Parenzana
Muggia and Trieste (Italy): Start your journey in the historic port town of Muggia, just outside Trieste. Both locations offer a charming introduction to the Adriatic coastline, with Trieste's rich history as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Slovenian Coast: You'll cycle through scenic towns like Koper, Izola, and the Venetian-influenced Piran, known for its narrow streets, Venetian architecture, and coastal charm. Don’t miss the picturesque Tartini Square in Piran and the nearby resort town of Portorož.
Croatian Istria: Crossing into Croatia, explore the heart of the Istrian Peninsula, visiting towns like Umag and Poreč, both rich in medieval history. In Poreč, the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica is a must-see. First Hand Experience
(2 ratings)
Departure
Daily from March 28 to October 10, 2026
Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Starting Point
Muggia
Total Distance
116 km
Activity Level
Medium
Three countries cycling weekend break trip!
Starting in the beautiful outskirts of Trieste, a former Habsburg seaport town, this tour is ideal for those who love sun, sea, and history. Under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Trieste thrived as a bustling and prosperous port—the fourth largest in the empire—traces of which can still be seen today in its main square and narrow streets. After exploring this historic city, you’ll cycle southward, leaving Italy behind as you pass through Slovenia and into Croatia. The sunny Istrian Peninsula awaits, offering a variety of charming fishing villages, hilltop towns, sparkling vineyards, and fertile valleys. Immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of this richly contrasting landscape.
As a pre-trip, How about our Emerald Tour from Ljubljana 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.
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.
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.
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.
After breakfast your tour ends or you can prolong your stay.
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing:
Date of Day1 sets the trip's season.
(Currency converter)- Three 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 20 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: 245 EUR;
Season B: 285 EUR;
Season C 335 EUR. - Single room – Applies when a person is traveling together with other persons in a party.
Season A: 205 EUR;
Season B: 250 EUR;
Season C: 295 EUR. - Standard touring bike rental 75 EUR. Bikes have 21 gears.*
Every additional day 30 EUR per bike. - Electric bike rental 150 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 4.
- 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 165 EUR. Single room 195 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 125 EUR. Single room 215 EUR. - 3* Hotel in Poreč
Season A: Double Room 90 EUR. Single room 125 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 95 EUR. Single room 130 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 110 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 per third person only.
Entrance fees, lunches, dinners, additional transfers, not mentioned in tour program.
Route Profile
116 km
50 % regional country roads, 25 % street (city approach sections), 25 % cycleways
90% asphalt and paved, 10% 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 as priority, we therefore use small, authentic hotels and guesthouses with character operated by locals or their families. Here you can find the list of standard accommodation we primarily use on the trip. The actual hotels may differ from this list, depending on time of booking and rooms 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
Travel Options & Local Transfer
Starting point of this trip is Muggia, outskirts of Trieste, NE Italy.
Getting to Muggia
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.
Back from Poreč
By plane: closest airport is Trieste, 50 km NW (served by Ryanair from many origins). We can best arrange you a transfer, please ask us for a favorable price. Next is Ljubljana (LJU). You can return to Ljubljana by bus, train or our transfer, please ask us for a favorable price.
By train: Koper railway station is 60 km from Poreč. Trains leave from here to Ljubljana. If you wish to travel onward to Rijeka (Croatia) you need to change in Pivka, however, only a few trains cross the border! There are no train connections to Italy, you’ll need to travel first to Trieste.
By boat: there are ferries operating from Poreč to Venice in summer.
By car: if your car is in Ljubljana, you can return there via our transfer.
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
Poreč to Muggia/Trieste
1-3 persons 240 EUR
4-8 persons 300 EUR
Poreč to Trieste Airport
1-3 persons 290 EUR
4-8 persons 390 EUR
Poreč to Ljubljana Airport
1-3 persons 320 EUR
4-8 persons 410 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.
Other available rental bikes