CyclingHybrid & E-Bike OptionsSelf Guided

Self Guided Cycling From Slovenia To Croatia 2025

Piran - Koper - Piran - Portorož - Grožnjan - Motovun - Poreč - Vrsar - Poreč - Bale - Rovinj

Join us in exploring the former narrow-gauge railway line Parenzana, which has been turned into a true attraction for cyclists. You will be thrilled by the small picturesque towns and landscapes dotted with old villages. Sweeping into the 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 its special charm. The medieval hill towns of Grožnjan and Motovun will delight you, as will the unique Poreč.

▪ Trip Style: Self Guided Cycling Tour
▪ Start / Finish: Piran to  Rovinj
▪ Availability: March to November
▪ Departures: Any day of the week (on request)
▪ Total Distance: 211km
▪ 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.
Distance for a day are 29-40km.   

Code: F1

Day by day Itinerary

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Day 1
Portorož/Piran

Independent arrival in Portorož/Piran, Slovenia. Overnight in Portorož/Piran.

Day 2
Škofije/Koper to Portorož/Piran

At 0900HRS you have a welcome briefing at the hotel and those who have ordered bike rental will get fitted with your bikes and other equipment. You will be transferred, after the info meeting point, along with your bikes, to Muggia or Škofije. Start your cycling adventure on a traffic-free, asphalted cycle path – the former narrow-gauge railway line Parenzana, which runs deep into the Istrian peninsula, connecting 33 Istrian towns between Poreč and Trieste, located today across the territory of three states. The trail goes along the coast, passing through the towns of Koper, Izola, and Piran. (B)
Overnight in Portorož/Piran.

Cycling distance: 29km
Elevation gain: +205m / -262m

Day 3
Portorož/Piran - Grožnjan

Today, Parenzana takes you all along Piran Bay through Portorož and Lucija towns to the saltworks of Sečovlje. The Sečovlje Salts 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 crossing the Slovenian-Croatian border, Parenzana will take you uphill along the gravel trail, where you can enjoy the view of the whole bay with the saltworks and the Alps in the background. After passing by Savudrija - Salvore train station, you will follow the Parenzana train along the road, passing through once important villages of the Buje region, and you’ll reach your guesthouse located near Grožnjan, the city of artists. Overnight in Grožnjan. (B)

Cycling distance: 38km
Elevation gain: +426m / -186m

Day 4
Grožnjan - Motovun

Today, you will continue riding on a gravel surface along the legendary route of the Parenzana. 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 at many fascinating viewpoints between the medieval towns of Buje, Grožnjan, and Motovun before reaching Motovun. After passing through several tunnels and over old bridges, you can stop at many fascinating viewpoints before reaching the village of Livade, the truffle centre of the world, where you can taste and buy products with truffles. In front of Livade, on a hill, is the town of Motovun, where your hotel is located. Overnight in Motovun. (B)

Cycling distance: 37km
Elevation gain: +467m / -447m

Day 5
Motovun - Poreč

Overlooking the Mirna River valley lies surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval town of Motovun/Montona. This captivating hilltop town is one of the characteristic symbols of the Istrian interior. The Romanesque-Gothic bell tower with a crenellated 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 through the tunnel under the city of Motovun, Parenzana will take you towards Poreč through the village of Vižinada. You will pass by Nova Vas village, where you can visit 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 city centre, where you will find the Roman Forum, magnificent palaces from different historical periods, and to top it all, the famous Euphrasian Basilica (Euphrasiana). Overnight in a hotel in Poreč. (B)

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

Day 6
Loop Ride Poreč - Vrsar

After riding along the coast, you reach Vrsar, a romantic fishermen's village where the famous Casanova came back even two times. Our bike ride continues through the magical Kontija forest, with a panoramic view of the beautiful landscape of the Lim Bay, passing by the pirate cave and then heading inland, passing through small villages back to Poreč. (B)

Cycling distance: 35km
Elevation gain: +357m / -352m

Day 7
Kanfanar - Rovinj

In the morning, you will take a shuttle to Kanfanar, a small town above the Lim Valley. Start riding on a small local road; first, you will reach Svetvinčenat, with its grandiose Morosini-Grimani Citadel with towers, parish church, municipal loggia, and a line of 16th-century houses from the Renaissance, as well as a town cistern – šterna – in the middle. Savičenta really belongs to a range of the most attractive Venetian creations of that period, executed in this region, which held one of the rare witchcraft trials in Istria during the 17th century. Continue cycling on asphalted road, and you will reach Bale, where you can visit the Bembo Palace, city square, and museum. From Bale, you will be riding a mix of gravel and asphalted roads and trails all along the coast until you reach Rovinj, the goal of this tour, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." With its church and bell-tower on the hill by the sea, it’s very recognisable from all sides. Also called Istrian Venice, the old town was once an island and later connected with the land. It is famous for its traditional boat, the batana. Overnight in Rovinj. (B)

Cycling distance: 40km
Elevation gain: +232m / -494m

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       
  • Hardtail Mountain Bike
  • Luggage transport between accommodation
  • Transfer Portorož /Piran - Škofije/Muggia
  • Transfer Poreč - Kanfanar                                             
  • 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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4 Star Hotels
Departures between
TwinSingle
20 Apr 25 - 19 Jun 25
$4,085$6,782
20 Jun 25 - 19 Sep 25
$4,372$7,324
20 Sep 25 - 15 Nov 25
$3,776$6,300
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Included Accommodation (or similar)

Piran - Hotel Piran

Grožnjan - B&B Artegnana 1798

Motovun - Roxanich Winery & Design Hotel

Poreč - BO Hotel Palazzo

Rovinj - Hotel Angelo D’Oro

Would you like to extend your stay?

Piran - Hotel Piran

From $POA

Rovinj - Hotel Angelo D’Oro

From $POA

3 Star Hotels
Departures between
TwinSingle
20 Apr 25 - 19 Jun 25
$3,153$5,049
20 Jun 25 - 19 Sep 25
$3,397$5,395
20 Sep 25 - 15 Nov 25
$2,953$4,751
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Included Accommodation (or similar)

Piran - Art Hotel Tartini

Grožnjan - B&B Artegnana 1798

Motovun - Villa Borgo

Poreč - Hotel Poreč

Rovinj - Villa Baron Gautsch

Would you like to extend your stay?

Piran - Art Hotel Tartini

From $POA

Rovinj - Villa Baron Gautsch

From $POA

Important Notes

Hardtail Mountain Bike (Included):

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-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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