Trip code: C07IS 4.7 (85 reviews)
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
8.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
The Istrian Peninsula at the top of the Adriatic, (just below Trieste), was Italian until 1945 when it became part of Croatia. People still speak Italian here, and it's even taught in schools. In fact, Istria is sometimes known as 'Croatia's Tuscany'. It houses a treasure trove of antiquities, including exquisite Baroque and Byzantine basilicas in UNESCO Porec and Rovinj, and a vast Roman amphitheatre in Pula. Inland, tiny frescoed country churches and stone beehive huts called kazuna are sprinkled over oak forested countryside. Red-roofed villages with peeling shutters soak up the sun, producing olive oil and wines among the finest in the Mediterranean.
This holiday explores Istria's west coast. The first two nights are spent in Porec, where yachts line a waterfront of arty bars and restaurants. You'll then spend two nights in Rovinj, a coastal hilltop town of marbled, boutique-lined alleys, before the last three nights are spent on Fazana's pretty harbour, where fresh fish are landed on the dock opposite the hotel terrace. From here you can explore Pula, loop inland to Vodnjan (Istria's ancient capital), and visit the amazing Brijuni National Park offshore.
This trip is perfect for occasional cyclists who love laid back harbour-front dining, hotels of real charm, and varied cycling trails. Along the way, swimming in crystal clear seas every day is taken for granted, and electrifying sunsets are the hallmark of every evening. In Porec, Rovinj and Fazana with such an enticing choice of excellent-value restaurants (many of them on the waterfront), we have left the choice to you.
The routes are made up of a variety of country lanes, rural roads, coastal paths and rural tracks. It is a fairly quiet area combining both coastal and rural villages set amidst natural oak forest.
On arrival you can go for a swim nearby or explore the town before your bike briefing at 6pm.
You stay at Hotel Flores.
Just a short stroll from the nearest beach, in a quiet area, the Hotel Flores is located near the waterfront and marina in Porec, right at the very tip of the Porec peninsula. The hotel has 39 bedrooms and an extensive wellness area with beauty centre, indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, Turkish bath and fitness centre. The hotel's restaurant serves, meat, seafood as well as local and international specialities, or there are many other restaurants to choose from along the waterfront.
The 300AD UNESCO heritage Basilica of Euphrasius with golden frescoes and intricate mosaics is at the heart of Porec, and you cycle past it along the shore as you go north. Seaside tracks pass a ruined Roman amphora factory, and follow clear bays and headlands for 10km. Loop back inland to visit a giant limestone cave - Jama Baredine - then sip some zingy Roxanich wines as you pass by their vineyard, before heading back for a swim in the pool.
A transfer takes you all the way to Rovinj. The town rivals Venice (just a day trip over the bay) for charm, where marbled alleyways are soft with candlelight and lively dining tables. Lose yourself in art galleries and boutiques, find a sunny swimming cove, or take a boat out to one of the small islands just off shore.
You stay at Villa Tuttorotto.
Villa Tuttorotto (meaning 'everything broken' in Italian, which it was before renovation), is also in the heart of Rovinj, one street back from the waterfront. This is a little 7 bedroom townhouse, squirreled away down a back alley, with a delightfully personal atmosphere. Bedrooms are compact but beautifully presented, and a common lounge full of bric a brac and white sofas is a relaxing place to meet other guests. Please note that twin rooms here are 2 mattresses made up as twin beds in the same frame.
Take a lazy northern loop passing ruined churches, olive groves and oxblood soils tilled by rusty tractors. On your return, enjoy a swim from the boat piers, then relax with a sundowner on the shore. After sunset some bars put cushions on rocks and underwater lights shimmer as fishing boats return for the night.
Head south on a winding coastal path under umbrella pines, bayhopping for 8km by crystal seas. A steady, gentle ascent brings you to the small town of Bale, known as Castrum Vallis by the Romans who built a castle here to protect their salt trade. It's then back downhill to the sea and through walnuts, plums, almonds, figs and vines to Fazana.
Cycle to Pula where there is a network of marbled alleys to explore, many packed with Roman remains including a beautifully preserved amphitheatre from 27BC. Spend the day here or head back to take the boat to the Brijuni National Park - Roman villas, Byzantine villages, herds of deer and pine-fringed bays make for an amazing visit!
You stay at Hotel Villetta Phasiana.
Villetta Phasiana is in the heart of Fazana, right on the harbour front square. It is a three-storey property recently renovated, with smart bedrooms and modern bathrooms on the top two floors, with shuttered windows looking out onto the streets or the square below. Breakfast can be taken on the attractive terrace on the square. The bar is in the shape of a fishing boat, and attractive artwork is on the walls throughout. Three superior rooms (larger with a seating area) and a sauna and Jacuzzi can be found in the building next door. Please note that twin rooms are two mattresses in the same bed frame. Superior rooms have space for an extra fold out bed if required.
Pedal inland through lemon, pine and olive trees to Istria's ancient capital of Vodnjan, a sleepy village full of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Pick up some picnic supplies at the bakery, then head north for lunch amid kazuna (stone beehive-style huts), near the 8th century church of Sta Foska. Return along the coast, passing remains of Roman baths on the shore. Back in Fazana, take a sunset stroll along the harbour.
Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in Croatia for all customers under 16yrs. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.
Please see our Planning your holiday page for full details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Kette, Venice.
The Hotel Kette is set in the heart of Venice, a short distance from Teatro La Fenice, from via XXII marzo, the elegant shopping street, 2 minutes from piazza San Marco and only 10 minutes from Ponte di Rialto. So this is an excellent base for exploring the many delights Venice has in store.
The 63 en suite rooms are immaculately furnished and are fully worthy of the four-star rating.
It is possible to reserve a non-smoking room (please contact us and we will request this for you).
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £194.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Pula airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
8.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire