The Coast of Istria

During the day arrive at your first hotel in Trieste.

After a few miles, you say goodbye to Italy. In Slovenia, you cycle mostly on cycling paths through famous bathing resorts like Koper (Capodistria) and Izola (Isola d’Istria) to Piran (Pirano) or Portorož (Portorose), a spa town on the Slovenian Riviera. The longer version of the route leads you through “Val Rosandra“ in the backcountry.

On today’s cycle tour you shall pass the salt gardens of Sečovlje, where they produce sea salt on huge areas through natural evaporation, and you cycle over the border to Croatia. You cycle through the Croatian part of Istria, the biggest peninsula of the Adria, slightly hilly to Umag, which historic centre was built on the relics of a Roman colony. Umag is well-known also for the ATP tournament – “Croatia Open“, held every year. Enjoy a sightseeing tour in the evening through the medieval town with its narrow alleys and the beautiful city tower.

From Umag, you cycle on slightly hilly terrain to Novigrad or Cittanova. This medieval town surrounded by a medieval wall is seated on the mouth of the River Mirna. Then you cycle to Poreč, the most important coastal city on Istria’s west coast. We suggest visiting the Euphrasian Basilica, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage site.

You have the choice: either you visit by boat the Brijuni-islands or the Limski-channel, or you enjoy your day off by the sea or visit the country land of Porec. The Brijuni-islands are twelve smaller and 2 bigger islands; the main island Veli Brijun was used by the Yugoslav statesman Tito as a summer residence. Today the islands are a National Park and only Veli Brijun can be visited by the public. Going by boat to the fjord-like Limski channel you might be lucky and see some dolphins. The Limski channel is a National Park nature reserve and on the coast, you find mussels and oyster farming.

Have the last view over the picturesque seaport on Istria’s west coast before you leave to Rovinj. Rovinj is surrounded in the west and the south-west by the Adriatic Sea.  The high bell tower of the Euphemia Church built on the highest spot of Rovinj, greats you. Go ahead, if you would like to cycle to Zlatni rt (also known as Golden Cape), a peninsula, where you find a park in a nature reserve.

The last day on your cycle tour in Istria leads you to Pula on Istria’s south-west point. Pula is the oldest town of Istria and its a commercial and cultural centre. Enjoy your last day of the tour amongst various antiquities and the mighty Roman amphitheatre in the centre of Pula.

Depart after breakfast.

NOTE: The 4-night trip commences in Trieste and departs from Porec. It is the first 4 nights of the 7-night tour.