Croatian Vineyards and Villages of Undiscovered Istria

Croatian Vineyards and Villages of Undiscovered Istria

7 night self guided bike tour in Croatia

There is something magical in Istria, the largest Croatian peninsula, immersed in the blue of the Adriatic. Its green forests, historic hilltop towns, vineyards, olive groves and gentle rivers are a perfect combination of the beauty of nature, history and culture. When you add to this the seductive tastes of excellent Istrian wines, you just know that this is an area which offers you everything you need.

Enjoy an easy bike ride and explore Istria, passing through the hidden medieval towns of Grožnjan, Oprtalj, Motovun, and the former Roman colony of Poreč whose charm will leave you breathless. Passing through a landscape of hills framed by rivers, with forests, vineyards and olive groves, you’ll enjoy every moment. Take a break at the winemakers and taste indigenous wines such as Malvasia and Teran, treat yourself to tasty delicacies and experience all the charms of Istria, this exciting Croatian wine region.

Highlights

• Cycling through the breathtaking Istrian landscape
• Visit to Istrian winemakers
• Tasting the wines and culinary specialties of Istria
• Visiting the medieval towns of Motovun, Grožnjan, Poreč, Rovinj

Learn More

Learn more about self-guided tours or see more Croatia bike tours.

Daily program

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival in Istria. Info meeting with Fiore representative at 7:00pm at the hotel reception area where we will provide you with the package including hotel vouchers, bicycle with all equipment, maps, and a road book.
Overnight in the Buje area/Brtonigla

Day 2: Buje – Umag – Buje (32 miles/51 km, +1414ft/431m ascent)
This tour starts with easy downhill ride to the coast on the northernmost point of the Istrian peninsula. Nearby is a lighthouse, according to the legend build 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 meters tall and there is a keeper living inside it.

The trail continues south to Umag. Little town with about 45 km of the coastline and interesting hinterland integrates special features of the whole region and might be the best introduction into 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 beseen today in the Venetian houses of the old town. City walls and fortification are partially preserved as well as some renaissance and baroque buildings and churches. Vineyards and olive groves will create an atmosphere of typical west Istrian landscape. Visit to a wine cellar to taste the Muscat or Malvazija, local sorts of wine.
Overnight in Buje area

Day 3: Buje – Brtonigla – Novigrad – Buje (30 miles/49 km, +1830ft/558m ascent)
From Buje area, you're cycling through Kršete picturesque village and arriving to the small town of Brtonigla. It has churches and monasteries from the 15th century. Further, the trail leads through vineyards and olive groves of Brtonigla area. Wine is very popular from this area (Teran). Across endless vineyard, you'll reach Novigrad where you can visit the olive oil production and taste some of the best oils, in one word taste Istria.

Through Dajla and Karigador villages on the coast you're getting to Lovrečica venetian bishops coastal village. Following the road through Škrinjari, Babići and Buroli village you'll see traditional Istrian houses. Road by the vineyard will take you back to your hotel.
Overnight in Buje area

Day 4: Buje – Motovun (23 miles/38 km, +2670ft/814m ascent)
From Buje, you will continue towards Grožnjan. Typical Istrian medieval town sprout high on top of a hill along the right coast of the river Mirna, Renaissance loggia dating from 1585 and the beautiful St. Vitus and Modesto’s baroque church. If you just occasionally pass along its streets in which almost every door leads to art studios or galleries, and from every direction you'll the sounds of different music genres, from classical to jazz, you’ll understand why Grožnjan is known as "The town of artists."

From Grožnjan, cycle on quiet roads to Oprtalj. In Oprtalj, enjoy the unchanged urban medieval style of building, narrow streets, shops, the beautiful Venetian palaces, portals and covered passages, and particularly the unique view to the Istrian peninsula from the town loggia, according to many the most beautiful of Istria.

