Touring Bike
The versatile Touring Bike combines everyday comfort with practical functionality. Featuring a thoughtfully designed frame…
£14 per day
Self-guided cycling holiday
Venice, Italy • Istria, Croatia • Porec, Croatia
Embark on a spectacular cycling journey along the northern Adriatic, riding through three countries—Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia—linked by a shared history under the ancient Republic of Venice. From the Venetian lagoon to Istria’s glittering coastline, you’ll pedal through charming coastal towns, serene countryside, and archaeological gems, discovering traces of Venetian elegance along the way.
Trip Highlights
What to Expect
The first half of the route follows the flat terrain of the Venetian and Friulian plains, making for leisurely days on the bike. The second half introduces some rolling hills, particularly in Slovenia and Croatia, where short climbs reward you with stunning sea views and quiet inland trails. You’ll cycle mainly on quiet country roads, with some busier sections when entering or exiting urban areas, especially around Trieste.
A comfortable mix of flat paths and light hills. Great for riders wanting a scenic, flexible trip without too much effort.
Select the tour you are interested in to view the itinerary.
Begin your journey in Mestre, Venice’s mainland neighbor. Though often overlooked, Mestre is full of charm: stroll through Piazza Ferretto, lined with cafés and overlooked by the medieval Clock Tower, or visit San Giuliano Park with sweeping views across the lagoon.
Ride to Tronchetto Island and board the 1-hour ferry to Lido, followed by a boat to Punta Sabbioni. From here, cycle along the strip of land between the sea and lagoon, passing fishing villages and salt marshes. Optional detour: explore the tranquil hamlets of Lio Piccolo and Mesole. Spend the night in Lido di Jesolo or, if accommodation requires, continue to Caorle via scenic trails and riverside paths - a total of 40 miles if you continue to Caorle.
Leaving the coast behind, cycle quiet backroads through lush farmland and riverscapes. Stop to explore the Roman ruins of Concordia Sagittaria before reaching Portogruaro, a charming town rich in Venetian heritage and known for its Renaissance architecture and historic watermills.
(22 miles today if starting from Caorle)
Ride east through the fertile plains, crossing the Tagliamento River into Friuli Venezia Giulia. Pause in Precenicco and consider a detour to Marano Lagunare for a seafood lunch. Continue to the Roman colony of Aquileia, home to a remarkable basilica with intricate mosaics. Option: visit the star-shaped fortress town of Palmanova.
Option to shorten by train, save 20 km.
Cycle past the Isonzo River nature reserve, then skirt the sea to Monfalcone and Duino, where dramatic cliffs frame the Adriatic. Visit Miramare Castle before reaching Trieste, a captivating city at the crossroads of cultures, crowned by Piazza Unità d’Italia.
Option to shorten the day by train, save 30km.
Ride (or ferry) from Trieste to Muggia, then cross into Slovenia. Pedal along the coast through Koper, Izola, and the protected Strunjan salt pans before reaching the elegant towns of Piran and Portorož. Expect some hills today, but the scenery is more than worth it.
Option to shorten with ferry from Trieste to Muggia, saving 10km.
Leave Slovenia behind and enter Croatia, stopping at the Sečovlje salt pans before tackling two moderate climbs. Continue past olive groves and forested hills to Novigrad and, optionally, Baredine Cave. Arrive in Poreč, where Roman roots and Venetian artistry meet at the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica.
Your journey ends in Poreč. Ferries to Venice can be arranged upon request. If you have more time, consider extending your stay along the Istrian coast with visits to Rovinj, Vrsar, or Pula.
Transfer Porec-Venice
By Ferry
Note - If the ferry is unavailable, the service will be replaced by a land transfer.
Full names, passport/ID card number, nationality and date of birth need to be provided. Your passport expiry date must be 90 days past your return travel date from Croatia.
By Van
From the hotel in Porec to the hotel in Mestre or to Venice airport. Price and availability on request with an approx cost of €440 up to 4 pax (+40 € supplement for each own bike). Departure time from Porec: at 8:30 am. Journey time: approx. 3,5 hours
Possible van transfers from Porec to Trieste or Pula on request.
Flights are not included with this holiday, but we recommend flying to Venice and returning from Venice or Trieste.
The versatile Touring Bike combines everyday comfort with practical functionality. Featuring a thoughtfully designed frame…
£14 per day
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Helmets of all sizes are available to hire for an additional fee.
£2 per day
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Leisurely
Leisurely
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Moderate
Leisurely