CyclingHybrid & E-Bike OptionsSelf Guided

Istrian Wine Roads Self Guided Cycling 2025

Buje - Umag - Buje - Brtonigla - Novigrad - Buje - Motovun - Poreč - Vrsar - Poreč - Bale - Rovinj

There is something magical in Istria, the largest Croatian peninsula, immersed in the blue of the Adriatic. Its green forests, historic hilltop towns, vineyards, olive groves and gentle rivers are a perfect combination of the beauty of nature, history and culture. When you add to this the seductive tastes of excellent Istrian wines, you just know that this is an area which offers you everything you need. Enjoy an easy bike ride and explore Istria, passing through the hidden medieval towns of Grožnjan, Oprtalj, Motovun, and the former Roman colony of Poreč whose charm will leave you breathless. Passing through a landscape of hills framed by rivers, with forests, vineyards and olive groves, you’ll enjoy every moment. Take a break at the winemakers and taste indigenous wines such as Malvasia and Teran, treat yourself to tasty delicacies and experience all the charms of Istria, this exciting Croatian wine region.

▪ Trip Style: Self Guided Cycling Tour
▪ Start / Finish: Buje Area to Rovinj
▪ Availability: March to November
▪ Departures: Any day of the week (on request)
▪ Total Distance: 286km
▪ Grade: Easy to Moderate

This holiday requires cyclists with a good level of fitness who are occasional cyclists. Cycling days are longer and higher hills are possible. Daily cycling distance is 35-55km.

Code: F1

Day by day Itinerary

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Day 1
Buje Area

Independent 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 or Brtonigla.

Day 2
Buje Area - Umag - Buje Area

Today’s tour starts with an easy downhill ride to the coast on the northernmost point of the Istrian Peninsula. Nearby is a lighthouse, according to the legend it was built by Count Metternich as his ‘love nest’. Savudrija is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Adriatic, built in 1818. It is also the northernmost Istrian lighthouse. Its building is 36 meters tall and there is a keeper living inside. The trail continues south to Umag. Umag is a little town with about 45km of the coastline. The interesting hinterland integrates special features of the whole region, it may be the best introduction to a different experience of the Mediterranean. Umag's history is extremely interesting, it was founded by Roman nobleman who decided to make it his summer residence. The glamour, magnificence, and glare of the times can be seen today in the Venetian houses of the Old Town. City walls and fortification are partially preserved, as well as some renaissance and baroque buildings and churches. Vineyards and olive groves create an atmosphere of a typical west-Istrian landscape. Visit a wine cellar to taste the ‘Muscat’ or ‘Malvazija’, local wines. Overnight in Buje area or Brtonigla. (B)

Cycling distance: 48km
Elevation gain: +443m / -442m

Day 3
Buje Area - Novigrad - Buje Area

From Buje area you continue cycling through Kršete, a picturesque village, and arrive at small town Brtonigla. Brtonigla has churches and monasteries from the XV century. The trail leads through wine yards and olive groves of the Brtonigla area. Wine from this area is very popular (Teran). Across endless vineyards you will eventually reach Novigrad, where you can visit the olive oil production and taste some of the best olive oils. Through Dajla and Karigador villages on the coast you arrive at Lovrečica, Venetian-Bishops coastal village. Following the road through Škrinjari, Babići, and Buroli Village you will see traditional Istrian houses. The road by the vineyards will take you back to your hotel. Overnight in Buje area or Brtonigla. (B)

Cycling distance: 50km
Elevation gain: +422m / -421m

Day 4
Buje Area - Motovun

From Buje you will continue towards Grožnjan. A typical Istrian medieval town high on top of a hill, along the right coast of the Mirna River. See a renaissance loggia dating from 1585 and the beautiful St Vitus and Modesto’s Baroque Church. Pass along its streets; where almost every door leads to art studios or galleries, where windows from every direction echo the sounds of different music genres, from classical to jazz; you will understand why Grožnjan is known as ‘The Town of Artists’. From Grožnjan, you will ride on quiet Istrian village roads through beautiful settlements and arrive to Oprtalj. Oprtalj is home to unchanged urban medieval styles of building; narrow streets; shops; 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 of Istria. From Oprtalj, you cycle 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 the Livade is Motovun, surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval hill-town. Around Livade is the Motovun Forest which stretches along Mirna River Valley, it is especially rich with truffles. Overnight in Motovun. (B)

