The Istrian coast and Venice by bike
Enjoy an exceptional cycling trip through three countries: Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. You start from the wonderful Venice and cross the beaches of the coast to the Friuli Plain, then you continue to the fascinating city of Trieste, ending with the magnificent Istrian coast for a unique and unforgettable sight.
Highlights of the stay :
- Venice, Portogruaro and Trieste
- Aquileia and its archaeological site
- the coast of Istria
Day 1: Mestre / Venice
Arrival in Mestre (Venice's "pied-à-terre"). The city of Venice is captivating and its splendor is internationally renowned. You can enjoy it once you've settled into your hotel.
Day 2: From Mestre to Jesolo or Caorle (40-65 km)
After a few kilometers by bike, you'll take the ferry (included, but bikes must be paid for locally) to the Lido, passing the famous St. Mark's Square. Then, depending on availability and your departure date, you'll take either a second public ferry or a private boat transfer to Punta Sabbioni. You'll get back on your bike to reach Lido di Jesolo. Depending on hotel availability, you can also spend the night in the town of Caorle (65 km), which you'll reach by cycling along the Sile River and the coast.
Day 3: From Jesolo or Caorle to Portogruaro (35-60 km)
Leave the sea behind and head towards the Julian Alps. Along the way, you'll cross a fish-farming lagoon area with many old fishing huts. Portogruaro marks the end of your leg. The town was very important during the time of the Most Serene Republic of Venice. Its numerous palaces and rich architecture are still impressive today.
Day 4: From Portogruaro to Aquileia (70 km)
The route can be shortened by 20 km by taking a train from Portogruaro to Latisana. You'll split your day between Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia (two Italian provinces). The areas you pass through are rich in history, and the rivers wind their way through ancient Roman villages and towns. Your destination is Aquileia and its Roman excavations, or Palmanova, nicknamed the Star City because of its nine-pointed star-shaped fortress.
Day 5: From Aquileia to Trieste (55 km)
Head towards the Adriatic Sea. Reach the Gulf of Trieste and its many panoramic views: Duino and its two castles, Sistiana and its magnificent bay, and Miramare with its famous White Castle, built according to the will of Emperor Maximilian. You are now only a few kilometers from Trieste, a former port of the Habsburg Empire, which offers an impressive cultural and architectural heritage. You can extend today's leg (+24 km) to discover the old fishing village of Grado in the Marano Lagoon. You can also decide to shorten the leg by taking the train from Monfalcone to Trieste.
Day 6: From Trieste to Piran or Portorož, Slovenia (45 km)
After a few kilometers, mostly along tourist resorts like Koper, you arrive in Slovenia by bike. Koper was for a long time a city of Veneto and then Austria, just like Piran, which was once under the rule of Venice. You arrive in Portorož, a renowned seaside resort with its numerous spas and beaches.
Day 7: From Piran or Portorož to Porec, Croatia (55 km)
Heading south, you pass the salt mines of Secovlje, a large Slovenian town with a humid environment, which offers interesting birdwatching opportunities. A few kilometers further, you cross the border to arrive in Croatia by bike via the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea: Istria. Your stopover ends in Porec, Croatia's tourist capital, with its Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
Day 8: Porec
End of the tour after breakfast. Return to Venice by ferry (optional).
Ferry from Porec to Venice:
The transfer can be booked when booking your stay. Departure between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. (duration approximately 4 to 5 hours). If the ferry is not available, a private transfer will be arranged. The ferry reservation must automatically include your full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth (mandatory). This itinerary is subject to change before or during your stay.
