Internationale groepsreis Cycling the Adriatic Coast: Istria and the mountains

Before dinner, we will embark on a guided tour of the capital with a local guide. Tonight we will head out for the first group meal, tasting the traditional cuisine of north-west Croatia which is influenced by the country's Austrian and Hungarian neighbours that ruled Croatia from the 12th-20th Century (with a brief period of Napoleonic rule). After dinner, enjoy a stroll through the 900 year old streets of the Old Town of Zagreb. *Hotel Central, Zagreb *

In the morning we transfer to Vinica, a small town in Slovenia, to start the first day cycling along the Kupa River.  We enjoy an amazing ride through the rural areas of Slovenian Kupa regional park passing lively and colourful villages and enjoying the peaceful road that winds along the banks of the river. We cycle deep into the canyon that Kupa has carved through the Gorski Kotar mountain region and end this meditative cycling day in Osilnica, a small Slovenian town on the border, near the Croatian National Park Risnjak. Dinner is included at the hotel, during which you will sample traditional dishes from the area (we recommend their exquisite mushroom soup, if available). *Hotel Kovac or similar, Osilnica*

After breakfast, there is a short morning transfer to the town of Fuzine, in the Gorski Kotar region of Croatia. Getting on the bikes we have an exciting descent from the mountainous Fuzine area all the way to the Adriatic Sea with amazing views of the coastline, the islands of the North Adriatic and Kvarner Bay. Our cycling finishes in front of the impressive Krk Bridge where we stop for a photo opportunity. We then board our minibus for a short transfer to the town of Krk, on the south-west coast of Krk island. *Hotel Bor or similar, Krk*

Today we explore Krk island with a short visit to the small town of Vrbnik. We will be cycling through the numerous vineyards famous for the local white wine called Vrbnička Žlahtina. There is the possibility for a short wine tasting just after visiting Vrbnik. We will then continue our ride back towards the town of Krk via Punat. During the day we learn about the island’s history and geography, as well as its agricultural riches. There will be plenty of time to explore the small streets of Krk, and enjoy a coffee, light lunch, ice-cream or a swim. *Hotel Bor or similar, Krk *

After enjoying the lush scenery and traditional life of the Kupa River Valley and having traversed Krk island, today we embark on a new adventure, a three-day road cycle through Istria. Istria is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea and is an enchanting region that spreads across the western tip of Croatia, southern Slovenia and also shares a maritime border with Italy. Starting with a transfer to Ucka Mountain we enjoy an amazing descent from Poklon pass (922m), amazing views of rural Istria open up before us while we cycle down towards Mirna river valley. From there, we continue through green eastern Istria towards Pazin town. From here there is an optional transfer or cycle ride to the romantic, medieval city, Motovun. It sits on top of a hill, overlooking the Mirna River Valley and offers excellent views from the ramparts. Here we will have a chance to taste some of the truffle and olive oil products from the region. Late afternoon, we transfer to Vrsar, a small pleasant town on the eastern banks of the Istrian peninsula where we spend the next three nights. *Hotel Vista or similar, Vrsar*

We start our circular cycling tour this morning connecting the beautiful Visnjan and the historic town of Porec. On our return to Porec there is the option of a guided tour around the Old Town of Porec including a visit to the Euphrasian Basilica – a UNESCO world heritage site dating from 6th Century. After the tour the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore Porec before cycling back to Vrsar.  *Hotel Vista or similar, Vrsar*  

This morning we transfer to one of the old towns of central south Istria. The ride today leads us to Rovinj, a romantic art town boasting hidden stone cobbled streets and squares, beautiful old churches and medieval architecture of the Adriatic area. Free visit to the Old Town. After Rovinj we take a transfer to Pula, home of one of the biggest and best-preserved Roman Amphitheatres in Europe. Visit of the arena and the Old Town. Afternoon transfer back to Vrsar and optional farewell dinner in a local restaurant.  *Hotel Vista or similar, Vrsar*

After breakfast, the tour ends in Vrsar. For those on the group flight, we have an early start. Following breakfast, we have a long transfer back to Zagreb (3.5hr).