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

Day 5
Motovun - Poreč

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 five most famous observatories in the world. The road continues to the town of Višnjan which is on a 246m altitude. From there, you will be able to catch a view on the west Istrian coast and the coastal town of Poreč. In the Višnjan surroundings is possible to visit many wine cellars with wine from the Poreč area, especially ‘Malvasia’. Tour continues to Tar, a little town on the hill above the sea, and to Nova Vas Village 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

Day 6
Poreč Loop Ride

From Poreč, the trail starts with sightseeing the Euphrasiana, the most valuable monument in Poreč, a church built in 6th century. Follow the road until you reach the village of Bačva. Bačva is the highest point of this stage and there is local restaurant with traditional dishes where you can enjoy tasting local food. The trail continues to southern villages and it comes down to the coast in the town of Vrsar. With a commanding view of the coast, it was natural for Vrsar to become a defended fortress. Only parts of the fortification system, built in the 12th century, have been preserved but the fortress-castle used as a summer residence of the Poreč bishops is well worth a look. After Vrsar the trail passes Funtana fishing village, through Zelena and Plava Laguna touristic villages, and it leads along the coast all the way back to Poreč. (B)

Cycling distance: 45km
Elevation gain: +515m / -515m

Day 7
Poreč - Kanfanar - Rovinj

After breakfast, you can choose between taking a car transfer to Kanfanar or reaching it on your own by bike. Kanfanar is a small town above the Lim valley. From Kanfanar, you begin the flattest ride of the tour. Passing by Istrian inland villages you will see traditional Istrian tool-houses (kažun). After reaching Bale you can visit the Bembo palace, city square, and museum. Continue to Rovinj and on the way you can visit ‘Palud’, an ornithological reserve where you can cycle around. After Kokuletovica Village you can turn in Monkodonja. Monkodonja is a prehistoric hill-town inhabited about 1800-1200 BC during the Bronze Age. After Monkodonja, you will reach Rovinj, your goal of this tour, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. With its church and bell tower on the hill by the sea it is very recognizable from all sides. Also called ‘Istrian Venice’, the Old Town 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. It will fascinate you. 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

Day 8
Rovinj

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. (B)

Inclusions

  • 7 Nights in selected hotels or similar
  • 7 Breakfasts (B)
  • Information Meeting
  • Information Pack
    Route description (map & road book), vouchers, water bottle & luggage tags
  • Hybrid/Trekking Bike or Hardtail Mountain Bike (please advise preference at time of booking)
  • 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-Bike Upgrade - $235 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
  • Gravel Bike Upgrade - $235 per person
    - Gravel Bike - Giant Revol 0/1
  • GPS Rental - EUR50 per person
  • Clipless Pedals (SPD, SL, KEO) - EUR12 per person
  • Rear rack + top bag (for gravel and MTB) - EUR15 per person
  • Extra Side Pannier - EUR15 per person
  • Arrival & departure transfers (available on request)

Not Included

  • Travel & Bike insurance
  • Lunches, dinners and drinks,

Pricing and Accommodation

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Superior Package
Departures between
TwinSingle
20 Apr 25 - 19 Jun 25
$3,819$6,365
20 Jun 25 - 19 Sep 25
$4,242$7,015
20 Sep 25 - 15 Nov 25
$3,619$6,116
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Included Accommodation (or similar)

Buje - San Rocco Heritage Hotel & Gourmet Restaurant

Motovun - Roxanich Winery & Design Hotel

Poreč - BO Hotel Palazzo

Rovinj - Hotel Angelo D’Oro

Would you like to extend your stay?

Buje - San Rocco Heritage Hotel & Gourmet Restaurant

From $POA

Rovinj - Hotel Angelo D’Oro

From $POA

Superior / Standard Package
Departures between
TwinSingle
20 Apr 25 - 19 Jun 25
$3,175$4,848
20 Jun 25 - 19 Sep 25
$3,353$5,173
20 Sep 25 - 15 Nov 25
$2,974$4,572
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Included Accommodation (or similar)

Buje - Hotel Casa Romantica La Parenzana

Motovun - Hotel Kaštel

Poreč - BO Hotel Palazzo

Rovinj - Hotel Angelo D’Oro

Would you like to extend your stay?

Buje - Hotel Casa Romantica La Parenzana

From $POA

Rovinj - Hotel Angelo D’Oro

From $POA

Standard Package
Departures between
TwinSingle
20 Apr 25 - 19 Jun 25
$2,660$4,085
20 Jun 25 - 19 Sep 25
$2,795$4,269
20 Sep 25 - 15 Nov 25
$2,530$3,879
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Included Accommodation (or similar)

Buje - Hotel Casa Romantica La Parenzana

Motovun - Hotel Kaštel

Poreč - Hotel Poreč

Rovinj - Villa Baron Gautsch

Would you like to extend your stay?

