At a Glance
Pedal through an 8-day guided cycling adventure through Croatia's Istrian Peninsula, where sun-drenched landscapes and ancient tales await your discovery. From the charming coastal town of Poreč, your adventure will lead you along the historic Parenzana Trail, weaving through vineyards, olive groves and white truffles before culminating in the Roman grandeur of Pula. This 8-day cycling tour immerses you to experience the heart of the Istrian Peninsula, from its serene coastal paths to its treasured historic towns.
Your exciting adventure begins in Poreč. Transfer to Buje, where we cycle a section of the Parenzana Trail, which takes us to Grožnjan. Ride to the ancient history city, Završje, before continuing to Livade. Set off from the fishing town of Novigrad, and pedal to Umag, then continue to Savudrija Lighthouse, and then to ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
- 7 nights of accommodations in deluxe hotels on a twin-share basis
- Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
- 7x breakfast, 2x dinner
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
- Local bike hire of a fully serviced Torpado Navigator or Cube Aim SLX bike. Helmets are additional cost
Itinerary
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Start your adventure in Poreč, a historic Roman town turned glittering seaside resort on the Istrian coast. As many flights arrive late at Pula Airport, we have our welcome briefing tomorrow morning. Settle into your home for the next four days, the 4-star, family-oriented Valamar Parentino Hotel, nestled just a short, scenic walk from the old town of Poreč. Indulge in sublime moments at the wellness centre, lounge by the pools, or savour exquisite Mediterranean flavours at the show-cooking restaurant, all while being just moments away from the historic charm of Poreč. Note: Upgrade to a superior or a sea-view room, please contact us. |
Valamar Parentino Hotel, Poreč (or similar) 
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Approx. 25 km (16 miles), 1-2 hours biking | Cycling route: 20% paved roads, 80% gavel roads Enjoy breakfast, then meet your tour leader and fellow travelers as we gather for the first time for a short briefing to kick off the tour. Leave the hotel around 10am and transfer (35 minutes) to the small town of Buje, where we collect and fit our bikes. Set for our first ride, we cycle a section of the Parenzana Trail, a route that tracks the old Parenzana railway line. Our first section takes us to the ancient city of Grožjan, past vineyards and olive farms, and mostly on a gravel road. After a short break, we hop back on our bikes and cycle on gravel to another city, Završje, which is mostly abandoned, before we continue to the white truffle town of Livade. After refreshments, we transfer back to our Poreč hotel (45 minutes). Your tour leader then ensures a big Croatian welcome by arranging a group dinner at a local restaurant. Note: Upgrade to a superior or a sea-view room, please contact us. |
Valamar Parentino Hotel, Poreč (or similar)
Breakfast, Dinner  |
Approx. 45 km (28 miles), 3-5 hours biking | Cycling Route: 70% paved roads, 30% gravel roads After a 30-minute transfer, we will arrive in the charming fishing town of Novigrad, where our bicycles await. Once settled back in the saddle, our journey unfolds through a picturesque landscape of rolling olive groves and verdant vineyards. We will follow the coastline, passing through quaint villages, until we reach the seaside town of Umag. Here, we'll pause for a 30-minute interlude to enjoy a coffee and explore the town's inviting streets at a leisurely pace. |
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Our ride continues along a scenic coastal trail leading to the historic Savudrija Lighthouse, the oldest of its kind in Croatia, standing as a proud testament to the region's maritime heritage. From there, we pedal onward to the quiet village of Soši. Our destination is Fiore, a distinguished family-run vineyard celebratedfor producing fine bottles of Istrian Malvasia. An expert from the winery will guide us through a tasting session, offering insights into their exceptional local wines. Following our visit, we will transfer back to our hotel, leaving you to enjoy a relaxing evening at your leisure. Note: Upgrade to a superior or a sea-view room, please contact us. |
Valamar Parentino Hotel, Poreč. (or similar)
Breakfast  |
Approx 41 km (26 miles), 3-5 hours biking | Cycling Route 50% quiet paved roads, 50% gravel roads Pedal directly from the hotel this morning, riding along the coast to the stunning fishing village of Vrsar, reputedly a favourite of Giacomo Casanova. After a coffee break, we navigate gravel roads through Kontija forest, which is dominated by European hornbeam trees, and local roads past vineyards and olive groves to our next break point, the village of Kloštar. Refreshed, we ride to the deserted town of Dvigrad. Traverse the castle ruins before continuing the final stretch today at Lim Bay, where we catch our transfer (one hour) back to Poreč. Note: Upgrade to a superior or a sea-view room, please contact us. |
