Discovery of Istria, from Trieste to Pula

Day 1 Arrival at Trieste / Muggia

Arrival in Trieste and check in your hotel. Spend the day exploring Trieste and Muggia.

Day 2 Trieste / Muggia – Kaldanija / Volpia | 60 km

After breakfast, you begin your cycling adventure through 3 countries (Italy, Slovenia and Croatia), starting with the legendary Parenzana route. This is the old railway line, which crosses the Istrian peninsula and connects 33 Istrian towns and villages from Trieste to Poreč. Although it was unused for several decades, the three countries decided a few years ago to launch the “Path of Health and Friendship” project and transformed an old railroad line into a cycle path.
You first enter Slovenia, riding along the cycle path that passes through the towns of Koper, Izola and Piran, an important city that was long ruled by Venice. Riding south, you pass through the Secovlje salt flats, an important area for birdwatching. A few kilometers further on, you cross the Croatian border and head for Buje and the surrounding area.

Day 3 Kaldanija / Volpia – Novigrad | 40 km

After breakfast, start your day with a cycling tour through the beautiful rolling countryside and vineyards of Istria. It’s easy to see why the region is also known as the Tuscany of Croatia. Stop off in the charming medieval town of Groznjan, famous for its many art and music festivals, galleries and more. Then head down to the coast to the beautiful medieval town of Novigrad.

Day 4 Novigrad - Poreč | 25 km

Today you head for Poreč. Start by pedaling along the coast and its beautiful bays, where you can enjoy breathtaking Mediterranean scenery, with vineyards and verdant olive groves. In the afternoon, you arrive in Poreč. Take time to discover the city’s cultural wealth: the ancient Roman Forum, the famous Euphrasian Basilica with its mosaics, the palaces of the city’s nobility and the fortifications.

Day 5 Poreč – Rovinj | 45 km

Lodging along the coast, you arrive in Vrsar, a picturesque and romantic hilltop fishing village, where the famous Casanova stayed. The bike ride continues through a magical forest with panoramic views over the landscapes of the Gulf of Lima. The area is still home to many legends and mysteries, based on historical events. Finish your day’s cycling in Rovinj: a typical Mediterranean seaside resort that will enchant you with its beauty. The old town boasts many magnificent palaces dating from different historical periods, most of which are now art galleries or studios. At the top of the hill stands the Baroque church of Saint Euphemia, the city’s largest monument, with a magnificent view over the Mediterranean.

Day 6 Rovinj - Pula | 50 km

On this last day of hiking, you set off in the direction of Pula. You pass through the Palud ornithological reserve and its rich birdlife. You then reach Fažana on the coast, well protected by the Brijuni National Park and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. In the afternoon, you arrive in Pula, set on seven hills and boasting a magnificent amphitheatre similar to that of the Romans. Pula is Istria’s largest city, with numerous cultural and artistic monuments such as the Arch of Triumph of Sergius (1st century BC), the famous Arena and the Roman amphitheatre (1st century BC).

Day 7 Departure during the day