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One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours Worldwide
Representing Local Bike Tour Companies
More than 400 Tours in 70 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
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| Type of tour: | Self-guided |
| Level: | Leisurely |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 24 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Self-guided: Daily: Apr 1-Nov 30, 2013 |
| Tour price: | €630 |
| Start city: | Buje, Croatia |
| End city: | Rovinj, Croatia |
Istria is a carefree combination of an active or quiet holiday destination and don't be surprised if it wins you over with its charm. Should you choose Buje, Buzet, Motovun, Groznjan, you will find privacy and the silence of medieval towns – fortresses and familiarize yourself with the gastronomy and wine making. Motovun is a small town in the interior part of Istria, with a green Istrian landscape and wine roads that also plays host to many film festivals.
Buzet is an authentic Istrian town that was settled in ancient history and is known as the town of truffles.If you come to Istria, you will see for yourself why they refer to Istria as the "Tuscany of Croatia. " The interior part of the region with its characteristic stone architecture and small towns situated on hills create a peaceful and relaxing environment. The interior part of Green Istria will greet you with a rich agrotourism offer and untouched nature.
Learn more about self-guided tours
Istria is a carefree combination of an active or quiet holiday destination and don't be surprised if it wins you over with its charm. Should you choose Buje, Buzet, Motovun, Groznjan, you will find privacy and the silence of medieval towns – fortresses and familiarize yourself with the gastronomy and wine making. Motovun is a small town in the interior part of Istria, with a green Istrian landscape and wine roads that also plays host to many film festivals.
Buzet is an authentic Istrian town that was settled in ancient history and is known as the town of truffles.If you come to Istria, you will see for yourself why they refer to Istria as the "Tuscany of Croatia. " The interior part of the region with its characteristic stone architecture and small towns situated on hills create a peaceful and relaxing environment. The interior part of Green Istria will greet you with a rich agrotourism offer and untouched nature.
Learn more about self-guided tours
Day 1: Arrival to Porec; transfer to Buje
Arrival in PorecÂ. Meeting in our office in Porec (map with location of our office will be sent to you) where we will provide you with a package including hotel vouchers, bycicle with all equipment, maps and a road book. Our minivan will drive you to Buje from where you will start cycling next day.
Overnight in hotel Casa la Parenzana, a rural house in heart of Istria, a peaceful oasis for relaxation and an ideal starting point for daily exploration of this beautiful area.
Day 2: Buje - Umag - Buje (27 miles/43 km)
This tour starts with easy downhill ride to the coast on the northest point of Istrian peninsula. You can visit Savudrija, the oldest lighthouse in the Adriatic that was built in 1818. It is also the northernmost Croatian lighthouse. Its building is 118 feet (36 m) tall and it still has a keeper living in it.
The stage continues to Umag. Little town with coast line 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 extremly interesting; it was founded by Roman nobleman who decided to make it their summer residence. The glamour, magnificence and glare of the times can be seen today in Venetian houses of the old town. City walls and fortresses 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 wine cellar to taste the muscat, a local sort of wine.
Overnight in Buje.
Day 3: Buje - Mirna Valley - Brtonigla-Buje (24 miles/39 km)
After breakfast, you pass through Buje. Visit old town with its artistic buildings, churches and definitely see the ethnographic museum that collects and holds objects of the folk materials, tools, furniture and significant items of an old-fashioned hosehold that evoke an ancient way of living of the Istrians.
Further along you pass through Krasica where found Roman historical finds that reveal there was once a very big fortress here. The road leads you down the hill in Ponte porton, sometimes called the Bridge over Mirna River. It used to be harbor for ships to deliver goods for villages inland and also to take logs from forest in the valley of Mirna River. The road goes along the river to the village above the valley named Nova Vas. It has churches and monasteries from the XV century. Today they mostly produce wine and olive oil as the soil is very fertile. Vine is very popular from that area (teran). You can also visit the olive oil production and taste some of the best oils. Over Buje, the route continues through endless vineyards.
Overnight in Buje.