From Oprtalj, you are going downhill enjoying the view on Mirna river and eventually arriving in Livade, the truffle center of Istria where you can visit the local truffle shop and taste it in various forms. The truffle is an underground malodorous fungus believed to be an aphrodisiac. On the hill in front of the Livade is Motovun, surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval hill-town. Around Livade is the Motovun forest which stretches along Mirna River valley is especially rich with truffles.
Overnight near Motovun

Day 5: Motovun – Poreč (24 miles/39 km, +1505ft/459m ascent)
This part of the trail goes inland to the coast. It follows the road to Višnjan where you will pass by an observatory. The road continues to the town of Višnjan which has 246m 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 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 cave (which you can visit). After passing a few more villages the trail reaches Poreč.
Overnight in Poreč

Day 6: Poreč – Vrsar – Poreč (27 miles/44 km, +1774ft/541m ascent)
From Poreč the trail starts with sightseeing the Euphrasiana, the most valuable monument in Poreč, a church build in the 6th century. Follow the road until you reach the village of Bačva village. Bačva is the highest point of this stage and there is a local restaurant with traditional dishes where you can enjoy local food. It continues to southern villages and it comes down to the coast in the town of Vrsar.

With a commanding view of the coast, it was natural for Vrsar to become a defended fortress. Only parts of the fortification system, built in the 12th century, have been preserved but the fortress-castle used as the summer residence of the Poreč bishops, is well worth a look. After Vrsar, the trail passes Funtana fishing village, Zelena, and Plava Laguna touristic villages are the south doorstep of Poreč.
Overnight in Poreč

Day 7: Poreč – Kanfanar – Rovinj (19 miles/31 km, +590ft/180m ascent)
After breakfast you can choose to be transferred to Kanfanar or reach it on your own (optional additional 21 miles/34 km cycling, +2231ft/680m ascent). Kanfanar is a small town above the Lim valley. From Kanfanar starts the flattest ride of all in this tour. Passing by Istrian inland villages you will see traditional Istrian tool-houses (kažun).

After reaching Bale you can visit the Bebmbo palace, city square, and museum. Continue to Rovinj and on the way, you'll see "Palud" an ornithological reserve in which you can cycle around. After the village Kokuletovica you can turn in Monkodonja. Monkodonja is a prehistoric hill-town inhabited about 1800-1200 BC during the Bronze Age. After Monkodonja you will reach Rovinj, your goal of this tour, the "Pearl of Adriatic."

With its church and bell tower on the hill by the sea it is very recognizable from all sides. Also called Istrian Venice, old town which was once an island and then connected with land, famous for its traditional boats called batana. Restaurants with fresh fish combined with malvasia will complete this week's atmosphere. It will fascinate you. Everybody can enjoy Rovinj, its charm and magic.
Overnight in Rovinj

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, it's time for departure.

Surface and terrain

The tour route is on quiet roads about 55% of the time, and roads shared with traffic 40% of the time. About 5% of the time the route is on dedicated bike paths. You will find the program follows rolling hills and some days with longer ascents.

Hotels

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

Category A: 4-star hotels

HeritageHotel San Rocco, Brtonigla/Buje area
www.san-rocco.hr

Wine & Heritage Hotel Roxanich, Motovun
www.roxanich.hr

Hotel Palazzo, Porec
www.hotel-palazzo.hr

Hotel Vila Tuttorotto, Rovinj
www.villatuttorotto.com

Category B: 3 and 4-star hotels

Casa la Parenzana, Buje area
www.parenzana.com.hr

Hotel Kastel, Motovun
www.hotel-kastel-motovun.hr

Hotel Palazzo, Porec
www.hotel-palazzo.hr

Hotel Vila Tuttorotto, Rovinj
www.villatuttorotto.com

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.

How to get there

Tour start
Nearest airport: Venice Giulia (TRS) in Trieste, Italy
Nearest bus station: Buje

Tour end
Nearest airport: Pula (PUY)
Nearest bus station: Pula

The tour company can arrange various transfers for travel between numerous locations and the starting and ending cities. The most common transfers are listed on the "Dates and prices" tab. Alternative transfer requests may be made at time of booking.

Airport transfers

Tips on getting to and from your tour

Dates

Prices

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
• GPS units are available to rent (reserve at time of booking)

Bike rentals

Bikes available to rent (reserved in advance at time of booking) include:

• Road bike: Felt, Model Z85. Available in sizes 51, 54, 56, 58, 61cm
• Hybrid/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*

*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).

Tour Company