Coastal Croatia: Pula to Porec Self-Guided Cycling

Start Fazana. Relax on the hotel terrace and explore the village. You will

have the bike briefing in the evening. Please ensure that you take your route

notes with you to the briefing.

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Today you can enjoy a gentle warm up ride to Pula. The ride is short so you

can spend a good period of time here exploring the town. Pula has a long

history and was brought to particular significance by the Emperor Augustus.

Undoubtedly the most well-known site of the town is the amphitheatre, which

was built during the reign of Emperor Vespasian. It was the 6th largest of

its kind and is now use to stage film festivals and summer operas. The narrow

streets of Pula offer a lovely place to enjoy a relaxing wander, with ancient

monuments littered throughout the town, plenty of boutique shops, galleries,

cafes and restaurants and of course the pretty harbour. You could spend all

day here; alternatively, you could catch a boat to the Brijuni National Park

- this was Tito's private island archipelago. With Roman villas, Byzantine

villages, Tito's personal zoo and even his 1950s Cadillac make for an

interesting visit.



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Pedal inland through lemons, pines and olive groves to Istria's ancient

capital of Vodnjan, a compact village full of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance

architecture. The St. Blaise cathedral is known for having the tallest tower

in Istria (63m) and is host to an array of bizarre relics. You can pick up

some picnic supplies, then head north for lunch amid stone beehive style huts

- kazuna - near the 8th century church of Sta Foska. You will then return

along the coast passing the remains of Roman baths on the shore. Spend the

evening back in Fazana where you can enjoy a sunset stroll along the harbour.



Optional shorter route: cycle approx. 20km.



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Head north through walnut, plum, almond and fig trees. A steady ascent brings

you to Bale, known as Castrum Vallis by the Romans who built a castle here to

protect their salt trade. It is then downhill to the sea and a sinuous

coastal path under umbrella pine, bay-hopping for 8km by crystal seas. Rovinj

is your charming destination, known as the Venice of Istria. The central

basilica is surrounded by narrow marbled alleyways that by night are lit by

the candles of the dining tables which spill out onto the streets. The

bustling harbour offers a great atmosphere and you can also explore the

museum, housed in a baroque mansion called Califfi Palace where artwork,

sculpture, jewellery collections and ceramics are displayed.



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Today is free to explore Rovinj - lose yourself in the boutiques and art

galleries or find a nice swimming cove. It is even possible to catch the

ferry to Venice for the day. If you fancy getting back on the bikes, you can

enjoy a lazy northern loop passing ruined churches, olive groves and oxblood

coloured soils tilled by rusty tractors. Return to Rovinj to enjoy a swim and

the evening atmosphere. After sunset some bars put cushions on the rocks so

you can watch the underwater lights shimmer as the fishing boats return for

the night.

Optional Ride approx. 12km.

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Take sun-dappled back roads inland to the head of the Lim Fjord - an

impressive wooded valley and today's challenge. You will begin by

freewheeling down to the base before ascending 2km to a fantastic panoramic

viewpoint on the other side. You can enjoy lunch in one of the many grill

restaurants en route, then head back to the sea to meet the coast 10km south

of Porec. You can then follow the water to your hotel near the harbour.



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Porec is most famous for its 300AD UNESCO heritage Basilica of Euphrasius

with magnificent golden frescoes and intricate mosaics. The Basilica is right

in the heart of Porec, just off the main street, it is very easy to find with

the sparkling golden mosaic which sits above the entrance. You can visit it

as you leave Porec today before heading north along the shore. The seaside

tracks that you follow pass a Roman amphora factory and follow clear bays and

headlands for 10km. You will then head inland to visit the giant Jama

Baredine limestone cave before returning to Porec for your last evening.

There are many waterfront restaurants, as well as some hidden treasures

tucked away in the town.

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After breakfast if you have pre-booked a transfer we will take you to Pula

airport in time for your flight.