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What is the sum of 4 and 5?
Hotel & Bike

Parenzana MTB · Croatia

From 1590 €
Route
from Ankaran / to Pula
Duration
8 days /
7 nights
Distance
approx.
300 km
MTB Level 2
MTB Level 1
Easy mountain bike tours suitable for islandhoppers who can safely handle a mountain bike. Mostly asphalt roads and wide, natural paths (20-30km and 200-400 elevation meters per day, S0)
MTB Level 1 - 2
Easy to moderate mountain bike tours for islandhoppers who are fit, technically able and can ride safely. Mainly natural paths and simple single trails (20-40km and 300-500 elevation meters per day, S0-S1).
MTB Level 2
Moderate mountain bike tours suitable for islandhoppers who enjoy riding through varied terrain and are comfortable with climbs up to 500m (30-50km and 400-600 elevation meters per day, S0-S2).
MTB Level 2 - 3
Moderate to demanding mountain bike tours suitable for islandhoppers with a very good level of fitness and riding technique. Mostly hiking tracks and single trails (30-60km and 400-750 elevation meters per day, S0-S2).
MTB Level 3
Demanding mountain bike tours for islandhoppers with excellent riding technique and who enjoy and feel comfortable with technical trails. Mostly on hiking tracks and single trails (30-60km with 500-1,000 elevation meters per day, S0-S3).

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.

 

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Highlights

Culture: A visit of the UNESCO protected old town of Poreč
Nature: The Kamenjak peninsula with its numerous coastal trails
Activity: Panoramic boat ride to Rovinj!
Culinary: Truffles - the taste of Istria!
Souvenirs: Istrian wine, truffles, and schnapps such as grappa

Itinerary

image/svg+xml Pula Motovun Poreč Fažana Rovinj Vrsar Vižinada Umag Ankaran Muggia Brijuni Kap Kamenjak Cres Krk Airport Pula MEDITERRANEAN ISTRIAN PENINSULA Italy Croatia Slovenia
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.

Accommodation

Bike Friendly Hotels (3-4 stars)

During this tour you will stay at good to very good, 3–4-star, bike friendly hotels (if available, depending on the season). The hotel list will be sent to you before the start of your journey.

 

Ankaran (1 night)

Umag (1 night)

Motovun (1 night)

Poreč (1 night)

Rovinj (1 night)

Pula (2 night)

 …

Covered tables in front of the hotel Kastel in Motovun

Rental Bikes

Our Mountain Bikes

On our mountain bike tours, we only use high-quality full-suspension rental bikes from GIANT and SCOTT, whose components are perfectly tailored to the demands of the Mediterranean terrain. For effortless climbing and ultimate trail fun, our lightweight fullys are usually equipped with 27.5 inch rims, 140 - 150 mm travel, suspension forks and shocks, Shimano or SRAM shifting and brake groups as well as dropper seat posts. In order to meet the highest material requirements, we will also be offering premium full suspension rental bikes from SANTA CRUZ….

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Our E-Mountain Bikes

If you’re looking for an easy uphill ride with an epic downhill trail experience, then our e-mountain bikes are the perfect rental bike for you. Our full suspension e-MTBs are equipped with 27.5’’ wheels and robust tires ready for exploring fantastic trails. The powerful Bosch motor, large battery, 150 mm RockShox suspension, Shimano or SRAM gear and brake systems as well as hydraulic dropper posts make these e-MTBs a biker’s best friend during our tours in the Mediterranean. For fans of superlatives, from 2024 we will also be offering 29-inch E-MTB premium rental bikes in Croatia. …

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  • Our Mountain Bikes
  • Our E-Mountain Bikes

Prices and Services

 

Price offer on request

 

This Hotel & Bike tour is available for private groups of 8 people or more. If you are a group interested in this tour itinerary or similar, please send us your preferred time frame via our contact form. The price for this tour varies depending on the time of year, the requested hotel category and the size of the group.

 

To the contact form

Included services
  • 7 nights in 3–4-star, bike-friendly hotels (subject to availability)
  • 7 x breakfast
  • 2 x dinner
  • 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
Not included in the basic tour price
  • Inbound journey to Ankaran
  • Outbound journey from Pula
  • All drinks & dinners
  • Tips for guides and service staff
  • SGR Insolvency protection (5€ per person)

 

⇒ SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person - will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)

Prices for Additional Optional Services

Single room surcharge

490 euro

Rental bikes

Full suspension MTB (Fully): 200 euro/week
Full suspension E-MTB (E-Fully): 300 euro/week

Premium rental bikes
(full carbon frames, high-quality components, latest technological refinements)

Premium Carbon MTB: 420 Euro/Woche
Premium Carbon E-MTB: 560 Euro/Woche (limited)

Limited liability protection for MTB
(theft and damage)
(not insured: grossly negligent damage)

25 euro per week

Exclusive airport/bus/train station transfers

Price on request

Additional nights

Prices & Info see:
Additional Nights in Pula

Discounts

Private groups of 10 people or more receive a 10% discount. If you are interested in a private group booking, please contact us in using our contact form or write us an e-mail at info@inselhuepfen.com. We are pleased about your inquiry.

