Summary

World heritage architecture, grand piazzas and vaporettos in Venice
Golden beaches, historic salt mines and holiday hotspots in Slovenia
Pebbly coves, plunging cliffs and lively tourist towns in Croatia

Experience three countries in a week, cycling from the islands of Venice and past the golden beaches of Slovenia, to reach Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula. With easy cycling and so much variety, this is the ultimate family adventure. Start off with a vaporetto ride in Venice before following the coastline to colourful towns and pretty piazzas, stopping off on route to swim in the Adriatic. As you ride across green plains and pedal towards the Julian Alps, you’ll pass blue lagoons and sparking rivers, Roman towns and historic fishing huts, plus one of Northern Italy’s most important archaeological ruins. Slovenia’s top beach resorts, historic salt mines and wildlife rich wetlands and something to look forward to towards the end of the tour and the Croatian town of Porec is a lively place to finish – don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to stay longer.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday):
Arrive in Mestre/Venice

Discover the beautiful city of Venice with its numerous canals, famous bridges and beautiful architecture.

Day 2 (Sunday):
Mestre/Venice - Jesolo/Caorle 25/37 miles (40/65 km)

After a short cycle, take the ferry and vaporetto, passing the famous Piazza San Marco. Reach the wide beach at Punta Sabbioni and cycle northwards along the Adriatic coast, stopping off for refreshments or a dip in the sea.

Day 3 (Monday):
Jesolo/Caorle - Portogruaro 44/25 miles (65/40 km)

Ride away from the sea and cycle north towards the Julian Alps. Pass historic fishermen’s huts and blue lagoons enclosed by earthen dikes. Reach the town of Portogruaro, home to glorious palaces.

Day 4 (Tuesday):
Portogruaro–Palmanova/Aquileia 37/43 miles (60/70 km)

Cycle across the plain of Friuli, passing canals and Roman towns. Ride to the city of Aquileia, where the Roman excavations here are one of the main archeological sites in Northern Italy. Alternatively, pedal to the city of Palmanova which, from above, resembles a 9-point star or on to the coastal lagoon of Grado.

Day 5 (Wednesday):
Palmanova/Aquileia -Trieste 43/31 miles (70/50 km)

Cross the River Isonzo at a World War I battleside and head back towards the sea to reach the Gulf of Trieste. Take your pick of places to stop at en route, such as the castles at Duino and Miramare or the beautiful bay at Sistiana. Spend the night near to the ancient port city of Trieste.

Day 6 (Thursday):
Trieste - Portorož 28 miles (45 km)

Cross the border into Slovenia and cycle through famous holiday resorts such as Koper and Piran. Arrive in Portorož, a town renowned for its spa and Adriatic beachfront.

Day 7 (Friday):
Portorož - Porec 34 miles (55 km)

Cycle southwards past the salt mines of Secovlje, a large Slovenian town with wildlife-rich wetlands. Cross into Croatia and cycle along the Istrian Peninsula to reach the tourist hotspot of Porec, with Gothic architecture and a UNESCO listed basilica.