Istrian Coastal Tour
Piran - a charming harbour town in Slovenia and Portorož - the Slovenian Monte Carlo.
Istrian Hills - quaint hilltop villages.
Poreč - the 6th century Euphrasia Basilica.
Rovinj - the peninsula’s prime attraction.
Brijuni Islands National Park and Limski Channel.
Pula - the 6th largest arena outside Rome. First Hand Experience
(2 ratings)
Departure
Daily from March 28 to October 10, 2026
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Starting Point
Muggia
Total Distance
240 km
Activity Level
Medium
Three Countries Coastal Cycling Trip
This self guided cycling tour begins in Muggia, a charming small town with a Venetian style just south of the renowned city of Trieste. Once a bustling and affluent port, imperial Trieste was the fourth largest city in the empire, with remnants of its prosperous past still visible in the main square and narrow streets. From here, you will cycle southwards, leaving Italy and journeying through Slovenia into Croatia. Your route will take you down the sun-drenched Istria Peninsula, passing through picturesque fishing villages, quaint hilltop towns, sparkling vineyards, and fertile valleys. Let yourself be enchanted by the diverse and colorful landscape.
As a pre-trip, have a look at our Emerald Tour Ljubljana to Piran, Cycling Vistas & Wines Bled to Muggia, and Best Of Slovenia Bled to Piran!
Itinerary
Your day trip starts in the charming town of Muggia, just south of Trieste. After checking in unwind with a delicious gelato in the town’s historic center or relax on one of its inviting beaches. If you arrive early, consider a quick bus or boat trip into Trieste, a vibrant Italian city renowned for its rich history, cosmopolitan vibe, and captivating atmosphere. (Accommodation in 4* hotel, example: Hotel San Rocco)
After covering a few kilometers in Italy, you’ll cross the border into Slovenia. Your morning ride will follow the coastal cycle path, leading you through the charming port town of Koper and onward to the picturesque Venetian villages of Izola and Strunjan. Wander through their narrow streets and explore the historic churches. Continue your journey to Portorož, a luxurious spa town on the Slovenian Riviera. Finally, arrive in Piran and enjoy a coffee in Tartini Square, surrounded by stunning Venetian architecture. (Accommodation in 4* hotel, example: Hotel Piran)
Today you will cycle past the vast salt-pans of Sečovlje. Aim to arrive early to catch the enchanting morning light. From here, you’ll cross the border into Croatia and venture into the heart of Istria, across slightly hilly terrain to the town of Umag. Once a Roman colony, within its town walls and across its gated drawbridge lies a town steeped in history. Take a tour of the medieval center and visit the beautiful city tower. (Accommodation in 4* hotel, example: Hotel Umag Plava Laguna)
Once again you cycle across some low hills to Novigrad (Cittanova), another medieval walled town. As well as its rich history, Novigrad is also renowned for its gastronomy, and is listed as one of Istria’s top gourmet destinations. Next stop is Poreč, where you can visit the UNESCO listed Euphrasian Basilica, a diverse mix of baroque, Gothic and Romanesque buildings. (Accommodation in 3* hotel, example: Hotel Poreč)
Today, you’re spoiled for choice: you can either take a break from cycling, join a fish picnic boat trip, or simply relax at the beach. If you opt for the cycling adventure, it will take you deep into the heart of Istria, away from the tourists, where you can experience the authentic local life. Relish the moment as you sip a bevanda at a charming village square! (Accommodation in 3* hotel, example: Hotel Poreč)
Today you head to Istria’s gem. Rovinj remains one of the last true Mediterranean fishing ports. The high bell tower of the Euphemia Church built on the highest spot of Rovinj is its most noticeable feature, standing proud and dominating the view no matter which direction you approach. You can also cycle to Zlatni rt (also known as Golden Cape), a peninsula, where you’ll find a park in a nature reserve. (Accommodation in 4* hotel, example: Boutique Hotel Lili)
The last day on your “expedition“ leads you to Pula on the peninsula’s southwest tip. Make a visit of the Brijuni-islands – twelve smaller and 2 bigger islands; the main island Veli Brijun was used by the Yugoslav statesman Tito as a summer residence. You can also follow in the footsteps of the dinosaurs, as over 200 dinosaur footprints have been found on the island. Pula is the oldest town on Istria and its commercial and cultural center. Enjoy your last day of the tour amongst various antiquities, including the mighty Pula Arena, the only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have four side towers with all three Roman architectural orders entirely preserved. (Accommodation in 3* hotel, example: Hotel Amfiteatar)
After breakfast departure or extended stay in Pula.
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing:
Date of Day1 sets the trip's season.
(Currency converter)- Seven nights accommodation in 3* / 4* hotels and guesthouses in two bedded ensuite facilities room, on basis of bed & breakfast.
- Luggage transfer – one piece per person, max 23 kgs / 50 lb. Lufthansa airline dimensions. Every additional piece 30 EUR per trip, payable on spot.
