Exploring Parenzana On Two Wheels Self Guided MTB Cycling 2023

Independent arrival in Trieste. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Trieste. Overnight in Trieste.

At 0900HRS you will have a welcome briefing and have your rental mountain bike and other equipment fitted. Today ‘Parenzana’ takes all along Piran Bay through the towns of Portorož and Lucija to saltworks of Sečovlje. The Sečovlje salt flats are the northernmost salt flats in the Mediterranean. The salt is produced in the traditional way based on a 700-year-old method that harmonises man and nature. You can visit its museum. After you cross Slovenian-Croatian border, ‘Parenzana’ will take uphill along the trail where you can enjoy the view on the whole bay with saltworks and the Alps in the background. After passing by Savudrija-Salvore train station. Following ‘Parenzana’ train along the road and passing through once important villages of Buje region, you will be getting to you hotel where you can enjoy Istrian specialties such as truffles and Istrian prosciutto. Overnight in hotel in Buje region. (B)

Cycling distance: 65km
Elevation gain: +615m / -481m

After breakfast you will start biking (on macadam) on the legendary route of the ‘Parenzana’, the former narrow-gauge railway line which penetrates deeply into the Istrian Peninsula connecting 33 Istrian towns between Poreč and Trieste, located today on the territory of three countries. Passing through magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards, it will become obvious why it was also known as the wine railway. After passing through several tunnels, and over old bridges, you can stop on many fascinating viewpoints between the medieval town of Buje, Grožnjan and Motovun before reaching the village of Livade, the truffle centre of the world where you can taste and buy some products with truffles. In front of Livade on a hill is the town of Motovun where your hotel is. Overnight in Motovun. (B)

Cycling distance: 39km
Elevation gain: +629m / -496m

Overlooking the Mirna River Valley, lies surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval town of Motovun. This captivating hilltop town is one of the characteristic symbols of the Istrian interior. The Romanesque-Gothic bell tower with a crenulated crown from the 13th century, standing next to the Parish Church of St Stephen from the 17th century, dominates the town's historic core. In the central square is the Romanesque Municipal Palace, the largest secular building in Istria of that period surrounded by many other historic buildings. Passing the tunnel under the town of Motovun, ‘Parenzana’ will take you towards Poreč through the village of Vižinada. You will pass by the village of Nova Vas where you can visit the Baredine Cave. Following the trail along the vineyards you will reach Poreč. This is a town where you can find material and spiritual evidence of great cultures at every step. Ride along the old town centre where you will find the Roman Forum, magnificent palaces from different historical periods, and to top it all, the famous, UNESCO protected Euphrasian Basilica. Overnight in Poreč. (B)

Cycling distance: 38km
Elevation gain: +265m / -514m

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. End of services. (B)