Cycling Istrian Coastal Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN MUGGIA

Your day trip starts in the charming town of Muggia, just south of Trieste. After checking in unwind with a delicious gelato in the town's historic center or relax on one of its inviting beaches. If you arrive early, consider a quick bus or boat trip into Trieste, a vibrant Italian city renowned for its rich history, cosmopolitan vibe, and captivating atmosphere. (Accommodation in 4* hotel.)

Day 2: MUGGIA – PIRAN (↔ 35 km, ↑ 230 m, ↓ 240 m)

After covering a few kilometers in Italy, you'll cross the border into Slovenia. Your morning ride will follow the coastal cycle path, leading you through the charming port town of Koper and onward to the picturesque Venetian villages of Izola and Strunjan. Wander through their narrow streets and explore the historic churches. Continue your journey to Portorož, a luxurious spa town on the Slovenian Riviera. Finally, arrive in Piran and enjoy a coffee in Tartini Square, surrounded by stunning Venetian architecture. (Accommodation in 4* hotel.)

Day 3: PIRAN - UMAG (↔ 38 km, ↑ 250 m, ↓ 250 m)

Today you will cycle past the vast salt-pans of Sečovlje. Aim to arrive early to catch the enchanting morning light. From here, you'll cross the border into Croatia and venture into the heart of Istria, across slightly hilly terrain to the town of Umag. Once a Roman colony, within its town walls and across its gated drawbridge lies a town steeped in history. Take a tour of the medieval center and visit the beautiful city tower.

Day 4: UMAG – POREČ (↔ 43 km, ↑ 340 m, ↓ 340 m)

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. (Accommodation in 3* hotel.)

Day 5: POREČ (roundtrip ↔ 48 km, ↑ 400 m, ↓ 400 m or day by the sea)

Today, you're spoiled for choice: you can either take a break from cycling, join a fish picnic boat trip, or simply relax at the beach. If you opt for the cycling adventure, it will take you deep into the heart of Istria, away from the tourists, where you can experience the authentic local life. Relish the moment as you sip a bevanda at a charming village square! (Accommodation in 3* hotel.)

Day 6: POREČ – ROVINJ (↔ 45 km, ↑ 400 m ↓ 390 m)

Today you head to Istria’s gem. Rovinj remains one of the last true Mediterranean fishing ports. The high bell tower of the Euphemia Church built on the highest spot of Rovinj is its most noticeable feature, standing proud and dominating the view no matter which direction you approach. You can also cycle to Zlatni rt (also known as Golden Cape), a peninsula, where you’ll find a park in a nature reserve. (Accommodation in 4* hotel.)

Day 7: ROVINJ – PULA (↔ 43 km, ↑ 270 m, ↓ 280 m)

The last day on your “expedition“ leads you to Pula on the peninsula’s southwest tip. Make a visit of the Brijuni-islands - twelve smaller and 2 bigger islands; the main island Veli Brijun was used by the Yugoslav statesman Tito as a summer residence. You can also follow in the footsteps of the dinosaurs, as over 200 dinosaur footprints have been found on the island. Pula is the oldest town on Istria and its commercial and cultural center. Enjoy your last day of the tour amongst various antiquities, including the mighty Pula Arena, the only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have four side towers with all three Roman architectural orders entirely preserved. (Accommodation in 3* hotel.)

Day 8: DEPARTURE

After breakfast your tour ends.

Price

Price per person based on two people sharing:

Season A: 29.3. to 2.5. and 5.10. to 11.10.2025    995 EUR
Season B: 3.5. to 25.7. and 13.9. to 4.10.2025    1.195 EUR
Season C: 26.7. to 12.9.2025    1.290 EUR

Date of Day 1 sets the trip's season.

(Currency converter)

Price includes:
•    Seven nights accommodation in hotels 3*/4* in a two bedded en-suite facilities room, on basis of bed & breakfast
•    Luggage transfer – one piece per person, max 23 kg / 50 lb. Lufthansa dimensions, every additional piece 60 EUR per trip, payable on spot
•    Tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form, one download per room
•    Personal welcome meeting and bike handover
•    Local tourist and other taxes
•    Backup service (hotline) during the trip

Optional extras:
•   Single travelers season A 365 EUR, season B 380 EUR, season C 395 EUR. Applies when a person travels alone and includes single room supplement.
•   Single room season A 275 EUR, season B 295 EUR, season C 315 EUR. Applies when a person is traveling together with other persons in a party.
•   Standard touring bike rental 110 EUR. Bikes have 21 gears. Included are: one pannier per bike, helmet, one repair set per pair of bikes – includes: one long lock, one spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys, tire levers and a basic puncture patch set. Every additional rental day 30 EUR per bike. Bike rental period starts 9:00 of day two of the tour and ends at 18:00 of day seven.
•   Electric bike rental 270 EUR, every additional day 50 EUR per bike
•   Printed information package in English or German, including route notes and detailed maps, delivered upon arrival - 30 EUR.

