Cycling Parenzana Trail - 3 COUNTRIES

Beginning in the lovely former Habsburg seaport town of Trieste, this is the perfect tour for lovers of sun, sea and history. Under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Trieste flourished as a busy and affluent port (4th largest in the empire), the remnants of which are still visible today in the main square and narrow streets. After your stay here, you will cycle southwards out of Italy, through Slovenia and into Croatia. The sunny Istria Peninsula will present you with a multitude of picturesque little fishing villages, small towns atop karst hills, sparkling vineyards and fertile valleys. Indulge yourself in the charms of a landscape rich in contrast and colour.

Highlights and places of interest along the route:

Trieste - old town, promenade & castle
Istrian Hills - hilltop villages & vineyards
Piran - a Venetian town in Slovenia
Portorož - the Slovenian Las Vegas
Porec - the 6th century Euphrasia Basilica

Day 1: Arrival in Trieste / Muggia (old southern outskirts of Trieste)
Today you will arrive and settle into your hotel in Muggia / Trieste. Spend the day strolling along the lovely promenade or visit the exquisite Miramare Castle, then enjoy a capoucino on stunning Piazza Unità d'Italia in the town centre. If you stay in Muggia, you can sail to the city center by a city transport boat.

Day 2: Trieste – Piran / Portorôz (approx. 30 km)
To begin with you can take a short visit to the coastal town of Muggia before crossing the Slovenia border and riding along the coastal cycle path through another lovely port town, Koper, and then onto the picturesque Venetian villages of Izola and Piran. Stroll through the narrow streets and visit their churches. In Piran, sip a coffee in Tartini Square amid the wonderful Venetian architecture. Visit Portorož, an affluent spa town on the Slovenian Riviera.

Day 3: Piran – Umag (approx. 35 km)
Today you will cycle past the vast saltpans of Sečovlje. Get there early enough to catch the beautiful morning light. From here you head across the border to Croatia and into the heart of Istria, across a slightly hilly terrain to the village of Umag. Once a Roman colony, within its town walls and across its gated drawbridge lies a town steeped in history. Take a tour through the medieval centre and visit the beautiful city tower.

Day 4: Umag – Porec (approx. 45 km)
Once again you cycle across some low hills to Novigrad (Cittanova), another medieval walled town. As well as its rich history, Novigrad is also renowned for its gastronomy, and is listed as one of Istria’s top gourmet destinations. Next stop is Poreč, where you can visit the UNESCO listed Euphrasian Basilica, a diverse mix of baroque, Gothic and Romanesque buildings.

Day 5: Departure after breakfast or extension of stay.

Dates and prices in 2021
Individual self guided tour: any day between 20.3. and 12.10.2021

Price per person in a double room sharing:
Low season: 20.3. to 8.5. and 18.9. to 10.10. 2021: 585 EUR
High season: 9.5. to 17.9.2021: 650 EUR

Price includes:
- Accommodation in hotels ***/**** in two bedded room with WC and shower, on a bed & breakfast basis.
- Luggage transfer – one piece, max 20 kgs / 45 lb.
- Personal welcome meeting an bike fitting upon arrival
- Backup service (hotline) during the trip.
- Information package including text road notes (in simple English) and corresponding maps. One per booking, Every additional set 20 EUR.
- GPS files
- tourist and other taxes

Optional extras:
- Single room 95 EUR.
- Bike rental 55 EUR classic touring / trekking bikes are equipped with 21 gears. One back, side pannier per bike. One cycling odometer, one lock, one spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys and a basic puncture repair set per couple / pair of bikes. Every additional day: 15 EUR per bike. Additional odometer 20 EUR, payable on spot. Bike rental period starts 9:00 day 2 of the tour and at 18:00 of day 4.
- Electric bike: 85 EUR