At a Glance
Discover the magic of Croatia's Istrian peninsula on this 8-day cycling tour along its stunning west coast. Designed for leisurely exploration, your journey weaves from the UNESCO wonders of Poreč through the romantic alleys of Rovinj to the charming harbour of Fažana. This self-guided adventure invites you to set your own pace, uncovering the rich history and natural beauty of the Istria peninsula. You'll have daily opportunities for a refreshing swim before indulging in Istria's celebrated cuisine of fresh seafood, truffles, and zesty wines and a chance to explore Brijuni National Park. From its UNESCO World Heritage sites to its sun-drenched coastal trails, uncover Istria's treasures on your own timeline with every turn of the pedal.
Your exciting adventure begins in Porec. Witness the 300AD Basilica of Euphrasis, a ruined Roman ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 7 nights of accommodation in deluxe hotels on a twin share basis
- All breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
- Navigation app
- Bike hire included. Optional e-bike hire at an additional cost
- Transfer Day 3
Itinerary
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Welcome to Porec! This exciting resort town seamlessly blends history and culture, and offers over 10 km of beaches. You can choose to go for a relaxing swim nearby or explore the town before your bike briefing at 6 pm. The Hotel Flores is a 4-star hotel situated in a lush, serene area of Porec, 30 meters from the closest beach and around 400 meters from the historic city center. From here, you can visit the Porec Town Beach, where you can gain easy access to the sea and sunbathing areas, or take a stroll along the Obala Marsala Tita, lined with cafes, bars, and views of bobbing boats. On your way back to the hotel for the briefing, you can make a stop to grab dinner. There are many options to choose from, depending on your preference – Konoba aba, for example, features truffle risotto and generous seafood platters. If you prefer fine dining accompanied by lovely sea views, you can visit the likes of Restaurant Sveti Nikola. |
Hotel Flores, Porec 
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Approx. 33 km (21 miles), 2-3 hours biking Your journey begins in the heart of Poreč, where you will cycle past the magnificent Basilica of Euphrasius. This UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back to the 6th century, is renowned for its breathtaking golden frescoes and intricate Byzantine mosaics that capture the spirit of a bygone era. Following the coastline north, you will ride along scenic seaside tracks for approximately 10 kilometres, passing clear bays and picturesque headlands. Along the way, you'll discover the evocative ruins of a Roman amphora factory, a testament to the region's ancient history. |
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Turning inland, the route leads you to the remarkable Jama Baredine, a limestone cave filled with stunning natural sculptures of stalactites and stalagmites. After exploring this subterranean world, you will continue towards the esteemed Roxanich winery. Here, you'll have the opportunity to pause and savour their distinctively crisp wines amidst the tranquil beauty of the vineyard, before completing your loop and returning for a refreshing swim in the pool. |
Hotel Flores, Porec
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After a delightful breakfast, join a transfer to Rovinj, a town rivaling Venice (just a day trip over the bay) charm, where marbled alleyways are soft with candlelight and lively dining tables. Lose yourself in art galleries and boutiques, find a sunny swimming cove, or board a boat to one of the small islands just offshore. For dinner, the Old Town is a famous culinary destination with several world-class options, including Michelin-starred fine dining and intimate seaside taverns. |
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Your accommodation for the next two days is Villa Tuttorotto, a 4-star boutique hotel occupying a restored 500-year-old Venetian palace in the heart of Rovinj. This hotel feels like a private museum, featuring the owner’s collection of antiques and art, with even the Roman amphorae visible in the property's communal areas. |
Villa Tuttorotto, Rovinj
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Approx. 14 km (9 miles) 1-2 hours biking Embark on a leisurely bike ride along the northern loop from Rovinj, a gentle path that guides you through a landscape rich with history and nature. You will pass by the quiet remains of ancient churches, their stonewalls telling stories of centuries past, and cycle through fragrant olive groves where the gnarled trees stand as timeless sentinels. The route continues across fields of deep, oxblood-coloured soil, occasionally tilled by weathered tractors, painting a rustic portrait of Istrian country life. Upon your return to the coast, the inviting Adriatic Sea offers a perfect opportunity for a refreshing swim from the local boat piers. As evening approaches, find a tranquil spot along the shore to enjoy a sundowner, watching as the sky transforms with the setting sun. After sunset, the waterfront takes on a magical glow; shoreline bars arrange cushions upon the smooth rocks, creating intimate settings where you can relax, while underwater lights illuminate the crystal-clear water, glistening as fishing boats make their quiet return to the harbour for the night. |
Villa Tuttorotto, Rovinj
