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 immediately south of Trieste with a distinctly Venetian atmosphere. Its old square, narrow lanes and waterfront are easy to explore after check-in.
You can remain in Muggia for a quiet evening or take the passenger boat to central Trieste. Use the day to prepare your bike and digital navigation for the gravel stages ahead.
Follow the coast towards Ankaran before climbing into the Hrvatini hills, where quiet lanes and gravel tracks reveal views across the Bay of Trieste. Join sections of the former Parenzana railway through Koper, Izola and Strunjan.
A rewarding climb leads to Korte above the Sečovlje salt pans, followed by a descent through Portorož to Venetian Piran. The mixture of sea views, back roads and historic railway track sets the character of the tour.
Ride beside the geometric Sečovlje salt pans and cross the border into Croatian Istria. The Parenzana continues on firm gravel through olive groves, vineyards, short cuttings and quiet rural settlements.
Climb gradually to hilltop Buje before descending towards Umag and its compact Venetian old centre. The stage is scenic rather than technical, with frequent opportunities for food and coastal stops.
This is the signature Parenzana gravel stage, following the historic railway deeper into inland Istria. Tunnels, viaducts and sweeping views accompany the route past the artists’ town of Grožnjan.
Continue high above the Mirna Valley via Oprtalj and Livade before reaching fortified Buzet, often called the City of Truffles. The day combines the tour’s best gravel riding with some of its strongest cultural highlights.
Leave Buzet through the heart of Istrian truffle country and ride towards the dramatic hilltop town of Motovun. The climb to its medieval centre is a highlight and rewards you with broad views over the Mirna Valley.
Rejoin the Parenzana westwards through Vižinada and continue towards Poreč. Finish beside the Adriatic and explore the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica in the old town.
Use a network of back roads and farm tracks to reach Vrsar, set above a harbour dotted with small islands. From here the route turns inland through the green landscape surrounding Lim Bay.
The long flooded valley is a protected marine area and one of western Istria’s most distinctive natural features. Approach Rovinj from the quieter northern side and finish beneath its colourful old town.
Cross the quiet countryside of south-western Istria towards Pula and its Roman amphitheatre. After reaching the city, continue south through Premantura onto the rocky tracks of Cape Kamenjak.
Mediterranean scrub, small coves and open sea views create a wild final section before returning to Pula. The combination of cultural landmarks and coastal gravel makes this a fitting conclusion to 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:
