Istrian Wine Roads Self Guided Cycling 2023

Individual arrival in Istria. Info Meeting with the representative at 1900HRS at the hotel reception where you will be provided with the package including hotel vouchers, bicycle with all equipment, maps and a road book. Overnight in Buje area.

From Buje you will continue towards Grožnjan. Typical Istrian medieval town sprout high on top of a hill along the right coast of the Mirna River, renaissance loggia dating from 1585 and the beautiful St Vitus and Modesto’s Baroque church. If you just occasionally pass along its streets in which almost every door leads to art studios or galleries, and windows from every direction echo the sounds of different music genres, from classical to jazz, you’ll understand why Grožnjan is known as "The Town of Artists". From Grožnjan you'll ride on quiet Istrian village roads through beautiful settlement and arrive to Oprtalj. Unchanged urban medieval style of building, the narrow streets, the shops, the beautiful Venetian palaces, portals and covered passages and particularly the unique view to the Istrian Peninsula from the town loggia, according to many the most beautiful in Istria. From Oprtalj you are going downhill enjoying the view on Mirna River and eventually arriving in Livade, the truffle centre of Istria where you can visit the local truffle shop and taste it in various forms. The truffle is an underground malodorous fungus believed to be an aphrodisiac. On the hill in front of Livade is Motovun, surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval hilltop town. Around Livade is the Motovun Forest which stretches along Mirna River Valley and is especially rich in truffles. Overnight in Motovun. (B)

Cycling distance: 37km
Elevation gain: +693m / -585m

This part of the trail goes from inland to the coast. It follows the road to Višnjan where you will pass by an observatory. It’s one of the 5 most famous observatories in the world. The road continues to the town of Višnjan which is on 246m altitude and from there you'll be able to catch a view on west Istrian coast and the coastal town of Poreč. In Višnjan surroundings it is possible to visit many wine cellars with wine from Poreč area, especially ‘Malvasia’. Tour continues to Tar, a little town on the hill above the sea and to the village of Nova Vas by the famous cave (which you can visit). After passing a few more villages the trail reaches Poreč. Overnight in Poreč. (B)

Cycling distance: 40km
Elevation gain: +367m / -614m

After breakfast you can choose between taking a car transfer to Kanfanar or reach it on your own on bike. Kanfanar is a small town above the Lim Valley. From Kanfanar starts the flattest ride of all in this tour. Passing by Istrian inland villages you will see traditional Istrian tool-houses ‘Kažun’. After reaching Bale you can visit the Bembo Palace, town square and museum. Continue to Rovinj and on the way you can visit ‘Palud’ an ornithological reserve where you can cycle around. After village Kokuletovica you can turn in Monkodonja. Monkodonja is a prehistoric hilltop town inhabited at 1800-1200BC during the Bronze Age. After Monkodonja you will reach Rovinj, your goal of this tour. With its church and bell-tower on the hill by the sea, it’s very recognizable from all sides. Also called “Istrian Venice”, old town which was once an island and then connected with land, famous for its traditional boat called ‘Batana’. Restaurants with fresh fish combined with ‘Malvasia’ will complete this week's atmosphere. Everybody can enjoy Rovinj, its charm and magic. Overnight in Rovinj. (B)

Cycling distance Poreč to Kanfanar: 34km
Elevation gain: +680m / -399m
Cycling distance Kanfanar to Rovinj: 32km
Elevation gain: +180m / -455m

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