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A cyclist pointing at the medieval hilltop town of Motovun while located in the verdant Mirna Valley in Istria, Croatia.

Deluxe E-Bike & Food Tour in Istria, Croatia

7 days | Moderate
From $5,263 ()
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Ancient hilltop villages, serene river valleys, and world-famous gastronomy—welcome to Istria, our 7-day cycling paradise! Step into Terra Magica, the heart-shaped Croatian peninsula steeped in history since Roman times. Here, hedonism meets adventure as we pedal through medieval villages, olive groves, vineyards, and bucolic forests on our trusty e-bikes. From truffle sites to chic coastal towns, we’ll uncover the best of Istria in style. As a team of local guides, we sure know how it’s done. Expect top-notch restaurants, wineries, boutique and heritage hotels, and many hidden gems. Let’s discover the real Istria together and create memories for a lifetime!

Igor
Igor

Adventure Highlights

  • Magical peninsula: With its mist-covered rolling hills, medieval villages, and bucolic forests, it’s no wonder Istria was thought to be inhabited by fairies!
  • Heaven for your taste buds: Be it some of the world’s best olive oil, local wines, or white truffles, it is certain that Istria will make your taste buds dance
  • Full immersion: Fully immerse yourself in the adventure with a guide, support vehicle, select meals, hand-picked accommodations, and e-bike included
Duration
7 days
Season
May through October
Group size
Up to 12 people
Accommodation
Luxury: 4-star boutique hotels or similar
Difficulty
Moderate: Good fitness required, gaining up to 600 m (2,000 ft) in elevation per day
What's included
Guide, lodging, e-bike, support vehicle, select meals and tastings, and more

The adventure, day by day

Get ready for a 7-day cycling and culinary tour through Istria, Croatia's Terra Magica, where ancient villages, lush rolling hills, and world-class gastronomy await. Pedal through medieval towns, olive groves, and forest trails on our e-bikes, discovering hidden sites and coastal towns along the way. Stay in charming boutique hotels and indulge in authentic local cuisine, including wine, cheese and truffle tastings. With experienced local guide leading the way, enjoy a hassle-free journey through the heart of Istria. The tour includes premium e-bikes, accommodations, select meals, tastings, and more!

Day 1: Arrival in Trieste and transfer to Brtonigla
Brtonigla Istria

You’ll meet your guide at Trieste Central Train Station, where a private transfer takes us across the border to our accommodation in Istria, about an hour’s drive. The evening opens with a tour orientation briefing, followed by a welcome dinner where the group gets acquainted over local food and wine. No cycling is scheduled today, so it’s a chance to settle in before the riding begins.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: San Rocco Heritage Hotel, Brtonigla

Day 2: The vineyards of Grožnjan and Momjan

We roll straight from the hotel into the rolling hills of Northern Istria. The route sweeps through the historic hilltop town of Buje before reaching Grožnjan, a medieval fortified town turned thriving artists’ colony. From there we press on toward Momjan, a small but acclaimed wine region where Momjanski Muškat and Istrian Malvazija grapes are grown. We cap the ride with a tasting at a local estate winery before a van transfer brings us back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, wine tasting
Accommodation: San Rocco Heritage Hotel, Brtonigla
Cycling: 36 km (22 mi), 80% paved
Elevation: +600 m (+1,969 ft)

Day 3: Hum, Buzet, and truffle country
Cyclist going out of a tunnel along an old railroad Parenzana in Istria, Croatia.

A short morning transfer brings us to Parenzana, a historic Austrian-era railway line converted into a scenic gravel cycling route. Northern and Central Istria are known worldwide for their truffles, so we stop mid-ride for a truffle tasting and a truffle pasta lunch. If you’d rather skip a climb, our support vehicle is always nearby to swap saddle time for a comfortable ride. We finish cycling in Hum, officially the world’s smallest town, then transfer briefly to Buzet for a visit to a family-run fruit brandy distillery. In the evening, we head to Motovun, Istria’s best-known hilltop citadel, wandering its cobblestone streets and taking in sweeping views before a sunset dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, truffle tasting and truffle pasta lunch, dinner
Accommodation: San Rocco Heritage Hotel, Brtonigla
Cycling: 50 km (31 mi), 60% paved
Elevation: +600 m (+1,969 ft)

Day 4: Central Istria to Svetvinčenat
Valley of Mirna river in Istria, Croatia.

After a short morning transfer to the foot of Motovun, we ride south into the quiet interior of Central Istria, away from the coastal crowds. The route threads through traditional stone villages like Tinjan and Kringa, then crosses Draga, a dramatic canyon that once marked the border between the Venetian Republic and the Austrian Empire. We finish in Svetvinčenat, a well-preserved Renaissance town built around a medieval castle. In the evening, a short van ride takes us to the coast for a sunset walk through the harbor streets of Rovinj.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Foscari, Designer Boutique Residence, Svetvinčenat
Cycling: 46 km (29 mi), 95% paved
Elevation: +600 m (+1,969 ft)

Day 5: The coastline of Rovinj
E-bike saddle with the view of the charming coastal town of Rovinj, with colorful buildings and a towering church bell, in Istria, Croatia.

