Italy’s neighbor to the East, Croatia, offers idyllic cycling through a medieval landscape of castles and vineyards, all with a beautiful view of the Adriatic Sea. Bright blue waters line a coast littered with architectural wonders, against a backdrop of deep green, truffle-filled forests. The terrain on this peninsula’s coast is perfect for the cyclist who wants to combine slightly rolling and hilly terrain with images of Croatia's history and unspoiled beauty.
Tour Details
Duration
8 Days/7 Nights
Location
Istrian Peninsula, Croatia
Season
October 7, 2007
Tour Type
Road Touring
Nearest City
Trieste, Italy
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Istrian Peninsula, Croatia
Distance Traveled
180 Miles
Skill Levels Accommodated
Intermediate
Fully Guided
Yes
Guest Capacity
6-16
Support Vehicles
Full Van Support
Bike Rentals Available
Yes
Bike Brands
Bianchi Bikes, Ultra-Performance 24-speed Custom Hybrid and Womens Hybrid, Tandems available upon request
Accommodations
Classic: Hotels, Inns, B&Bs with private baths
Transportation to Start Site
Shuttle from Trieste airport to first hotel
Dining
Meals Included: 6 Dinners, 2 Lunches and all Breakfasts
About Liquor
Optional Wine Kitty
Additional Activities
Peaceful roads linking historic, hilltop villages and picturesque seaside towns; Admore the beauty of the coast with a boat transfer; Explore the legendary towns of Porec, Motovun and Pula; Learn about Croatia's blossoming wine industry and taste the latest vintages; Sail to the unspoiled Brijuni National Park- a vacation spot for aristocrats over centuries
Rates
$3,395.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
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Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Trieste, Italy This tour begins in Trieste, Italy's gateway to Eastern Europe. Meet at 1pm in the lobby of the hotel for greetings, bike fitting and a warm-up ride.
Day 2-3: Motovun, Croatia Today you leave Italy, and cross through Slovenia to enter Croatia. You'll get your first taste of Croatian culture in the typical town of Motovun. Located in the green heart of the Istria region, you'll explore Motovun's cobblestone streets, and bright red roofs will stir images of Tuscany. On Day 3 pedal to beautiful Groznjan, stopping to sample some of the finest Istrian white wines. Along your path, enjoy views of the thick green forests which have inspired Croatian folklores of monsters and giants.
Day 4: Porec Today journey to flatter land, and the warm shores of the "Istrian Riviera". The destination of the coastal route is the Roman town of Porec. Here, visit the Basilica Eufransiana, a Byzantine cathedral cherished by art historians for its unique design and mosaics.
Day 5: Rovinj As you bike southward along the coast, take in the rich blues and vibrant greens of your surroundings! You'll head into the Venetian peninsula city of Rovinj, famous for its majestic bell tower, and the narrow cobblestone streets which are reserved for pedestrians only.
Day 6: The Capitol: Pula Pedal further south to Pula, the largest city in Istria and home to a Roman amphitheater and majestic Venetian castle. Having viewed its breathtaking sites, relax on the beach and enjoy Pula's spectacular seafood restaurants!
Day 7-8: Brijuni Island National Park After a ride down the coast, you'll catch a ferry ride to the Brijuni Islands. Surrounded by crystal clear waters, the lush parks are filled with rare trees and exotic animals.
Day 8: Zdravo (Goodbye!) A return transfer to Trieste, Italy is provided. Saying goodbye to the tour does not have to be the end of your trip! You may choose to spend some more time exploring Croatia or other Adriatic islands. Ciclismo Classico is happy to help you plan any further excursions!