Day 4: Buje - Motovun (22 miles/35 km)
From Buje you will continue towards Groznjan, a typical Istrian medieval town sitting high atop a hill. Along the right coast of the River Mirna, Groznjan has a renaissance loggia dating from 1585 and the beautiful St. Vid and Modesto's Baroque Church. If you ride along its streets (in which almost every door leads to an art studio or gallery, and which windows from every direction echoes the sounds of different music genres, from classical to jazz) you'll understand why Groznjan is known as "the city of artists.
The next stop is Oprtalj, which features unchanged urban medieval style of buildings, narrow streets, shops, beautiful Venetian palaces, portals and covered passages, and, particularly a beautiful and unique view of the Istrian peninsula from the town loggia. From Oprtalj, you head downhill enjoying the view on Mirna River, eventually arriving in Livade, the truffle center of Istria where you will visit a local truffle shop and taste it in various forms. On the hill in front of the Livade is Town Motovun, surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval town. Motovun forest which streches along Mirna River valley is especially rich with truffles.
Overnight in hotel Kastel in Motovun.
Day 5: Motovun - Porec (24 miles/39 km)
This part of the route goes from inland to the coast. It follows the road on the way to Višnjan, where you will pass by observatory that is one of the 5 most famous observatories in the world. You will continue to the town of Visnjan, which is located at a altitude of 807 feet (246 m). From there you'll be able to catch a view on west Istrian coast and Porec. Throughout the Visnjan surroundings it is possibile to visit numerous wine cellars. The tour then countinues to Tar, a little town on the hill above the sea. You then head to Nova Vas village by the famous cave (which you can visit). After passing a few more villages, you reach Porec.
Overnight in Porec.
Day 6: Porec - Vrsar - Porec (27 miles/43 km)
From Porec, the stage starts with sightseeing visit to one of the most valuable monument in PorecÂ, build in 6th century. Following the roads, you head to the village of BacÂva. Bacva is the highest point of this stage and there is local restaurant with traditional dishes, where you can enjoy local food.
The route then continues to southern villages, before coming down to the coast and the village 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 is well worth a look. After Vrsar, the stage passes Funtana, Zelena and Plava Laguna, the touristic places near PorecÂ. Very soon from there you will reach Porec.
Overnight in Porec.
Day 7: Porec - Kanfanar - Rovinj (19 miles/31 km optional; and 19 miles/31 km)
After breakfast you can choose if take in Porec, and a short transfer to Kanfanar, a small town above the Lim valley. From Kanfanar, you can start the flattest ride of the entire tour, in which you pass Istrian inland villages with traditional Istrian toolhouses (kazun). When you get to Bale you can visit the Bembo Palace, city square and museum.
You then continue to Rovinj. On the way you'll see Palud, an ornithological reserve in which you can bike through. After the village of Kokuletovica, you arrive at Monkodonja. Monkodonja is a hill fort occupied around 1800-1200 BC during the Bronze Age.
Finally you reach the goal of your tour: Rovinj, "the Pearl of Adriatic". With church and hightower on the hill by the sea, its very recognizable from all sides. It is know as the Croatian Venice, with an old town that was once an island and then connected with land. Traditional boats from Rovinj (batana) can be seen. Enoy the local restaurants with fresh fish combined with malvasia, tha will complete this week's tour. Everybody can enjoy Rovinj, with its charms and magic.
Overnight in hotel vila Lili in Rovinj.
Day 8: Departure
Depart after breakfast.
Daily: Apr 1-Nov 30, 2013
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These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Day 1, 2 and 3: Casa la Parenzana, Buje
www.parenzana.com.hr
The family owned and operated hotel is located in a rural area of Istria, perfect for rest and relaxation. Be sure to try the traditional regional delicacies offered in the restaurant!
Day 4: Hotel Kastel, Motovun
www.hotel-kastel-motovun.hr
The hotel is located at the top of a hill in the ancient town. From this view you have an excellent view of the Mirna River and valley. There are 33 beautifully decorated modern rooms.
Days 5 and 6: Hotel Porec, Porec
www.hotelporec.com
The hotel is located between the historical part of town and the beach. There are 54 comfortable rooms, each with its own balcony.
Day 7: Vila Lili, Rovinj
www.hotel-vilalili.hr
The plesant hotel is located midway between the town center and the beach. The cozy rooms are modernly decorated and comfortable.
