Freewheel - Istria Coastal Tour

Istria Coastal Tour

Croatia

From £820 P/P

Start your bike adventure in the pleasant coastal town of Trieste, a former Habsburg town which offers a lovely blend of sun, sea, and history. Trieste was formerly under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and had a thriving and wealthy port, which was the 4^th largest in the empire. This history can still be seen today in the main square and the slim streets. Once you’ve had a taste of Trieste, it’s time to pedal southwards and leave Italy, heading to Croatia via Slovenia. Enjoy the bright Istria Peninsula and its quaint fishing villages, small towns perched on karst hills, glistening vineyards, and luscious valleys. Discover an area full of gems with varied scenery and colour.

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Itinerary
Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Trieste / Muggia (old southern outskirts of Trieste)

Say hello to Trieste / Muggia! Get to know the town by walking along the promenade or visiting the incredible Mariamare Castle. Take a cappuccino break on the beautiful Piazza Unità d'Italia in the heart of the town. If you’re staying in Muggia, you can take a transport boat to the city centre.

Day 2: Trieste – Piran / Portorôz (approx. 30 km)

If you weren’t staying there the night before, you can pay a quick visit to Muggia before hopping over the border so Slovenia. Once in Slovenia you will cycle along a bike path along the coast and pass another lovely port town, Koper, before heading onto the gorgeous Venetian villages of Izola and Piran. Wander through the slim alleyways and enjoy their churches. In Piran, you can take a coffee break in Tartini Square surrounded by beautiful Venetian buildings. Your stop for the night will be Portorôz, a wealthy spa town on the Slovenian Riviera.

Day 3: Piran – Umag (approx. 35 km)

On this day you will have incredible views as you cycle past the salt flats on Sečovlje, it’s best to arrive here bright and early to catch the gorgeous dawn light. Next it’s time to hop into Croatia and into Istria, you’ll be heading for the village of Umag over some hills. This village was a Roman colony, you feel as if you are stepping back in time with its town walls and gated drawbridge. Embrace this history by strolling through the medieval centre and visiting the beautiful city tower.

Day 4: Umag – Porec (approx. 45 km)

On this day you will also cross over some more hilly terrain on the way to Novigrad (Cittanova), which is also a medieval walled town. Novigrad boats an interesting history and an amazing food scene, it is noted as one of the top gourmet locations in Istria. Up next you will stop in Poreč, here there is a UNESCO Euphrasian Basilicia not worth missing as well as buildings with a mix of baroque, gothic, and Romanesque style.

Day 5: Porec (approx. 45 km or day off by the sea)

The world is your oyster today! Take a boat trip on a fish picnic boat or take a trip to the Limksi-channel. You can also visit the fjord-alike Limksi-channel, which is a National Park nature reserve where mussel and oyster farming takes place. You could also opt for a relaxing day by the sea, or in the countryside of Porec.

Day 6: Porec – Rovinj (approx. 55 km)

Today you will go to Rovinj, a real highlight of Istria. It is one of the last true Mediterranean fishing ports and is home to the Euphemia Church which hosts a large bell tower. This church is also built on the highest spot of town, so it is visible from everywher. There will also be the option to cycle to Zlatnirt, aka the Golden Cape, which is a peninsula hosting is a nature reserve.

Day 7: Rovinj – Pula (approx. 40 km)

The last leg of your adventure will take you to Pula which lies on the southwest point of the peninsula. Head out to the Brijuni Islands, which consists of 12 littler islands and 2 larger islands. The main island is Veli Brijun which was resided in the summer by Yugoslav statesman “Tito”. Also discover the land where dinosaurs once roamed, more than 200 dinosaur footprints have been discovered here. The oldest town of Istria is Pula and is the commercial and cultural hub. Enjoy the relics on your last day such as the Pula Arena, which is the only Roman amphitheatre that still has four side towers and all three Roman architectural orders completely preserved.

Day 8: Individual departure or extension of stay

Have one last breakfast and then either set off home or extend your trip.
Route Overview

Route Overview

Start point: Trieste / Muggia

End point: Pula

Distance: Approx. 110 km

Self-guided tour with medium difficulty. Mainly on cycle paths but some areas with low hills also.
Travel Info

Travel Information

We recommend flying to Trieste & Venice airports to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.

Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.

We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.

Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.

You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.

Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
What's Included?

What's Included?

 Accommodation in hotels of chosen level, in two bedded room with WC and shower, on a bed & breakfast
basis.
 Luggage transfer – one piece, max 20 kgs / 45 lb. Every additional item 10 EUR, payable on spot.
 Personal welcome meeting an bike fitting upon arrival.
 GPS data.
Local tourist and other taxes.
 Backup service (hotline) during the trip.
 Information package including text road notes (in simple English) and corresponding maps. One per booking,
Every additional set 20 EUR.
Bike Hire

Bike Hire

About the Rental Bikes

This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes. Quality Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres are among the components that will ensure you have an enjoyable cycle tour.

You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation while. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.

Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)

Rental Bike PLUS

E - Bike (Colour may vary)

Accessories

If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided. Please ensure you bring any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.

All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.

You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.

Gearing information available on request.

Frame Sizing

When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. Helmets are not provided, and you will need to bring your own to use.

We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!

Bike Hire Insurance

This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel, and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.

Electric Bike Hire

Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging, and assistance up to 25 km/h. They have a range of around 120 km for each full charge.

E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
Accommodation

Accommodation

This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on 0161 703 8161 for more information.

We will confirm the exact hotels prior to arrival.

You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.

Pricing & Availability

You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.

2022 Cycling Holiday Dates & Prices:

Season	Date	Prices per person	Arrival Day
Season 1	26.03 – 06.05 \| 17.09 – 10.12	£820	Daily
Season 2	07.05 – 16.09	£865	Daily
Single Room Supplement	All	£160

Bike Hire per person:

Bike Type	Price
Rental Bike	£90
Electric Bike Upgrade	£200

EXTRA NIGHT PER PERSON PER NIGHT PRICES (YOU WILL STAY IN THE SAME HOTEL AS PER THE CYCLE TOUR):

Location	Price DBL/BB	Single Supplement Price SGL/BB
Muggia Beach	£80	£110
Piran	£85	£110

Reference: HEL22

Date From	Date To	Price
26 March 2022	12 October 2022	£0

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