Self-guided Trieste to Pula Bike Tour

Arriving independently in Trieste, you'll have the rest of the day to leisurely explore the city. Spend the night in Trieste.

At 9 am, we'll host a welcome briefing, and for those who've arranged bike rentals, we'll provide bike fittings and other necessary equipment. To avoid cycling amidst traffic in Trieste, we recommend taking a ferry from Trieste to Muggia. Departure times are at 10:10 am and 11:20 am, with a duration of 30 minutes.

Your cycling journey spanning three countries (Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia) commences on the renowned Parenzana route, once a narrow-gauge railway traversing deep into the Istrian peninsula, linking 33 Istrian cities and towns from Trieste to Poreč (Parenzo in Italian, from which the railway derived its name), spanning the territories of three states. Although defunct for many decades, the Parenzana recently inspired a new tourist attraction. The Istria County, Tourism Management Board, and the Poreč-Kopar-Trieste Railway Renovation Association initiated the significant "Parenzana: The Trail of Health and Friendship" project, promoting the former railway as a cycling path.

After cycling through Trieste, we'll cross into Slovenia, often following cycle paths through renowned holiday resorts like Koper, historically a Venetian and then Austrian town, and Piran, another significant town once under Venetian rule. Heading south, we'll pass through the Secovlje salt mines, a vital Slovenian town renowned for its humid environment and ornithological importance. Continuing, we'll cross the Croatian border, journeying through Istria, the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. We'll spend the night in the Buje area.

The day kicks off with a leisurely downhill ride to the coast, reaching the northernmost point of the Istrian peninsula. Here stands a historic lighthouse, rumored to have been constructed by Count Metternich as his romantic retreat. Savudrija, erected in 1818, claims the title of one of the Adriatic's oldest lighthouses and the northernmost in Istria. Standing at 36 meters tall, it accommodates a resident keeper.

Continuing southward, the trail leads to Umag, a charming town boasting approximately 45 kilometers of coastline and an intriguing hinterland. Umag serves as a microcosm of the region, offering a captivating introduction to the Mediterranean experience. Its rich history traces back to its establishment as a summer retreat by a Roman nobleman. Today, echoes of its illustrious past resonate through the Venetian-style houses in the old town, alongside partially preserved city walls, fortifications, and Renaissance and Baroque structures. Amidst the scenic backdrop of vineyards and olive groves, a visit to a local wine cellar offers a chance to savor Muscat, a distinctive variety of wine indigenous to the area.

During breakfast, as you admire the breathtaking landscape of terrace-styled vineyards reminiscent of a scene from a Tuscan holiday guide, you'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the sensory delights that Buje has to offer. The area is a symphony of aromas and flavors, inviting you to indulge in its richness.

En route, numerous captivating viewpoints await, from the enchanting medieval town of Grožnjan to Oprtalj, culminating in our arrival at Motovun. Positioned atop a 277-meter-high hill, 21 kilometers southeast of Buje, Motovun stands as a timeless monument, a quaint Istrian town steeped in history. Its current appearance, characterized by medieval city walls enclosing the town center, harks back to the Middle Ages.

Following breakfast, the journey continues as you pedal through Vižinada and Kaštelir, eventually leading us to the coastline. The stretch towards Poreč is particularly delightful, offering a scenic ride along the coast adorned with picturesque bays. Here, amidst the stunning Mediterranean landscape of lush vineyards and olive groves, you'll have the chance to sample homemade delicacies including food, wine, brandy, and honey, all crafted in the region.

In the afternoon, arrive at Poreč, a town steeped in both material and spiritual heritage, where traces of great cultures abound at every turn. Take a leisurely cruise through the old city center, marveling at landmarks such as the ancient Roman forum, the renowned Euphrasian Basilica adorned with its intricate mosaics, stately palaces once home to the city's nobility, and well-preserved fortifications.

Today traverse secondary local roads winding through quaint villages, meandering past vineyards and towns such as Sv. Lovreč and Kanfanar, until you arrive at Svetvinčenat. Here stands the magnificent Morosini-Grimani citadel, adorned with towers, alongside a parish church, municipal loggia, and a row of Renaissance-era houses dating back to the 16th century. Svetvinčenat stands as a testament to the region's rich Venetian heritage, notable for hosting one of Istria's rare witchcraft trials during the 17th century.

Continuing along asphalted roads, you'll soon arrive at Bale, where you can explore the Bembo palace, city square, and museum. From Bale, the route transitions to a mix of gravel and asphalted roads and trails, tracing the coastline until you reach Rovinj, the ultimate destination of your tour, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Its iconic church and bell tower perched atop a hill overlooking the sea make it instantly recognizable from all angles. Dubbed the Istrian Venice, the old town, once an island before being connected to the mainland, is renowned for its traditional boat, the batana.

Following breakfast, set out along the coastline towards Pula. Passing through the ornithological reserve Palud, renowned for its diverse avian fauna boasting up to 215 different bird species, we arrive at Fažana. Nestled on a low coast sheltered by the picturesque Brioni archipelago, now designated as a national park, Fažana has been a well-known settlement since ancient Roman times.

Which city, situated on seven hills, boasts a magnificent Amphitheatre and is not Rome? The answer lies in Pula. Indeed, you find yourself in front of Pula, the largest city in Istria, a captivating locale with a myriad of enchanting facets that have captivated visitors for centuries. Our day concludes with a visit to the old city, where highlights include the Sergius' Triumphal Arch, dating from the end of the 1st century B.C. to the beginning of the 1st century A.D., and the renowned Arena, a Roman amphitheater dating back to the 1st century B.C.

Depart as per your onward travel plans.