CyclingMTB & E-MTB OptionsSelf Guided

Exploring Istrian Gravel Roads Self Guided MTB Cycling 2025

Poreč - Grožnjan - Poreč - Višnjan - Poreč - Rovinj - Poreč - Vrsar - Poreč

Explore the former narrow-gauge railway line Parenzana, which was turned into a true attraction for cyclists! You will be thrilled with the small picturesque towns, and landscapes dotted with old villages through which you pass. Sweeping into beautiful valleys with forests and rivers framing them and then emerging onto the slopes of the hills, the beauty of the nature will take your breath away. Take a short break and soak up the abundance of peace and greenery. On this interesting trip you will pass through tunnels, over bridges and viaducts, between olive groves and vineyards that give this area special charm. The medieval hill towns of Grožnjan and Motovun will delight you as much as the pristine nature of the protected areas of Lim Bay. Do not miss unique Poreč and the former Roman colony of Pula and feel the magical spirit of the past there.

  • Trip style: Self-Guided Cycling Tour
  • Start to finish: Poreč to Poreč
  • Total distance: 231km
  • Availability: March to November
  • Departures: Any day of the week (on request)
  • Grade: Moderate

This holiday is suitable for cyclists with a higher level of fitness who are active and cycling weekly. Distances and hills are longer and some of the days are challenging. Daily cycling distance 40-73km.


Code: F1

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1
Poreč

Arrival in Poreč, an Information meeting with a representative will be held at 1900HRS in the hotel reception. You will receive information about your package including hotel vouchers, bicycle with all equipment, maps and a road book. Overnight in Poreč.

Day 2
Poreč - Grožnjan - Poreč

This morning, you will take a shuttle to Grožnjan, which is your starting point today. Your gravel ride is on the legendary route of the Parenzana, the former narrow-gauge railway line which runs deep into the Istrian peninsula connecting 33 Istrian towns between Porec and Trieste, which today are located on the territory of even three states. Passing through magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards, it will become obvious why it was also known as the wine railroad. After passing through its several tunnels, over old bridges you can stop on many fascinating viewpoints between the charming medieval town of Grožnjan and Vižinada before reaching Poreč. Overnight in Poreč.  (B)

Cycling distance: 61km
Surface: Paved 52.8km, Unpaved 8.2km
Elevation gain: +555m / -836m

Day 3
Poreč - Višnjan - Poreč

Breakfast at hotel. The ride along this trail is particularly pleasant because you're riding along the coastline with beautiful bays where you can enjoy the breath-taking Mediterranean landscape with green vineyards and olive groves, and taste home-made food, wine, brandy and honey produced in this area. Continuing along the trail, you will reach Višnjan, a little place that vaunts an astronomical observatory ranked among the 5 most important observatories in the world. Overnight in Poreč.  (B)

Cycling distance: 53km
Surface: Paved 27.4km, Unpaved 25.6 km
Elevation gain: +539m / -540m

Day 4
Poreč - Rovinj - Poreč

Start your ride through small villages and Lim Bay, passing by the the ruins of the medieval town Dvigrad. Just to stir your imagination - you are now in an area where many legends and mysteries based on historical events still live on: that of Dvigrad devastated by the plague because of an ancient curse, the buried treasure of Captain Morgan's pirates near the village named after him (Mrgani), the cave where the remains of the primitive man were found and where, as legend has it, St. Romuald used to live as a hermit in the Middle Ages. From Kanfanar, you will take an old railway called “Štrika ferata” converted into a traffic free gravel bike path finishing in Rovinj. Also called Little Venice, Rovinj is a typical Mediterranean seaside resort which will seduce you with its extraordinary beauty. In the old city centre, there are numerous magnificent palaces from different historical periods and today most of them host a gallery or an art studio. If you follow the numerous chimneys of Rovinj and narrow meandering streets, you will come in front of the baroque church of St Eufemia, the greatest monument in the city from which you can admire a magnificent view of the Mediterranean almost in your hand palm. In the afternoon, ride a shuttle back to Poreč for overnight. (B)

