Slovenia · March 2025 - October 2025
Cycling from Slovenian Karst to Croatian Istria
Uncover the Adriatic’s beauty: heritage, coastal splendor, and picturesque villages in a sun-kissed Mediterranean.
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Overview
Cycle through Slovenia and Croatia on an adventure rich in culture, history, and scenic beauty. Starting in Slovenia’s dramatic Karst Plateau, ride past limestone cliffs, age-old vineyards, and charming villages where traditional winemaking and customs thrive. A highlight includes visiting the Lipica Stud Farm to see the iconic Lipizzaner horses, a proud part of Slovenia’s heritage. Descending to the Adriatic coast, rugged landscapes give way to stunning sea views. Follow the historic Parenzana trail along turquoise shores and lively coastal towns like Portorož and Piran. Crossing into Croatia, the ride shifts to Istria’s quiet, picturesque hills, revealing olive groves, vineyards, and hidden villages. In Buje and Poreč, enjoy warm hospitality and authentic Istrian flavors. The route continues south along Istria’s coast, pausing at the serene Lim Channel before arriving in Rovinj, a town of colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Your final days in Pula feature ancient Roman architecture and secluded beaches on the Kamenjak Peninsula. This tour is perfect as a standalone journey or as a continuation of our Alps to Vineyards Cycling Tour and can be enjoyed as a guided or self-guided experience.
Highlights
Breathtaking Karst Plateau & Lipica Stud Farm
Cycle through Slovenia’s dramatic Karst Plateau, where limestone cliffs and age-old vineyards create a breathtaking backdrop. Explore charming villages where local traditions thrive, and visit the renowned Lipica Stud Farm. Here, you'll witness the elegance of the iconic Lipizzaner horses, a treasured piece of Slovenian heritage.
Adriatic Coast & Scenic Parenzana Path
Descend from rugged landscapes to the stunning Adriatic coast, where the Parenzana trail awaits. This historic railway path now offers picturesque cycling along turquoise shores and through vibrant towns like Portorož and Piran. Each stop presents a new blend of coastal charm, culture, and panoramic sea views.
Hidden Gems of Istria’s Countryside
Discover Istria’s quieter side as you cycle through rolling hills dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and picturesque villages. Each turn reveals a landscape untouched by mass tourism, brimming with natural beauty and authenticity. Towns like Buje and Poreč welcome you with warm hospitality and local culinary delights.
Lim Channel & Rovinj’s Coastal Splendor
Pedal along the serene Lim Channel, known for its crystal-clear waters and thriving mussel farms. Continue to Rovinj, a stunning coastal town with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets that feel frozen in time. Enjoy breathtaking sea views and explore one of the Adriatic's most beautiful settings.
Roman History & Secluded Beaches of Pula
Conclude your journey in Pula, a city where ancient Roman architecture and vibrant culture intersect. Explore the well-preserved Roman amphitheater and stroll through historic streets. Finally, unwind on the secluded beaches of the Kamenjak Peninsula, where the Adriatic’s clear waters invite relaxation.
Itinerary
Previous
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Day 1: Arrival to Sežana
Arrive to a lovely hotel in Karst and spend the night relaxing after your journey to Slovenia.
Overnight in Sežana
Day 2: Cycling over the Karst Plateau
Your cycling starts at a bit of altitude and first you will make your way across the karstic plateau and visit the famous stud farm in Lipica. Afterwards, the route starts descending passing the town of Trieste and making its way to the Adriatic coast. A leisure cycling path of Parenzna leads your second half of the day to the coastal town of Piran.
Cycling: 50km, +450m elevation gain, possible to shorten with a taxi
Overnight in Piran
Day 3: From Slovenian Coast to inland Istria
After enjoying the lovely Slovenian coast, it is time now to cross the border and explore the inland charm of Istria. Passing the salt pans Sečovlje, the Parenzana will climb a bit and bring you to Buje, an authentic village in the heart of Istria.
Cycling: 28km, +360m elevation gain
Overnight in Buje
Day 4: Back to the coast
From inland Istria, today we will come back to the coast again, following the bridges and tunnels of the former railway Parenzana and the lonely village roads. A unique landscape, overlooked by mass tourism, will be your company of the day before arriving to the lovely coastal town of Poreč.
Cycling: 35km, +350m elevation gain
Overnight in Poreč
Day 5: From Poreč to Rovinj
Cycling down the Istrian coast, your path will soon be crossed by a Lim Channel, sometimes also called an Istrian Fjord. Home to the best mussels around it is a great place for light lunch. Afterwards you will be cycling the lonely Istrian roads before reaching Rovinj, perhaps the most beautiful town in Adriatic.
Cycling: 38km, +450m elevation gain
Overnight in Rovinj
Day 6: From Rovinj to Pula
Cycling further down the coast, you will enjoy the sunny seaside and the lonely beaches as you approach the town of Pula, the biggest in the peninsula and the one with super rich history, dating back to Roman times. Its super diverse and unique coast, interchanging with cliffs and beaches will be fun to explore and to relax after a long cycling journey.
Cycling: 35km, +330m elevation gain
Overnight in Pula
Extend your tour
The tour can be a fantastic extension to our Alps to Vineyards Cycling Tour, making it an epic journey through Slovenia and Croatia in 12-15 days. We are happy to make a customized itinerary for you.
What's included
What's Included
Tour design and organisation
A booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions
Service and support during your tour
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Accommodation with breakfast as per itinerary
High-performance e-bike (or regular) rental
Luggage transfers
What's Not Included
Dinners (we encourage a visit to local restaurants and are happy to include a list of recommendations for every taste in our booklet)
Experiences (we can arrange wine tastings or similar experiences)
Airport transfers (we are happy to arrange those to fit your travel plans)
Extra days (we are happy to customise those to your wishes)
Gallery
Dates
13 - 19 March 2025
FROM$2,178.34/pp
13 - 19 April 2025
FROM$2,178.34/pp
13 - 19 May 2025
FROM$2,178.34/pp
13 - 19 June 2025
FROM$2,178.34/pp
13 - 19 July 2025
FROM$2,178.34/pp
13 - 19 September 2025
FROM$2,178.34/pp
13 - 19 October 2025
FROM$2,178.34/pp
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FAQs
What level of fitness is required for this cycling tour?
This tour is designed for cyclists of moderate fitness levels. Daily routes range from 20-50 km with manageable elevation gains, suitable for those comfortable with leisurely rides over varied terrain. E-bikes are also available for extra assistance if desired.
Can I customize the itinerary or add extra days?
The self-guided tour is based on a minimum of two participants. For the guided option, a minimum of six participants is required, though smaller groups can be accommodated for an additional surcharge.
Are meals included, and how are dining arrangements handled?
Breakfasts are included with accommodations. For dinners, a curated list of local restaurant recommendations will be provided, offering options that range from traditional Slovenian and Croatian cuisine to fine dining experiences.
What is the best season to take this tour?
This tour runs from March to November. The ideal months are typically spring and autumn, when the weather is milder, and the landscapes are especially vibrant. It is also less busy that time, but the downside is it is not as nice fro swimming :)
How is luggage managed during the tour?
Luggage transfers between accommodations are included, allowing you to travel light on your bike each day.