Parenzana MTB Croatia - HOTEL & BIKE

HOTEL & BIKE

Parenzana MTB · Croatia

Route
from Muggia / to Pula

Duration
8 days / 7 nights

Distance
approx. 300 km

Level 2

Journey through time in south-east Europe by MTB & Hotel

This tour leads along the historic narrow-gauge Parenzana railway which, between
1902 and 1935, connected a total of 33 towns between Trieste in Italy and Poreč in
Croatia. Each kilometre of this tour is not only filled with unforgettable cycling fun
but also with countless stories of the past: Rustic villages, cultural highlights, and
UNESCO World Heritage towns. Incredible natural landscapes and views over the
Istrian coast accompany us throughout the journey. Over 8 days, we bike through
Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. Unlimited off-road biking fun and spectacular views await
us along the west coast of the Istrian peninsula.

Important note: In 2022, this trip can only be booked for groups of 10 people or
more. Therefore you can determine the travel period by yourself.

Itinerary

1st Day Ankaran/Slovenia (Arrival)

Once you have arrived and checked in to the hotel, there is plenty of time to familiarize yourself with the new
surroundings. Spend a few hours strolling through the alleys, enjoying a delicious ice cream, or swimming in the sea.

2nd Day Ankaran/Slovenia - Muggia/Italy – Slovenia – Umag/Croatia (aprx. 68 km, 650 m of elevation)

At 9.30 am, before the first bike tour of the week, we meet our tour guide in the hotel lobby. Afterwards, we have time
to adjust our rental bikes before a short introduction. And then we’re off on our first cycling tour! Today we have plenty
of time to get used to our bikes as we ride along the asphalt road through Italy and Slovenia. After the first few
kilometres, we cross the Slovenian-Italian border for the first time. Today’s tour leads through the most beautiful
coastal cities in Slovenia, and along the way we enjoy a refreshing swim stop, a break for lunch, and a visit to the
saltworks, which date back to the Roman times. After crossing the border to Croatia, the real MTB adventure begins:
Dirt roads, long climbs, and panoramic views await us on this last stretch of our first day’s tour. Our ride ends in Umag
where we check in to our second hotel.

3rd Day Umag – Motovun (aprx. 53 km, 800 – 1,000 m of elevation)

Today we explore the Istrian countryside, biking through green forests and small villages up to the highest point of the
day’s tour; the enchanting artists’ village Grožnjan, located 270 m above sea level. The village has grown in popularity in
recent years, not only among artists, but also as a filming location for Hollywood movies. Spectacular views over dense
forests, deep valleys, and the beautiful Istrian coastline and turquoise sea will leave you speechless. After lunch we have
the opportunity to try out some single trails on our way down to the Motovun woods, an Eldorado for truffle lovers. We
then have one last climb before we reach today’s final destination, the city of Motovun. This medieval city is a must-see
cultural and culinary highlight of Istria. Spending the night here is a wonderfully unique experience.

4th Day Motovun – Poreč (aprx. 46 km, 380 m of elevation)

Today we can relax a bit as we enjoy a less demanding tour. After breakfast, we hop on our bikes and head towards
Poreč – Parenzo. We only have to tackle a few climbs as we make our way back to the coast. From Motovun we cycle 12
km along the Parenzana narrow-gauge railway through the forest from where we can enjoy a beautiful view over the
Mirna Valley. Once we have passed through Vižinada, we continue on through the famous red wine country until we
reach Poreč, easily one of the most beautiful old cities in Croatia. After a refreshing swim in the sea, we recommend
taking a stroll through the village. Wander through the maze of alleyways and enjoy a good cocktail or a delicious ice-
cream on the promenade.

5th Day Poreč – Vrsar – Rovinj (aprx. 35 km, 400 m of elevation)

After breakfast, a guided tour through the beautiful old town of Poreč awaits us along with a visit to the UNESCO
protected Euphrasius Basilica, which dates back to the 6th century. After the city tour, we hop on our bikes and begin
the day’s biking tour. For the first few kilometres we bike along the Poreč promenade before continuing along narrow
forest trails inland. Today’s destination is the small village of Kloštar, where we have the opportunity to taste Istrian
specialties, only found locally. After lunch we bike on along narrow paths through the protected forest of Konti to Vrsar.
From Vsar, we continue on by boat to Rovinj. Relax and enjoy the beautiful cruise.

6th Day Rovinj – Pula (aprx. 50 km, 400 m of elevation)

The day begins with a guided tour through the beautiful city of Rovinj. Afterwards we hop on our bikes and head
towards Pula, following the coast past small bays and the Palud bird reserve. Once we have arrived in Fažana, we take a
well-deserved lunch break. While enjoying the delicious the Croatian cuisine, we can also enjoy a unique view over the
Brijuni National Park. The tour continues on through an abandoned military base, a brilliant location near the coast
where mountain bikers can enjoy great single trails. The view of Pula with its breath-taking amphitheatre crowns the
day’s experience! Once we have arrived in Pula, we explore the city by bike. Our guide leads us through the ancient
Roman city, showing us all the most important sights.

7th Day Pula – Cape Kamenjak – Pula (aprx. 45 km, 600 m of elevation)

The best is yet to come! Today we head out from the hotel on a truly unforgettable tour. After a few kilometres of biking
along single trails by the sea and over the hills of Pula we reach Cape Kamenjak Nature Park. This 8 km long peninsula
is home to an incredible number of coastal trails and beautiful bays with crystal clear water. A jump into the refreshing
water here is a must! We take a break at the top of the peninsular at the popular Safari Bar, where we enjoy a delicious
lunch before heading back to Pula. Enjoy the last day in the hotel by relaxing at the hotel swimming pool or enjoying a
drink in the bar!

