'll reach Novigrad, where can stop to visit places of olive oil production and taste some of the most sumptuous oils in Europe.Continuing on through the Dajla and Karigador villages, breathe in the sea air as you follow the coastline to Lovrečica, the coastal village of a Venetian bishop. As you follow the road through the villages of Škrinjari, Babići and Buroli, you'll glide past an array of wonderful traditional Istrian houses.
Overnight in Buje area.
Day 4: Buje – Motovun (23 miles/37 km, +2273 ft /-1919 ft, +693m /-585m)
From Buje, you'll continue towards Grožnjan, a traditional medieval Istrian town perched high on a hill overlooking the River Mirna and the beautiful Baroque church of St. Vitus and Modesto. As you casually cycle through its streets, you'll notice that almost every door is the entrance to an intriguing art gallery or studio, whilst your ears will be graced with the sounds of myriad music genres, from classical to jazz, emanating from doorways and restaurants. You'll soon come to see why Grožnjan is known as 'The Town of Artists'!From Grožnjan, follow the quiet roads to Oprtalj, where you can enjoy the unchanged medieval architecture and planning apparent in the narrow streets, the beautiful Venetian palaces, quirky portals and passages, and a unique view over the Istrian peninsula from the town loggia, said to be the most beautiful view of Istria.
From Oprtalj, zoom downhill to enjoy views of the Mirna river and eventually arrive in Livade, the truffle center of Istria where you can visit local truffle stores and enjoy a sample of these underground malodorous fungi. On the hill in front of Livade is Motovun, the most famous and attractive of the Istrian medieval hill towns. Around Livade, you'll find the atmospheric shelter of the Motovun forest, rich with truffles, which stretches along the magical Mirna River valley.
Overnight near Motovun.
Day 5: Motovun – Poreč (25 miles/40 km, +1204 ft /-2014 ft, +367 m /-614 m)
This section of the trail sees you cycling inland towards the coast, following the road to Višnjan where you'll pass by an impressive observatory. Continuing along the road, which has an altitude of 246 m, you'll catch an incredible view of the West Istrian coast and the coastal town of Poreč. In the verdant surroundings of Višnjan, you can enjoy visits to many wine cellars to sample the sumptuous wines hailing from the Poreč area, especially from Malvasia.Your tour continues on to Tar, a little hilltop town peering over the sea, and to the village of Nova Vas, famous for its cave, which you can visit. After passing through a few more quaint villages, the trail brings you into Poreč.
Overnight in Poreč.
Day 6: Poreč – Vrsar – Poreč (28 miles/45 km, +1689 ft / -1689 ft, +515 m /-515 m)
From Poreč, the trail takes in sightseeing at the Euphrasiana, a church built in the 6th century that's widely regarded as the most valuable monument in Poreč. Continue your ride along the road until you reach the village of Bačva, the highest point of this cycling stage, where you can settle down for some scrumptious traditional food in a charming local restaurant. Your route then continues through the southern villages until you reach the coastal town of Vrsar.With a commanding view of the coastline, it was inevitable that Vrsar was a fortress town built to protect inland areas. Only parts of the 12th-century fortification system have been preserved, but the fortress castle used as a summer residence by the Poreč bishops is well worth a look. Once you've visited Vrsar, pedal onwards to the fishing village of Funtana, and pass through the tourist villages of Plava Laguna and Zelena, on the southern doorstep of Poreč.
Overnight in Poreč.
Day 7: Poreč – Kanfanar – Rovinj (20 miles/32 km cycling, +590ft/-1492ft, +180m/-455m)
After breakfast, you have the choice of a transfer to Kanfanar or to cycle to the destination (optional additional 21 miles/34 km, +2230ft/-1305ft, +680m /-399m,). Kanfanar is a small town settled above the Lim Valley and the starting point of the flattest ride along this whole tour. As you pass through Istrian inland villages, you'll enjoy views of traditional Istrian toolhouses (Kažun).Having biked into Bale, enjoy a visit to the Bebmbo Palace, City Square, and museum. Then, ride onwards to Rovinj, passing by the 'Palud' ornithological reserve on the way. Make your way towards Monkodonja, a prehistoric hilltown inhabited during the Bronze Age from around 1800-1200 BC. Soon afterwards, you'll reach Rovinj, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'.
Which its hilltop church and bell tower, Rovinj is recognizable from all sides. Also known as the 'Istrian Venice', the Old Town of Rovinj was once an island famous for its traditional boats (called 'batana'), eventually connected with the mainland. You'll find the tantalizing aromas of fresh fish emanating from the inviting restaurants here in a town of wonderful charm and magic. Rovinj is sure to fascinate you on your final evening!
Overnight in Rovinj.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, it's time for departure.
