Cycle the Wine Roads of Istria

Sensational sights, delicious food and seductive wines have long been entwined as a winning combination, but there are few places that do it better than the magical land of Istria. This Croatian peninsula is best explored at a leisurely pace and riding it by bike ticks this box. It’ll allow you time to savor the vistas, smells, sounds, but most importantly, the tastes on this gourmet cycling adventure.

Accompanied by local and knowledgeable guides, you’ll ride through the peninsula with historic hotspots peering around every corner in hidden medieval towns such Zminj and Motovun, while the coast acts as a gentle and soothing companion at various stages. However, it is the wine element to this tour that sets it apart. On the first day of cycling, leave Buje’s picturesque streets and cycle to the historic town of Umag. It is here where you get your first supple of the indigenous wines from the grape and wine varieties of Malvasia, Muscat and Teran.   

But this wondrous land also packs in a delectable cuisine as evidenced when you visit a world famous olive oil producer to learn about the process and taste the beautiful variations. These ‘hands-on-food’ experiences continue to flow, such as when you stop to devour local truffles in Livade or taste the freshest seafood in Rovinj. In between so many tasty stops the cycling is breezy when you are surrounded by such incredible nature and sights.

Sounds are also a key element not to be missed on this trip and this is strikingly obvious in the medieval town of Grožnjan. Known as ‘The City of Artists’ due to its numerous galleries and art studios, the noise of jazz and classical music drifts through its delightful streets.

The final stop will be at the largest Istrian city of Pula. This coastal area is a dream to explore with its towering Roman Amphitheatre contrasting the quiet beach and protected harbor. It sums up the mixture of beauty that is Istria and makes this journey such a mesmerizing experience.