Hotel in Trieste
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From Trieste to Rijeka
11 days / 10 nights
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Discover the heart of the Adriatic — a journey from Trieste's historic alleys to Rijeka's vibrant port where cultures, nature, and gastronomy unite.
Starting point
Trieste
Finish point
Rijeka
Fitness level
3/5
Season
From April to October
Discover the heart of the Adriatic — a journey from Trieste's historic alleys to Rijeka's vibrant port where cultures, nature, and gastronomy unite.
Discover the heart of the Adriatic — a journey from Trieste's historic alleys to Rijeka's vibrant port where cultures, nature, and gastronomy unite.
Starting point
Trieste
Finish point
Rijeka
Fitness level
3/5
Season
From April to October
Highlights
- Navigate the blend of Italian and Slovenian influences in Trieste
- Journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Istria and the Kvarner Bay
- Unearth ancient Roman ruins in towns like Pula, Grožnjan, and Opatija
- Delight in the flavours of the region, from Istrian wines to truffles
- Experience the transition from Opatija's tranquil resorts
- Embrace the unspoiled beauty of the Kamenjak Peninsula
Itinerary of the trip
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What’s included in the price?
Self-guided
Tour design and organization
Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions
10 nights in 3* hotels with breakfast
Service and support during your tour
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Luggage transfer
NOT INCLUDED
Tourist tax
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
E-bike
E-road bike
Gravel bike
Road bike
Single supplement
Embark on an eleven-day cycling odyssey that takes you from the historic streets of Trieste, through the heart of the enchanting Istrian peninsula, to the dynamic seaport of Rijeka. This journey is a celebration of the rich tapestry of cultures, stunning natural beauty, and culinary excellence that defines the Adriatic coast.
Your adventure begins in Trieste, where cultures converge against a backdrop of historic cafes and Austro-Hungarian architecture. As you move towards the Istrian coast, each town, from the Venetian-influenced Piran to the art-filled streets of Grožnjan, tells its own unique story, offering insights into the region's diverse heritage.
In Istria, the ancient and the contemporary merge seamlessly, from the Roman amphitheatre in Pula to the modern art galleries of Rovinj. The journey through Istria is also a feast for the senses, with opportunities to indulge in the region's renowned gastronomy, including truffles, olive oil, and wine.
Transitioning from the pastoral elegance of Opatija to the urban vitality of Rijeka, you'll experience the rich cultural life, historic landmarks, and culinary diversity of Croatia's principal seaport. Rijeka's vibrant atmosphere, combined with its scenic surroundings and architectural wonders, offers a fitting culmination to your journey.
As you prepare for departure from Rijeka, the memories of this journey—from Trieste's historic alleys to the vibrant streets of Rijeka, and the natural and cultural treasures discovered along the way—will linger, a testament to the enduring allure of the Adriatic coast.
This adventure, with its blend of discovery, relaxation, and exploration, invites you to return, promising new experiences and lasting connections with this captivating region.
Top Places You’ll See
From natural wonders to authentic local culture, the route is packed with memorable sights—these are our absolute favorites.
Miramare Castle
Perched above the Gulf of Trieste, Miramare Castle is a 19th-century neo-Gothic residence built for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria and his wife Charlotte. The castle’s white stone façade contrasts strikingly with the deep blue sea below, while its lush gardens brim with exotic plants collected from around the world. Inside, lavishly preserved rooms tell the story of imperial elegance and tragic destiny. It remains one of Italy’s most graceful seaside palaces.
Piran
Piran is a coastal gem on the Adriatic, known for its Venetian heritage and narrow medieval streets. The main square, Tartini Square, is named after the famous violinist Giuseppe Tartini, who was born here. Climb the old city walls for panoramic views of the red-roofed town and the sea, or visit St. George’s Church, which overlooks the harbor from a bluff.
Parenzana Route
The Parenzana Route follows the path of a former narrow-gauge railway that once linked Trieste with Poreč. Today, 123 kilometers of the line have been converted into a cycling trail that winds through tunnels, over bridges, and across rolling hills in Slovenia, Italy, and Croatia. Signs along the way recall the railway’s history and make the ride both scenic and educational.