Buje - Hotel Casa Romantica La Parenzana

From $POA

Rovinj - Villa Baron Gautsch

From $POA

Important Notes

Hybrid/Trekking Bicycle - Musing Custom Built or similar
(Included - please advise preference at time of booking) 

Specifications

Hybrid/trekking bikes are custom built by Musing bike manufacturer and designed for several day touring. All hybrid bikes have adjustable stem and come in 7 different sizes, male and female frame. Hybrid bikes are built from lightweight aluminium and have wide gear range, triple chainring and 9 speed cassette, comfortable Selle Royal Freccia saddle, 28” wheels, fenders, integrated rear rack, dynamo powered lights.

Gears: 3x9 Shimano Alivio, chainring 28-38-48, cassette 11-32
Male frame sizes: 49cm, 52cm, 55cm, 58cm, 61cm
Female frame sizes: 43cm, 48cm, 53cm
Equipment: Cycle odometer, water bottle holder, saddle bag containing spare tube and tyre lever, hand pump, lock, helmet, 1 side pannier.
Available Pedals: Flat pedals (included), toe cages, clipless pedals (SPD,SL, LOOK) with supplement.

 

Hardtail Mountain Bike  
(Included - please advise preference at time of booking) 

Specifications

The hardtail mountain bikes, Giant Talon, come in 5 different frame sizes and 27.5" and 29" wheels.
Built on a lightweight ALUXX aluminium frame that features a classic hardtail design, plus the balanced riding characteristics of larger diameter 29-inch wheels, the Talon 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
Frame sizes: Wheels 27,5“ - XS and S
                       Wheels 29“ -  M, L, XL
Equipment: Cycle computer, water bottle holders, saddle bag containing spare tube (charged when used EUR 5 per tube), tyre lever, hand pump, lock, helmet
Available Pedals: Flat pedals (included), toe cages, and clipless pedals (SPD, SL, LOOK - supplement)

 

E-Bike - Mustang Custom Built or similar (Upgrade Supplement Available)

Specifications

E-bikes are custom built by Musing bike manufacturer and designed for several day touring. All of the E-bikes have adjustable stem and come in 3 different sizes, with low entry frame. E-bikes are built from lightweight aluminium, and have wide gear range, single chainring and 10 speed cassette, comfortable Selle Royal Freccia saddle, 28” wheels, front suspension, Shimano hydraulic brakes, fenders, integrated rear rack, dynamo powered lights, drive unit Shimano Steps E6100 (250W), Akku 418Wh (duration in eco mode 100km, power mode 50km).

Gears: 1x10 Shimano Deore, chainring 38, cassette 11-32
Frame sizes: 48cm, 52cm, 56cm
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, 1 side pannier
Available Pedals: Flat pedals (included), toe cages and clipless pedals (SPD, SL, LOOK) with supplement

 

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

Specifications

With a lightweight aluminium frame that blends classic hardtail design with modern E-bike technology, the 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-inch 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. 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 (55-135 km range).

Gears: Shimano M2010 9 speed, chainring 36T, cassette 11-36T
Frame sizes:  S, M, L
Equipment: Cycle odometer, water bottle holders, saddle bag containing spare tube, tyre lever and tools, hand pump, lock, helmet
Available Pedals: Flat pedals (included), toe cages, and clipless pedals (SPD, SL, LOOK - supplement)

 

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

Specifications

E-Trekking Bike – Haibike Trekking 9 Low / Trekking Cross 9 Low is built from lightweight aluminium and have a 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 mudguards, integrated rear rack, LED lights, and drive unit. Equipped with the compact Bosch Performance CX Gen 4 motor, it 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), L56cm (175-188 cm), XL-58 cm (185-200 cm)
Equipment: Cycle computer, water bottle holders, saddle bag containing spare tube (charged when used EUR 5 per tube) and tyre lever, hand pump, lock, helmet
Available Pedals: Flat pedals, toe cages, and clipless pedals (SPD, SL, LOOK) with supplement

 

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

Specifications

E-Trekking Bike - Giant Explore E+3 is built from lightweight aluminium and have a 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, and 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

 

Gravel bike Giant Revol 0/1 or similar (Upgrade Supplement Available)

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 offers 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 holders, 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

 

 

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