A hilly eight-day trip along the stunning coastline of the largest peninsula in the Adriatic. Highlights include the amphitheater in Pula, walled medieval cities of Motovun and Groznjan, the Limski fjord, picturesque seaside villages, truffles, and exceptional fresh seafood.
With its sublime stretch of Adriatic coast, Croatia has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of Europe. In recent history, civil war kept it isolated, but since declaring independence and joining the EU, it has rapidly become a wonderful place to visit, and it is urged that you to do so now, before its Riviera, which rivals those of nearby France and Italy for natural beauty, becomes changed. Freewheeling Adventures has chosen the less-traveled, heart-shaped, northern peninsula of Istria, for its quiet roads, and hilltop villages boasting incredible views of the azure sea below.
This is a surprising corner of Europe, and an amazing place to explore by bike, with attractions that exceed the simple beauty and cleanliness of the landscape. You will eat truffles, discover fine wines, and be nourished by abundant seafood. You will swim in warm Adriatic waters, ride through quiet hills, enjoy photogenic and mind-expanding views, and rest in sumptuous surroundings after dining well on unique regional cuisine. Freewheeling Adventures looks forward to sharing it all with you!
Tour Details
Duration
8 Days/7 Nights
Location
Istrian Peninsula
Season
On Demand
Tour Type
Road Touring
Nearest City
Ljubljana
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Croatia
Distance Traveled
40km-56km/25-35 Miles
Skill Levels Accommodated
Moderate-Advanced
Fully Guided
Yes
Support Vehicles
Yes
Bike Rentals Available
Yes
Bike Brands
TREK
Accommodations
Inns and B&Bs with Private Baths
Dining
Most Meals Included on Guided Trips
About Liquor
BYOB
Additional Activities
Sightseeing, Theater
Rates
$3,225.00 - $3,595.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
Guided Cost: $3595 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 7 picnic lunches, 4 dinners, guide & van support, transfers to and from Ljubljana, maps & route notes, luggage handling, taxes) Self-Guided Cost: $3225 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, maps & route notes, luggage handling and transfers, transfers to and from Ljubljana, taxes) Bicycle Rental: Hybrid: $195
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Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Meet in Ljubljana and transfer to medieval hilltop town of Motovun, your home for the next three nights. Each summer Motovun hosts an international film festival and attracts artists from all around the world. The damp Motovun forest harbors truffles, mysterious and unique mushrooms hidden beneath the ground. D
Lodging: Hotel Kastel, Motovun
Day 2: 43km/27miles Today’s loop ride begins with a descent into the Mirna valley, along quiet roads past stone houses and through green landscapes around Sterna, a village named after a water collector. Pause in Groznjan, a walled hilltop Renaissance town over 1000 years old. Art studios and galleries abound, and unforgettable views from shady terraces can easily make you think you are somewhere in Tuscany, with fewer people. You might notice beehives hidden throughout the countryside. Before your final climb back to Motovun, you can replenish your energy with honey from the local bee-keeper. BL
Lodging: same as last night
Day 3: 45km/28miles Ride a quiet route through villages in the heart of Istria, experiencing its true essence. In the archaic churches of Vrh and Racice, you will find a hidden treasure of colorful frescoes by medieval masters. One often feels that time has stopped in these parts, but the wine is still flowing. In the evening, you will rub shoulders with the locals, enjoying live jazz at Motovun’s central square. BL
Lodging: same as last night
Day 4: 46km/29 miles Descend to the seaside town of Rovinj, leaving the green rolling hills and vineyards behind to explore what blue coastal Istria has to offer. The route takes you through prehistoric Illyrian fortified settlements of Beram and Zminj, and along the coast, passing small islands and bays to where the Limski fjord cuts deep into the peninsula. Finish the day in Rovinj, a medieval coastal city that had a prominent role in the Mediterranean Sea battles of ancient times. The vibrant town offers some of the best nightlife on the Istrian coast. BLD
Lodging: Hotel Vila Lili, Rovinj
Day 5: 40km/25miles In the early morning, board a private boat and cruise towards Porec, passing small islets and secluded bays. The city of Porec, for centuries a part of the Venetian Republic, has an amazing pre-Byzantine Basilica of Bishop Euphrasus. You will visit Vrsar, the surfing center of Croatia, praised by Giacomo Casanova for the lovely women and excellent red wine. You will ride along the coast and along the Lim Fjord, to enjoy panoramic views from the top of the fjord. The afternoon’s ride is a descent back to Rovinj. BL
Lodging: same as last night
Day 6: 56km/35miles Today you will experience the Lim Fjord by both boat and bike. From the sea, you get a completely different perspective from below the majestic cliffs. Beginning in the secluded villages hidden from the trading port of Rovinj, you will ascend by bike to Dvigrad’s ghost castle, and continue to the lively castle at Svetvincenat. The two make a fine contrast. The route then retreats to quiet olive groves where you can see for yourself whether the best olive oil is really discovered in places of the past. The region also hides some of the best Istrian red and white wines. BLD
Lodging: same as last night
Day 7: 49km/31miles It is hard to leave Rovinj, until you get a glimpse of attractive Pula. The route meanders between the two, through beautiful hilly villages on one side, and crystal blue sea on the other. Pula used to be a Roman settlement and still hides some relics of the past, among which the most prominent is the colossal amphitheater, built circa 100AD. Once the playground of gladiators and knights, it now attracts famous artists in the role of open air theater. BLD
Lodging: Hotel Scaletta, Pula
Day 8: Morning transfer from Pula to Ljubljana, arriving before noon. B
Notes
Route Notes: Hilly riding on paved roads, with some short gravel sections. This is like Tuscany, but less developed, with simpler infrastructure. Racing cyclists love to train here!
Reservation Policy
Pricing is in Canadian dollars. Payments can be made in US dollars, based on exchange rates at time of payment. US$ pricing is shown as a guide. Reservations can be made with VISA or MasterCard by fax, mail, email, or phone, or with a cheque or money order by mail. A deposit of 30% is required to reserve your space, and the balance is due 30 days before the adventure begins.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received in writing at least 60 days in advance of start date will receive a 50% refund of any deposit paid. Cancellations received between 60 and 30 days ahead will forfeit deposit. Cancellations within 30 days require full payment of the tour cost.
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