explore istria

Hotel & MTB Trip Parenzana – 3 countries in 1 week
(8 days/7 nights, aprx. 188 mi./300 km, 10,000 ft./3,000 m of elevation per MTB)

Join us on a very special mountain bike vacation along the historical narrow-gauge Parenzana railway which, between 1902 and 1935, connected a total of 33 sites between Trieste and Poreč.

Rest assured that every single kilometer of this wonderful bike tour provides you not only with unforgettable cycling fun, but also recalls countless stories from long ago: rustic villages, cultural highlights and UNESCO world heritage towns will all be shown to you on this exciting journey.

Unimaginable natural landscapes and outlooks over the Istrian coast will accompany you throughout the entirety of your journey. In 8 days you cycle through Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. Varied single trails in close proximity to the sea as well as along narrow paths through lush-green forests heading inland are waiting for you to cycle through them. A vast network of coastal trails and plenty of photo opportunities offer a truly varied program – there is no shortage of secluded bays, bars and restaurants to refuel and refresh you along the way.

A selection of 3-4 star hotels insure that you start each day fresh and rested, while our transport driver brings your luggage from hotel to hotel. Come with us on a journey through time in south-east Europe!

For more and updated info please visit: www.inselhuepfen.com/en/phm

1^st Day Ankaran/Slovenia (Arrival)
Once you have arrived and checked in to the hotel, there is plenty of time to familiarize yourself with the new surroundings. Spend a few hours strolling through the alleys, enjoying a delicious ice cream, or swimming in the sea.

2^nd Day Ankaran/Slovenia – Muggia/Italy – Slovenia – Umag/Croatia (aprx. 42.5 mi./68 km, 2,100 ft./650 m of elevation)
At 9.30 am, before the first bike tour of the week, we meet our tour guide in the hotel lobby. Afterwards, we have time to adjust our rental bikes before a short introduction. And then we’re off on our first cycling tour! Today we have plenty of time to get used to our bikes as we ride along the asphalt road through Italy and Slovenia. After the first few kilometres, we cross the Slovenian-Italian border for the first time. Today’s tour leads through the most beautiful coastal cities in Slovenia, and along the way we enjoy a refreshing swim stop, a break for lunch, and a visit to the saltworks, which date back to the Roman times. After crossing the border to Croatia, the real MTB adventure begins: Dirt roads, long climbs, and panoramic views await us on this last stretch of our first day’s tour. Our ride ends in Umag where we check in to our second hotel.

3^rd Day Umag – Motovun (aprx. 33 mi./53 km, 2,600 – 3,300 ft./800 – 1,000 m of elevation)
Today we explore the Istrian countryside, biking through green forests and small villages up to the highest point of the day’s tour; the enchanting artists’ village Grožnjan, located 270 m above sea level. The village has grown in popularity in recent years, not only among artists, but also as a filming location for Hollywood movies. Spectacular views over dense forests, deep valleys, and the beautiful Istrian coastline and turquoise sea will leave you speechless. After lunch we have the opportunity to try out some single trails on our way down to the Motovun woods, an Eldorado for truffle lovers. We then have one last climb before we reach today’s final destination, the city of Motovun. This medieval city is a must-see cultural and culinary highlight of Istria. Spending the night here is a wonderfully unique experience.

4^th Day Motovun – Poreč (aprx. 29 mi./46 km, 1,250 ft./380 m of elevation)
Today we can relax a bit as we enjoy a less demanding tour. After breakfast, we hop on our bikes and head towards Poreč – Parenzo. We only have to tackle a few climbs as we make our way back to the coast. From Motovun we cycle 12 km along the Parenzana narrow-gauge railway through the forest from where we can enjoy a beautiful view over the Mirna Valley. Once we have passed through Vižinada, we continue on through the famous red wine country until we reach Poreč, easily one of the most beautiful old cities in Croatia. After a refreshing swim in the sea, we recommend taking a stroll through the village. Wander through the maze of alleyways and enjoy a good cocktail or a delicious ice-cream on the promenade.

5^th Day Poreč – Vrsar – Rovinj (aprx. 22 mi./35 km, 1,300 ft./400 m of elevation)
After breakfast, a guided tour through the beautiful old town of Poreč awaits us along with a visit to the UNESCO protected Euphrasius Basilica, which dates back to the 6th century. After the city tour, we hop on our bikes and begin the day’s biking tour. For the first few kilometres we bike along the Poreč promenade before continuing along narrow forest trails inland. Today’s destination is the small village of Kloštar, where we have the opportunity to taste Istrian specialties, only found locally. After lunch we bike on along narrow paths through the protected forest of Konti to Vrsar. From Vsar, we continue on by boat to Rovinj. Relax and enjoy the beautiful cruise.