8th Day Pula/Croatia (Departure)

After an unforgettable MTB week, it is time to say goodbye to Istria. Individual return journey home or extended stay in
the same or a similar hotel.

Harmonia · Deluxe
                                   Port of Embarkation
                                   from Dubrovnik / from Split
                                   Size
                                   37.5 m x 8.30 m
                                   Capacity
                                   16 cabins, 36+ beds

Special Features
Year of construction
2012/13

Cabin size
10 - 15 m²

Cabin features
A/C, hair dryer, tiled bathrooms with a mirror, shower, washbasin and WC

Beds
double 200 x 140 cm, single and twin: 200 x 90 cm

Service
cabin service, mid-week towel change

Extras
a comfortable saloon, extensive sundeck, steel boat with wooden furnishings,
swimming platform, bike garage, free Wi-Fi

Harmonia

Harmonia is an elegant, brilliant-white motor yacht with excellent facilities and is part
of our deluxe category fleet in Croatia. The spacious cabins, nine above deck and
seven below deck, are all air conditioned and include a tiled private bathroom with a
shower, washbasin and WC.

The comfortable saloon with its high-end furnishings and the vast sundeck with
recliners and sunning mats fulfil even the highest expectations. A broad variety of
refreshments can be ordered at the bar. At the stern of the ship a swimming
platform provides easy access in and out of the sea making it possible to swim
directly from the ship when anchored in a secluded bay.

The experienced and friendly crew tend to the wellbeing of the guests on board. A
cruise on board the Harmonia offers the full package – indulgence, relaxation and an
overall care-free experience.

Dates, Prices & Services

Included services

        7 nights in 3–4-star, bike-friendly hotels (subject to availability)
        7 x half-board (Breakfast and lunch or dinner depending on the day, according to the itinerary. Meal included may be
        during the bike tour or at the hotel.)
        Boat crossing Vrsar – Rovinj
        All transfers during the tour
        German and English-speaking tour guides
        Guided bike tours and city tours as described in the itinerary
        Overview maps of all bike tours

Not included in the basic tour price

        Inbound journey to Ankaran
        Outbound journey from Pula
        All drinks [&] dinners
        Tips for guides and service staff

Additional Optional Services

Single room surcharge                                         300 euro

Bike rental                                                   Full suspension MTB (Fully): 180 €/week
                                                              Full suspension E-MTB (E-Fully): 240 €/week
                                                              MTB (hardtail): 100 €/week

Insurance against theft and damage to the MTB                 Fully: 20 €/week
 (not insured: grossly negligent damage)                      Hardtail: 10 €/week

Exclusive airport/bus/train station transfers                 Price on request

Additional nights after the tour in Pula/Istria               Prices see 'Additional Nights'

Dates

Date                      Accommodation             Start City   End City   Base
                                                                            Price

24.04.2021 – 01.05.2021   Parenzana - MTB & Hotel   Muggia       Pula       1.190,00 €

08.05.2021 – 15.05.2021   Parenzana - MTB & Hotel   Muggia       Pula       1.190,00 €

25.09.2021 – 02.10.2021   Parenzana - MTB & Hotel   Muggia       Pula       1.190,00 €

02.10.2021 – 09.10.2021   Parenzana - MTB & Hotel   Muggia       Pula       1.190,00 €

22.04.2022 – 29.04.2022   Parenzana - MTB & Hotel   Muggia       Pula       1.290,00 €

06.05.2022 – 13.05.2022   Parenzana - MTB & Hotel   Muggia       Pula       1.290,00 €

09.09.2022 – 16.09.2022   Parenzana - MTB & Hotel   Muggia       Pula       1.290,00 €

23.09.2022 – 30.09.2022   Parenzana - MTB & Hotel   Muggia       Pula       1.290,00 €

30.09.2022 – 07.10.2022   Parenzana - MTB & Hotel   Muggia       Pula       1.290,00 €

Arrival

Arrival by plane

Please note that this tour starts in Ankaran, Slovenia and ends in Pula, Croatia.

To ensure a worry-free journey we recommend booking an open jaw flight with an
inbound flight to Trieste (Italy) and outbound flight from Pula (Croatia).

Arrival via Trieste Airport (TRS)
The nearest airport to the starting point of the tour is Trieste Airport in Italy.

Departure via Pula Airport (PUY)
The nearest airport to the tour’s final hotel is Pula Airport in Croatia.

From the airport to the hotel

There are several possibilities for travelling from Trieste Airport (TRS) to Muggia:

- train: approx. 1 h 15 min

- bus: approx. 2 h 15 min (see www.triestetrasporti.it)

- taxi: approx. 45 min

There are a number of ways to travel from Muggia train station (Italy) to the hotel in
Ankaran (Slovenia). We recommend taking a taxi, which is the fastest means of
transport though also the most expensive. You can also take a bus, which is the
cheapest way of travelling.

Should you decide to spend some more time in Trieste before the tour, you could
also look into the ferry connections to Muggia: see www.triesteterminal.it/public-
transport/ – Muggia (Italy)- Ankaran (Slovenia) see above.

Exclusive Transfers (fee-based) from the train / airport are possible on request.

Transfer prices can be found under ‘additional services’

Arrival by car

Address for navigation system:

Ankaran, Slovenia

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