Trans MTB Istria – Mountain Biking Magical Istrian Peninsula
CROATIA | CYCLING HOLIDAY | MOUNTAIN BIKING
1.495,00 €
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS
Trans Istria is Mountain biking tour on the Istrian peninsula – Croatia’s Little Tuscany. An amazing biking experience on the north Adriatic of Croatia with rides on enjoyable trails and famous gravel roads with local gourmet and untouched nature surpluses.
Istria – It’s often called Croatia’s Tuscany! The beautiful coastal part of Istria with numerous beaches and untouched inland with rich history and quality local produce are one of the reasons why Istria is ideal to escape from everyday life by riding a bike. Here people love truffly pasta dishes and just love their wine. Istrian bike trails with famous Parenzana gravel roads are even better than Istrian beaches. Riding along Istria’s many biking trails on Trans MTB Istria is an ideal way to get an up close and personal view of the magical peninsula of the most western part of Croatia.
Mountain biking tour Trans Istria is a result of an exploration and simple enjoyment of the magical Istrian peninsula by bike. The tour stretches from Savudrija, a small town located far west to Lovran on the eastern part of Istrian peninsula. This route connects Istria on the most beautiful single trails, gravel roads and well known stony paths. It offers the most amazing small towns and villages of the peninsula, brings you close to the locals and helps you discover the most beautiful hidden corners. Trans Mountain Biking Istria is one of the most beautiful biking adventures and a biking prestige.
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Activity: Mountain biking tour
- Type: Self guided tour | Guided tour
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Bike skill level: Intermediate++
- Bike fitness level: Level 4–5 (7 is max)
- Length: 297 km (49 km/day)
- Elevation: +4480 m (+748 m/day)
- Date: March 15th–November 15th
- Nearest airports: Trieste, Pula, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Venice.
- Start: Savudrija, Croatia
- End: Lovran, Croatia
- Day 1: Any day of the week.
- Accommodation:
- Small Hotels ***/****
- ---
- Price /self-guided tour: 1.495,00 eur
- Price /guided tour: 2.180,00 eur
Brief Itinerary
DAY 1 | SAVUDRIJA TO MOTOVUN MOUNTAIN BIKING
RIDE ON THE WELL-KNOWN PARENZANA TRAIL, THE ROUTE OF HEALTH AND FRIENDSHIP
- Introductory personal (face to face) meeting in Savudrija.
- Mountain biking on famous Parenzana trail: From Savudrija to Motovun via Buje and famous Grožnjan town.
- Accommodation in a hotel***/****, Motovun.
- 52 km | +690m | 4–5 hours
- Optional: single trail from Grožnjan town to Livade.
- Gravel road 75% | tarmac 15% | single trails 10%
DAY 2 | MOTOVUN TO ROVINJ MOUNTAIN BIKING
ESCAPE IN A BEAUTIFUL ISTRIA LANDSCAPE
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Mountain biking from Motovun to Rovinj.
- Accommodation in a hotel***, Rovinj.
- 64 km | +680m | 5–6 hours
- Single trails 15-18% | Gravel roads 65% | Tarmac 15-18%.
DAY 3 | ROVINJ TO PULA MOUNTAIN BIKING
TRUE ISTRIAN CHALLENGE RIDE
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Mountain biking from Rovinj to Bale-Vale and via/near famous Brijoni National Park to Pula.
- Optional: Visit Brijuni national Park by boat.
- Accommodation in a hotel***, Pula.
- 49 km | +630m | 4–5 hours
- Single trails 15% | Gravel road 60% | Tarmac 25%.
DAY 4 | PULA TO KRNICA VIA KAMENJAK NATURE PARK
GREAT RIDING
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Mountain biking from Pula to Krnica via Kamenjak Nature park and Medolin Adriatic Riviera,
- Accommodation in a hotel***, Krnica.
- 59 km | +890m | 5–6 hours
- Single trails 20% | Gravel road 60% | Tarmac 20%.
DAY 5 | KRNICA TO RABAC MOUNTAIN BIKING
MOUNTAIN BIKING ON THE FORGOTTEN REALM
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Mountain biking from Krnica to Rabac via Raša gulf and historic Labin town.
- Accommodation in a hotel***, Rabac.
- Option 1: 45 km | +820m | 4–5 hours
- Option 2: 54 km | +1.230m | 5–6 hours
- Single trails 15% | Gravel road 60% | Tarmac 25%.
DAY 6 | RABAC TO LOVRAN MOUNTAIN BIKING
WILD NATURAL ALLURE THAT INSPIRES
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Biking from Rabac to Lovran via Učka nature park
- Accommodation in a hotel***, Lovran.
