Highlights:

• timeless Venice
• fishing town of Chioggia
• cycling across the Venetian islands of Pellestrina and Lido
• delta of the Piave, Lemene and Isonzo rivers
• resorts Caorle, Lignano Sabbiadoro, Grado (Italy), Portorož, Piran, (Slovenia) Umag, Vrsar, Rovinj and Pula (Croatia)
• one of the most important Roman castrums Aquillea
• the main seaport of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy Trieste
• traditional salt pans in Sečovlje and Strunjan
• Nature reserves Škocjanski zatok, Limski kanal, Kamenjak, Dragonja, etc.
• National Park Brioni
• Nature reserve Kamenjak

Guided tour includes:

• 14 days
• 13 nights’ accommodation
• 13 breakfasts
• entrance fees to attractions during the programe
• boat and ferry trasports during the programe

Overall Tour Level: 

From “real” to miniature Venice

Highligths:

• Venice (square, basilica and bell tower of St. Mark, Dodge’s Palace, Canal Grande, Ponte Rialto, Punta della Dogana, Campo Santa Margerita, Staircase Contarini del Bovolo, Bookstore Aqua Alta, etc.)
• Chioggia (Cathedral, Church of San Domenico, Corso del Popolo, Ponte di Vigo, Fish market)

Venice is such an attractive destination that it “deserves” a full day of exploration. We will not have time to visit museums, but we will enjoy the pulse of this beautiful ancient city. We will visit all the most important cultural heritage monuments, as well as some special attractions, ie “cult” corners, of which there are also quite a few. We will also be acquainted with traditional Venetian cuisine. In the afternoon, we will take a typical Venetian “vaporetto” to the nearby fishing town of Chioggia, where our bikes will be waiting for us. The evening we will spend with a pleasant walk and fish dinner.

Distance:	app. 13 km (on foot)
Gain:	app. 72 m
Terrain:	–
Surface:	–
Day Level:
Meals:	–
Accommodation:	Chioggia

Crossing the Venetian islands

Highligths:

• cycling on the islands of Pellestrina and Lido, near to the embankments protecting against high waters, the fortifications for the defense of Venice, the modern system for protection against floods MOSE and then on foot to Murano and Burano

We will start cycling in the port of Chioggia, from where we will take the “vaporetto” to the first island. While cycling, we will be able to observe the devices installed in front of the Venetian lagoon to protect it against floods, which are increasingly threatening Venice. The islands of Pelestrina and Lido were formed from alluvium brought to the lagoon by the rivers that flowed into it. Throughout history, the imapcts of rivers and the sea have often changed their shape, but their protective role for the city of Venice has always remained the same. In the past, great emphasis was placed on defense against invaders, but today, especially against sea flooding. The islands, like Venice, are densely populated, and Lido, in particular is known as the “city beach” of Venice and the venue of the famous Venice Film Festival. After landing on the coast in Punta Sabbioni, we will drive to the hotel, and from there the vans will drive to the vaporetto station to the islands of Murano and Burano, where we will spend a late afternoon and have dinner, too.

Distance:	46 km
Gain:	58 m
Terrain:
Surface:	asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:	breakfast
Accommodation:	Cavallino – Treporti

From the river Piave to the river Lemene

Highligths:

• the city of Jesolo, the river Piave, the nature reserve Laguna del Mort, the resorts of Eraclea mare and Caorle

This day we will cycle through seaside resorts on the outskirts of Venice: Jesolo, Eraclea Mare and Caorle. At Caorle an extensive system of canals for irrigating the fields will stop us, so we will have to turn into the hinterland. Along the way, we will also visit the Laguna del Mort nature reserve. From Jesolo on we will follow the flow of the river Piave, which played a key role at the end of World War I, and then we will meet the rivers Livenza and Lemene and some connecting canals, too. We will end the day at a pleasant tourist farm, where we will spend the evening by the pool.

Distance:	64 km
Gain:	78 m
Terrain:
Surface:	asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:	breakfast
Accommodation:	S. Stino di Livenza

To the golden beaches of Lignano Sabbiadoro

Highligths:

• the house where Ernest Hemingway lived and worked for some time, the towns of La Salute di Livenza, Marangheta and Sindacale, a system of water supply canals, the resort town of Lignano Sabbiadoro with its famous sandy beaches

In the morning, our path will lead us around the water supply canals away from the sea, first to the Nicesolo canal, where the famous writer Ernest Hemimgway lived and worked in a brick house for some time. The abundance of water creates favorable conditions for both fishing and agriculture, and many species of birds find plenty of food for themselves, too. From here to one of the liveliest resorts in the northern Adriatic Lignano Sabbiadoro we will not have many kilometers, so at the arrival there will still be plenty of time to dive into the sea and the warm sands of the beach.

