Cycling Istria's Wine Roads

Buje is a charming hilltop town located 10km inland from the Adriatic, where you will spend your first three nights. Take some time to visit the 16th century Baroque church, wander through the old city, and enjoy views over the surrounding landscape dominated by olive groves and vineyards.

*Please note that you can opt to take a transfer from Pula Airport direct to your hotel in Buje (where an evening presentation will be offered). This transfer is at a supplement; please contact us for details.

Leaving Buje you will start with an easy downhill ride to the coast, on the northernmost point of the Istrian Peninsula. Visit Savudrija, one of the oldest lighthouses in the Adriatic, built in 1818. Continue south along the trail to the small town of Umag, which was founded by a Roman nobleman who decided to make it his summer residence. Explore the city walls and fortifications and wander the streets with their Venetian houses and baroque buildings. On the way back to Buje visit a wine cellar and have the opportunity to sample the local Muscat wine. 

After breakfast you will pass through Buje and have the opportunity to visit the old town with its artistic buildings, churches and museum. Leaving Buje, follow the trail through Krasica, before heading downhill over the Ponte Porton. Cycle the road alongside the river to Nova Vas village abover the Mirna Valley. This area produces some of the best wine and olive oil in Istria, and you will have the opportunity to see how the oil is produced. The road back towards Buje passes many vineyards enroute to your hotel in Volpija, near Buje.

Leaving the area of Buje you will cycle toward the medieval hilltop village of Grožnjan. Visit the beautiful St. Vitus and Modesto’s baroque church built in 1770. Art galleries and studios line the cobbled alleyways of this artists colony, and the sounds of musicians rehearsing can be heard throughout the village. Continue on to Oprtajl, with its narrow streets, and covered passages. Cycling downhill you will enjoy views over the Mirna River enroute to Livade, the truffle centre of Istria. Take the chance to visit the speciality truffle shop before heading on to the beautiful village of Motovun, perched high above the Mirna River Valley.

Today you will cycle from inland Istria back to the coast. Follow the road towards Visnjan passing its popular observatory. Continue on to the town of Visnjan and enjoy the views along the Istrian coastline to the town of Porec. Visit one of Visnjan’s many white wine cellars and sample the local Malvasia wine. Continue on towards the villages of Tar and Nova Vas before reaching the coastal town of Porec. Explore the Old Town and enjoy a refreshing drink and meal in one of the many bars and restaurants.

From Porec the trail starts with a visit to the 6th century Euphrasius Basilica-the most valuable cultural monument in Porec. Continue on to the village of Bacva, the highest point on todays trip. Sample some traditional Istrian dishes in the local restaurant. The trail continues on through the southern villages, before reaching the coastal town of Vrsar. With a commanding view of the coast, it was natural for Vrsar to become a defended fortress. Only parts of the fortification system, built in the 12th century, have been preserved, but the fortress-castle used as a summer residence of the Porec bishops, is well worth a look. After Vrsar the trail passes Funtana fishing village, and Zelena and Plava Laguna villages on the way back to Porec.

After breakfast you have the choice of cycling or taking a transfer to the small town of Kanfanar above the Lim Valley. Leaving Kanfanar, you will start the flattest ride of the trip, passing inland villages enroute to Bale. Visit the Kastel Bembo, the city square and the museum within the towns paved streets. From Bale you will pass the prehistoric hilltown of Monkodonja which was inhabited around 1800-1200BC. Continuing on you will reach your final destination, the colourful fishing port of Rovinj. Rovinj was originally an island, but the channel that once separated it from the mainland was filled in to form this picturesque coastal town. Wander the narrow streets of the old town, and explore the many historic attractions such as the baroque Church of St. Euphemia. Soak up the magic and charm of Rovinj while you dine on fresh fish, and a glass of the local Malvasia wine.

After breakfast take a bus to Pula Airport for your onward travel. If you have pre-booked a transfer you will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the airport. If you are departing from Trieste Airport pre-booking a transfer is recommended.