- Option 1: 47 km | +1260m | 5–6 hours
- Option 1: 58 km | +1780m | 6–7 hours
- Single trails 20% | Gravel road 75% | Tarmac 10%.
DAY 7 | LOVRAN AND OPATIJA MOUNTAIN BIKING
THE PLACE OF VITALITY
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Optional: Transfer to the nearest airport or to Rijeka, Zagreb, Split …
- CONNECTING TOURS: Bikers can continue riding on the Trans MTB Croatia North tour and connect to Šibenik near Krka National Park. From there bikers can connect famous Trans MTB Croatia South from Split to Dubrovnik via Dalmatian Islands.
Why ride this tour?
- Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Istrian peninsula.
- Unique bike trails and well-known gravel roads.
- Ride on peaceful roads linking historic, hilltop villages and picturesque seaside towns.
- Beautiful coastal towns of Savudrija, Pula, Rovinj, Rabac and Lovran.
- Great riding and exploring everything you love about a pristine cycling journey.
- Visit the unspoiled Brijuni National Park–once the vacation spot for aristocrats of Yugoslavia.
- Ride on Kamenjak Nature Park – a biker’s paradise.
- Motovun – Experience a magical town, located on a hill above the Mirna valley.
- Stay in charming Mediterranean accommodations.
- Enjoy magical Istria – Taste the richness of Istrian culinary.
- Ride on the well-known Parenzana Trail, The Route of Health and Friendship.
- Taste the richness of Istria – “Croatia’s Little Tuscany”.
- Learn about Croatia’s wine growing industry and taste the latest vintages.
- Welcoming hosts and expert staff.
- Only the best cycling itinerary prepared by us – 25 years of experiences with events and tours in Croatia.
Why ride this tour?
- Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Istrian peninsula.
- Unique bike trails and well-known gravel roads.
- Ride on peaceful roads linking historic, hilltop villages and picturesque seaside towns.
- Beautiful coastal towns of Savudrija, Pula, Rovinj, Rabac and Lovran.
- Great riding and exploring everything you love about a pristine cycling journey.
- Visit the unspoiled Brijuni National Park–once the vacation spot for aristocrats of Jugoslavija.
- Ride on Kamenjak Nature Park – a very special area!
- Motovun – Experience a magical town, located on a hill above the Mirna valley.
- Stay in charming Mediterranean accommodations.
- Enjoy magical Istria – Taste the richness of Istrian culinary.
- Ride well-known Parenzana Trail, The Route of Health and Friendship.
- Taste the richness of Istria – “Croatia’s Little Tuscany”.
- Learn about Croatia’s wine growing industry and taste the latest vintages.
- Welcoming hosts and expert staff.
- Only the best cycling itinerary prepared by us – 25 years of experiences with events and tours in Croatia.
Pieces of your trip's magical mosaic
self-guided option
For surcharges, extras or any other wishes you might have, please contact us via email and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Included
- Full organization of the mountain biking tour.
- Introductory personal (face to face) briefing in Savudrija (morning) or day before (afternoon/evening).
- Self Guided LIFE BIKE Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions, tickets with timetables and details with all vouchers for accommodations, private transfers, ...
- Gps routes/tracks (all stages - all days).
- APP for navigation (login with phone or tablet) and phone holder.
- Emergency contact number and 24/7 support.
- Daily collaboration and tracking on the communication app - additional customer support.
- 6 nights in 3*/4* hotel accommodation with breakfast.
- All land luggage transfers according to the itinerary - Private luggage transfers from hotel to next accommodation.
- Tourist tax and VAT.
Not included
- Travel to Croatia (the start point of the tour).
- Food and drinks: all food and drinks, except breakfast.
- Items of personal nature.
- Travel Insurance.
- Bikes and bike equipment.
Surcharges
- High season (June 1st to Sept. 30th): 280 €/person
- Single room supplement: 480 €/person
- Solo traveler supplement: 880 €
Extras
Bike rental:
- Trek Marlin 7 or Canyon Grand Canyon: 30 €/day/bike
- Specialized Stumpjumper FSR - fully bike: 55 €/day/bike
- E-MTb Trek Powerfly 5: 45 €/day/bike
- E-MTb Trek Powerfly FS4 Fully: 50 €/day/bike
- E-MTb Fully - Specialized Vado fully: 60 €/day/bike
- Bikepacking seat bag (Ortlieb) or backpack (BD): 60 €/bike
- Mandatory surcharge in case of bike rental: Bike pick-up in Lovran - 250 €/group
* Bike rental includes: bike rental with helmet, lock, pump, spare tube, Squirt chain lube and repair kit + basic bike fitting.