Cycling distance: 57km
Surface: Paved 27.6km, unpaved 29.6km
Elevation gain: +732m / -713m

Day 5
Poreč - Vrsar - Poreč

After riding along the coast, you reach Vrsar, a romantic fishermen village where the famous Casanova came back even two times. Your bike ride continues through the magical forest Kontija with a panoramic view of the beautiful landscape of the Lim bay, passing by the old Benedictine abbey at Kloštar and then heading inland through vineyards and small villages back to Poreč. Overnight in Poreč. (B)

Cycling distance: 60km
Surface: Paved 39.4km, Unpaved 20.6km
Elevation gain: +593m / -593m

Day 6
Poreč

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. (B)

Inclusions

  • 5 Nights in selected hotels or similar
  • 5 Breakfasts (B)
  • Information Meeting
  • Information Pack
    Route description (map & road book), vouchers, water bottle & luggage tags
  • Gravel Bike Giant Revol 0/1
  • Luggage transport between accommodation
  • App with offline navigation with voice guidance, info about the POI’s and restaurant recommendation
  • 24/7 Emergency Number

Exclusions

Optional Extras

  • E-MTB & Trekking Upgrade $25 per person
    - E-Trekking Bike - Haibike Trekking 9 Low/Trekking
      Cross 9 Low
    - E-Trekking Bike - Giant Explore E+3
    - E-MTB - Giant Talon E+3/2
  • Hardtail Mountain Bike Reduction - $125 per person
  • GPS Rental EUR40 per person
  • Clipless Pedals (SPD, SL, KEO)  EUR12 per person
  • Rear rack + top bag (for gravel and MTB) EUR16 per person
  • Extra Side Pannier EUR12 per person
  • Arrival & departure transfers (available on request)

Not Included

  • Bike insurance
  • Lunches, dinner and drinks

Pricing and Accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Departures between
TwinSingle
20 Jun 25 - 19 Sep 25
$3,425$4,950
20 Sep 25 - 15 Nov 25
$2,510$3,735
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Included Accommodation (or similar)

Poreč - BO Hotel Palazzo

Would you like to extend your stay?

Poreč - BO Hotel Palazzo

From $POA

3 Star Hotels
Departures between
TwinSingle
20 Jun 25 - 19 Sep 25
$2,575$3,800
20 Sep 25 - 15 Nov 25
$2,175$3,400
swipe for more
Included Accommodation (or similar)

Poreč - Hotel Poreč

Would you like to extend your stay?

Poreč - Hotel Poreč

From $POA

Important Notes

Gravel bike Giant Revol 0/1 (Included)

Specifications

The lightweight ALUXX-quality aluminium frame with a lightweight Advanced-Grade carbon fork will win you over, whether you're just starting out or have been cycling for a while. Since control is key, the Giant OverDrive steerer tube provides solid and precise steering, while the compliant D-Fuse handlebar provides a smooth riding experience, and the D-Fuse seatpost absorbs vibrations for comfort and stability on bumpy roads. A mix of hard-wearing GRX600 and 810 components gives you superior shifting and braking performance, even in bad weather and on poor surfaces. Finally, a wheelset specifically designed for use in all weather and unpredictable terrain, fitted with 38c tyres and tubeless tyres.

Gears: 2x11 GRX
Brakes: Hydraulic disk brakes
Frame sizes:  S, M, ML, L, XL
Equipment: Cycle computer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube (charged when used EUR 5 per tube) and tyre lever, hand pump, lock, helmet.
Available Pedals: Flat pedals (included), toe cages and clipless pedals (SPD, SL, LOOK) with supplement. 