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Day 1, 2 and 3: Casa la Parenzana, Buje
www.parenzana.com.hr
The family owned and operated hotel is located in a rural area of Istria, perfect for rest and relaxation. Be sure to try the traditional regional delicacies offered in the restaurant!
Day 4: Hotel Kastel, Motovun
www.hotel-kastel-motovun.hr
The hotel is located at the top of a hill in the ancient town. From this view you have an excellent view of the Mirna River and valley. There are 33 beautifully decorated modern rooms.
Days 5 and 6: Hotel Porec, Porec
www.hotelporec.com
The hotel is located between the historical part of town and the beach. There are 54 comfortable rooms, each with its own balcony.
Day 7: Vila Lili, Rovinj
www.hotel-vilalili.hr
The plesant hotel is located midway between the town center and the beach. The cozy rooms are modernly decorated and comfortable.
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
The tour company has 2 different types of mountain bikes available.
Trek 3700 Frameset Sizes 16, 19.5, 21 Our 21-gear hardtail mountain bikes are equipped with an ergonomic formed aluminum frame (3 different sizes available from 16" to 21" front suspension, puncture proof Bontrager LT3 studs, skid proof handlebar, Wellgo-Pedals, precise derailleur of the brand Shimano Altus and handy Shimano V-Brakes.
Gepida Asgard Frameset Sizes 19, 21 Our 27-gear hardtail mountain bikes are equipped with an ergonomic formed aluminum frame. 2 different sizes available from 19" to 21" front suspension Rock Shox, puncture proof Schwalbe tires, skid proof handlebar, Wellgo-Pedals, precise derailleur of the brand Shimano Deore/Slx, Velo Pronto Saddle gel and Hayes Stroker Ryde Hidraulic Disc Brake.
The equipment provided for free with all rentals are saddle bag containing tire levers, spare tube, and patch kit, pump, cycle computer, water bottle holder, and lock.
Helmets are available upon request made at time of booking.
The tour company has 2 different types of mountain bikes available.
Trek 3700 Frameset Sizes 16, 19.5, 21 Our 21-gear hardtail mountain bikes are equipped with an ergonomic formed aluminum frame (3 different sizes available from 16" to 21" front suspension, puncture proof Bontrager LT3 studs, skid proof handlebar, Wellgo-Pedals, precise derailleur of the brand Shimano Altus and handy Shimano V-Brakes.
Gepida Asgard Frameset Sizes 19, 21 Our 27-gear hardtail mountain bikes are equipped with an ergonomic formed aluminum frame. 2 different sizes available from 19" to 21" front suspension Rock Shox, puncture proof Schwalbe tires, skid proof handlebar, Wellgo-Pedals, precise derailleur of the brand Shimano Deore/Slx, Velo Pronto Saddle gel and Hayes Stroker Ryde Hidraulic Disc Brake.
The equipment provided for free with all rentals are saddle bag containing tire levers, spare tube, and patch kit, pump, cycle computer, water bottle holder, and lock.
Helmets are available upon request made at time of booking.
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.
The tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
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.
The tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
Tour start
Nearest airport:
Nearest bus station
Tour end
Nearest airport:
Nearest bus station
Please note:
The local tour company can arrange transfers for travel between the airport and starting and ending cities. Please see packages and prices for more details. Requests must be made at time of booking.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Tour start
Nearest airport:
Nearest bus station
Tour end
Nearest airport:
Nearest bus station
Please note:
The local tour company can arrange transfers for travel between the airport and starting and ending cities. Please see packages and prices for more details. Requests must be made at time of booking.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
Founded in 1992, Fiore adventure is the Croatian's most experienced operator of adventure, cultural and gourmet travel. Every year Fiore adventure pioneers over 500 escorted programmes for singles, families,groups, or friendsOur tours provide lots of opportunities to explore the beauty of nature, discover natural wonders, interact with the local people and really get involved in fun activities.
Don’t’ look back, FIORE ADVENTURE is just in front of you!
Founded in 1992, Fiore adventure is the Croatian's most experienced operator of adventure, cultural and gourmet travel. Every year Fiore adventure pioneers over 500 escorted programmes for singles, families,groups, or friendsOur tours provide lots of opportunities to explore the beauty of nature, discover natural wonders, interact with the local people and really get involved in fun activities.
Don’t’ look back, FIORE ADVENTURE is just in front of you!