 

If this is your third or more Islandhopping tour booked directly with us, you will receive our SEA-YOU-AGAIN discount for your next tour in 2025.

 

As this tour is operated by a third party partner, not all regular Islandhopping discount offers apply.

Arrival - How to get there

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

 

 

  • by plane
  • Airport - Hotel
  • by car

If you would like to extend your trip

Additional nights in Pula

We are happy to arrange additional nights with breakfast in Pula. The harbour town of Pula is located in the south of the Istrian Peninsula. The beautiful old town centre is full of exceptional sites. Incredible structures from the Roman era, such as the well-preserved amphitheatre, the Temple of Roma and Augustus, and the late Roman Franciscan church as well as the medieval fortification tell the fascinating history of Pula and make an extended stay in the town very worthwhile.

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Archway in small alleyway in Istrian old town

Important information

Spoken language

Due to our international audience all Islandhopping tours are conducted bilingually, in English and German.

Itinerary changes

We reserve the right to make changes to the planned route due to changing wind and weather conditions, and where necessary for organizational purposes.

Catering

The tour price includes 7 x breakfast and 4 x dinners. Catering begins with dinner on the day of arrival and ends with breakfast on the day of departure.

Requirements

MTB-Level 2

The daily tours range in difficulty from easy to more intensive and lead through mountainous terrain with lengths between 22 – 39 mi./35 – 63 km, and an average of 1,312 – 3,281 ft./400 – 1,000 m of elevation per day. Single trails on this tour are up to S2 on the Single Trail Scale. The mountain bike terrain is as varied as the landscapes of Istria: the tours vary widely from day to day, creating great diversity for the bikers. Dirt roads, longer climbs, narrow forest paths, single trails near the coast, small side streets, and beautiful promenades characterise the trip. This tour was created as a guided group tour, however, after consultation with our tour guides and selecting an appropriate route nothing should stand in the way of independent biking.

Single-Trail Classification

To ensure that you are well prepared for your bike tour with Islandhopping and know what technical difficult level to expect, we have created a classification for all single trails that could be ridden on our tours. The difficulty levels included in our classification coincide with the Single Trail Scale which can be found here

 

Blue (easy, S0 – S1): small obstacles such as small roots, small stones, some erosion, gradients of up to 40 %, loose surfaces, tight corners but no hairpins, obstacles can be rolled over. Skilful braking and weight shift required, riding while standing.

 

Red (medium, S2): loose surfaces, larger stones and roots, steps and shallow stairs, gradients of up to 70 %, light hairpins. Constant readiness to brake, shift of centre weight to overcome obstacles, accurate braking, consistent body tension required.

 

Black (heavy, S3 – S5): blocked single trails, many large boulders, and roots, smooth/slippery surfaces, loose scree slopes, large steps/drops, extremely steep gradients of over 70 %, tight hairpins. Expert level of bike control/handling required.

Bringing private bikes

The tour which you have booked requires a bike with a fully functional set of gears. Islandhopping can offer you high quality, fully serviced rental bikes perfect for the terrain of this tour.

 

Should you however wish to bring your own bicycle with you, please make sure to check the condition of your breaks, gears, and tires and don’t forget to bring along a puncture repair kit and the essential spare parts for your bike (e.g. brake pads and spare tubes). Your bike should be in prefect mechanical working order.

 

We do not recommend bringing along private road bikes, as the thin tires are not suitable for some of the road surfaces encountered on the tours.

 

Liability disclaimer: Radurlaub Zeitreisen GmbH. Will not be held liable for any damages caused to private bikes during loading, unloading or other logisitical handling thereof.

Requirement to wear a helmet

Helmets are mandatory on our bike tours. We advise you to bring your own, well fitted, helmet with you as our rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required). Furthermore, we recommend bikers carry arm and leg protectors during the bike tours.

Group Riding Pace

On our regular bike tours the riding pace is determined by the cyclists on regular bikes. We ask guests who have reserved an e-MTB to be mindful of this and to acknowledge that the regular cyclists need time to rest and longer to climb the hills. We thank you for your understanding.

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