Istria Gravel Cycling Tour
New tour for 2027
Three countries, one continuous ride — Italy, Slovenia and deep into Croatia
The best of the Parenzana: tunnels, viaducts and views over the Mirna Valley
Buzet and Motovun — Istria's truffle capitals on their hilltops
Vrsar, Lim Bay and Rovinj beneath the tower of St Euphemia
A wild finale: Pula's Roman arena and the limestone coves of Cape Kamenjak
Every stage has a built-in shorter option Departure
Daily departures
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Starting Point
Arrival in Muggia
Total Distance
381 km
Activity Level
Challenging
Parenzana & the wild heart of Istria
Istria Gravel is an 8-day self-guided ride from Muggia to Pula through three countries and some of the peninsula's most characteristic landscapes: coastal paths, the Parenzana railway, hilltop towns, vineyards and wild limestone tracks.
The journey follows the best gravel sections of the Parenzana towards Buzet and Motovun, then continues through Vrsar, Lim Bay and Rovinj before a final ride around Cape Kamenjak. Shorter options are available on every cycling day, allowing riders to adapt the route to weather, surface conditions and energy levels.
The tour is designed for fit recreational riders with confident bike handling. Most off-road sections are non-technical, but a gravel bike with tyres of at least 40 mm is recommended. Accommodation, luggage transfers, digital navigation and local support are included.
Itinerary
Arrive in Muggia, a small harbour town just south of Trieste with a distinctly Venetian character. After checking in, explore the historic centre and waterfront or relax at one of the nearby beaches. If time allows, Trieste can be reached by public transport for an evening visit before the cycling journey begins.
The first ride starts along the coast from Muggia toward Ankaran, followed by a climb into the hills of Hrvatini. The route then loops back toward the Italian border to join the Parenzana, the former narrow-gauge railway that once connected Trieste with Poreč. Its gentle gradients lead through Slovenia’s coastal landscape toward Koper, Izola, Strunjan and Portorož.
From the coast, a rewarding climb reaches Korte, a traditional village set above the salt pans and the Adriatic. Wide views stretch across the Slovenian coast and toward the Istrian interior before the route descends to Portorož and continues along the seafront to Piran. Finish among the narrow Venetian lanes and lively cafés around Tartini Square.
Leave Piran and ride toward the Sečovlje salt pans, where the coastal wetlands and geometric salt fields mark the final kilometres in Slovenia. After crossing into Croatia, rejoin the Parenzana and follow its gravel track inland through vineyards and olive groves toward Buje, a hilltop town with broad views over north-western Istria.
From Buje, quieter roads and tracks descend back toward the Adriatic and Umag. The compact old town sits on a small peninsula, with stone lanes, waterfront cafés and traces of its Roman and Venetian past.
Return inland through Buje and join one of the most memorable sections of the Parenzana. The former railway threads across northern Istria through cuttings, tunnels and viaducts, passing the artists’ town of Grožnjan and continuing above the Mirna Valley toward Oprtalj and Livade. The gentle railway gradients and changing views make this a signature gravel day.
From Livade, leave the Parenzana and follow the Mirna Valley toward Buzet. The medieval old town rises above the valley on a fortified hill and rewards an evening walk with stone gateways, quiet lanes and far-reaching views. Buzet is widely known as the City of Truffles, and the forests along the Mirna are among Istria’s best-known truffle areas.
Retrace the quieter valley route from Buzet to Livade, then return to the Parenzana for a classic ride through the heart of Istrian truffle country. Above the Mirna Valley, Motovun appears dramatically on its hilltop, ringed by medieval walls and surrounded by vineyards and forest.
The climb into Motovun is a highlight in its own right. Take time to walk through its stone streets, enjoy the panoramic views and sample one of the region’s truffle specialities before descending to the old railway line. The Parenzana then continues west through Vižinada and rolling agricultural country toward the Adriatic.
The day ends in Poreč, where the compact old town preserves layers of Roman, Venetian and early Christian history. Its Euphrasian Basilica complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Leave Poreč on a varied network of back roads, farm tracks and gravel lanes toward Montižana. The route then reaches Vrsar, an old coastal town set above a small harbour and a maze of offshore islands. This is a good place to pause before turning inland once more.
Continue through the green landscape around Lim Bay, a long flooded valley and protected marine area often mistakenly called a fjord. The route alternates between forest tracks, compact gravel and quieter roads before approaching Rovinj from the north.
Rovinj is one of the Adriatic’s most atmospheric towns. Its old centre rises from the sea beneath the Church of St Euphemia, with colourful façades, steep cobbled lanes and a working waterfront.
The final ride leaves Rovinj on lesser-known lanes and gravel tracks, crossing the quieter south-western Istrian countryside toward Pula. The city’s remarkable Roman heritage is centred on the Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, while the old centre also rewards exploration around the Forum and the Temple of Augustus.
