Best of Istria Bike Tour
8 days / 7 nights
|
Starting point
Trieste
Finish point
Pula
Fitness level
3/5
Season
From April to October
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
- Experience the cultural heritage of Istria, from Roman monuments to Venetian coastal towns
Itinerary of the trip
FREE ITINERARY
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What’s included in the price?
Self-guided
NOT INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
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
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.
Non-Riders Activities
We understand that not everyone may want to ride every day, or perhaps some in your group are non-riders. No problem—we’ve got plenty of exciting activities lined up for them, too!
Whether you’re looking to explore Slovenia’s rich culture or get active in different ways, we’ll make sure your experience is just as fulfilling. Options include (but are not limited to):
Active Alternatives
This cycling route has plenty to offer for those seeking active experiences beyond the bike.
Whether you’re craving adrenaline or a scenic escape, here are some top picks:
- Kayak on emerald Soča river
- Feel the thrill of whitewater rafting
- See Slovenia from bird’s view on zipline
- Discover Zelenci Nature Reserve
- Hike to Vrata Valley & Peričnik
- Waterfall Explore the dramatic
- Vintgar Gorge
Cultural Exploration
The route is rich in culture, offering diverse experiences for those who want to explore beyond the bike.
Here are some must-see highlights:
- Explore Ljubljana’s extensive network of museums
- Learn about Slovenia’s traditions in Radovljica
- Beekeeping Museum
- Visit Slovenia’s oldest castle in Bled Castle
- Take a scenic Pletna boat ride
- Step back in time at Castle Kamen ruins
- Explore historical landmarks and WWI sites
Frequently Asked Questions
Ratings & Reviews
I found this place with a simple Google search, and I never could’ve expected the custom experience I received. They provided options to help my husband and I hone in on exactly what we wanted to do for our honeymoon. We had perfectly curated GPS-lead rides all across the country, they booked all of our hotels, and planned all of our transportation. Every place that we went was so beautiful. I’m so grateful that we found this company to help us plan our honeymoon, couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
This was the best cycling experience we have ever had! The Julian Alps are spectacular, and the people of Slovenia are the kindest people. We went through so many amazing places. I cannot recommend this company enough. Everything was perfect.
We recently completed the cycling tour from Bled to Piran with Slovenia Cycling Holidays. All the organising and running of the tour was excellent. We had excellent communication with Anna during the planning and also excellent and very helpful advice during the trip from Timotej We were unlucky on the final day to strike severe thunderstorms which made the day very difficult and less enjoyable. The weather stopped us enjoying the wonderful scenery into Piran. Timotej offered to transport us, but we wished to complete the ride. We can wholeheartedly recommend this Company if you wish a good cycling adventure with very good accommodation along the way. Thanks Anja and Timothy
So last minute holiday and the team at Slovenia Cycling managed to turn around a bespoke package really quickly in peak tourist season! The cycle routes are great and easy to follow whilst the trip app has all the details on hotels and transfers whilst the things to see and places to eat was invaluable. Team are super responsive when you have questions which are handled quickly on Whats App. Will definitely use them again.
Slovenia Cycling Holidays arranged a custom itinerary for my friends and I to do an 8 day cycling trip (10 nights of lodging) around the Julian Alps and to the coast at Piran. Their planning made it really easy for us to arrive to Slovenia with all details of our trip already figured out. They booked our lodging, provided luggage transfers, and gave us daily GPS files for the cycling route every day which made for an amazing trip! I'd definitely recommend this company for your next cycling trip you do in Slovenia or other parts of Europe!
I found this place with a simple Google search, and I never could’ve expected the custom experience I received. They provided options to help my husband and I hone in on exactly what we wanted to do for our honeymoon. We had perfectly curated GPS-lead rides all across the country, they booked all of our hotels, and planned all of our transportation. Every place that we went was so beautiful. I’m so grateful that we found this company to help us plan our honeymoon, couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
So last minute holiday and the team at Slovenia Cycling managed to turn around a bespoke package really quickly in peak tourist season! The cycle routes are great and easy to follow whilst the trip app has all the details on hotels and transfers whilst the things to see and places to eat was invaluable. Team are super responsive when you have questions which are handled quickly on Whats App. Will definitely use them again.
This was the best cycling experience we have ever had! The Julian Alps are spectacular, and the people of Slovenia are the kindest people. We went through so many amazing places. I cannot recommend this company enough. Everything was perfect.
We recently completed the cycling tour from Bled to Piran with Slovenia Cycling Holidays. All the organising and running of the tour was excellent. We had excellent communication with Anna during the planning and also excellent and very helpful advice during the trip from Timotej We were unlucky on the final day to strike severe thunderstorms which made the day very difficult and less enjoyable. The weather stopped us enjoying the wonderful scenery into Piran. Timotej offered to transport us, but we wished to complete the ride. We can wholeheartedly recommend this Company if you wish a good cycling adventure with very good accommodation along the way. Thanks Anja and Timothy
Slovenia Cycling Holidays arranged a custom itinerary for my friends and I to do an 8 day cycling trip (10 nights of lodging) around the Julian Alps and to the coast at Piran. Their planning made it really easy for us to arrive to Slovenia with all details of our trip already figured out. They booked our lodging, provided luggage transfers, and gave us daily GPS files for the cycling route every day which made for an amazing trip! I'd definitely recommend this company for your next cycling trip you do in Slovenia or other parts of Europe!
All available guidance options
Self-guided
Those who like good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. It offers complete freedom, multiple detour opportunities, and exploration at your own pace without having to adapt to a group.
Local experts
Our professional cycling guides know the local terrain and are trained to make this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity both safe and enjoyable.
Hassle-Free
We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy a carefree holiday.
Completely Customizable
Flexibility is our middle name — whether you want more or less, or just beyond ordinary, we’ll make it happen.
Book with confidence
We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.
Unbeatable support
Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.
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