Distance:	61 km
Gain:	93 m
Terrain:
Surface:	asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:	breakfast
Accommodation:	Lignano Sabbiadoro

By sea and coast to the end of the plain

Highligths:

• a tourist resort with extensive sandy beaches Grado, Aquillea – in Roman times an important administrative center, the nature reserve in the delta of the river Isonzo

There is a regular boat connection between the resorts of Lignano Sabbiadoro and Grado in the summer, which we will use to shorten the route around the vast shallow lagoon. The shallow sea here allows lush growth of saltwater plants, in which many marine animals find shelter, so cycling through these shallows is very interesting. We will cycle through the town of Grado and continue along the embankment to the mainland – since Grado is an island. We will stop in Aquileia, a city that is almost completely insignificant today, but in Roman times was the main center for the expansion of the territory of the Roman Empire to the east. That is why many archeological excavations remain here, which we will visit. On the way to the place of our accommodation, we will stop at the nature reserve at the mouth of the river Isonzo, where in the natural wetland many rare birds live and nest.

Distance:	63 km
Gain:	236 m
Terrain:
Surface:	asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:	breakfast
Accommodation:	Monfalcone – Tržič

Following the coastal route “costiera” to Trieste

Highligths:

• the mouth of the karst sinkhole river Timav, Devin Castle, Rilke’s promenade – a promenade along the cliffs above the sea, the picturesque coastal road “costiera”, Miramare Castle, Trieste – during the Austro-Hungarian monarchy the main port

The town of Monfalcone, where we will have our accommodation, is the border of the vast Po Valley and from here on the terrain will no longer be completely flat, but will rise into gentle hills, where vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees find their place. The path will lead us partly along and partly parallel to one of the most picturesque coastal roads – the popular “costiera”. Along the way, we will briefly visit the outflow of the karst sinkhole river Timavo, with diverse flora and fauna. We will also stop at Miramare Castle, one of the few buildings of its kind that is preserved with its original appearance and equipment. In the late afternoon, we will reach one of the largest cities in this part of the Adriatic – Trieste. We will use the afternoon and evening to see its sights and to dine in the style of traditional cuisine.. 

Distance:	27 km
Gain:	573 m
Terrain:
Surface:	asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:	breakfast
Accommodation:	Trieste

Along the route of the abandoned railway to Slovenia

Highligths:

• bicycle path along the route of the abandoned Parenzana railway line, Škocjan Bay Nature Reserve, town of Koper, salt pans in Strunjan

The EuroVelo 8 long-distance bicycle path leads us from the former St. Andrea train station in Trieste by the abandoned railway, which ends in Poreč on the Istrian peninsula. In order to avoid heavy port traffic, we will shorten the route by taking a boat to the town of Muggia. From there to the fully built part of the EuroVelo route in the Slovenian village Škofije is only a short route. In front of the town of Koper, we will stop to visit the Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve, where we will find, in addition to a large number of birds, also several indigenous animals from this environment. The town of Koper is the largest city in the Slovenian part of the coast and a city with a rich history. Therefore, we will take the time to visit as well as for a culinary treat. We will continue along the luxuriously wide “green path” right by the sea to Izola, a town formed on the island, then over the hill and through the former railway tunnel to Strunjan, where we will visit the local saltpans. Our hotel will be just few steps away.

Distance:	35 km
Gain:	574 m
Terrain:
Surface:	asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:	breakfast
Accommodation:	Piran

To the wine fountain and the Dragonja river

Highligths:

• Marezige wine fountain, Pinjevec waterfall, Dragonja river valley, resort town of Portorož

This day we will visit some sights in the hinterland of the Slovenian coast. The first is the wine fountain, located in the center of the wine-growing area of Slovenian Istria, in Marezige. In addition to the offer of excellent local wines, the wine fountain will offer us beautiful views of the entire coast. After a culinary snack from local specialties, we will descend to the Dragonja River – a watercourse that flows from a picturesque gorge and forms several natural dams and waterfalls along its course through the valley. The water of the stream is crystal clear, so we can still find crayfish in it. We will visit the picturesque Pinjevec waterfall and some beautiful river corners, which are protected as a landscape park.

Distance:	50 km
Gain:	768 m
Terrain:
Surface:	asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:	breakfast
Accommodation:	Piran

On the Istrian peninsula

Highligths:

• Fonda Ecological Farm, Sečovlje Salt Pans Landscape Park, Savudrija Lighthouse – the oldest lighthouse on the Adriatic, the remains of the submerged city of Sipar

After breakfast, we will go on foot to visit the “pearl” of the Slovenian coast – Piran. After lunch, we will return to our bicycles and ride through Portorož back to the EuroVelo route. A comfortable bike path will lead us right along the seashore. Upon arrival at the St. Jernej canal, we will stop at the Fonda’s innovative fish farm, where they breed fish in a ecological way. The owners say they breed the best fish in the world, but if that is true, we will be able to check for ourselves. We will continue along the edge of the nature reserve, stop in the meantime at bird observatories and the observation point of turtles, and end at the reception center of the Sečovlje Salina Landscape Park. There we will be received by local guide and escorted to the interior of the park on bicycles. After the tour, we will cross the nearby border with Croatia and head to a gentle hill towards Savudrija, where the westernmost cape of the Istrian peninsula is known by the oldest lighthouse on the Adriatic, which is adorned with a beautiful story of romantic origin. The coast from Savudrija to Katoro has been inhabited since ancient times, and from the not-so-distant past, the sea at Cape Sipar floods the remains of a vibrant city destroyed during the Venetian wars in the 9th century. There were also many villas of wealthy families along the entire coast during Roman times. We will spend the evening in the town of Umag, which replaced many demolished and abandoned houses and settlements.

