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3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 4 nights in 3 star hotels and B&Bs
Meals
  • 4 Breakfasts

5 Days£820GBP

Overview

Trip Code: PZC

Trip highlights


  • Cycling the length of the Parenzana historic rail route from Trieste to Porec
  • Exploring interesting towns brimming with character and history
  • Delighting in the fine cuisine and hospitality of your accommodation providers
  • Crossing the borders from Italy to Slovenia and Croatia, all by bike

Journey along a former railway line now catering to cyclists and walkers, the Parenzana Rail Trail, from Trieste in Italy to Porec in Croatia. From Trieste and the start of the Parenzana (derived from Parenzo, the Italian name for Porec) cycle past olive groves and vineyards on your way to the ancient Roman town of Porec on the stunning Croatian coast. Along the way there is time to appreciate the unique culture and culinary delights in each country.

Countries:

Italy, Slovenia, Croatia

Starting Point:

Trieste

Finishing Point:

Porec


On arrival in Trieste, make your way to the joining hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the town. Once the only sea port of the Hapsburg Empire, Trieste has a lot to offer in the way of attractions such as Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia which has the widest opening to the seafront of any Italian square. Overnight hotel in Trieste (or at times subject to availability, we use a hotel in Muggia across the bay).

Meals:  Nil

This morning you will have a welcome briefing at 9 am with our local partner, where you will receive your information package, including route notes and maps, along with your bike. Transfer to Skofije or Muggia, to avoid the Trieste traffic, where your cycling starts. The Parenzana trail leads you along the Piran Bay through Portorož and Lucija towns to the saltworks of Secovlje. The Secovlje salt flats are the northernmost salt flats of the Mediterranean. The salt is produced in the traditional way, based on a 700 year old method that harmonizes man and nature, and you can stop to visit the museum. After crossing from Slovenia into Croatia, the Parenzana takes you uphill, where you can enjoy the views of the bay and the Alps. Continue and pass through once important villages of Buje region to your hotel where you can enjoy in Istrian specialties such as truffles and prosciutto. +615 m / -481 m, +2017 ft / -1578 ft

Meals:  B

After breakfast you will start cycling on the Parenzana, the former narrow gauge railway line which penetrates deeply into the Istria peninsula connecting 33 Istrian towns between Porec and Trieste. Passing through magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards, it will become obvious why it was also known as the wine railway. After passing through several tunnels and over old bridges, you can stop and admire the fascinating view points between the medieval towns of Buje, Grožnjan and Motovun. Grožnjan is an interesting artist town, where you can stop and stroll through its galleries. Continue to the truffle centre, Livade, then on and up to today's destination, Motovun. Motovun-Montona is one of Istria's most charming medieval hilltop towns. Its Romanesque-Gothic bell tower with a crenulated crown from the 13th century, stands next to the Parish Church of St Stephen, dating from the 17th century, and dominates the town's historic core. In the central square is the Romanesque Municipal Palace, the largest secular building in Istria of that period surrounded by many other historic buildings. Elevation: +629/-496m, +2063/-1627ft

Meals:  B

Passing the tunnel under the city of Motovun, the Parenzana will take you towards Porec through Vižinada village. Pass through Nova Vas, where you can visit the Baredine Cave. Following the trail along the vineyards you will reach Porec, a town full of culture and history. Riding through the old city centre you will find the Roman Forum, magnificent palaces from different historical periods, and to top it all, the famous Euphrasian Basilica (Euphrasiana). Overnight in hotel in Porec. Elevation: +265m/-514m, +869ft/-1686ft

Meals:  B

Trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 4 breakfasts - continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee and tea
  • 4 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels and B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. An upgrade to 3-4 star hotels can be requested - supplement applies
  • Information pack including navigational app with route notes & maps per room booked (GPS tracks available on request)
  • Mountain bike rental with helmet, bike computer, small saddle bag containing repair kit and lock (e-mountain bike, gravel bike, and clipless pedals (SPD) available on request - supplement applies)
  • Welcome briefing
  • Daily luggage transfer
  • Tourist tax and VAT
  • Emergency hotline (we recommend you carry a mobile phone during the trip)

  • Travel to Trieste and from Porec
  • Lunch and dinner daily and all beverages (allow 10-25 EUR per meal)
  • Items of a personal nature including beverages, laundry, phone calls etc
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide - this is a self guided trip
  • Handlebar phone holder - recommended to use the app
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room

Bike information


Suitability

moderate

3

MODERATE – GRADE 3 This trip is designed for keen cyclists with a few challenges. A good level of fitness is required. The cycle along the Parenzana is mostly on dedicated cycle paths with more gradual inclines and descents. You will need to navigate cycling on medium to high traffic roads entering and leaving towns. Weather conditions may be harsh at times (even in summer), and you will need to be comfortable cycling in such conditions. We suggest up to one hour of exercise 2-3 times a week.


Departure dates

Daily from 15 Mar to 15 Nov

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
Note:
High season is from 20 Jun to 19 Sep, mid season is from 20 Apr to 19 Jun and 20 Sep to 15 Nov - supplement applies

Priceper person from

£820GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Supplement for e-MTBGBP£90
  • Supplement for Gravel BikeGBP£90
  • single supplement - standard hotels - low seasonGBP£160
  • upgrade hotels supplement low seasonGBP£210
  • single supplement - standard hotels - mid and high seasonGBP£210
  • upgrade hotels supplement mid seasonGBP£270
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - standard hotels - low seasonGBP£290
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - standard hotels - mid and high seasonGBP£340
  • upgrade hotels supplement high seasonGBP£350
  • single supplement - upgrade hotels low seasonGBP£400
  • single supplement - upgrade hotels mid seasonGBP£480
  • single supplement - upgrade hotels high seasonGBP£530
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - upgrade hotels mid and low seasonGBP£530
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - upgrade hotels high seasonGBP£650
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.