 

E-MTB - Giant Talon E+ 3/2 (Upgrade Supplement Available)

Specifications

With a lightweight aluminium frame that blends classic hardtail design with modern E-bike technology, Talon E+ 29 delivers comfort and confidence on off-road terrain. Perfect for bike paths or XC trails, it features a SyncDrive Core motor system that makes those hard climbs easier and encourages you to extend your ride time. It’s designed for a 100mm suspension fork to smooth out the bumps, and its 29” wheels give it a stable, balanced ride quality. The side-release EnergyPak battery is integrated into the frame and can be easily removed for charging. And the RideControl ONE control lets you adjust settings as you ride. The frame geometry is specifically designed for its wheel size and a 100mm suspension fork. Drive unit Giant SyncDrive Core, Akku Giant Energypak 400Wh and 500Wh, side release (55-135km range).

Gears: Shimano M2010 9-speed, Chainring 36T, Cassette 11-36T
Frame sizes: S, M, L
Equipment: Cycle odometer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube (charged when used EUR 5 per tube) and tyre lever, hand pump, lock, helmet.
Available Pedals: Flat pedals (included), toe cages and clipless pedals (SPD, SL, LOOK) with supplement. 

 

E-Trekking Bike – Haibike Trekking 9 Low / Trekking Cross 9 Low (Upgrade Supplement Available)

Specifications

The E-bikes are built from lightweight aluminum, and have wide gear range; single chainring and 11 speed cassette, comfortable saddle, 27.5 inch wheels, Continental tyres 62-584 ,front suspension SR Suntour 100mm travel, hydraulic disc brakes, SKS enders, integrated rear rack, led lights, drive unit.  Equippped with the compact Bosch Performance CX Gen 4 motor, that makes those hard climbs easier and encourages you to extend your ride time. Drive unit Bosch Performance CX GEN 4, 85Nm Bosch Powertube battery, (55-155 km range)

Gears: Shimano Deore 11 speed, chainring 40T, cassette 11-51T
Frame sizes: M-52cm (160-175 cm), L-56cm (175-188 cm), XL-58 cm (185-200 cm)
Equipment: Cycle computer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube (charged when used EUR 5 per tube) and tyre lever, hand pump, lock, helmet.
Available Pedals: Flat pedals (included), toe cages and clipless pedals (SPD, SL, LOOK) with supplement.

 

E-Trekking Bike – Giant Explore E+3 (Upgrade Supplement Available)

Specifications

The E-bikes are built from lightweight aluminum, and have wide gear range; single chainring and 10 speed cassette, comfortable Selle Royal Freccia saddle, 28 inch wheels, Giant Crosscut gravel tyres 700x45, front suspension 63mm travel, Tektro hydraulic brakes, fenders, integrated rear rack, dynamo powered lights, drive unit
With modern E-bike technology, it features a SyncDrive Core motor system that makes those hard climbs easier and encourages you to extend your ride time. Drive unit Giant SyncDrive Core, Akku Giant Energypak 500 Wh, side release ( 55-155 km range)

Gears: Shimano Alivio M3100 9 speed, chainring 36T, cassette 11-36T
Frame sizes: M-52cm, L-56cm, XL-58 cm
Equipment: Cycle odometer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube (charged when used EUR 5 per tube) and tyre lever, hand pump, lock, 1 side panier, helmet
Available Pedals: Flat pedals (included), toe cages and clipless pedals (SPD, SL, LOOK) with supplement.

 

Hardtail Mountain Bike (Reduction Available)

Specifications

The hardtail mountain bikes Giant Talon came in 5 different frame sizes and 27,5“ and 29“ wheels. Built on a lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame that features classic hardtail design plus the balanced riding characteristics of larger diameter 29-inch wheels, Talo is a great choice for XC terrain. The frame geometry is specifically  designed for its wheel size and a 100mm suspension fork. It’s a confident ride that’s perfect for ambitious riders who want to take their off-road skills to the next level.

Gears: 3x9 Shimano Alivio/Deore, chainring 22-30-40, cassette 12-36
Equipment: cycle computer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube (charged when used EUR 5 per tube) and tyre lever, hand pump, lock, helmet
Frame sizes: Wheels 27,5“ - frame sizes XS and S 
                      Wheels 29“ - frame sizes M, L, XL
Available Pedals:  Flat pedals (included), toe cages and clipless pedals (SPD, SL, LOOK) with supplement

 

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