Distance:	36 km
Gain:	339 m
Terrain:
Surface:	asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:	breakfast
Accommodation:	Umag

Through the coastal Istrian towns

Highligths:

• stone-built coastal towns of Umag, Novigrad, Poreč and Vrsar, Benedictine monastery in Dajlai

On this day, we will cycle through many small coastal towns, all united by stone construction and narrow streets with shiny stone pavements. Each one has its own charm. In the largest, Poreč, we will have lunch at a local “culinary house”. We will end the day in the town of Vrsar.

Distance:	56 km
Gain:	490 m
Terrain:
Surface:	asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:	breakfast
Accommodation:	Vrsar

In the Lim Fjord and Rovinj

Highligths:

• Lim fjord, town of Rovinj

The deep bay of the Lim Fjord is only 15 kilometers away from Vrsar. In the bay there are shellfish and fish farms, among which the main specialties are raw Jacobin. The locals will also introduce us to the method of breeding. We will follow the path to Rovinj, one of the largest and most attractive towns in Istria, which we will also visit on foot, and in the local restaurant, we will refresh ourselves. We will continue our way only to our accommodation in mobile homes in the camp in front of Fažana, from where there will be a beautiful view of the Brijuni National Park. We will have dinner at a pleasant local inn.

Distance:	62 km
Gain:	838 m
Terrain:
Surface:	asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:	breakfast
Accommodation:	Fažana

On Brijuni and to the traditional drywall houses “kažuni”

Highligths:

• Brijuni National Park, shepherd’s houses “kažuni”, town Pula

After breakfast, we will go to the boat that regularly takes visitors to the Brijuni Islands. Due to their rich history and picturesque vegetation, the islands are protected as a national park. Since ancient times, as evidenced by excavations from Roman times, it has been a popular holiday destination for prestigious people. Among the most famous ones was the former president of Yugoslavia, Tito, who welcomed here many famous names from the world of politics, as well as the world of entertainment. To see the whole island and have some time left to taste the sweetness of the sea, we will rent bikes for the trip around the island. While returning to the coast, we will set out to explore the hinterland, where near the town of Vodnjan many traditional stone houses, built in the technique of dry construction and called by the locals “kažuni”, have been preserved. We will end the trip at a hotel in Pula.

Distance:	44 km
Gain:	691 m
Terrain:
Surface:	asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:	breakfast
Accommodation:	Pola

Seeing the sights of Pula

Highligths:

• the city of Pula – Arena, Forum and the Temple of Augustus, Kamenjak peninsula

On the last day of our trip, we will cycle to the southernmost point of the Istrian peninsula – the mysterious Kamenjak. For many years this was a semi-legal swimming resort, as the Yugoslav Army controled it. Today, it is a completely free territory for avid swimmers, offering some particularly attractive “attractions”, the main one being a charismatic bar with drinks, food and music “Safari bar”. After almost two weeks of cycling, we will also deserve some carefree swimming and sunbathing. We will return to Pula in the late afternoon, so we will still have enough time to enjoy the beauties of this city steeped in history.

Distance:	42 km
Gain:	685 m
Terrain:
Surface:	asphalt / gravel
Day Level:
Meals:	breakfast
Accommodation:	Pola

Back to Venice

Highligths:

• return by catamaran (or bus) to the starting point of the routei

On the last day, we will have to take a catamaran in the early morning hours, which will take us to the starting point of our trip – to Venice.

Upon registration:

• pay the mandatory 30% of advance payment at the time of booking
• Check the contents of the confirmation email
• Meet any requirements from the confirmation email

At least one month before the trip:

• arrange insurance (Coris or similar)
• carefully read the travel confirmation email, as it may contain very important information
• pay the last installment

We recommend self-guided tours for travelers who know how to navigate a route based on a map or GPS track and already have experience with self-guided travel. If the above description does not apply to you, a guided tour is likely to be more enjoyable and relaxing. 

The prices of self-guided tours depend on the number of travelers traveling together in the same time slot and at the same destination. The prices listed below are based on the calculation of prices for sleeping of two people in double rooms, for all other wishes, contact us for a customized offer. We can also arrange luggage transportation between destinations for you to make your trip even more relaxed and carefree.

• 13 days of cycling
• 13 nights in 3/4 star hotels or accommodation of same quality
• 13 breakfasts
• a navigation package containing GPS tracks, maps and a guide with a description of the route and attractions

• rental of bicycles or other equipment (on request)

• accident insurance and travel cancellation insurance
• personal safety and cycling equipment
• anything else that is not stated to be included

Do you want a trip tailored to your capabilities and desires?

Would you like to choose another starting point or the end of the route; are you worried that your fitness routine is not sufficient?

Send us an inquiry to our e-mail address or via the website and we will do our best to meet your wishes and expectations. 

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