Croatia: The Istrian Peninsula
A hilly eight-day trip along the coastline of the largest Adriatic peninsula. Highlights include the amphitheater in Pula, walled medieval cities of Motovun and Groznjan, the Limski fjord, seaside villages, truffles, and exceptional fresh seafood.
With its sublime stretch of Adriatic coast, Croatia has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of Europe. In recent history, civil war kept it isolated, but since declaring independence and joining the EU, it has rapidly become a popular place to visit, and we urge you to do so now, before its Riviera, which rivals those of nearby France and Italy for natural beauty, becomes changed. We have chosen the less-traveled, heart-shaped, northern peninsula of Istria, for its quiet roads, and hilltop villages boasting incredible views of the azure sea below. This is a surprising corner of Europe, and an amazing place to explore by bike, with attractions that exceed the simple beauty and cleanliness of the landscape. You will eat truffles, discover fine wines, and be nourished by abundant seafood. You will swim in warm Adriatic waters, ride through quiet hills, enjoy photogenic and mind-expanding views, and rest in sumptuous surroundings after dining well on unique regional cuisine. We look forward to sharing it all with you!
The Plan:
Day One:
Meet in Ljubljana at 15:00. A walking tour of the old city precedes dinner. The quaint, narrow streets along the left bank of the Ljubljanica River, with its medieval bridges are reminiscent of Prague, without the crowds. The 16th century fortifications of the Ljubljana castle dominate the old city. D (*Self-guided riders will transfer to Motovun this afternoon.) (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Hotel Lev, Ljubljana, www.hotel-lev.si
Day Two: 43km/27 miles
Begin with an early transfer by van to Buje, a typical Istrian medieval town. You’ll ride to the border of Slovenia and into Momjan, where deserted castles, archaic churches and scarcely populated villages contribute to stunningly beautiful vistas reminiscent of Tuscany. Continue to Groznjan, a small walled Renaissance town known as a city of artists; practically every door leads to a studio or gallery. Tonight, you’ll stay in Motovun, home of an exclusive international film festival. Truffles, unique and mysterious mushrooms which grow beneath the earth, thrive in the damp forests surrounding Motovun. BLD
Hotel Kastel, Motovun, www.hotel-kastel-motovun.hr
Day Three: 45km/28 miles
Ride a quiet route through villages in the heart of Istria, experiencing its true essence. In the archaic churches of Vrh and Racice, you will find a hidden treasure of colourful frescoes by medieval masters. One often feels that time has stopped in these parts, but the wine is still flowing. In the evening, you will rub shoulders with the locals, enjoying live jazz at Motovun’s central square. BL
Same lodging
Day Four: 46km/29 miles
Descend to the seaside town of Rovinj, leaving the green rolling hills and vineyards behind to explore what blue coastal Istria has to offer. The route takes you through prehistoric Illyrian fortified settlements of Beram and Zminj, and along the coast, passing small islands and bays to where the Limski fjord cuts deep into the peninsula. Finish the day in Rovinj, a medieval coastal city that had a prominent role in the Mediterranean Sea battles of ancient times. The vibrant town offers some of the best nightlife on the Istrian coast. BLD (*Self-guided riders will spend tonight in Porec at Hotel Rubin. Motovun to Porec is 43km.)
Hotel Vila Lili, Rovinj, www.hotel-vilalili.hr
Day Five: 40km/25 miles
In the early morning, board a private boat and cruise towards Porec, passing small islets and secluded bays. The city of Porec, for centuries a part of the Venetian Republic, has an amazing pre-Byzantine Basilica of Bishop Euphrasus. You will visit Vrsar, the surfing centre of Croatia, praised by Giacomo Casanova for the lovely women and excellent red wine. You will ride along the coast and along the Lim Fjord, to enjoy panoramic views from the top of the fjord. The afternoon’s ride is a descent back to Rovinj. BL (*Self-guided riders will ride a similar route: 39km from Porec to Rovinj.)
Same lodging
Day Six: 56km/35 miles
Today you will experience the Lim Fjord by both boat and bike. From the sea, you get a completely different perspective from below the majestic cliffs. Beginning in the secluded villages hidden from the trading port of Rovinj, you will ascend by bike to Dvigrad’s ghost castle, and continue to the lively castle at Svetvincenat. The two make a fine contrast. The route then retreats to quiet olive groves where you can see for yourself whether the best olive oil is really discovered in places of the past. The region also hides some of the best Istrian red and white wines. BLD
Same lodging
Day Seven: 49km/31 miles
It is hard to leave Rovinj, until you get a glimpse of attractive Pula. The route meanders between the two, through beautiful hilly villages on one side, and crystal blue sea on the other. Pula used to be a Roman settlement and still hides some relics of the past, among which the most prominent is the colossal amphitheater, built circa 100AD. Once the playground of gladiators and knights, it now attracts famous artists in the role of open air theatre. BLD
Hotel Scaletta, Pula, www.hotel-scaletta.com
Day Eight:
Morning transfer from Pula to Ljubljana, arriving before noon. B
The Details:
| Start: | Ljubljana, 15:00 day one |
| Finish: | Ljubljana, 12:00 day eight |
| Guided Cost: | $3395 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 4 dinners, guide and van support, transfers to and from Ljubljana, maps and route notes, luggage handling, taxes) |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $3095 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, maps and route notes, luggage transfers, your transfers to and from Ljubljana, taxes) |
| Single Occupancy: | $395 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $195 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Sep 12-19; Oct 10-17. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | May 22-29; Jun 19-26; Sep 11-18; Oct 9-16. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are May to October |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
