Istria to the Adriatic

Istria is shared by three countries – Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. On the western side of the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea one can find colorful towns with their cobbled piazzas, shuttered houses and back alleys laden with laundry. Meanwhile, the inland Istria is an area of rare, disarming beauty characterized by stone-built villages. Small towns perched on rolling hills overlooking fields and valleys remind of vintage paintings. Perfect backdrop for cycling holidays.

Istria to the Adriatic cycling tour mostly follows the abandoned Parenzana railway track, which was in operation in the early 1900s, transporting passengers, salt, olive oil, Istrian stone, wine and other goods between Poreč and Trieste. Starting in Italian town of Muggia, the cycling road runs along the coast to the picturesque coastal town of Piran, a slice of Venice in Slovenia. The world-famous inland towns of Grožnjan and Motovun in Croatia are next on the list. Before returning to Piran, the tour turns back to the coast, stopping at the romantic towns of Poreč and Umag.

This easy cycling tour is suitable for everybody, including families. For the more eager cyclists, there is always enough time to explore other local routes throughout the cycling holidays.

Highlights

• Cycling holidays through 3 countries in only 8 days
• Excellent Istrian cuisine and wine
• Historic hilltop towns
• Easy cycling along the old Parenzana railway track
• Swimming in the Adriatic Sea