Overview

Welcome to your gravel cycling vacation in Croatia! Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the main entrance of the Trieste Central Station in Italy at 9:00 AM. From there, a private shuttle—just over an hour—will take you across the border into Istria to the ride start in Poreč. After a brief round of introductions, your guides will fit you to your Trek Checkpoint gravel bike and go over safety, logistics, and the plan for the week ahead. Then it’s time to hit the trail. Today’s ride starts at the beginning of the Parenzana, a historic rail line turned gravel route that winds through olive groves and vineyards. A stop at a local café offers the chance to refuel with a little caffeine before you ascend into the hilltop village of Motovun. After checking into the hotel, regroup for a welcome drink and your first dinner together in this charming medieval town.

Overview

Wake up to sweeping views of Istrian vineyards and the distant shimmer of the Adriatic. After breakfast, hop back on the Parenzana trail and warm up your legs on quiet secondary roads before rejoining hard-packed gravel. Pause for a mid-morning coffee before a short climb leads you to Završje, a hilltop village with cobbled Romanesque streets, a historic castle, and the weathered ruins of ancient churches. From here, enjoy the best of the original railway line—smooth, gradual grades winding through tunnels, over stone bridges, and alongside remnants of aqueducts built to maintain flow through the hills. Your ride ends back in Motovun, where we’ll gather for a bistro lunch. This afternoon is yours to explore the artisan shops or simply relax before we come together again for a wine tasting at the hotel. Afterwards, enjoy dinner on your own—either dine at the hotel or take a shuttle into town to try one of its inviting restaurants.

Overview

Today’s point-to-point ride takes us from Motovun to the hilltop town of Buje. We’ll start by retracing yesterday’s most scenic stretches of the Parenzana trail. A stop in the artist enclave of Grožnjan offers time to browse galleries or pick up local truffle products and regional wine—don’t worry, our support van will carry any treasures you find! Back on the trail, we’ll pass old railway stations and weathered landmarks that echo the route’s past life as a narrow-gauge rail line. We’ll pause for a late lunch at Osteria Rondo, known for its excellent local wine and seasonal fare. From here, enjoy a final stretch of hard-packed gravel—or hop in the van for a lift to Villa San Servolo. This evening, we’ll gather for a casual dinner on-site and toast to another rewarding ride.

Overview

Istria has a distinctly Mediterranean feel and this trip wouldn't be complete if we did not head for the coast! We’ll follow the final stretch of the Parenzana trail toward the Slovenian border, where expansive views of the Adriatic accompany you no matter which route you choose. The gravel is smooth and fast—a welcome shift on your fourth day in the saddle. Stop to snap a few photos, then enjoy lunch at your leisure—whether poolside at the hotel or in a nearby seaside village. This afternoon is yours to unwind, maybe with a massage or a dip in the sea. We’ll come together this evening for social hour and a final celebratory dinner at a rustic, family-owned restaurant run by the same chef for over 70 years. Get ready—your tastebuds are about to sing.

Overview

It’s time for one last ride to cap off an incredible week. After breakfast, we’ll ease into the day with a scenic spin featuring mostly paved roads to shake out your legs after a great week on gravel! Ride through rolling vineyards before a steady climb up to the historic Momjan Castle, then enjoy a final descent on smooth pavement back to the hotel. Your guides will collect any personal items from your bike while you shower and pack. After saying farewell, you'll take a private shuttle—about an hour and 15 minutes—to the Trieste Airport.