Gems of Istria

During the day arrive to the village of Fazana and check-in at your accommodation. Why not take time to relax and explore this nice village. If you should arrive earlier enough you can take the boat over to the Island of Brijuni and visit the national park.

Option 1 Pula: A nice easy coastal ride into the bustling town of Pula the capital of Istria. The ride allows you to cycle around the warrens of marbled alleys. Visit the beautifully preserved amphitheatre dating from 27 BC. Pula is a wonderful historic town.

Brijuni National Park: A 15 minute boat ride takes you to the beautiful island of Brijuni. This was used as President Tito’s residence during his dictatorship. While on the Island, explore the Roman villas and pretty Byzantine villages. Visit the Tito museum and its zoo. Sit and relax on one of the many pine-fringed bays. It is not possible to take bikes on the boat, but you can rent bikes on the island or go for a nice stroll and swim.

Vodnjan Circular ride

This is an inland loop ride which takes you to Vodnjan which is the ancient capital of Istria where you will find a mixture of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. The return route takes you back along the coast, passing remains of Roman baths, ancient stone houses called Cazun, similar to the Trulli houses in the south of Italy.

Today after breakfast you leave Fazana heading north, where you will reach the charming and bustling port town of Rovinj. At first, you will have a gentle ascent which leads you to the small town of Bale, also known as the Roman stronghold of Castrum Vallis, built by the Romans to help defend the saltpans and the roads that connect to and from Pula and Porec. After a short visit, you continue onto Rovinj and have enough time to explore this wonderful town.

Today you ride takes you inland to the impressive, forested valley of the Lim Fjord. You descend down to the Fjord before climbing a 2 km hill to the panoramic viewpoint on the other side. Now you continue further inland through gently ascending terrain till the final stretch with 2 short steep climbs (well worth the effort) take you up to the fortified hill town of Motovun. Once in your overnight town, you can admire the wonderful views over vineyards and truffle filled forests in the landscape around you.

Today you descend down to the Parenzana, a dismantled old railway turned into a gravel cycle path that gently winds its way through the fields towards Porec. Porec is an ancient port town located in the small peninsula of San Nicholas. Here do not miss its magnificent historical palaces, the “House of the two Saints” and the popular UNESCO Heritage Basilica of Euphrasian. You are staying here for 2 days allowing time to explore this wonderful town.

Today you cycle along the shoreline as you head towards the fertile plateau of Tar. You shall pass by the Larun olive plantations which is said by many to produce Europe’s best olive oil. Then you loop back inland to visit the giant limestone Cave of Jama Baredine. After your visit, you return by bike to Porec. Why not enjoy your last Istrian evening with a glass of the excellent local white wine on one of the many terraces overlooking the sea.

Depart after breakfast.