8 Day Istrian Wine Roads Holidays in Croatia

Enjoy an easy bike ride and explore Istria, passing through the hidden medieval towns of Grožnjan, Oprtalj, Motovun, and the former Roman colony of Poreč, whose charm will leave you breathless. You will surely enjoy every moment, where you will be passing through a landscape of hills framed by rivers, with forests, vineyards and olive groves. Take a break at the winemakers and taste indigenous wines such as Malvasia and Teran, treat yourself to tasty delicacies, and experience all the charms of Istria in this exciting Croatian wine region.

Day 1 - Arrival

Arrival in Istria. Info meeting with Fiore representative at 7pm at the hotel reception area where you will be provided with the package including hotel vouchers, bicycle with all equipment, maps and a road book. Overnight in Buje area/Brtonigla.

Classic hotels: Guesthouse La Parenzana 3* in Volpija or Guesthouse Lovac 3* in Kaldanija.

Premium hotels: Heritage Hotel San Rocco 4* in Brtonigla or Wine Residence Cattunar 5* in Nova Vas.

Day 2 - Buje, Umag, Bujet

This tour starts with easy downhill ride to the coast on the northernmost point of Istrian peninsula. Nearby is a lighthouse, according to the legend build by count Metternich as his love nest. Savudrija is one of the oldest lighthouse in the Adriatic, built in 1818. It is also the northernmost Istrian lighthouse. Its building is 36 meters tall and there is a keeper living inside it.

The trail continues south to Umag. Little town with about 45 km of the coastline and interesting hinterland integrates special features of the whole region and might be the best introduction into a different experience of the Mediterranean. Umag's history is extremely interesting; it was founded by roman nobleman who decided to make it his summer residence. The glamour, magnificence and glare of the times can be seen today in the Venetian houses of the old town. City walls and fortification are partially preserved as well as some renaissance and baroque buildings and churches. Vineyards and olive groves will create an atmosphere of typical west Istrian landscape. Visit to wine cellar to taste the Muscat or Malvazija , local sorts of wine.

To end the day, you will overnight in Buje area/Brtonigla.

Meal plan: Breakfast included.

Distance covered: 47 kilometers / 29 miles / elevation gain 413 meters.

Classic hotels: Guesthouse La Parenzana 3* in Volpija or Guesthouse Lovac 3* in Kaldanija.

Premium hotels: Heritage Hotel San Rocco 4* in Brtonigla or Wine Residence Cattunar 5* in Nova Vas.

Day 3 - Buje, Brtonigla, Novigrad, Buje

From Buje area you're cycling through Kršete picturesque village and arriving to small town Brtonigla. It has churches and monasteries from XV century.

Further the trail leads through wine yards and olive groves of Brtonigla area. Wine is very popular from this area (Teran). Across endless vineyards You'll reach Novigrad where you can visit the olive oil production and taste some of the best olive oils, in one word taste Istria.

Through Dajla and Karigador villages on the coast you're getting to Lovrečica Venetian bishops coastal village. Following the road through Škrinjari, Babići and Buroli village you'll see traditional Istrian houses. Road by the vineyards will take you back to your hotel. Overnight in Buje area/Brtonigla.

Meal plan: Breakfast included

Distance covered: 39 kilometers / 24 miles / elevation gain 370 meters

Classic hotels: Guesthouse La Parenzana 3* in Volpija or Guesthouse Lovac 3* in Kaldanija.

Premium hotels: Heritage Hotel San Rocco 4* in Brtonigla or Wine Residence Cattunar 5* in Nova Vas.

Day 4 - Buje, Motovun

From Buje you will continue towards Grožnjan. Typical Istrian medieval town sprout high on top of a hill along the right coast of the river Mirna, renaissance loggia dating from 1585 and the beautiful St. Vitus and Modesto’s baroque church. If you just occasionally pass along its streets in which almost every door leads to art studios or galleries, and which windows from every direction echoes the sounds of different music genres, from classical to jazz, you’ll understand why Grožnjan is known as the town of artists.

From Grožnjan you'll ride on quiet Istrian village roads through beautiful settlement and arrive to Oprtalj. According to many, the most beautiful of Istria is the Oprtalj. This is an unchanged urban medieval style of building with the narrow streets, the shops, the beautiful Venetian palaces, portals and covered passages, and particularly, the unique view to the Istrian peninsula from the town loggia.

From Oprtalj, you will be going downhill, enjoying the view on Mirna river and eventually, arriving in Livade, the truffle center of Istria, where you can visit the local truffle shop and taste it in various forms. The truffle is an underground malodorous fungus believed to be an aphrodisiac.

On the hill in front of the Livade, is Motovun. This is surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval hill town. Around Livade is the Motovun forest, which stretches along Mirna River valley and is especially rich with truffles.

You will end your day and overnight in hotel Kaštel in Motovun.

Meal plan: Breakfast included.

Distance covered: 37 kilometers / 23 miles / elevation gain 718 meters

Classic hotels: Hotel Kaštel 3* or Villa Borgo 3* in Motovun or similar.

Premium hotels: Wine & Heritage Hotel Roxanich 4*, Motovun.

Day 5 - Motovun, Poreč

This part of the trail goes from inland to the coast. It follows the road to Višnjan, where you will pass by an observatory. It is one of the 5 most famous observatories in the world. The road continues to the town of Višnjan, which is on 246 meters altitude, and from there, you will be able to catch a view of the west Istrian coast and the coastal town of Poreč. In the Višnjan surrounding, it is possible to visit many wine cellars with wine from Poreč area, especially Malvasia.

