CROATIA - ISTRIA PENINSULA
THE ADRIATIC PEARL
Ride from The Slovenian Border down south to Porec, Rovigno and finish in the Roman town of Pula, with its impressive Roman Arena!
START/FINISH
UMAG - PULA
DURATION
8 days / 7 nights
AVG.DISTANCE
60 KM
AVG.ELEVATION
600 MT
DIFFICULTY
HIGHLIGHTS
This tour sees us journey along magic coastal Venetian Towns and a little way inland over sweet hills covered in wine groves and medieval villages.
Umag, Porec, Rovigno and Pula, are our primary stopping points in this tour. When it comes to cycling you’ll have a constant smile on your face. There is so much diversity, from the easy flat coastal rides to the more challenging rides within the interior hills of the Istria Penisnula.
Wonderful roads, Mediterranean climate, traditional cuisine and 1000 years of history!
Plus, Andrea's mother lives in Rovigno and she will guide us through the narrow streets of the old town and shows us the best spots, including her favorite local restaurants!
A destination not to be missed.
DETAILS
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Start & Finish Location: Umag - Pula
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Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
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Difficult level: 2,5 out of 5 - Easy / intermediate
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Average daily distance: 60km
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Average Ascent: 600mt
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Terrain: Undulating - Hilly
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Main Route: 600km
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Total Ascent:Approx 4500m
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Recommended arrival Airport: Trieste (Italy) or Pula (HR)
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Recommended departure Airport: Trieste or Pula (HR)
YOUR RIDE
WHO WOULD ENJOY THIS EXPERIENCE?
The experience is built for all riders able to ride for 3-5 hours. This is not a race or high intensity riding, but rather a true cycling adventure across one of the most picturesque region in the world.
We will ride as a group on the rolling terrain and as individuals or small groups on the short climbs, so that everyone will enjoy the ride. On top of each major climb we will regroup to celebrate and refill our bottles, and then enjoy the descent together. As a team, we’ll support each other during the ride and make sure everyone finishes safe and happy!
All cyclists interested in exploring a new region, learning about local culture while admiring magnificent scenery will enjoy this incredible experience!
THE TOUR INCLUDES
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A fantastic tour itinerary designed by Andrea
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All hotel accommodations in beautiful hotels, generally 4-star, in twin-double room
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All breakfasts, 1 lunch, and all dinners except one on your own
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Min. 2 professional guides on tour (1 fully qualified mechanic)
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Van support throughout the tour
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All in-tour transfers
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Snacks and food supplements including electrolytes, gels, and energy bars by OTE Sport
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Garmin 810-820 loan unit with maps for duration of tour
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1 top quality cycling kit made by OMR (jersey, bibs, socks)
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Free use of a POC helmet
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Detailed printed tour information booklet
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Extra activities besides cycling: luxury picnic with Truffle hunting demo, Guided tour of Rovigno, family dinner at Andrea’s place and more!
MORE ABOUT THE TERRAIN
We have selected some of the best routes offering a mix of all terrains, but the terrain will be mainly hilly with some 8-10 km climbs, but also a lot of flat-undulating sections.
The start from Umag is perfect as it mostly flat, then route become hilly with some easy climbing towards the end of the tour approaching Rovigno and then Pula.
The climbs are never hard as the gradient is always around 4-6% and when steeper, generally for short distances.
The roads are well-paved and safe, with drivers showing incredible respect for cyclists!
ON REQUEST, NOT INCLUDED
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Single room
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High-end rental bike
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Massage at hotel
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Airport Transfers
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Flights
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Lunches
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Personal Extras and Alcoholic drinks
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Guides Tips
TOUR ITINERARY
Day One - Umag Warm-up Ride
Main Route: 25km | Total Ascent: 150mt
This is a warm-up ride to ease the legs and body into it. Some of you may have only recently stepped off a plane, so this ride offers a great way to “tease” out that tiredness. The route will take us into a beautiful park encountering some small climbs and will offer spectacular views of the Mediteranean Sea.
Day Two - Umag Loop to Savudrija
Main Route: 50km | Total Ascent: 450mt
A nice and easy ride along the coast toward the Slovenian Border. We encounter a few not too difficult climbs, then enjoy some undulating terrain before we arrive back at sea level.
Day Three - Umag loop to Motovun
Main Route: 65 km | Total Ascent: 600m
Today we climb up to the hills to the fortified village of Motovun, hometown of the famous car driver Mario Andretti! Nice and quiet roads with olive trees, vineyards and Truffle!
Day Four - Umag to Rovigno
Main Route: 60km | Total Ascent: 450m
We move south and stop visiting Porec, an Unesco site famous for its Bizantine Cathedral. Our fial destination is the fantastic town of Rovigno, one of the pearl of the Mediterranean sea.
Day Five - Rovigno Rest Day and Boat cruise
Time for some rest off the bike! Today we’ll spend few hours on the boat exploring the picturesque coast line and have some free time to enjoy the beautiful rocky beaches around Rovigno. In the afternoon, an interesting guided tour of Town followed by free dinner.
Day Six - Rovigno loop to Svetvincenat
Main Route: 55km | Total Ascent: 600m
Today we climb up to the medieval town of Svetvicenat which has a fantastic castle. We’ll enjoy the quietness and wilderness of this remote area of Croatia.
Day Seven - Rovigno to PULA
Routes: 50 km | Total Ascent: 900m
Our last transfer day take us near the roman town of Pula, the capital of Istria. Pula is busy but with an artistic city center rich of Roman ruines, including a roman Arena similar to the Colosseo and Arena in Verona. We’ll spend the next days in the area including a visit on the Brjioni island, a national park which was also home of Yugoslavian dictator TITO.
Day Eight - Pula loop to the Brjioni Islands
Main Route: 25 | Total Ascent: 60m
Easy day dedicated to the exploration of the national park on a bike path closed to traffic.
Day Nine – Pula loop to Medulin
Main Route: 45km | Total Ascent: 300m
The ride around the Medulin peninsula is great with many short climbs, and lovely descends. Great views all day long!
Day Ten – Doviđenja!
After breakfast, optional transfer to Airport or Trieste
TOUR MAP