Motovun
Just a short ride away, Motovun rises dramatically above the Mirna River valley and is famed for its intact medieval walls and sweeping views across central Istria. The town is at the heart of Croatia’s truffle region, offering everything from simple truffle tastings to fine dining. Its cobbled streets, Venetian architecture, and surrounding forests make Motovun both a culinary hotspot and one of the most atmospheric hill towns in the region.
Grožnjan
Perched on a hilltop in Croatia’s Istrian peninsula, Grožnjan is renowned as the “town of artists.” Its medieval stone lanes are packed with more than twenty galleries and studios, and music festivals fill the narrow streets each summer. With panoramic views over vineyards and olive groves, Grožnjan blends history, art, and a relaxed Mediterranean charm that makes it a favorite stop for culture lovers and cyclists crossing the border from Slovenia.
Parenzana Trail
The Parenzana Trail follows a historic narrow-gauge railway built in 1902 that once connected Trieste with Poreč. Today, it’s one of the most scenic cycling and walking routes in the region, running through tunnels, viaducts, and rolling vineyards across Slovenia and Croatia. Stretching 123 kilometers, it’s both a cultural journey and a living monument to the region’s industrial heritage.
Arena Pula
The Pula Arena is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Built in the 1st century AD under Emperor Vespasian—the same emperor who commissioned the Colosseum in Rome—it could once seat 23,000 spectators. Today, it hosts concerts, film festivals, and cultural events, making it a remarkable blend of ancient history and modern life in the heart of Pula.
Trsat Castle
Overlooking the city of Rijeka, Trsat Castle sits atop a 138-meter hill that has been fortified since Roman times. The current castle dates to the 13th century, when the Frankopan family rebuilt it as a defensive stronghold. Today, it offers panoramic views of the Kvarner Bay and the islands of Krk and Cres. Within its walls are a courtyard, galleries, and a café, making it one of Rijeka’s most visited historical sites.
Our Bikes
To ensure the best possible experience on your cycling adventure, we offer top-quality bikes for rent. Our fleet features the latest models, meticulously maintained for both performance and comfort.
To match each rider with the right equipment, our team will also assist you in selecting the most suitable bike based on your physical profile, personal preferences, and the technical requirements of the tour.
Each bike rental includes:
✔ Transport of the bike to and from the tour start/end point
✔ Helmet for safety
✔ Phone holder mounted on the handlebars
✔ Basic tool kit for on-the-go adjustments
Muesing Road Bike
Or similar
Type: Road Bike
Best for: Long-distance road rides, touring, and training
These aluminium road bikes are designed for comfort and endurance on paved roads. An adjustable stem and various saddle options ensure a tailored riding position, while a carbon fork reduces road vibrations for a smoother ride. Outfitted with reliable Shimano 105 components, these bikes deliver consistent performance and durability, perfect for full-day rides, sportives, or relaxed touring.
Muesing Crozzroad Lite
Or similar
Type: Gravel Bike
Best for: Touring, everyday gravel riding, and mixed-surface adventures
The Muesing Crozzroad Lite is an aluminium gravel bike, built for reliable performance and comfort on varied terrain. It features a carbon fork for improved shock absorption and a 2x11 drivetrain. The bike provides grip and efficiency on both paved and unpaved roads. A rear rack comes as standard and can be removed if not needed, making this bike equally suited for light touring or day rides.
Muesing Hybrid Touring Bike
Or similar
Type: Trekking Bike
Best for: Everyday cycling, relaxed touring, and longer leisure rides
These custom-designed hybrid touring bikes blend comfort and performance for versatile use. Featuring a lightweight aluminium frame, adjustable stem, and multiple saddle options, they offer a personalized and upright riding position. The wheels with slick tires ensure efficient rolling, giving the feel of a road bike while preserving the comfort and stability needed for touring and casual cruising.