We set off straight from the hotel on the Štrika Ferata, another old railway line turned cycling route, enjoying a long, gentle descent toward the Adriatic and into Rovinj. We explore the town from the saddle, riding along its sun-drenched coastline, then turn back inland to the stone village of Bale, where we meet a local olive oil producer and learn about traditional cultivation methods.

Meals: Breakfast, olive oil tasting
Accommodation: Foscari, Designer Boutique Residence, Svetvinčenat
Cycling: 60 km (37 mi), 50% paved
Elevation: +200 m (+656 ft)

Day 6: Olives, wine, and Romans to Pula
Roman arch in Pula, Istria, Croatia.

Our final riding day heads south through old olive groves and vineyards, past the ruins of an Istrian tribal capital dating back to 1000 BC. The rich red soil of Southern Istria has powered the region’s agriculture for millennia. Near the end of the route, we stop at a small farm for a cheese tasting and learn how the cheeses pair with local olive oil and wine. We finish cycling in Pula, the ancient regional capital chosen by the Romans for its deep-water harbor. After checking in, there’s time for a swim at a nearby beach before an evening guided historical tour of Pula and a farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, cheese tasting, dinner
Accommodation: Ribarska Koliba, Boutique Marina Resort, Pula
Cycling: 50 km (31 mi), 90% paved
Elevation: +200 m (+656 ft)

Day 7: Departure
Austriian-era fortress and bastions in Pula, Croatia.

After a final breakfast, a transfer takes you to Pula Airport or the Pula Ferry Terminal for your journey home or onward.

Meals: Breakfast

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Igor
5.00
Igor
Igor is a travel enthusiast with a head in mechanical engineering and his heart in travel and active outdoors. Since he could walk, he started traveling by any means, covering more than 65 countries so far. And since he could ride, his Suzuki V-Strom took him to almost every corner of Europe until it became too small for his ambitions. In 2017, he embarked on his longest moto trip ever—covering a distance of 20,000 km, his wheels rolled from Croatia to Mongolia! The most demanding but also the most rewarding one, the Pamir highway in Tajikistan, was the highlight of this trip and a turning point in his life. He realized there’s much more in life than office work and ever since then, you can find him guiding motorbike & cycling tours, entertaining his guests with his travel stories, and exploring new places for future tours.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, local cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • Support leader in the vehicle
      • 7-day e-bike and food tour in Istria, Croatia
      • 5 days of cycling in Istria, Croatia
      • Group transfers from Venice Airport on Day 1, and to Pula Airport/Ferry Terminal on Day 7
      • Support vehicle for the luggage, refreshments, and maintenance
      • Transfers between planned rides and ferries
      • Tour description booklet with maps and highlighted routes
      • Handpicked small family-owned boutique hotels, upscale B&Bs, estates, or similar (6 nights based on double occupancy)
      • 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners, always aimed to be in authentic local restaurants
      • Water, snacks, and soft/isotonic drinks at designated support vehicle checkpoints
      • Locally-produced wine, extra virgin olive oil, truffles, and cheese tastings
      • Guided historical walking tour of Roman Pula
      • Premium full suspension mountain bike with electric motor assistance
      • Helmet (on request only)

    Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):

      • Single occupancy room

    Not included:

      • Flights
      • Personal expenses
      • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
      • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
      • Guide gratuities are welcome
  • To participate in this Istria e-bike and food tour, you should have a good level of fitness and be comfortable riding for several consecutive days. The tour encompasses five days of cycling, covering average distances of around 50 km (30 mi) per day, with up to 600 m (2,000 ft) of elevation gain on the biggest days.

    The terrain is mostly paved, with some sections of high-quality gravel and packed dirt. E-bike assistance makes the climbs more manageable, and the group is supported throughout by a dedicated support vehicle.

    Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Croatia bike tours here!

  • Here’s what you’ll need:

      • Comfortable riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material (both short- and long-sleeved clothing)
      • Helmet (mandatory to wear) — it is preferred that you bring your own, well-fitted helmet
      • Padded cycling shorts — recommended
      • Week’s worth of relaxed leisure clothing
      • Swimming gear
      • Long-sleeved sweater or sweatshirt
      • Lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket
      • Sneakers or sport shoes
      • Sunglasses
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder
      • Daypack
      • Biking gloves
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)

    Bring comfortable clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Though usually warm and stable, weather in late spring and early fall can be unpredictable in Istria, with a possibility for cooler windy and rainy days (less so in September), so it is instrumental that you are informed about the weather forecasts and prepared for different conditions.

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  • The price for this bike and food tour in Istria is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

  • Group sizes and pricing:

      • For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1.
      • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.

    Bike & food tour in Istria, Croatia can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the bike and food tour in Istria on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The meeting point of your Istria e-bike tour is Trieste, Italy. To get there, most people fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE).

    From there, you’ll be transferred to the starting point of the tour, Brtonigla in Istria.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • Deposits

    Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

    Basic

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
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