Valamar Parentino Hotel, Poreč. (or similar)
Breakfast  |
Approx 43 km (27 miles), 2-3 hours biking | Cycling Route 60% quiet paved roads, 30% gravel roads, 10% forest roads We dedicate today to exploring medieval castles by bike. Begin with a 30-minute transfer to the small town of Kanfanar, where we pick up our bikes. Then set off for Zminj, visiting the castles and medieval frescoes, before continuing past small villages to Savičenta. Pause briefly to see Savičenta Castle, before taking a mix of paved and gravel roads to Bale, where we can view the 16th-century Castle Soardo Bembo (also known as Soardo-Bembo Palace), before transferring to Pula, where we settle in our second accommodation and maybe explore a little. |
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Our second hotel is the Park Plaza Histria Pula, a 4-star waterfront hotel located at the summit of the Punta Verudela Peninsula. The hotel offers several on-site dining options, from lavish buffet spreads to intimate beachfront à la carte experiences. Note: Upgrade to a superior room, please contact us. |
Park Plaza Histria Pula, Pula (or similar)
Breakfast  |
Approx 50 km (31 miles), 3-5 hours biking | Cycling Route: 40% quiet paved roads, 60% gravel roads Embark on an adventure with an Italian flair as you cycle from the hotel to the charming coastal town of Rovinj. Often called "Little Venice," its old town is a romantic labyrinth of cobbled streets, where colourful houses with Venetian shutters are tightly packed onto a small peninsula, a beautiful legacy of the 500 years it spent as part of the Venetian Republic. |
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From there, your journey continues along the stunning coastline towards Pula. You'll pedal past bustling tourist spots and through serene, forested parks, with opportunities to pause for a coffee on the beach. After passing the picturesque hamlet of Barbariga, you will arrive in the fishing town of Fažana for a well-deserved break. The final leg of your ride brings you into Pula, a city often likened to a "Little Rome" for its magnificent ancient amphitheatre and numerous other Roman monuments. Following a brief sightseeing tour to soak in the city's rich history, you will return to the hotel. Note: Upgrade to a superior room, please contact us. |
Park Plaza Histria Pula, Pula (or similar)
Breakfast  |
Today is yours to design, a day reserved for you to relax and savour the wonders of Pula at your own pace. Should you wish for a curated experience, we invite you to choose from two optional excursions. You might venture to Brijuni National Park, an enchanting archipelago of fourteen islands famed for its pristine, untouched beauty. After a short ferry ride, you will board a tourist train to journey through the island's most captivating highlights, from verdant meadows where deer roam freely to ancient Roman ruins and even dinosaur footprints preserved in stone. The tour also offers time to wander through the serene landscapes of the national park on foot. Alternatively, you could opt for a private tour of Pula, delving deeper into its Roman heritage. Your guide will lead you through the city's historic heart, where you'll explore iconic landmarks such as the magnificent Roman amphitheatre, the imposing Pula Fortress, the historic cathedral, and other well-preserved monuments from antiquity. Following the walking tour, you will be introduced to expert local olive producers for a stroll through their groves, culminating in a guided tasting of their exquisite oils and a lesson in crafting the perfect cocktail. This evening, we will gather for a farewell dinner, a final opportunity to reminisce about the adventures we've shared and, perhaps, to begin dreaming of the next ones. Note: Upgrade to a superior room, please contact us. |
Park Plaza Histria Pula, Pula (or similar)
Breakfast, Dinner  |
You’ve cycled the most scenic trails in Istria, sipped the local wine with an expert producer, and traversed Little Venice and Mini Rome, but now, it’s time to begin your return journey home. Savour one last breakfast before a refreshing dip by the pool, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey. Bid your farewells for your onward journey. Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Breakfast More Info
- The departure point is Poreč
- The finish point is Pula
- The closest airport to Poreč, Croatia, is Pula Airport (PUY), located approximately 57 kilometers (35 miles) away.
