Venice to Poreč

Arrive in Mestre (the mainland of Venice). The city of Venice will captivate you with its splendour, grand palaces, beautiful Basilicas, St Mark’s Square, hidden corners, and bustling restaurants. Make sure to allow plenty of time to explore. 

After taking delivery of the bikes this morning, it's time to leave Mestre to cycle the first few kilometres, to Tronchetto Island before taking to the Venetian waterways. First taking the ferry and then the vaporetto, passing in front of Piazza San Marco, to reach Punta Sabbioni, the southernmost point of the Adriatic coast, located to the north of Venice.

From here, it’s a wonderful easy, flat cycle north eastwards along the beaches of the Adriatic coast. There are numerous opportunities to relax and swim, so be sure to pack swim gear and a picnic lunch. Staying overnight in one of the many characterful small towns along this famous coastline, depending on availability.

Ascent/Descent: 17m/21m

This morning the route heads north towards the Julian Alps, leaving the sea behind. Travelling along quiet country roads, passing through an area with a multitude of “Valli da Pesca” (stretches of lagoon enclosed by earthen dikes where extensive fish farming is practised) and “casoni” (constructions used by fishermen in the past during the fishing season).

The next stop is the town of Portogruaro, one of the main centres in the period of the “Serenissima Republic of Venice”, which is still impressive even today with its glorious “Palazzi” or “palaces”.

Ascent/Descent: 29m/27m

There's the option to reduce today’s stage by 20 kms by taking a train from Portogruaro to Latisana and beginning the cycle from there.

Spending the day cycling through the countryside between the region of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, passing through an area abundant in water and history, among rivers, canals, and ancient Roman towns. Your destination will be Aquileia, with its Roman excavations, or Palmanova, named “the starry city” because from above the town resembles a 9-pointed star.

If staying in Aquileia this evening there is the option of taking a further loop cycle to visit Palmanova. If staying in Palmanova, then todays cycling distance is slightly longer: 75.5 kms / 47 mi.

Ascent/Descent: 38m/36m

Heading once again towards the sea: the gulf of Trieste awaits. There are many interesting stops along the way, such as Duino with its two castles, Sistiana with its charming bay, and Miramare with its famous castle built according to the wishes of Maximilan of Augsburg, situated in a beautiful park of more than 20 hectares in size. Trieste, the ancient port of the Asburgic Empire, has much to offer in the way of attractions.

The cycling route can be reduced of 30 kms by taking a train towards the end of the stage from Monfalcone to Trieste.

If beginning from Palmanova this morning, then todays cycling distance is longer: 73.6 kms / 45.7 mi.

Ascent/Descent: 109m/110m

Crossing over into Slovenia this morning. Cycling mainly along cycle paths through famous holiday resorts such as Koper, which for a long period was a Venetian town and then Austrian before becoming Slovenian. Piran is next, another important town which was ruled over for a long time by Venice. Before finally arriving in Portorož, a town renowned for its spa and bathing facilities.

Ascent/Descent: 348m/365m

Cycling southwards, passing by the salt mines of Secovlje, an ornithologist’s paradise. A little while later the route crosses the Croatian border into Istria, the Adriatic Sea’s largest peninsula.

The journey comes to an end amongst the red roofs of Poreč nestled next to the cobalt blue Adriatic Sea. The 6th century Eufrasian Basilica is one of Europe’s finest examples of Byzantine art and just one of many fine buildings, squares, churches, and sights to enjoy. Of course, there are also many fine beaches here to relax on or take a refreshing dip.

Ascent/Descent: 462m/445m

The trip ends after breakfast. Depart from either Pula Airport (50 kms from Poreč) or return to Venice by boat, which takes about 2.5 hours. We can book this at an additional cost if required.