Additional nights:
•   4* Hotel in Muggia: Season A 75 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 110 EUR. Season B 85 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 125 EUR. Season C 100 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 145 EUR.
•   4* Hotel in Piran (old town): Season A 105 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 165 EUR. Season B 120 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 180 EUR. Season C 125 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 185 EUR.
•   4* Hotel in Rovinj: Season A 100 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 155 EUR. Season B 150 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 205 EUR. Season C 160 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 235 EUR.
•   3* Hotel in Pula: Season A 90 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 135 EUR. Season B 95 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 145 EUR. Season C 105 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 155 EUR.

Extra night in other places along the route on requests and depending on hotel rating.

Discounts:
•   Children up to 12 years when sharing room with parents 30% discount on basic price
•   Third adult in the room 10% discount on basic price

Not included: lunches, dinners, entrance fees, saunas and massages in hotels

Route Profile

Total length: 240 km
Waytype: 50% regional country roads, street 20% (city approach sections), 15% cycleways, 15 % path
Surface: 85% asphalt and paved, 15% unpaved

Difficulty Medium - for those who, for example complete daily trip to the market by bike in nice weather and consider cycling should be fun but not training. Gentle hills or stretches on gravel paths do not cause you any difficulties. Average daily elevation gains does between 100 and 500 meters.

Not suitable for road bikes.

Accommodation

Helia supports responsible travel. On our trips we therefore use small, authentic hotels and guesthouses with character that are run by locals or their families. Here you will find the list of standard accommodations that we mainly use during the trip. Actual hotels may vary from this list depending on booking time and room availability.

Day 1: 4* Hotel Marina San Rocco in Muggia

Day 2: 4* Hotel Piran in Piran

Day 3: 4* Hotel Umag Plava Laguna in Umag

Day 4-5: 3* Hotel Poreč in Poreč

Day 6: 4* Hotel Villa Lili or Arupinium in Rovinj

Day 7: 3* Hotel Amfiteatar in Pula

Travel Options & Local Transfers

Starting point of this trip is Muggia, outskirts of Trieste, NE Italy.

Getting there and away.... 

By car: over the Tauern motorway to Villach and over the border crossing Arnoldstein to Udine and Trieste. From Venice – Via A4 motorway exit Aquilea. Parking in covered garage is possible in first hotel, costs 20 EUR per night, needs to be reserved ahead. The night of hotel stay is free of charge.

By bus: take a Flixbus bus to Trieste and return from Pula.

By train: Venice Santa Lucia or Venice Mestre railway station to Trieste Centrale or over Salzburg and Villach to Trieste. Then take a taxi to Muggia.

By plane: regular (Alitalia, Lufthansa) and low-cost flights to Ronchi Legionari (Ryanair) Airport or Pula Airport (Aer Lingus, Croatian Airlines, Easyjet, German Wings, Jet2, Norwegian, Ryanair, SAS, S7, TUI, transavia, Vueling). Good connections with airport shuttle from Ronchi Legionari Airport to Trieste / Muggia.

Local Transfers

Ljubljana Airport to Muggia: 1–3 persons: 210 EUR, 4–8 persons: 240 EUR

Ljubljana City to Muggia: 1–3 persons: 190 EUR, 4–8 persons: 220 EUR

Trieste Airport to Muggia: 1–3 persons: 160 EUR, 4–8 persons: 190 EUR

Pula Airport to Muggia: 1–3 persons: 250 EUR, 4–8 persons: 290 EUR

Pula City to Trieste/Muggia: 1–3 persons: 240 EUR, 4–8 persons: 280 EUR

Pula to Trieste Airport: 1–3 persons: 330 EUR, 4–8 persons: 370 EUR

Pula to Ljubljana Airport: 1–3 persons: 360 EUR, 4–8 persons: 390 EUR

All prices per transfer, one way. Price includes transport of bikes.

Rental Bikes

Helia bikes are available in different sizes and unisex frame model:

Touring bike 24-gear Shimano Deore
Touring-bike 4 electronic gears / 9 mechanical gears Shimano

Features:

• alummium frame
• mudguard
• rear rack
• comfort gel saddle
• anti-puncture Continental tires
• ergonomic bicycle grips

All rented adult bikes are equipped with:

• one side saddlebag
• combination bike lock

Only for self-guided tours - one repair kit per two bikes: one spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, two Allen keys and tire levers

This tour is not suitable for road bikes.

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