Hotel in Trieste or Muggia
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Best of Istria Bike Tour
8 days / 7 nights
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Experience the Northern Adriatic on cycling holidays, exploring the iconic Parenzana trail as it winds from Trieste across Slovenia and Croatian Istria.
Starting point
Trieste
Finish point
Pula
Fitness level
3/5
Season
From April to October
Experience the Northern Adriatic on cycling holidays, exploring the iconic Parenzana trail as it winds from Trieste across Slovenia and Croatian Istria.
Experience the Northern Adriatic on cycling holidays, exploring the iconic Parenzana trail as it winds from Trieste across Slovenia and Croatian Istria.
Starting point
Trieste
Finish point
Pula
Fitness level
3/5
Season
From April to October
Highlights
- Pedal through the picturesque coastline of Italy, Slovenia, and Croatian Istria
- Traverse the renowned Parenzana cycle route, riding on the historic railway path
- Explore charming seaside villages such as Trieste, Piran, Rovinj, and Pula
- Uncover the rich variety of the Northern Adriatic coastal area on a bike
- A year-round adventure, suitable for the majority of the calendar year
Itinerary of the trip
FREE ITINERARY
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What’s included in the price?
Self-guided
Tour design and organization
Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions
7 nights in 3* hotels with breakfast
Service and support during your tour
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Luggage transfer
NOT INCLUDED
Tourist tax
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Airport transfer
E-bike
E-road bike
Gravel bike
MTB
Single supplement
The Best of Istria Bike Tour offers a one-of-a-kind chance to explore the stunning coastline of the Northern Adriatic Sea — journeying from Italy to Slovenia and, finally, Croatia. Imagine yourself pedaling along sun-kissed shores, discovering charming seaside towns, and delving into the rich cultural history that abounds in this idyllic region.
The ideal Mediterranean climate allows you to cycle almost all year round, with early spring and late autumn offering perfect weather conditions and fewer crowds. If you prefer higher temperatures, summer invites you to cool off with a refreshing dip in the sparkling azure waters along the way.
The renowned Parenzana cycling path, following the former railway from Trieste to Poreč, provides an effortless and thrilling ride. You'll alternate between well-maintained cycling paths, gravel tracks, and light-traffic roads, all while enjoying the coastal breeze. As you venture through tunnels and over bridges, you'll be captivated by the quaint villages that dot the peninsula.
Prepare to be swept off your feet by Rovinj, one of Europe's most romantic coastal towns, before concluding your Istria bike tour in the historic city of Pula — Istria's cultural capital. An extra day allows you to fully immerse yourself in the fascinating surroundings.
This Istria bike tour offers a perfect blend of freedom, autonomy, and support. While we provide a comprehensive itinerary and directions, you have the flexibility to shape your own daily adventures. Our 24/7 support is always on standby to ensure a seamless experience.
With an option to rent electric or standard bikes that cater to all fitness levels, there's no excuse not to embark on this unforgettable journey.
Embrace the magic of Istria and create memories that will last a lifetime. The sooner, the better. Let the adventure begin!
Top Places You’ll See
From natural wonders to authentic local culture, the route is packed with memorable sights—these are our absolute favorites.
Miramare Castle
Perched above the Gulf of Trieste, Miramare Castle is a 19th-century neo-Gothic residence built for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria and his wife Charlotte. The castle’s white stone façade contrasts strikingly with the deep blue sea below, while its lush gardens brim with exotic plants collected from around the world. Inside, lavishly preserved rooms tell the story of imperial elegance and tragic destiny. It remains one of Italy’s most graceful seaside palaces.
Piran
Piran is a coastal gem on the Adriatic, known for its Venetian heritage and narrow medieval streets. The main square, Tartini Square, is named after the famous violinist Giuseppe Tartini, who was born here. Climb the old city walls for panoramic views of the red-roofed town and the sea, or visit St. George’s Church, which overlooks the harbor from a bluff.
Parenzana Trail
The Parenzana Trail follows a historic narrow-gauge railway built in 1902 that once connected Trieste with Poreč. Today, it’s one of the most scenic cycling and walking routes in the region, running through tunnels, viaducts, and rolling vineyards across Slovenia and Croatia. Stretching 123 kilometers, it’s both a cultural journey and a living monument to the region’s industrial heritage.
