Trail of istrian prosciutto
A trail of views, villages, and Istria’s finest prosciutto.
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overview
Experience an unforgettable 6-day mountain bike adventure along the historic Parenzana railway route, cycling 230 km from Trieste to Pula through Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, discovering UNESCO sites, coastal towns, Istrian villages, and culinary delights—complete with guided tours, hotel stays, luggage transfers, and a boat trip to Rovinj.
6 days / 5 overnight stays / 5 cycling days
Approx. 230 km / 2,200 meters of altitude by MTB
Follow the trail of the legendary Parenzana railway, once a vital lifeline connecting over 30 towns between Trieste and Poreč (Parenzo) from 1902 to 1935. What was once a narrow-gauge railway line winding through coastal cliffs, tunnels, and viaducts has today been transformed into one of the most picturesque cycling routes in Europe—an emblem of Istra Bike.
This is more than a bike tour. It’s a curated experience across three countries—Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia—woven with layers of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Each kilometer brings a new story, whether it’s an espresso in an Italian port town, the scent of the pine woods along the Adriatic, or a hidden art gallery in an Istrian hilltop village.
Carefully selected hotels await at each stop, offering comfort and rest after each stage. Your luggage? Don’t worry—it travels ahead of you, taken care of by our dedicated transport service. All that’s left for you to do is enjoy the ride, soak in the surroundings, and be open to surprises.
Day 2: From Ankaran via Muggia to Portorož
(52 km / 450 m elevation gain)
After meeting your guide at the hotel, the tour kicks off with bike adjustments and a short introduction. Just a few kilometers in, you’ll already be crossing the border into Italy, cruising along smooth paths to the colorful fishing town of Muggia. There’s time to stop, sip your first Italian coffee, and watch the boats in the harbor bob gently in the morning sun.
From there, the Parenzana trail leads you back into Slovenia, where you’ll pedal past all of its coastal jewels—Koper, Izola, and Piran—each one steeped in history, full of narrow alleys, stone façades, and postcard views. In Piran, you’ll pause for a well-earned break; the town’s charm makes it hard to leave.
Tonight’s rest is just around the corner in Portorož, where the promenade, beach cafés, and the scent of the sea invite you to relax before dinner.
Day 3: Umag – Motovun
(60 km / 800 m elevation gain)
Today, the journey dives into Istria’s heartland. You’ll leave the coast behind, cycling past olive groves and vineyards, through stone villages seemingly untouched by time. The trail steadily climbs toward Grožnjan, perched at 290 meters—an artist’s haven with winding streets and sweeping views across lush forests and valleys.
After a break and some local delicacies, the ride continues down into the Motovun Forest, a place famed for its truffles. The scent of earth and oak lingers as you ride through shaded trails.
Your final push takes you up to Motovun, a hilltop town of legends, wine, and ancient stone walls. Staying overnight here is like stepping into a fairytale—you’ll dine with views that stretch for miles and feel the soul of Istria in every step.
Day 4: Motovun – Poreč
(40 km / 300 m elevation gain)
After a restful night in medieval Motovun, today brings a gentler pace. The Parenzana leads you through forests and open views over the Mirna Valley, before bringing you to Vižinada. The terrain softens as you glide past the vineyards of Malvasia and Teran wine.
You’ll soon return to the coast and reach Poreč (Parenzo), a town where every stone tells a story—from Roman mosaics to Venetian palaces. After cooling off in the Adriatic, take a walk with your guide through its vibrant center—there’s so much more beneath the surface.
Day 5: Poreč – Vrsar – Rovinj
(20 km / 100 m elevation gain + boat ride)
Today is light on kilometers but rich in experience. You’ll cycle just a short distance along the sea, tracing promenade paths through pine woods and campsites until you reach Vrsar, once a hideaway for the infamous Casanova.
From here, the road gives way to sea. A leisurely boat ride awaits, where you can unwind with a traditional Mediterranean lunch and let the sea breeze carry you past the dramatic Lim Canal.
Your journey by water ends in Rovinj, a city that needs no embellishment. With its pastel houses and cobbled streets, it is one of Croatia’s most romantic destinations. Check into your hotel, then spend the evening strolling through its charm-filled old town or relaxing by the sea.
Day 6: Rovinj – Pula
(50 km / 400 m elevation gain)
Refreshed and ready, you begin the final stretch towards Pula. The path meanders past serene bays and peninsulas, through tranquil forests and seaside campsites. The Palud Bird Sanctuary, a gem of untouched nature, lies along your way—home to countless migratory birds.
In Fažana, you’ll take a break for lunch with a view of the Brijuni National Park, a cluster of islands once reserved for royalty and diplomats.
The route then leads you past remnants of recent history: abandoned military zones that tell stories of a different time. As you approach Pula, the skyline is crowned by its majestic Roman amphitheater, signaling the journey’s end in spectacular fashion.
Your hotel is just steps away from the arena and the old town. There’s time for a final stroll and shared dinner with your fellow riders—one last toast to the roads traveled and stories shared.
Day 7: Departure from Pula
The adventure ends, but the memories are just beginning. After an unforgettable ride through three countries, coastal towns, hilltop villages, and forest trails, it’s time to say farewell to Istria—or maybe not just yet.
Feel free to extend your stay—you’ve already seen the best of the peninsula, and now you know just where you’d like to return. If you need a transfer to your car or airport, we’ll take care of it.
We’ll be here to help you with your next adventure.
What's Included?
- Historic railway trail ride – follow the legendary Parenzana route from Trieste to Poreč and beyond
- Cross-border experience – cycle through Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia in a single tour
- Tunnel and viaduct passages – unique sections through original Parenzana infrastructure
- Coastal and inland landscapes – enjoy diverse scenery from sea views to rolling hills
- Charming medieval towns – visit gems like Grožnjan, Motovun, and Buje along the trail
- Marked cycling paths – well-signed routes for safe and easy navigation
- Information boards en route – learn about Parenzana’s history and local heritage as you ride
- Diverse ground surfaces – experience gravel, asphalt, and old railway sections for varied cycling adventure
Book Online
Group bookings: For groups of 20 or more please contact info@greenheartofistria.com or call us on +(385) 99 3041 900
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