Don't want the adventure to end? Consider taking a cycling day tour in Pula to top off your itinerary. -
Accommodation
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
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4-star hotels
Heritage Hotel San Rocco, Brtonigla/Buje area
www.san-rocco.hrWine & Heritage Hotel Roxanich, Motovun
www.roxanich.hrHotel Palazzo, Porec
www.hotel-palazzo.hrHotel Angelo d'oro, Rovinj
www.angelodoro.com -
3 and 4-star hotels
Guesthouse La Parenzana, Buje area
www.laparenzana.comHotel Kastel, Motovun
www.hotel-kastel-motovun.hrHotel Palazzo, Porec
www.hotel-palazzo.hrHotel Angelo d'oro, Rovinj
www.angelodoro.com
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
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Bikes
Bikes available to rent (reserved in advance at time of booking) include:
- Standard/trekking bike: Custom built, Musing brand. Available in Men's sizes 49, 52, 55, 58, 61cm and Women's sizes 43, 48, 53cm
- Electrically-assisted bike: Custom built, Musing brand, Pyrit E model. Available in Unisex, S or M size*
- Gravel bike, Giant Revol 0/1: Available in sizes: S, M, ML, L, XL
- Carbon Road bike:Wilier GTR Team Endurance 105: Available in sizes S,M, L, XL
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Equipment provided with bike rentals:
- Saddle bag and rear rack (no rear rack on road bike)
- Handlebar bag or map holder (not on road bike)
- Tire lever and tools
- Spare tube and patch kit
- Hand pump
- Cycle computer
- Water bottle holder
- Lock
Helmets:
Helmets are available upon request (in advance at time of booking). However, for safety and hygiene purposes, we recommend that you bring your own helmet or plan to purchase one upon arrival.Pedals:
Available pedals: flat (included), SPD clipless (€10 surcharge per week).Dates
Daily: Mar 15 - Nov 15, 2024.
Season 1: Mar 15, 2024 - Apr 19, 2024
Season 2: Apr 20, 2024 - Jun 19, 2024, Sep 20, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024
Season 3: Jun 20, 2024 - Sep 19, 2024Prices
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Tour package
Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Per person double occupancy €1030 €1180 €1280 Single use room (1 person/1 room) €1400 €1660 €1790 Solo traveler (1 person in party with single use room) €1520 €1780 €1910 -
Tour package
Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Per person double occupancy €1250 €1450 €1690 Single use room (1 person/1 room) €1980 €2350 €2680 Solo traveler (1 person in party with single use room) €2100 €2470 €2800
Bike Rentals
Standard/trekking bike €130 Electrically assisted bike €230 Gravel bike €230 Carbon road bike €260
Additional Options
GPS €50 SPD clipless pedals €12 Rear bike bag(road bike) €15 Extra side pannier €15 Transfer
Between Trieste Airport and Buje, one way (1-3 passengers) €165 Between Pula Airport and Buje, one way (1-3 passengers) €105 Between Trieste train/bus station and Buje, one way (1-3 passengers) €120
Between Rovinj Trieste Airport, one way (1-3 passengers) €205 Between Rovinj and Pula Airport, one way (1-3 passengers) €70 Between Rovinj and Trieste train/bus station, one way (1-3 passengers) €150 Included services
- 7 nights accommodations in booked hotel category
- Breakfasts
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- Information package including detailed route description (map and road book) and vouchers
- 24-hour hotline service in case of problems or questions
- Welcome meeting
- Water bottle
- Navigational app*
*GPS units are available to rent (reserve at time of booking)
Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
Surface and terrain
The tour route is on quiet roads about 55% of the time, roads shared with traffic about 40% of the time, and dedicated bike paths about 5% of the time. You will find the program follows rolling hills and features some days with longer ascents.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Venice Giulia (TRS) in Trieste, Italy
Nearest bus station: BujeTour end
Nearest airport: Pula (PUY)
Nearest bus station: PulaThe tour company can arrange various transfers between numerous locations and the start and end cities. The most common transfers are listed on the 'Dates and prices' tab. Alternative transfer requests may be made at time of booking.
Tips on getting to and from your tour.
Reviews
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★★★★★ Jeff Kuerbitz 4 months ago
Perfect Honeymoon Getaway
Our trip was the perfect way to explore this beautiful country! We loved every part of it. The hotels were beautiful and comfortable. We had some of the best meals of our lives. The wine was amazing. Everyone we met was very friendly. The directions for the route were clear and accurate. We never got lost. The routes were well thought out. The scenery was incredible, there was a lot of great history to learn about, and there were beautiful villages, restaurant, wineries and shops along the way to stop and take a break. The tour company was very responsive. My front axle began wobbling the second day and they quickly met me along the route with a replacement.
We can't wait to go back.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- This is my first
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ carlye5 July 2, 2017
Beautiful country sides!
We had done a 4 week trip to Croatia and surrounding countries, and our bike trip was the last week of 4. It was beautiful weather and we had a great time!
Biketours.com did a great job organizing everything for us, and taking care of our needs.The third party tour company fiore tours was only average. We still had a great time, but there was plenty to improve on. The tour company gave us very poor instructions as to where we were meeting for the tour, and the emails given to us were incorrect. It was an adventure to get to the starting hotel to say the least. But we rented road bikes and they were great bikes. Very light, and the company offered many pedal types.
My only other concern was that the "itinerary" listed on the site mentions all these great things, but in reality you have to do a lot of work researching and planning where to stop each day. Many of the options they give us are only open in the afternoons, and are very close to where we were starting, so even if we started around 10am which was rather late, many wineries were still closed. After the first two days of being disappointed by not being able to find the suggested stops, and then finding them closed, we realized we had to do some leg work as far as finding stops along the route. Then the tour improved immensely.
My boyfriend and I are 23 and 25 and fit people, although not big cyclists. We chose an "easier" route so that we wouldn't be exhausted after each day. However, we were complete toast every single day. So if you aren't in good physical condition, I do not recommend this. Most of the route was rather hilly, especially day 3.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Mid June 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- only this one.
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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BikeTours.com staff reply from Jim Johnson July 3, 2017
Thanks very much for this feedback. We'll address all of your points with Fiore in hopes of improving the experience for future travelers.