Cycling Tour in Istria

Croatia has become one of the most visited destinations in the world. Jutting out into to sparkling Adriatic, the northern peninsular county of Istria is home to about 200,000 people. Only 6% are Italian, and yet the markings of Italian culture are quite evident here, particularly along the western coast. Our journey is mostly featuring the Croatian section of the peninsula (89% of Istria) in addition to the first day and a half spent in the Slovenian part of the region.

 

On this tour, we’ll get to know Istria intimately through visits to local producers and tastings of the local wines Teran and Malvàsia. Istrian cuisine reflects the gifts of its geography: fish and veggies typical of the Mediterranean Diet are emphasized here, as are cured meats, olive oil and pasta, an indicator of the enduring Italian influence. And we’ll learn about Istrian truffles on a hunting demonstration and around the table at a dinner highlighting this prized underground mushroom. (As in Piedmont, here white truffles are found from the end of September into late fall/early winter)

 

About the Istrian Peninsula

 

The Italian influence in Istria may be attributed to the more than four centuries of Roman presence, followed by five centuries of Venetian influence. Later Austrian-Hungarian domination left its traces, notable in the architecture, food, language and traditions. Here you find a distinctive mix of Slavic, Austrian and Italian cultures.

Cycling Tour in Istria

Dates & Pricing

DATES (8 days)

May 28-June 4, 2024 | October 3-10, 2024

May 25-June 1, 2025 | September 21-28, 2025

For other dates, more info and availability please contact us.

 

TOUR PRICE
Per person in double occupancy: from $4,690 | from $4,850 in 2025 

 

Single Supplement: $790 

 

For travel in 2021 and beyond, your tour is carbon neutral! In addition, we donate more than 1% of your trip price to food-literacy and environmental non-profits that share our values. (Details here)

Tour Highlights

  • Discover wine, cured meats, olive oil and truffles over delectable meals, visits and tastings that demonstrate the best of Istrian culinary heritage
  • Exposure to local culture and history with knowledgeable and experienced Tour Leaders
  • Elegant and traditional accommodation mostly in 4- and 5-star hotels
  • Unforgettable meals featuring the local cuisine
  • Discover the must-see coastal towns of Rovinj (Rovigno), Pola (Pula) and Poreč (Parenzo), the quiet inland villages of Grožnjan (Grisignano), Motovun (Montona) and Buzet (Pinguente), and the exotic islands of Brijuni National Park
  • Exhilarating rides and opportunities to improve your cycling skills with your Tour Leaders
  • Traditional, local recipes to bring home with you!
Cycling Level 3 – Antipasto, Primo (Pasta) and Secondo (Entrée)

What's Included

  • 7 nights of accommodation in mostly 4-and 5-star hotels
  • 7 breakfasts and 2 lunches
  • 5 dinners with either a 3- or 4-course menu (one including truffles)
  • Guided walking tour in Poreč and Pula
  • Explore Rovinj, Portorož, Buzet and other small villages
  • 1 visit and tasting to a local winery and 1 visit and tasting to an olive oil producer
  • 1 visit and tasting to a cured meat producer
  • 1 truffle hunting demo
  • Ferry rides to/from Brijuni Islands
  • Bike rental (see more info here) and Garmin Touring Edge unit (if you have one, bring yours and we’ll upload the routes onto your unit)
  • Comfortable transportation and assistance by 9-seat van for all travel on tour as cited in the itinerary
  • Refreshments, snacks, fruits and other local delicacies during our rides
  • Two bilingual, professional Tour Leaders
  • One group transfer from/to Trieste centrale train station at the beginning and at the end of tour
  • Local taxes and gratuities for luggage porters and restaurant servers during tour

What's Not Included

  • 5 lunches and 2 dinners on your own  
  • Alcoholic beverages at group meals (including wine, beer and spirits)                                                                                
  • Round-trip airfare and expenses to/from the tour
  • E-bike, upon request and availability. (See more info here)
  • Trip cancellation, baggage loss or travel delay insurance (this optional coverage is highly recommended. See more info here)
  • Gratuities for your Tour Leaders. (Info here)
  • Personal expenses, such as, but not limited to, phone calls, laundry, emails, snacks, gifts

Itinerary

 

To request the itinerary as a PDF or to ask us any questions please contact us today!