Grožnjan
Perched on a hilltop in Croatia’s Istrian peninsula, Grožnjan is renowned as the “town of artists.” Its medieval stone lanes are packed with more than twenty galleries and studios, and music festivals fill the narrow streets each summer. With panoramic views over vineyards and olive groves, Grožnjan blends history, art, and a relaxed Mediterranean charm that makes it a favorite stop for culture lovers and cyclists crossing the border from Slovenia.
Motovun
Just a short ride away, Motovun rises dramatically above the Mirna River valley and is famed for its intact medieval walls and sweeping views across central Istria. The town is at the heart of Croatia’s truffle region, offering everything from simple truffle tastings to fine dining. Its cobbled streets, Venetian architecture, and surrounding forests make Motovun both a culinary hotspot and one of the most atmospheric hill towns in the region.
Lim Fjord
Also known as Limski Fjord, this narrow, 10-kilometer-long bay cuts deep into the Istrian coast between Rovinj and Poreč. It’s actually a flooded karst valley, known for its oyster and mussel farms and steep forested cliffs. The area is protected for its unique ecosystem and crystal-clear waters, which change color with the sunlight — a true natural wonder of western Istria.
Premantura
Premantura is the southernmost tip of the Istrian peninsula, known for the protected landscape of Cape Kamenjak. The cape is dotted with coves, cliffs, and beaches, and its coastline stretches for about 30 kilometers. Cyclists and hikers can explore its trails, while swimmers and divers are drawn to its clear waters and unique rock formations.
Arena Pula
The Pula Arena is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Built in the 1st century AD under Emperor Vespasian—the same emperor who commissioned the Colosseum in Rome—it could once seat 23,000 spectators. Today, it hosts concerts, film festivals, and cultural events, making it a remarkable blend of ancient history and modern life in the heart of Pula.
Our Bikes
To ensure the best possible experience on your cycling adventure, we offer top-quality bikes for rent. Our fleet features the latest models, meticulously maintained for both performance and comfort.
To match each rider with the right equipment, our team will also assist you in selecting the most suitable bike based on your physical profile, personal preferences, and the technical requirements of the tour.
Each bike rental includes:
✔ Transport of the bike to and from the tour start/end point
✔ Helmet for safety
✔ Phone holder mounted on the handlebars
✔ Basic tool kit for on-the-go adjustments
Muesing Hybrid Touring Bike
Or similar
Type: Trekking Bike
Best for: Everyday cycling, relaxed touring, and longer leisure rides
These custom-designed hybrid touring bikes blend comfort and performance for versatile use. Featuring a lightweight aluminium frame, adjustable stem, and multiple saddle options, they offer a personalized and upright riding position. The wheels with slick tires ensure efficient rolling, giving the feel of a road bike while preserving the comfort and stability needed for touring and casual cruising.
BMC Fourstroke AMP LT THREE
Or similar
Type: E-Mountain Bike
Best for: Trail riding, technical terrain, and all-day e-MTB adventures
This premium full-suspension e-mountain bike is designed for top-tier performance across all terrains. Built with a lightweight carbon frame and progressive geometry, it ensures confident handling on both climbs and descents. It offers smooth pedal assistance while keeping total weight to just 16.90 kg, and delivers power, control, and agility for serious trail riders.
Muesing Crozzroad Lite
Or similar
Type: Gravel Bike
Best for: Touring, everyday gravel riding, and mixed-surface adventures
The Muesing Crozzroad Lite is an aluminium gravel bike, built for reliable performance and comfort on varied terrain. It features a carbon fork for improved shock absorption and a 2x11 drivetrain. The bike provides grip and efficiency on both paved and unpaved roads. A rear rack comes as standard and can be removed if not needed, making this bike equally suited for light touring or day rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ratings & Reviews
5.0 average rating
+40
The tour plan was really wonderful, a good balance of urban and outdoor locations and experiences. The trip app worked perfectly, making it simple to keep organized with excursion vouchers, route maps, site descriptions, etc. it also made it easy to communicate with the travel company when we occasionally had questions. We were amazed at how much variety there was in a relatively small area. I highly recommend this company and this particular trip plan for anyone who would like to explore this area of Slovenia.
Show all 4 photos
Just outstanding! Guide Tine was a pleasure to travel with, extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. This company truly showcases the beauty of Slovenia from wine and cuisine to natural beauty and culture. We HIGHLY recommend a private food and wine tour!