The tour continues to Tar, a little town on the hill above the sea and to Nova Vas village by the famous cave, which you can visit.

After passing a few more villages the trail reaches Poreč, where you spend a night there.

Meal plan: Breakfast included

Distance covered: 38 kilometers / 24 miles / elevation gain 394 meters

Classic hotels: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or Hotel Vista 3* in Vrsar

Premium hotels: BO Hotel Palazzo 4* or Hotel Mauro 4* in Poreč

Day 6 - Poreč, Vrsar, Poreč

From Poreč, the trail starts with sightseeing the Euphrasiana, the most valuable monument in Poreč, which is a church built in the 6th century.

Follow the road, until you reach the village of Bačva village. Bačva is the highest point of this stage and there is a local restaurant with traditional dishes, where you can enjoy tasting local food. It continues to the southern villages and it comes down to coast in the town of Vrsar.

With a commanding view of the coast, it was natural for Vrsar to become a defended fortress. Only parts of the fortification system built in the 12th century, have been preserved, but the fortress-castle used as summer residence of the Poreč bishops, is well worth a look.

After Vrsar, the trail passes Funtana fishing village, Zelena and Plava Laguna touristic villages, which are the south doorstep of Poreč.

Meal plan: Breakfast included.

Distance covered: 44 kilometers / 28 miles / elevation gain 417 meters

Classic hotels: Hotel Poreč 3* in Poreč or Hotel Vista 3* in Vrsar

Premium hotels: BO Hotel Palazzo 4* or Hotel Mauro 4* in Poreč

Day 7 - Poreč, Kanfanr, Rovinj

After breakfast, you can choose to be transferred to Kanfanar, or reach it on your own. Kanfanar is a small town above the Lim valley.

From Kanfanar, you will start the flattest ride of all in this tour. You will be passing by Istrian inland villages, where you will see traditional Istrian tool houses (kažun).

After reaching Bale, you can visit the Bebmbo palace, city square and museum. Continue to Rovinj and on the way you will see Palud, an ornithological reserve, in which you can cycle around.

After village Kokuletovica, you can turn into Monkodonja. Monkodonja is a prehistoric hill town inhabited about 1800 to 1200 BC during the Bronze Age.

After Monkodonja you will reach Rovinj, your goal of this tour, the Pearl of Adriatic. With its church and bell tower on the hill, by the sea it is very recognizable from all sides. Also called Istrian Venice old town, which was once an island, and then connected with land, is famous for its traditional boat called batana.

You will complete this week's atmosphere with a meal with fresh fish combined with malvasia in a restaurant It will fascinate you. Everybody can enjoy Rovinj and its charm and magic. You will then overnight in the hotel Vila Lili in Rovinj.

Meal plan: Breakfast included

Distance covered: Regular Kanfanar to Rovinj 32 km / 19 miles / elevation gain 170m. (optional ride from Poreč to Kanfanar 33 km / 21 miles elevation gain 562m.

Classic hotels: Hotel Villa Lili 3* or Baron Gautsch 3* in Rovinj or similar.

Premium hotels: Hotel Angelo d’Oro 4* or Caasa Garzotto 4* or Villa Tuttorotto 4* or Arupinum 4*.

Day 8 - Departure

After breakfast, you will then depart.

Meal plan: Breakfast included.

• Explore Buje area
• Explore Kanfanr town
• Explore Monkodonja
• Explore Rovinj
• Explore the Pearl of Adriatic
• Explore the town of Tar
• Explore the town of Višnjan
• Explore the town of Vrsar
• Explore Umag
• Visit an olive oil production in Novigrad
• Visit a small town Brtonigla
• Visit Istrian Venice old town
• Visit Nova Vas Village
• Visit Palud
• Visit Savudrija lighthouse
• Visit the Bebmbo palace, city square and museum in Bale
• Visit the Euphrasiana in Poreč
• Visit the medieval towns of Motovun, Grožnjan, Poreč, Rovinj
• Visit vineyards and wine cellars

Istria is a carefree combination of an active and quiet holiday destination. Don't be surprised if it wins you over with its charm. Should you choose Buje, Buzet, Motovun or Groznjan, you will find privacy and silence of medieval towns and fortresses. Familiarize yourself with the gastronomy and wine making.

Motovun is a small town in the interior part of Istria with a green Istrian landscape and wine roads that also plays host to many film festivals.

If you come to Istria, you will see for yourself why they refer to Istria as the Tuscany of Croatia. The interior part of the region with its characteristic of stone architecture and small towns situated on hills, create a peaceful and relaxing environment. The interior part of green Istria will greet you with a rich agro tourism that offers an untouched nature.

+−

Breakfasts are generally buffets that take your active program into consideration with a variety of low-fat and high-nutrition choices. Lunch is generally on your own, although some groups tours decide to pool funds on some days and enjoy picnics en route. If you have any allergies, restrictions or strong preferences, please let Fiore Tours know in advance, as soon as possible.

You will have plenty of opportunities to dine at local restaurants and get to know the surroundings.

• 1 information package, which includes detailed route description (map and road book), and vouchers
• 1 welcome meeting
• 7 breakfasts
• 7 nights accommodation
• 24/7 emergency number
• Luggage transport between accommodations

• Additional activities
• Additional meals
• Airfare
• Airport transfers
• Bike rentals with equipment
• Personal expenses
• Tips
• Travel and bike insurance

• A reservation requires a deposit of 100% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.