- Welcome meeting and bike handover.
- Tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form. One download per adult person. Every additional download 15 EUR.
- Local tourist and other taxes.
- Backup service (hotline) during the trip.
- Single travelers – Applies when a person travels alone. Includes single room supplement.
Season A: 320 EUR;
Season B: 345 EUR;
Season C 355 EUR. - Single room – Applies when a person is traveling together with other persons in a party.
Season A: 275 EUR;
Season B: 295 EUR;
Season C: 315 EUR. - Standard touring bike rental 110 EUR. Bikes have 21 gears.*
Every additional day 25 EUR per bike. - Electric bike rental 270 EUR. *
Every additional day 50 EUR.
* Bike rental period starts 9:00 of day 2 of the tour and ends at 18:00 of day 7.
- Printed information package in English or German, including route notes and detailed maps, delivered upon arrival 30 EUR.
Price is per person per night.
- 4* Hotel in Muggia
Season A: Double Room 80 EUR. Single room 115 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 90 EUR. Single room 130 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 110 EUR. Single room 150 EUR. - 4* Hotel in Piran
Season A: Double Room 120 EUR. Single room 185 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 145 EUR. Single room 195 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 165 EUR. Single room 215 EUR. - 4* Hotel in Rovinj
Season A: Double Room 100 EUR. Single room 155 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 150 EUR. Single room 205 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 160 EUR. Single room 235 EUR. - 3* Hotel in Pula
Season A: Double Room 90 EUR. Single room 135 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 95 EUR. Single room 145 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 105 EUR. Single room 155 EUR.
- Children up to 12 years when sharing room with parents 30% discount on basic price.
- Third adult in the room 10% discount on basic price.
Entrance fees, lunches, dinners.
Route Profile
240 km
50 % regional country roads, 20 % street (city approach sections), 15 % cycleways, 15 % path
85 % asphalt and paved, 15 % unpaved
Medium – For those who, for example complete daily trip to the market by bike in nice weather and consider cycling should be fun but not training. Gentle hills or stretches on gravel paths do not cause any difficulties. Average daily elevation gains between 100 and 500 meters.
Accommodation
Helia supports responsible travel. On our trips we therefore use small, authentic hotels and guesthouses with character that are run by locals or their families. Here you will find the list of standard accommodations that we mainly use during the trip. Actual hotels may vary from this list depending on booking time and room availability.
- Day 1: Hotel San Rocco 4* in Muggia
- Day 2: Hotel Piran 4* in Piran
- Day 3: Hotel Umag Plava Laguna 4* in Umag
- Day 4: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč
- Day 5: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč
- Day 6: Boutique Hotel Lili 4* in Rovinj
- Day 7: Hotel Amfiteater 3* in Pula
Travel Options & Local Transfer
Starting point of this trip is Muggia, outskirts of Trieste, NE Italy.
Getting to Muggia and back from Pula
By car: over the Tauern motorway to Villach and over the border crossing Arnoldstein to Udine and Trieste. From Venice – Via A4 motorway exit Aquilea. Parking in covered garage is possible in first hotel, costs 20 EUR per night, needs to be reserved ahead. The night of hotel stay is free of charge.
By bus: take a Flixbus bus to Trieste and return from Pula.
By train: Venice Santa Lucia or Venice Mestre railway station to Trieste Centrale or over Salzburg and Villach to Trieste. Then take a taxi to Muggia.
By plane: regular (Alitalia, Lufthansa) and low-cost flights to Ronchi Legionari (Ryanair) Airport or Pula Airport (Aer Lingus, Croatian Airlines, Easyjet, German Wings, Jet2, Norwegian, Ryanair, SAS, S7, TUI, transavia, Vueling). Good connections with airport shuttle from Ronchi Legionari Airport to Trieste / Muggia.
Available Transfers
Ljubljana Airport to Muggia
1-3 persons 275 EUR
4-8 persons 310 EUR
Ljubljana City to Muggia
1-3 persons 250 EUR
4-8 persons 290 EUR
Trieste Airport to Muggia
1-3 persons 160 EUR
4-8 persons 200 EUR
Pula Airport to Muggia
1-3 persons 315 EUR
4-8 persons 350 EUR
Pula to Muggia/Trieste
1-3 persons 315 EUR
4-8 persons 350 EUR
Pula to Trieste Airport
1-3 persons 375 EUR
4-8 persons 415 EUR
Pula to Ljubljana Airport
1-3 persons 440 EUR
4-8 persons 475 EUR
All prices per transfer, one way. Price includes transport of bikes.
Rental Bikes
Helia bikes are available in different sizes and unisex frame model:
All rented adult bikes are equipped with:
- Pannier
- Helmet
Only for self-guided tours: per two bikes – one repair kit, one spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, Allen keys and tire levers. + one combination lock.