Self-Guided Cycling Istrian Coast: From Trieste to Poreč

Day 1: Trieste — Arrival
You will arrive independently in Trieste. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the city. Overnight stay in Trieste.

Day 2: Trieste–Muggia — Piran (44 km; +463 m / −461 m)
After a welcome briefing at 9 am and bike fitting, you will take the ferry from Trieste to Muggia to avoid city traffic. From Muggia, you will cycle along the coastline past Ankaran before joining the Parenzana, the traffic-free asphalted cycle path that follows the former narrow-gauge railway connecting 33 Istrian towns across three countries. The trail hugs the coast through Koper and Izola before reaching Piran. Overnight stay in Portorose/Piran.

Day 3: Piran — Novigrad (52 km; +379 m / −381 m)
Today the Parenzana will lead you along Piran Bay through Portorož and Lucija to the Sečovlje salt flats, the northernmost salt flats in the Mediterranean, where salt is still produced with a traditional 700-year-old method; you can visit its museum. After crossing the Slovenian–Croatian border, the trail climbs on gravel to a view over the bay with the Alps in the background. You will then ride to the Savudrija lighthouse, built in 1818, one of the oldest in the Adriatic and the northernmost in Istria. Continuing through the town of Umag and along the Istrian coastline, you will reach Novigrad. Overnight stay in Novigrad.

Day 4: Novigrad — Poreč (53 km; +543 m / −539 m)
You will pass the Mirna river delta and ride along the coastline, enjoying green olive groves and beautiful Mediterranean bays. After 25 km you will reach Poreč, where great cultures have left their mark at every turn — the Roman Forum, magnificent palaces from different historical periods, and the famous Euphrasian Basilica. You will then continue along the coast to Vrsar, a romantic fishing village where Casanova returned twice, before looping back through the vineyards and small villages to Poreč. Overnight stay in Poreč.

Day 5: Poreč — Departure
Breakfast and end of services.