Cyclist resting on bench next to gravel bike, "Istria" painted on weathered wall.
Muggia italy
Cyclists riding road bikes along a sunny coastal road next to the sea.
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Best of Istria Bike Tour

8 days / 7 nights

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Experience the Northern Adriatic on cycling holidays, exploring the iconic Parenzana trail as it winds from Trieste across Slovenia and Croatian Istria.

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

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

Tour design and organization
Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions
7 nights in 3* hotels with breakfast
Service and support during your tour
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Luggage transfer

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer
E-bike
Gravel bike
Hotel upgrades
Single supplement

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!

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

Frequently Asked Questions

We offer road cycling, trekking cycling and mountain biking holidays.


Our road cycling holidays are suitable for avid road cycling enthusiasts whose endurance is high enough to withstand multiple long cycling days in a row.


Our trekking cycling holidays are suitable for anyone, as the stages are short enough for most people, and the terrain is not technical — mostly tarmac and gravel. They will still be enjoyed most by people who cycle occasionally and feel comfortable with multiple days in a row on the saddle and some moderate climbing. For those looking for more leisurely cycling holidays, we offer an e-bike option.


Our e-MTB holidays are suitable for most people comfortable on a mountain bike who are fine with some rougher gravel roads and steeper hills, made easier with electric assistance. However, the single trails MTB holidays are suitable mostly for avid mountain bikers, as they tackle technical trails and fast descents, but are very adjustable to your skills and style of riding.

On our guided tours, you will have professional local guides. Our guides will make sure that you will have expert guidance combined with great fun and a memorable experience.

We are always looking for the perfect fit for you. We use a few different accommodation providers that fit our standards but they are subjected to availability, especially in the high season. We can also adjust the holiday, keeping in mind your preferences and budget and can always find a more suitable solution for your taste.

We recommend booking as early as possible. Most of our tours run through very touristy places where accommodation is limited. Most of the great places start getting booked for summer before spring.

It really depends on the level of your restriction. Vegetarian options are fairly easy to find in Europe, but vegan dishes, on the other hand, are extremely hard to come by in rural areas and in smaller towns. Please note that the places where we stop for lunch are often traditional and may have difficulties accommodating you outside of their standard menu. We suggest you keep this in mind.

If you want to, sure! We are well aware that some people love to stay in groups while others prefer some more alone time on their trip. We wanted to give you the opportunity to do things your way. It is your holiday, after all! As long as you respect the group timings and locations designated by your guide, please feel free to customize your itinerary and create your own adventure!

Most of the tours can be done even in light rain, as long as you dress accordingly. It is not unusual in the summer that there are afternoon thunderstorms, so early starts are advisable. If the weather looks really bad, we will try to adjust the tour or skip a stage with a shuttle.

The best time for cycling in Europe varies depending on your preferences and the region you’re targeting. Spring offers moderate temperatures and scenic blooms in Southern Europe, while early summer is ideal for enjoying the mild climate and extended daylight in Northern Europe. Late summer to early fall in Central Europe is perfect for those who prefer cooler temperatures but still want to enjoy plenty of daylight. For winter escapes, consider warmer regions like the Canary Islands or Tenerife.

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.

Hassle-Free

We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy carefree walking holidays.

Trusted by many

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

Handpicked Adventures

Only the best hut to hut hikes in Europe, cherry-picked by our local team with an in-depth knowledge of the region.

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.

from 1.795 € /person
Experience Europe like never before with Cycling Holidays Europe. From scenic routes to cultural gems, discover the ultimate cycling vacations on two wheels.

Have questions? Talk to us.

Lan Lajovic
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