Cycling Croatia

Cycling Croatia
Explore the heart shaped peninsula of Istria on this self-guided cycling holiday. Travel on peaceful roads and tracks as you pedal alongside the cobalt-blue Adriatic waters, through ancient villages, historic citadels and through the forests, vineyards and olive groves of the interior. Along the way, discover a wealth of fascinating Roman, Byzantine and medieval architecture and enjoy superb food, wine and hospitality.

Cycling Croatia Tour Highlights:
Variety of Istria – Cycle through sun dappled oak forests, vineyards, forested valleys, Adriatic coastal rides and to the hilltop town of Motovun
Rich history – See Roman amphitheatres, Byzantine basilicas, frescoed churches and medieval squares
Delicious cuisine – Enjoy fresh seafood, fragrant truffles, homemade pasta and great local wines
Beaches – Stunning coastline alongside the deep blue sea

Why Book this tour Cycling Croatia:
Unlike many other operators, we include the hire of your bike in the overall cost of the holiday: you don’t need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a pump, lock, spare inner tube and tyre levers. All you need bring is your own helmet.

Cycling Information
On this journey you cycle 200 km over six days (an average of 33 km per day). The terrain is mostly flat but becomes hillier inland to Motovun on day 5. Apart from some dirt roads, most of the route is on secondary roads. Around the larger towns there is more traffic but some sections can be avoided by riding on the pavement; in general there is no heavy traffic. We have graded the route as easy to moderate. Most of the rides are easy except the ride on day 5 which involves more distance and ascent.

Climate
Croatia
The Croatian Adriatic has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn, though generally it is in the form of short showers. Thunderstorms occur in summer, generally helping to cool the air. Itineraries with boat cruises can occasionally be disrupted due to bad weather.

Cycling Croatia: Day 1: Holiday starts in Fazana
After arriving in Fazana and checking in to your hotel, the rest of your day is free to explore and relax in this picturesque village that will be your base for the next three nights. Your bike will be delivered today or tomorrow morning and you will be required to sign an agreement of care upon receipt of the bike. Please note that the Hotel Villetta Phasiana in Fazana only has double beds. For anybody requesting a twin bedded room the hotel will provide two single mattresses enclosed in a double bed frame and fitted with separate bed linen.

Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: None

Cycling Croatia: Day 2: Explore Pula by bike; Loop ride to Vodnjan
Today, you have the option to enjoy a short and easy coastal ride to the bustling town of Pula – the capital of Istria. Here, you can cycle around the warrens of marbled alleys and the beautifully-preserved amphitheatre from 27 BC. There is also the option to enjoy an inland loop ride to Vodnjan – the ancient capital of Istria, where you will find a mix of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. On your return route to Fazana, you pedal along the coast, passing remains of Roman baths and ancient stone houses called Cazun, which are similar to the Trulli houses of Southern Italy.

Should you choose to do both of today’s rides, your total cycling distance is approximately 66 kilometres. Each ride is a distance of around 33 kilometres.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Croatia: Day 3: Visit Tito’s residence in Brijuni National Park
Today, you have the option to take the 15-minute boat ride to the beautiful island of Brijuni – Tito’s presidential residence during his dictatorship. Here, you can explore the island’s Roman villas, Byzantine villages and pine-fringed bays. The Tito Museum and the dictator’s personal zoo are also worth a visit. It is not possible to take bikes on the boat, but you can rent bikes on the island or explore on foot.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Croatia: Day 4: Peddle to Rovijn via the Roman stronghold of Bale
Leaving Fazana behind you, today you cycle north to the charming and bustling port town of Rovijn. En route, a gentle ascent takes you to the small town of Bale. Once a Roman stronghold known as Castrum Vallis, it was built to help defend the saltpans, as well as the crucial trade routes connecting Pula and Porec.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 38 kilometres.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Croatia: Day 5: Cycle to Motovun via lush Lim Fjord
Today’s ride takes you inland to the impressive wooded valley of the Lim Fjord. After freewheeling down to the bottom of the valley, a two-kilometre ascent is rewarded with panoramic views from the hilltop. Continuing inland through gently ascending terrain, your final leg has two steep but short climbs up to the fortified hill town of Motovun – your base for the night. This magical spot affords wonderful views over vineyards and truffle-filled forests.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 48 kilometres.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Croatia: Day 6: Cycle along the Parenzana to Porec
A steep descent from Motovun takes you to the Parenzana – a dismantled old railway line which has been converted into a gravel cycle path that gently winds its way through fields towards the ancient port town of Porec. Situated in the small peninsula of San Nicholas, this popular summer-getaway town will be your base for the last two nights of the tour. Here, we recommend spending some time visiting the town’s magnificent historical palaces; the ‘House of the two Saints’ and the popular UNESCO Heritage Basilica of Euphrasian.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 32 kilometres.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Croatia: Day 7: Circular route through ‘Europe’s best olive oil region’
Today’s circular cycle route takes you along the coast and up into the fertile plateau of Tar. On your way, you will pass the Larun olive plantations, said to produce Europe’s best olive oil. Returning to Porec via an inland route, you have the chance to visit the giant limestone cave of Jama Baredine. Later, you may choose to toast your final evening of the trip with a glass of the excellent local white wine on one of Porec’s harbourside terraces.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 29 kilometres.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Croatia: Day 8: Holiday ends in Porec
After breakfast, the organised part of your holiday comes to an end.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Cycling Croatia Pricing due to currency fluctuations and seasonal changes please inquire for the best possible price.

Cycling Croatia What’s Included:
Bike Details
Your included bike is a 21 gear hybrid bike and will be the correct frame size for your height. Each bike is fitted with one lateral pannier bag as well as a handlebar bag that doubles as a map note holder. A water bottle holder is included as well as the facility to fit your own pedals (SPD 9/16″) or saddle (stem 27.2mm) if you wish to bring them. A lock, pump, spare inner tube and puncture repair kit with tyre levers is included. All you need to bring is your own helmet. You will be required to sign an agreement of care upon receipt of the bike.

Luggage Transfer
Included between each hotel.

Cycling Croatia What’s NOT Included:
Equipment
On all Discovery Travel cycle holidays we recommend you bring along a cycle helmet, cycle glasses (to protect against dust, insects, pollen, sun etc) , cycle gloves (padded for more comfort) and a water bottle or water delivery system (eg camelback or platypus). Please note that it is a legal requirement to wear a helmet while cycling in France. In case of an accident resulting in personal injury, certain insurance policies (explore included) are invalidated in cases where a helmet was not being worn. You may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added comfort. If a handle bar bag or pannier is not provided (check bike details below) then you may like to bring a small rucksack to wear while cycling. A lock, pump, spare inner tube and puncture repair kit with tyre levers is provided with the bike.
International flights
Any extra local transport (subways, taxis, buses) unless covered by the included passes
Baggage handling & luggage forwarding

Accommodation changes and upgrade are available for all our Cycling Tour, make an inquiry now