- Airport transfers are only included with scheduled group transfers from Pula Airport (PUY). We provide one group transfer from the Pula Airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Alternatively, joining location starts in your accommodation in Pula making your own arrangements there. The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Pula Airport. Airport transfers can also be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
Croatia has one of the sunniest climates in Europe, and some regions are notoriously free from rain. We generally travel off-season, so you should expect some variation in temperature and possibly some rainfall. Temperatures can be high, particularly in July, averaging around 30C (86F).
The biking level on this trip is rated Level 3 Moderate.
Level 1 Easy: Ideal for those on their first cycling trip. No prior cycle touring experience is necessary, but you should be reasonably fit. Expect two to four hours on the saddle per day, almost entirely taking paved roads. Average distance per day: 12.5mi-25mi (20km-40km). Maximum distance per day: 31mi (50km). Average elevation gain per day: 0ft-330ft (0m-100m), Maximum elevation gain per day: 985ft (300m)
Level 2 Easy & Moderate: Ride from three to five hours per day, mostly on paved roads. Longer distances will be on good surfaces with limited elevation gain. Some prior cycle touring experience would be useful, but is not essential. We recommend you should be reasonably fit. Average distance per day: 18.5mi-37mi (30km-60km). Maximum distance per day: 50mi (80km). Average elevation gain per day: 330ft-1,310ft (100m-400m). Maximum elevation gain per day: 1,970ft (600m)
Level 3 Moderate: We recommend you are a confident cyclist with good fitness and some experience of longer rides. You’ll be on the saddle for five to seven hours a day and should expect to tackle some bigger climbs or longer distances. Average distance per day: 25mi-43.5mi (40km-70km). Maximum distance per day: 62mi (100km). Average elevation gain per day: 330ft-1,965ft (100m-600m). Maximum elevation gain per day: 3,280ft (1,000m)
Level 4 Moderate & Challenging: An adventure for experienced cyclists with good fitness. Expect five to seven hours of cycling per day, with some big climbs and sometimes over more challenging road surfaces. Average distance per day: 31mi-50mi (50km-80km). Maximum distance per day: 68mi (110km). Average elevation gain per day: 660ft-2,790ft (200m-850m). Maximum elevation gain per day: 4,920ft (1,500m)
Level 5 Challenging: Ideal for experienced cyclists with very good fitness. You should feel comfortable cycling six to eight hours per day, including longer distances or tougher climbs, possibly over tricker terrain. Average distance per day: 31mi-56mi (50km-90km). Maximum distance per day: 75mi (120km). Average elevation gain per day: 655ft-3,280ft (200m-1,000m). Maximum elevation gain per day: 6,560ft (2,000m)
Route: The route is generally rolling but there are a few challenging hills that can be tough in warm weather. At times, we follow roads or tracks with a steep downslope to one side. Certain sections do not have a barrier.
Support: A support vehicle follows us, so it is possible to miss some of these harder sections if you prefer.
Experience: No specific cycling experience is required but you should be comfortable on a bike and have a good level of fitness.
Included standard bike: The standard bike for this trip is a Cube Aim SLX or Torpado Navigator. We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking. Please also let us know if you’d like to upgrade to include a water bottle, water bottle holder and/or gel saddle.
E-bike upgrade: Electric bikes are available on this trip, which are Atlas ebikes. Speak to your sales representative for more information and prices.
Bringing your own bike: If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft. Please note, it is logistically difficult to transport bike boxes on this trip, therefore extra charges might be incurred locally to send them to the end location.
Bringing equipment from home: You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets: Helmets are mandatory for everyone on our guided cycling trips. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing: For this cycling trip we recommend:
- Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
- Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
- Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
- Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
- Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride
- Breathable top or cycling jersey
- Waterproofs and long cycling trousers
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 100 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 100 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 100 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 100 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
