Trieste, Italy
Lipizzaner stud farm
On the way to Motovun
Views from Motovun
Rabac
Sunsets
Island views
Biking in a safari park!
Rovinj
Final dinner!
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| Day 1 Trieste, Italy
Meet at our hotel in Trieste, Italy, at 2 p.m., where we’ll have a brief meeting and then assemble our bikes. We’ll take a short warm-up ride to Lipica, Slovenia, to visit a world-famous Lipizzaner stud farm, where more than 300 resident horses graze on green hillsides.
Trieste is considered one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, surrounded by green hills, white cliffs and the aqua-blue sea. It’s a lively, cosmopolitan city with many things to see and do—visit the lovely beaches, stroll one of many grand squares, or explore churches, museums and ruins. Trieste is also the leading coffee port in the Mediterranean and home to coffee giant Illy caffè, so finding that pre- or post-ride caffeine fix won’t be a problem! Welcome dinner together.
Day 2 Motovun, "The New Tuscany"
Ride 50 miles
Have your passport handy! Today we’ll ride through three countries on our way to Motovun, a captivating little town perched on a hill in the Mirna River Valley. We’ll ride over rolling hills on scenic roads so small you might think you’re on a bike path! Dinner together.
Day 3 Motovun Loop Rides/Spa
Ride Options: 34-43 miles
Today you can either relax by the pool and have a massage or join us for a loop ride. We’ll ride through hill towns and vineyards to the artist colony of Grojnjan, a 14th century Venetian hill town with a fortress and several fine churches. Dinner on your own.
Ride Option: You can finish the ride at the Toplice Spa, where you can enjoy a massage, mud treatment, facial or relaxing swim in the outdoor pool with a poolside bar.
Day 4 Motovun Loop Rides/Spa
Ride Options: 39, 47 or 60 miles
We’ll climb up to the plateau on the Slovenian border and enjoy dramatic views of Buzet and the valley below, and descend into Roc (a tiny village surrounded by 15th century walls). We’ll continue to Hum, which claims to be "the world’s smallest village," and along the Glagolitic Lane, with its series of 11 sculptures. The ride concludes with a glorious descent to Buzet, through the Mirna River Valley and back to Motovun. Dinner together.
Ride Option: You can finish the ride at the Toplice Spa, where you can enjoy a massage, mud treatment, facial or relaxing swim in the outdoor pool with a poolside bar.
Day 5 Rabac
Ride 49 miles
We’ll leave Motovun on tiny, country roads bordered by vineyards to the coastal resort of Rabac, located on the beautiful bay of Kavner. Along the way, we’ll visit a traditional konoba (a small inn or restaurant) and sample locally made biska (brandy) and homemade strudel. We’ll also stop to see the 15th century frescoes in Draguc. Dinner together.
Rabac, known as "The Pearl of Kvarner Bay," is dotted with tiny coves, small bays, beaches and lush Mediterranean vegetation.
Day 6 Brijuni Islands
Ride 48 miles
Our ride begins with a climb from Rabac up to the hilltop town of Labin, then along the coast where we’ll enjoy dramatic views of the Adriatic Sea. We’ll continue across the width of the Istrian Peninsula, visiting the beautiful village of Vodnjan—its 19th century, 197-foot bell tower is the tallest in Istria, and the same height as St. Marks in Venice. We’ll stop for lunch in one of the best regional restaurants for a private wine and biska tasting. Afterwards, we’ll take a ferry to the island of Veli Brijun, in the Brijuni National Park, where we’ll stay for the next two nights. Dinner on your own.
The Brijuni Islands consist of two main pine-covered islands and 12 islets off the coast of Istria. After World War II, Brijuni became part of Yugoslavia and communist state leader Josip Broz Tito made the islands his personal summer residence, where he’d spend six months each year and entertain numerous heads of state and movie stars. There are currently 680 species of plants and a safari park that was Tito’s private hunting ground, the result of gifts to Tito from world leaders.
Day 7 Brijuni Islands Loop Rides/swim
Relax and swim, or take a tour of this car-free island on a single-speed cruiser bike. You can ride alongside elephants, zebras and water buffalo in Tito's Safari Park, or observe the island’s wild deer on as you take in the stunning scenery of the Adriatic. You can also play golf, tennis or explore the Tito Museum or one of the island’s Roman ruins. Dinner together.
Day 8 Rovinj
Ride 40 miles
We’ll take a short and easy ride today from Fazana to the beautiful town of Rovinj via Svetivincenat, with its castle built in 1485. Our route travels along a coastal bike/walking path where we’ll enjoy scenic views of 13 lush islands. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the numerous shops and galleries in historic Rovinj. Dinner on your own.
Rovinj is an active fishing port with steep, cobbled streets in the old town leading up to the massive 1736 cathedral of St. Euphemia. The cathedral is the largest Baroque building in Istria and is a dominant feature of the town and the scenic coast.
Day 9 Piran, Slovenia
Ride 57 miles
Today you can relax in Rovinj in the morning or join us for one final ride up the coast before tomorrow’s transfer back to Trieste, Italy. We’ll ride along the coast of Istria, detouring inland to avoid the Limske Fjord before crossing into Slovenia. We’ll ride through Portoroz, Slovenia’s most popular beach resort and spa, on our way to the medieval harbor town of Piran. Final celebration dinner together!
Piran’s old town is a gem of Venetian Gothic architecture and is one of the best-preserved historical towns on the Adriatic, now protected as a cultural monument. Our hotel is located in the old town’s main plaza, near the marina and waterfront.
Day 10 Trieste, Italy
Our tour ends after breakfast. Morning transfer for your train or plane departure home or extend your stay and visit Slovenia or Venice. We’re happy to offer suggestions for extending your trip.
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