Istria: radial tour

We would like to recommend an early arrival to the hotel in Porec. This gives you enough time to visit the Euphrasian Basilica (6th century), which is well worth seeing and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. You should definitely not miss this individual tour.

After a hearty breakfast, start your first tour of discovery through the beautiful hinterland of Porec. You cycle along the rugged coast with its wonderful rocky beaches to the seaside resort of Santa Marina di Vabriga and to Vabriga itself. This region around Tar and Vabriga is known for its olive trees and for the oil obtained from them, which is known throughout Europe. Now leave the coast and cycle inland to the beautiful historic town of Visnjan. Take a break and visit the Chapel of St. Anthony the Abbot (build in the 15th century). The interior is decorated with frescoes and writings. You roll comfortably through the city gate, to the main square. Pay attention to the St. Mark's Lion from 1517, which is attached above the gate. After a worthwhile break, you cycle back to Porec.

Look forward to today's bike route to the famous fjord-like Limski Canal with its shimmering blue water. The name of the canal is derived from Roman times, because at that time the Limes separated the regions of Porec and Pula here. Due to the high oxygen content and the low salt content, many fish and mussel farms have sprung up along the banks of the Limski Canal. If you love fish and / or mussels, you should try them in one of the local restaurants, because excellent dishes are offered here. Today the entire area around the Lim Bay is a protected nature reserve. You cycle comfortably through the interior of the country back to Porec on wonderful paths.

You start the day with a short transfer and quickly reach the artists' village Grožnjan, which was first mentioned in 1102. Today Grožnjan is a meeting place for musicians from all over the world. There are well over 30 galleries and studios of painters and sculptors to visit here. In addition to the vernissages, the small town also hosts numerous music events, such as the international jazz festival "Jazz is back" and the summer academy Jeunesses Musicales. A visit to the city is probably best at these times, as you are accompanied by the sounds of stringed instruments and piano pieces as you stroll through the old alleys. Marvel at the historic center, the squares decorated with flowers, the former Venetian residence opposite the church, the old city gates and the historic city wall. With fantastic views you then roll from Grožnjan (228 m) through a varied hilly landscape downhill to the Adriatic coast. Roll along the beautiful coast to the resort of Novigrad. Look forward to this small medieval town, which is still surrounded by a fortress wall today. The entire old town center lies on a headland that was only connected to the mainland in the 18th century. Enjoy the many small cafes, bars and restaurants with their culinary delicacies while strolling along the waterfront and through the fascinating old town. On the way back, make a stop at the remarkable stalactite cave Jama Baredine. Marvel at the five imposing halls with their fascinating stalactite formations before you cycle back to the hotel.

After a short transfer, the first stop along today's Motovun route, a formerly important strategic point for the Venetians, is impregnable on the top of a steep hill. The medieval city can be completely circumnavigated and offers wonderful views of the surrounding hilly landscape, the sea and the Mirna valley. After a worthwhile visit, get on your bikes and cycle past numerous wineries to Vizinada, a historical place that was first mentioned in 1177. Take a break in Vizinada, because the place is known for its architecture and the beautiful mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Classicist styles. A typical draw well with baroque column fragments adorns the main square. You then cycle back to Porec through the wine-growing region.

Today's bike stage takes you to Rovinj, one of the most beautiful cities in Istria. Surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, the towering bell tower of the Euphemia Church, which stands on the highest place in Rovinj, greets you from afar. The pulsating promenade and the romantic old town form the center of Rovinj. A stroll through this picturesque city is like traveling back in time through the Venetian era. Stroll across Marsala Tita Square, marvel at the maze of narrow streets and winding houses and enjoy a cappuccino in one of the many cafes or restaurants. If you want, you can take a short detour (approx. 1.5 km) to the rocky beaches of Zlatni rt (Golden Cape), a peninsula protruding into the sea, before the organized return transfer takes you back to Porec in the afternoon.

After a short transfer to Kanfanar, you will cycle through extensive forests today. In the small fishing village of Fazana, you have the opportunity to take one of the many boats on an excursion to the Brijuni Islands. This rather small group of islands consists of a total of twelve smaller and two larger islands, with the main island of Veli Brijun serving as the summer residence of the Yugoslav state founder, Tito. Today the islands are national park and are home to an unprecedented biodiversity, but only Veli Brijun is open to the public. Even if you don't take a boat tour, the sight of this group of islands is a pleasure. In addition, Pula, the largest and oldest city in Istria with an eventful history, beckons. It is best known for the ancient sights such as the amphitheater. The second largest arena of the Roman Empire was built here in 2 BC. Built until 14 AD. Today it is the sixth largest amphitheater in the world. Stroll through the old town and marvel at the numerous sights. Small boutiques line up, invite you to stroll and stroll. Enjoy the Mediterranean flair of Pula before the transfer back to Porec in the evening.

Your joyable bike tour in Istria ends after the breakfast.