Show all 7 photos
The service provided by this company is first class. Our agent, Marusa was superb in terms of her communication, her suggestions and recommendations and brilliant organisation of our trip. Had we tied to organise for ourselves we would almost certainly have missed things out through lack of knowledge. Everything worked so well that we were able to make the most of our first wonderful visit to this beautiful, friendly and hospitable country. We loved it.
Show all 9 photos
Slovenia Holidays did a fantastic job in putting together an eight-day, tailor-made tour for our small group. We had an amazing time and highly enjoyed all elements of our trip – including tour of Ljubljana, gorge hiking, visiting Slovenia’s famous caves, alpine views, hot air balloon ride, beautiful coastal town of Piran and, of course, delicious food and wine 😊. Our holiday agent – Grega - was a pleasure to work with and ensured our holiday covered the key locations and experiences Slovenia has to offer. The tour was a perfect introduction of Slovenia – beautiful and diverse country. We enjoyed everything, well organised and felt in safe hands. Our guide – Sanda - was a good match for us and tuned into our relaxed attitude. We would highly recommend Slovenia Holidays to anyone wishing to discover and explore real Slovenia.
Show all 8 photos
Our private Hike and Bike tour was nothing short of amazing! We had a fantastic holiday, and Tomaz, our guide, went out of his way to ensure everything went smoothly. He was knowledgeable, punctual, entertaining, reliable, experienced... the perfect guide! It was a pleasure to indulge in such a breathtakingly beautiful country. Thank you, Ivana and Grega, for arranging our trip professionally and efficiently.
Show all 9 photos
The tour plan was really wonderful, a good balance of urban and outdoor locations and experiences. The trip app worked perfectly, making it simple to keep organized with excursion vouchers, route maps, site descriptions, etc. it also made it easy to communicate with the travel company when we occasionally had questions. We were amazed at how much variety there was in a relatively small area. I highly recommend this company and this particular trip plan for anyone who would like to explore this area of Slovenia.
Show all 4 photos
The service provided by this company is first class. Our agent, Marusa was superb in terms of her communication, her suggestions and recommendations and brilliant organisation of our trip. Had we tied to organise for ourselves we would almost certainly have missed things out through lack of knowledge. Everything worked so well that we were able to make the most of our first wonderful visit to this beautiful, friendly and hospitable country. We loved it.
Show all 9 photos
Slovenia Holidays did a fantastic job in putting together an eight-day, tailor-made tour for our small group. We had an amazing time and highly enjoyed all elements of our trip – including tour of Ljubljana, gorge hiking, visiting Slovenia’s famous caves, alpine views, hot air balloon ride, beautiful coastal town of Piran and, of course, delicious food and wine 😊. Our holiday agent – Grega - was a pleasure to work with and ensured our holiday covered the key locations and experiences Slovenia has to offer. The tour was a perfect introduction of Slovenia – beautiful and diverse country. We enjoyed everything, well organised and felt in safe hands. Our guide – Sanda - was a good match for us and tuned into our relaxed attitude. We would highly recommend Slovenia Holidays to anyone wishing to discover and explore real Slovenia.
Show all 8 photos
Just outstanding! Guide Tine was a pleasure to travel with, extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. This company truly showcases the beauty of Slovenia from wine and cuisine to natural beauty and culture. We HIGHLY recommend a private food and wine tour!
Show all 7 photos
Our private Hike and Bike tour was nothing short of amazing! We had a fantastic holiday, and Tomaz, our guide, went out of his way to ensure everything went smoothly. He was knowledgeable, punctual, entertaining, reliable, experienced... the perfect guide! It was a pleasure to indulge in such a breathtakingly beautiful country. Thank you, Ivana and Grega, for arranging our trip professionally and efficiently.
Show all 9 photos
All available guidance options
Self-guided
For travellers that want flexibility and independence. We organize the tours of your choice, but the adventure of getting around is all yours. You will get a fly & drive itinerary handout with activities, accommodations and travelling tips with full support of our team for any emergencies or concerns. You will take yourself around, but we can arrange a car rental or even a campervan if you wish.
Only the Best
Our professional team of locals with vast experience in tourism has cherry-picked the best things to do in Slovenia for all sorts of travellers.
Expert Local Guides
Our professional guides know the best places, are great to be around, and will go that extra mile for you.
100% Made in Slovenia
We are based in Slovenia and all of our holidays are of our own design, making the prices and experiences better for you.
Trusted by Many
We are a fully bonded and insured travel company, keeping your money safe and with thousands of satisfied customers in the past, we still put you first.
from 1.795 € /person