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Approx. 44 km (27 miles) 2-3 hours biking Head south on a rolling coastal path under umbrella pines, bay hopping for 8 km by crystal seas. A steady, gentle ascent brings you to the small town of Bale, known as Castrum Vallis by the Romans who built a castle here to protect their salt trade. It’s then back downhill to the sea and through walnuts, plums, almonds, figs, and vines to Fazana. Your home for the rest of the trip is the Hotel Villetta Phasiana, a boutique lodging set in a 16th-century building in the heart of the village, facing a small harbor and the Brijuni Islands National Park. For dinner, there are several nearby restaurants to savour delightful meals, including the Konoba Vasianum, where you can enjoy fresh seafood accompanied by a stunning waterfront view, or the Star Jonoba, a traditional spot famous for its Istrian dried ham and seafood pasta. |
Hotel Villetta Phasiana, Fazana
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Approx. 24 km (15 miles) 1-2 hours biking Embark on a cycle to the ancient city of Pula, where a labyrinth of marbled alleys invites you to uncover its treasures. Here, you'll find an abundance of Roman remains, most notably the impeccably preserved amphitheatre dating back to 27 BC, a monumental testament to the city's rich history. You can choose to spend the day immersing yourself in Pula's vibrant atmosphere or return for an excursion by boat to the Brijuni National Park. This pristine archipelago offers an unforgettable visit, with ancient Roman villas, the ruins of a Byzantine village, free-roaming herds of deer, and serene, pine-fringed bays waiting to be discovered. |
Hotel Villetta Phasiana, Fazana
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Continue your journey inland, pedalling through fragrant lemon groves, shady pine forests, and ancient olive trees towards Vodnjan. This historic town, once Istria's ancient capital, is now a sleepy village where you can admire a rich tapestry of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture. After exploring Vodnjan's quiet streets, stop by a local bakery to pick up some fresh bread and pastries for a picnic. From there, head north towards the 8th-century Church of St. Foška, a site revered for its tranquil and reputedly healing energy. Find a spot for lunch amidst the unique *kažuni*—traditional stone huts with a distinctive beehive shape that dot the surrounding landscape. To conclude your day's adventure, cycle back along the scenic coastline, where you can see the remains of Roman baths near the shore. Upon returning to Fažana, enjoy a final leisurely stroll along the harbour as you watch the sun set over the Adriatic. |
Hotel Villetta Phasiana, Fazana
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This morning, your Croatian adventure comes to an end. Savour one last breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey. Bid your farewells for your onward journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Breakfast Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Porec.
- The finish point is Pula.
- The closest airport to The closest airport to Pula, Croatia, is Pula Airport (PUY), located just about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the city centre.
- Airport transfers are not included. Airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. Alternatively, you can make your own way to the starting point of your trip, Hotel Flores in Porec.
Discover the inviting Mediterranean climate of Croatia's Istria Peninsula, where beautifully temperate weather creates a stunning sanctuary for year-round exploration. During the radiant summer months of July and August, daytime temperatures gracefully hover between 25°C and 30°C, offering a sun-drenched environment perfectly balanced by gentle coastal breezes. As the landscape transitions into the golden warmth of autumn and the vibrant awakening of spring, you can anticipate comfortably mild days with temperatures averaging a pleasant 15°C to 20°C. Even when the quiet elegance of winter arrives, the coastal edges remain remarkably welcoming, maintaining mild daytime temperatures that gently rest between 5°C and 10°C.
The biking level on this trip is rated Level 1 Leisurely.
Level 1 Leisurely: Gentle routes, often flat but with the occasional short climb and freewheel descent! On average, you should expect to be cycling for 20-60km on each cycling day. The distance is hugely dependent on the elevation and terrain. These are a great choice for first-timers, families with children, anyone who hasn't ridden a bike in years, or those wanting a relaxed break with plenty of time to explore or enjoy the pool.
Level 2 Moderate: Expect more undulations on these trips. The more varied terrain will appeal to the fair-weather cyclist or to the more active rider looking for a relaxed trip. You can expect a climbing up to 660m in a day, over a distance of 20-90km. Generally, a bit more distance would mean a bit less climbing as a result, and vice versa. It is your holiday after all! No special technical skills are required but must be good health and reasonably fit.
Level 3 Demanding: We would recommend you be a regular, confident cyclist to enjoy this more Demanding level of holiday. The days cycling will tend to be on longer, more challenging routes with distances up to 100km. The routes will also be hilly, some with longer climbs meaning you can expect to the day elevations to be between 400-800m. As such, riders are required to have a good level physical fitness.
Level 4 Challenging: Our Challenging trips require a good level of fitness and for you to have confidence in your ability on the bike. They will be tougher routes, with longer distances and steeper inclines and declines, which will appeal to a more experienced cyclist. The routes could be up to 120km, with some good elevation gains of up to 1000m in a day. Please note, E-Bikes are generally not suitable for Level 4 holidays. For mountain-biking trips, previous experience is essential as they will involve some technical off-road riding.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 100 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 100 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 100 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 100 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