BMC Fourstroke AMP LT THREE
Or similar
Type: E-Mountain Bike
Best for: Trail riding, technical terrain, and all-day e-MTB adventures
This premium full-suspension e-mountain bike is designed for top-tier performance across all terrains. Built with a lightweight carbon frame and progressive geometry, it ensures confident handling on both climbs and descents. It offers smooth pedal assistance while keeping total weight to just 16.90 kg, and delivers power, control, and agility for serious trail riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ratings & Reviews
5.0 average rating
+21
First class company with a well planned route, great accommodation and simply outstanding support in time of trouble. We did a two week ride from Bled to Pula in September 2023. Fair to say we hit a lot of problems courtesy of BA with rescheduled and diverted flights, lost bags, problems with our own bikes, returning rental bikes and more. Daja was simply amazing in helping us sort all of them out and was so accessible at all hours. She even managed to source and buy a forgotten Thru-axle and deliver it personally to our hotel, which is far and above any service i would reasonably expect. Thank you !! Our accommodation was fantastic and far better than expected in all but one location. The route planning in Slovenia was great but due to our decision to bring road bikes from the UK and the nature of the roads in Croatia, our second week was a bit tricky route wise and it would have been good to have had a discussion about this section beforehand. A Gravel bike is far better suited to Croatia although this was our decision to bring road bikes. Transport arrangement and logistics were flawless. Overall, i would change very little and we will definitely be returning to Slovenia. Daja was fantastic and I absolutely recommend Slovenia Cycling Holidays and will be using their services again.
Show all 11 photos
We had a wonderful cycling trip, starting in Trieste, then onto Slovenia and Croatia. Before the trip, Klemen was extremely patient with our many questions and addressed our concerns very satisfactorily- even changing the original bike route to meet our needs. The bikes we used ( e-bikes) were in great condition, and easy to use. The hotels were very satisfactory- and included big breakfasts to start our days. The towns we visited were charming. All in all- a first class experience!!
Show all 4 photos
We had an amazing trip from Bled to Pula. Everything was thoughtfully curated from the route to dinner suggestions and accommodations. So much beauty and diversity in such a relatively short distance. They were very responsive when we had a few issues along the way with our bikes. Highly recommend!
We had a wonderful cycling trip, starting in Trieste, then onto Slovenia and Croatia. Before the trip, Klemen was extremely patient with our many questions and addressed our concerns very satisfactorily- even changing the original bike route to meet our needs. The bikes we used ( e-bikes) were in great condition, and easy to use. The hotels were very satisfactory- and included big breakfasts to start our days. The towns we visited were charming. All in all- a first class experience!!
Show all 4 photos
First class company with a well planned route, great accommodation and simply outstanding support in time of trouble. We did a two week ride from Bled to Pula in September 2023. Fair to say we hit a lot of problems courtesy of BA with rescheduled and diverted flights, lost bags, problems with our own bikes, returning rental bikes and more. Daja was simply amazing in helping us sort all of them out and was so accessible at all hours. She even managed to source and buy a forgotten Thru-axle and deliver it personally to our hotel, which is far and above any service i would reasonably expect. Thank you !! Our accommodation was fantastic and far better than expected in all but one location. The route planning in Slovenia was great but due to our decision to bring road bikes from the UK and the nature of the roads in Croatia, our second week was a bit tricky route wise and it would have been good to have had a discussion about this section beforehand. A Gravel bike is far better suited to Croatia although this was our decision to bring road bikes. Transport arrangement and logistics were flawless. Overall, i would change very little and we will definitely be returning to Slovenia. Daja was fantastic and I absolutely recommend Slovenia Cycling Holidays and will be using their services again.
Show all 11 photos
We had an amazing trip from Bled to Pula. Everything was thoughtfully curated from the route to dinner suggestions and accommodations. So much beauty and diversity in such a relatively short distance. They were very responsive when we had a few issues along the way with our bikes. Highly recommend!
All available guidance options
Self-guided
Those who like good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. It offers complete freedom, multiple detour opportunities, and exploration at your own pace without having to adapt to a group.
Hassle-Free
We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy carefree cycling holidays.
Handpicked Adventures
Only the best bike tours in Croatia, cherry-picked by our team with an in-depth knowledge of the region.
Trusted by Many
Since 2014, we have taken care of thousands of happy customers, making it our mission to put your satisfaction first.
Value Your Time
With everything on your plate, let us handle the vacation planning, so your valuable time stays exactly where you need it.
Unbeatable Support
Our round-the-clock customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.
from 2.039 € /person
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