The Ancient Republic of Venice to Poreč

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

• From the harbour in Porec to the harbour of San Basilio in Venice
• Cost: approx. 90-120 € p.p. (only for passengers, NO own bikes)
• Boarding time in Porec: at 6-7 am
• Journey time: approx. 4-5 hours

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.