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, +1214ft/370m 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, +2356ft/718m 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, +1293ft/394m 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 (28 miles/44 km, +1368ft/417m 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 (21 miles/34 km, +558ft/170m ascent)
After breakfast you can choose to be transferred to Kanfanar or reach it on your own (optional additional 21 miles/33 km cycling, +1844ft/562m 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.
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