Buje – Groznjan – Motovun - 37 km, Altitude gain: 520 m

MEETING 8am - you will meet your Pure Adventures representative at your hotel from last night for transfer to Istria. You will have an orientation, bike set up at the drop point prior to the ride from Buje, when you start cycling. Buje is a typical Istrian medieval town and nice place to start. The ride towards Groznjan village takes you to scarce villages with archaic churches and offer some of the best views that can easily make you think you are somewhere in Tuscany. We stop in Groznjan, small old walled renaissantown on a hill, dated back to the beginning of the past millennium. It is known as a city of artists as almost every door leads to art studio or gallery. Todays final destination is city of Motovun situated on the top of the hill and a tough climb.
Each summer Motovun hosts international film festival and attracts artists from all around the world. The Motovun forest creates favorable environment where truffles, a mysterious and unique mushroom, completely hidden underground, is found. Why not start a tour with a typical Istrian dinner? (on your own - suggestions provided). Accommodation in Motovun. Optional loop to Momjan – 16km, 230m of ascent.

Hotel Kastel - Motovun

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Motovun

Hotel Kastel is located in the ancient Istrian town of Motovun, at the very top of a hill encircled ...

Day 2 | Motovun - Butoniga lake - Motovun - 41 km, Altitude gain: 460 m

You ride the path through the heart of Istria out of the usual tourist routes, away from crowds and stress. Villages of Vrh and Racice are hiding a treasure of fresco colors made by medieval masters that no one would expect there. While riding devoid of traffic we soon feel that time had stopped in these parts, but the wine is still flowing though. Stop by and explore the local wineries and olive oil producers. In the evening one can join a nice jazz concert on the square of Motovun with locals and a glass of good wine. Return to the same hotel. Accommodation in Motovun.(B)

Hotel Kastel - Motovun

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Motovun

Hotel Kastel is located in the ancient Istrian town of Motovun, at the very top of a hill encircled ...

Day 3 | Motovun – Porec - 43 km, Altitude gain: 320m

After breakfast, today we continue by descend to the seaside. Slowly we leave green rolling hills and vineyards behind to explore what blue Istria has to offer. The route takes us through old prehistoric Illyrian fortified settlements. We finish the day in Porec town which has been a part of Venetian republic for centuries. An amazing Unesco protected pre-Byzantine basilica of bishop Euphrasus is definitely worth a visit. Your hotel is right on the water front. Accommodation in Porec. (B)

Hotel Mauro

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Porec

Under the aura St. Maura with the smell of the sea and clear blue colors right next to the window, w...

Day 4 | Porec - Lim fjord to Bale - 52 km, Altitude gain: 380 m

After breakfast we start riding south. On the way we stop in Vrsar, the surfing centre of Croatia, praised by Giacomo Casanova for the lovely women and excellent red wine. From there we ride along the coast and enter the Lim fjord cutting deep into the peninsula. Magnificent panoramic views open from the top over the sea and we might spot several mussel beds on its surface. Continuing along the trail we reach Bale, perfectly preserved medieval village. Bale village is famous for its annual Jazz festival as well as traditional Olive oil fest hosting all Istrian producers. We end up our day in a beautiful boutique hotel and enjoy the charm of the Mediterranean town of stone. Accommodation in Bale. (B)

Hotel La Grisa

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Bale

Hotel La Grisa offers its guests year-round contemporary amenities in an environment that combines ...

Day 5 | Bale to Fazana and back to Bale - 57 km, Altitude gain: 340 m

Today we do a loop down south to the tip of Istrian peninsula, where we cycle through a cluster of medieval villages. We warm up by downhill ride through the pine forest to the coast overlooking famous Brioni islands, once a residence of Yugoslavian president Marshall Tito. There are many beaches on the way to Fazana, where you can refresh yourself in the warm waters of the Adriatic sea (in summer months). After Fazana we work our way inland to see well preserved villages of Galizana, Vodnjan and St. Vincenat. You will find picturesque facades of the old stone houses, ladies growing rosemary on the window shelves and most importantly,hospitable and friendly locals. Accommodation in Bale again. (B)

Hotel La Grisa

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Bale

Hotel La Grisa offers its guests year-round contemporary amenities in an environment that combines ...

Day 6 | Bale - Rovinj - 22 km, Altitude gain: 20m

Its time to leave Bale behind and head for city of Rovinj. Regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Croatia, Rovinj dates back to the time of Venetian republic. The vibrant old town is set of narrow cobbled alleys full with cafes, restaurants, antique shops, etc.. Our route today takes us on the small gravel roads passing bird reserve Palud and some of the best white pebble beaches in Istria. A relatively short ride on the last day of cycling will give you enough time to explore the magic of Rovinj. Accommodation in Rovinj. (B)

Hotel Rovinj Villa Tuttorotto

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Rovinj

At the forefront of Rovinj historic harbor, boldly stands VILLA TUTTOROTTO, metaphorically named to ...

Day 7 | Departure or extra night
Have your last morning coffee overlooking the Adriatic. Transfer to Ljubljana or Venice. This transfer is included in the trip price. Please let us know in advance about your departure plans for today. (B)

Suggestion: An Extra night in Rovinj. This is the most charming of all the towns on this tour and was left to the end for a great finish. We can arrange a boat trip, an extra ride, or other activity for today if you choose to stay an extra night.