6^th Day Rovinj – Pula (aprx. 31 mi./50 km, 1,300 ft./400 m of elevation)
The day begins with a guided tour through the beautiful city of Rovinj. Afterwards we hop on our bikes and head towards Pula, following the coast past small bays and the Palud bird reserve. Once we have arrived in Fažana, we take a well-deserved lunch break. While enjoying the delicious the Croatian cuisine, we can also enjoy a unique view over the Brijuni National Park. The tour continues on through an abandoned military base, a brilliant location near the coast where mountain bikers can enjoy great single trails. The view of Pula with its breath-taking amphitheatre crowns the day’s experience! Once we have arrived in Pula, we explore the city by bike. Our guide leads us through the ancient Roman city, showing us all the most important sights.

7^th Day Pula – Cape Kamenjak – Pula (aprx. 28 mi./45 km, 2,000 ft./600 m of elevation)
The best is yet to come! Today we head out from the hotel on a truly unforgettable tour. After a few kilometres of biking along single trails by the sea and over the hills of Pula we reach Cape Kamenjak Nature Park. This 8 km long peninsula is home to an incredible number of coastal trails and beautiful bays with crystal clear water. A jump into the refreshing water here is a must! We take a break at the top of the peninsular at the popular Safari Bar, where we enjoy a delicious lunch before heading back to Pula. Enjoy the last day in the hotel by relaxing at the hotel swimming pool or enjoying a drink in the bar!

8^th Day Pula/Croatia (Departure)
After an unforgettable MTB week, it is time to say goodbye to Istria. Individual return journey home or extended stay in the same or a similar hotel.

GOOD TO KNOW

Itinerary changes
We reserve the right to make changes to the planned route due to changing wind and weather conditions, and where necessary for organizational purposes.

Requirements: MTB-Level 2
The daily tours range in difficulty from easy to more intensive and lead through mountainous terrain with lengths between 22 – 39 mi./35 – 63 km, and an average of 1,312 – 3,281 ft./400 – 1,000 m of elevation per day. Single trails on this tour are up to S2 on the Single Trail Scale. The mountain bike terrain is as varied as the landscapes of Istria: the tours vary widely from day to day, creating great diversity for the bikers. Dirt roads, longer climbs, narrow forest paths, single trails near the coast, small side streets, and beautiful promenades characterise the trip. This tour was created as a guided group tour, however, after consultation with our tour guides and selecting an appropriate route nothing should stand in the way of independent biking.

Requirement to wear a helmet
Helmets are mandatory on our bike tours. We advise you to bring your own, well fitted, helmet with you as our rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required). Furthermore, we recommend bikers carry arm and leg protectors during the bike tours.

Riding in a group
On a guided MTB tour the speed of the group is determined by the mountain bikers on regular bikes. If you have hired an e-MTB, we ask you to respect those in the group who are riding without electric support. Those on regular bikes require more time and recovery when biking up hill. We thank you for your understanding.

Accommodation
During this tour you will stay at good to very good, 3–4-star, bike friendly hotels (if available, depending on the season). The hotel list will be sent to you before the start of your journey.

Ankaran (1 night)
Umag (1 night)
Motovun (1 night)
Poreč (1 night)
Rovinj (1 night)
Pula (2 night)

Catering
Catering on this tour; included in the price is 7 x breakfast and 4x dinner. Catering begins with dinner on the day of arrival and ends with breakfast on the day of departure 

If you are a group interested in this tour itinerary or similar, please send us your preferred time frame via our email to info@islandhopping.com 

The price for this tour varies depending on the time of year, the requested hotel category and the size of the group.  

Included services

• 7 nights in 3* and 4* bike-friendly hotel (subject to availability), breakfast
• 2 x dinner 
• Boat crossing Vrsar – Rovinj
• All transfers during the tour
• German and English speaking  tour guide
• Guided bike tours and city tours as described in the itinerary
• General maps of every bike route
• all transfer during the tour

Services not included in the basic tour price

• Inbound journey to Ankaran (Slovenia)
• Outbound journey from Pula (Croatia)
• All drinks & dinners
• Gratuities for tour guide and service staff

Additional optional services (on request)

• Exclusive airport/bus/train station transfers
• Single room surcharge 490 euro/4.425,00 kn
• Bike for rent:
  a. Full-suspension MTB (Fully): 180 euro/1.350 kn per week
  b. Full-suspension E-MTB (E-Fully): 240 euro/1.800 kn per week
  c. MTB (hardtail): 100 euro/750 kn per week
• Insurance against theft and damage of MTB: Fully 20 euro/150 kn per week, Hardtail 10 euro/75 kn per week (not covered: damage caused by gross negligence)
• Additional night in Pula/Istria after the trip – on request
• Surcharge for single room: 490 euro/3.675 kn

Booking checklist 

To book this trip, you need to provide the following data about the guest(s): 

• first and last name (as written in the travel document, NO nicknames) 
• Date of birth 
• Nationality 
• Rental bike desired? Which type of bike? 

• Body height (for rental bike) 
• Contact number of guests while abroad 

Arrival information 

• Guests time of arrival 
• How are the guests arriving? (for flights please include flight number and airline) 
• Is a (possibly chargeable) transfer required? If so, from where/whereto? For how many people? 

For more and updated info please visit: www.inselhuepfen.com/en/phm