The full route continues south through Premantura and onto Cape Kamenjak. Rocky tracks, low Mediterranean vegetation and a deeply indented coastline create a fittingly wild finale, with open views across the Adriatic and numerous coves along the way. After completing the loop, return north to Pula for the final night of the tour.
The tour ends after breakfast in Pula. Continue independently or reserve one of the optional private transfers listed below.
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing:
Date of Day1 sets the trip's season.
(Currency converter)- 7 nights in 3★/4★ hotels, ensuite, bed & breakfast
- Luggage transfer — 1 piece pp, max 23 kg (extra piece €30/trip)
- Local tourist and other taxes
- Backup hotline service throughout the trip
- Digital travel documents: GUIBO navigation app, route description and maps – one download per booking
- Welcome meeting for direct bookings
- Single traveller supplement (single room included): 520 € per booking party
- Single-room supplement within a party: 315 € per person, per tour
- Waiver Upgrade — e-bike, gravel, road or mountain bike: 50 € per rented bicycle, per tour
- Additional luggage (maximum 23 kg): 30 € per additional piece, per tour
- Printed travel documents (optional; digital travel documents are included): 30 € per booking
- Dossier fee: 20 € per booking
| Location / room | Season A | Season B | Season C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muggia Per person in a double room |
85 € | 95 € | 110 € |
| Muggia Single room |
125 € | 140 € | 155 € |
| Piran Per person in a double room |
125 € | 150 € | 170 € |
| Piran Single room |
190 € | 205 € | 220 € |
| Buzet Per person in a double room |
85 € | 90 € | 90 € |
| Buzet Single room |
130 € | 145 € | 145 € |
| Poreč Per person in a double room |
95 € | 105 € | 115 € |
| Poreč Single room |
135 € | 145 € | 165 € |
| Rovinj Per person in a double room |
105 € | 155 € | 165 € |
| Rovinj Single room |
165 € | 215 € | 245 € |
| Pula Per person in a double room |
95 € | 105 € | 115 € |
| Pula Single room |
145 € | 155 € | 170 € |
- Third adult in a triple room: 10% discount on the third traveller’s base tour price.
Entrance fees, lunches, dinners, additional transfers, not mentioned in tour program.
Route Profile
381 km
2,628 m
2,665 m
Accommodation
Carefully selected 3-star and 4-star hotels and guesthouses, with ensuite rooms and breakfast. The exact accommodation may vary according to availability while the published comfort level is maintained.
- Day 1: 4★ hotel in Muggia
- Day 2: 4★ hotel in Piran
- Day 3: 4★ hotel in Piran
- Day 4: 4★ hotel in Buzet
- Day 5: 3★ hotel in Poreč
- Day 6: 4★ hotel in Rovinj
- Day 7: 3★ hotel in Pula
Travel Options & Local Transfer
Starting point of this trip is Bled in NW Slovenia.
Getting there
By plane:
The nearest airport is Ljubljana (LJU), served by several international airlines. From the airport, you can reach Bled by public transport (bus via Kranj, approx. 1.5 hours with one change) or book our direct transfer (approx. 30 minutes).
By train:
The closest railway station is Lesce-Bled, about 5 km from the town center. From there, you can continue by local bus or taxi. Train connections are available from Ljubljana, Villach (Austria), and Jesenice.
By car:
Bled is easily accessible via the A2 motorway (Ljubljana–Jesenice–Karavanke). Take the Lesce–Bled exit and follow signs to the lake (approx. 4 km). The drive takes about 40 minutes from Ljubljana and 25 minutes from Kranjska Gora. Most hotels offer private parking, while public parking near the lake is generally paid.
... and away
By plane:
The nearest airports are Trieste (TRS) and Ljubljana (LJU). Trieste Airport is about 45 minutes away by car, while Ljubljana Airport can be reached in about 1.5 hours. Both airports are served by international flights. We can arrange direct transfers from Muggia to either airport.
By train:
The closest major railway station is Trieste Centrale, about 10 km from Muggia. Regular buses and taxis connect Muggia with Trieste. From Trieste, there are train connections to Venice, Milan, and the wider European network.
By car:
Muggia is located just south of Trieste and is easily accessible by road. Paid public parking is available in and around the town, while some hotels offer private parking.
Not ready to stop pedaling? Keep the adventure alive – discover more of Slovenia on one of our other unforgettable cycling trips.
Available Transfers
1-3 persons: 285 €
4-8 persons: 325 €
1-3 persons: 260 €
4-8 persons: 305 €
1-3 persons: 360 €
4-8 persons: 420 €
1-3 persons: 165 €
4-8 persons: 205 €
1-3 persons: 460 €
4-8 persons: 500 €
1-3 persons: 360 €
4-8 persons: 420 €
1-3 persons: 395 €
4-8 persons: 435 €
All prices per transfer, one way. Price includes transport of bikes.
Rental Bikes
Helia bikes are available in different sizes and unisex frame model:
