Biking Istria

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Bike Istria

DAY 1 Arrival to Ljubljana

Arrive to Ljubljana, visiting the old part of the city. The quaint, narrow streets along the left bank of the Ljubljanica River, with its medieval bridges, are reminiscent of Prague - without the crowds. The old town is dominated by the 16th century fortifications of Ljubljana Castle.

Accommodation in Ljubljana.

DAY 2 Buje- Groznjan- Motovun

Transfer to Buje, typical Istrian medieval town. Ride to the border of Slovenia. City of Momjan and its deserted castle surrounded by scarce villages and archaic churches offer some of the best views that can easily make you think you are somewhere in Tuscany. While riding on quiet paths devoid of traffic you will soon feel that time had stopped in these parts...the wine is still flowing, though. We stop in Groznjan, small old walled renaissance town on a hill, dated back to the beginning of the past millennium. It is known as a city of artists as almost every door leads to art studio or gallery. Todays final destination is city of Motovun situated on the top of the hill. Each summer Motovun hosts international film festival and attracts artists from all around the world. Damp Motovun forest creates favorable environment where truffles, a mysterious and unique mushroom, completely hidden underground, is found. Why not start a tour with a typical Istrian dinner?

Km: 43 km, Altitude gain: 430 m

Accommodation in Motovun.

DAY 3 Motovun- Butoniga lake- Motovun

Ride the 45km path through the hearts of Istria out of the usual tourist routes, away from crowd and stress. The scarce villages and archaic churches of Vrh and Racice are hiding a treasure of fresco colors made by medieval masters that no one would expect there. While riding devoid of traffic we soon feel that time had stopped in these parts, but the wine is still flowing though. In the evening we might join a nice jazz concert on the square of Motovun with a locals and a glass of good wine.

Km: 36 km, Altitude gain: 480 m

Accommodation in Motovun.

DAY 4 Motovun - Rovinj

Today we continue by descend to the seaside town of Rovinj. Slowly we leave green rolling hills and vineyards behind to explore what blue Istria has to offer. Route takes us through old prehistoric Illyrian fortified settlements of Beram and Zminj. Continuing along the trail we reach Rovinj, one of those medieval coastal cities that had prominent role in the Mediterranean Sea battles of the old. Vibrant town of Rovinj has to offer some of the best nightlife on the Istrian coast.

Km: 43 km, Altitude gain: 390 m

Accommodation in Rovinj.

DAY 5 Rovinj - Porec - Rovinj

In the early morning we take a boat ride towards Porec passing small islets and secluded bays. City of Porec, for centuries a part of Venetian republic, has an amazing pre-Byzantine basilica of bishop Euphrasus. On the way we stop in Vrsar, the surfing centre of Croatia, praised by Giacomo Casanova for the lovely women and excellent red wine. From there we ride along the coast and enter the Lim fjord cutting deep into the peninsula. Magnificent panoramic views open from the top over the sea and we might spot several mussel beds on its surface. Descend back to Rovinj.

Km: 39 km, Altitude gain: 285 m

Accommodation in Rovinj.

DAY 6 Rovinj - Lim Fjord - Rovinj

We take the way into the Lim fjord on bikes and by boat. From the sea surface we get a completely different perception of the fjord as high cliffs are rising above us. We start below Dvigrad's deserted castle and secluded villages hidden away from the once busy trader's port of Rovinj. We ascend up to Dvigrad's ghost castle and continue to Svetvincenat bustling one. The two will make a fine contrast. Once on the olive trails we should find out if the best olive oil is really hidden in historic remnants of the past.

Km: 47 km, Altitude gain: 370 m

Accommodation in Rovinj.

DAY 7 Rovinj - Pula

It is hard to leave Rovinj, but we do so only to get a glimpse of city of Pula. The route meander trough some cute hilly villages on one side and crystal blue sea on the other. Pula used to be an old Roman settlement and still hides some relics of the past, among which the colossal Amphitheatre from 100 AD is the most prominent. Once the playground of gladiators and knights now attracts famous artists in the role of open air theatre.

Km: 39 km, Altitude gain: 170 m

Accommodation in Pula.

DAY 8 Transfer to Ljubljana

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New! CROATIA: Bike Istria

Charms of Istrian peninsula: enter and behold. From age of the Roman Empire the amphitheater of Pula and the basilica of Euphrasius in Porec endure the challenge of time. The medieval town of Rovinj is where Casanova drank his passions and sorrows of the Venetian republic. Up inland, amidst green hills, the old-walled hilltop towns defended against the Ottoman invasions and prayed to ancient frescoes still preserved in delightful tiny churches. Barons and dukes of yore would haunt the ruins of ghost castles, if it weren't for the sweet charms of the local people and their good ‘spirits'.

The roads of Istria are made for cycling. Genty steep, secluded and scenic, they take you on a history rollercoaster. From inland to the sea, you will taste truffles, olive oil and beautiful wine. TrekTrek especially tailored the trip to foster different fitness levels with optional loops and harder climbs - while still keeping to the whole story line. True, like Tuscany, but with a virgin character and a laid back note.