Pieces of your trip's magical mosaic
guided option
For surcharges, extras or any other wishes you might have, please contact us via email and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Included
- Full organization of the mountain biking tour.
- Introductory briefing in Savudrija with guide on day 1.
- 6 nights in 3*/4* hotel accommodation with breakfast.
- All land luggage transfers according to the itinerary
- Luggage transfers between accommodations.
- Self Guided LIFE Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions, timetables and details with all vouchers for accommodations, transfers, ...
- GPS routes/tracks (all stages/all days).
- APP for navigation (login with phone or tablet) with phone holder.
- Emergency contact number and 24/7 support.
- Daily collaboration and tracking on the communication app - additional customer support.
Not included
- Travel to Croatia (the start point of the tour).
- Food and drinks: all food and drinks, except breakfast.
- Items of personal nature.
- Travel Insurance.
- Bikes and bike equipment.
Surcharges
- High season (June 1st to Sept. 30th): 280 €/person
- Single room supplement: 480 €/person
Extras
Bike rental:
- Trek Marlin 7 or Canyon Grand Canyon: 30 €/day/bike
- Specialized Stumpjumper FSR - fully bike: 50 €/day/bike
- e-MTb Trek Powerfly 5 | Trek Powerfly FS4: 45 €/day/bike
- e-MTB Fully - Specialized: 60 €/day/bike
- Bikepacking seat bag (Ortlieb) or backpack (BD): 50 €/bike/tour
- Bike pick-up in Lovran: 250,00 €/group
* Bike rental includes: bike rental with helmet, lock, pump, spare tube, Squirt chain lube and repair kit + basic bike fitting.
Experiencing Istria by Mountain Bike
Istria - It’s often called Croatia’s Tuscany! The beautiful coastal part of Istria with numerous beaches and untouched inland with rich history and with local produce are one of the reasons why Istria is ideal to escape from everyday life by riding bike. Here people loves truffly pasta dishes and has a wine obsession.
A mountain biking tour across Istria is a perfect blend of the region’s most stunning trails and remote gravel roads. This is a truly unique adventure, where riders get to experience the heart of the peninsula, known for its distinct red soil and rich local produce—olives, wine, honey—and the rugged Adriatic coastline. Well, not entirely rugged, but dynamic, full of hidden coves, charming seaside villages, and breathtaking beaches. For those who love remote trails, this tour is a true reward—offering incredible nature, picturesque villages, and authentic encounters with the warm-hearted locals, the Istrians.
Trans Mountain Biking Istria is not just a mountain biking tour—it’s an experience that engages all the senses. It’s a journey where you can savor incredible local cuisine, taste homegrown produce, visit traditional wine cellars, indulge in truffles from the Mirna Valley, or enjoy the freshest seafood straight from the Adriatic.
This tour also weaves together Istria’s charming stone villages into a stunning mosaic, immersing riders in the region’s deep history—from the iconic Roman amphitheater in Pula to hidden medieval towns. It’s a perfect adventure for mountain biking enthusiasts who crave more than just trails—those seeking an authentic connection with the local culture, rich traditions, and the stunningly diverse coastline of Istria..
Experiencing Istria by Mountain Bike
Istria - It’s often called Croatia’s Tuscany! The beautiful coastal part of Istria with numerous beaches and untouched inland with rich history and with local produce are one of the reasons why Istria is ideal to escape from everyday life by riding bike. Here people loves truffly pasta dishes and has a wine obsession.
A mountain biking tour across Istria is a perfect blend of the region’s most stunning trails and remote gravel roads. This is a truly unique adventure, where riders get to experience the heart of the peninsula, known for its distinct red soil and rich local produce—olives, wine, honey—and the rugged Adriatic coastline. Well, not entirely rugged, but dynamic, full of hidden coves, charming seaside villages, and breathtaking beaches. For those who love remote trails, this tour is a true reward—offering incredible nature, picturesque villages, and authentic encounters with the warm-hearted locals, the Istrians.
Trans Mountain Biking Istria is not just a mountain biking tour—it’s an experience that engages all the senses. It’s a journey where you can savor incredible local cuisine, taste homegrown produce, visit traditional wine cellars, indulge in truffles from the Mirna Valley, or enjoy the freshest seafood straight from the Adriatic.
This tour also weaves together Istria’s charming stone villages into a stunning mosaic, immersing riders in the region’s deep history—from the iconic Roman amphitheater in Pula to hidden medieval towns. It’s a perfect adventure for mountain biking enthusiasts who crave more than just trails—those seeking an authentic connection with the local culture, rich traditions, and the stunningly diverse coastline of Istria.
At LIFE Croatia we specialise in designing epic bike tours. We are committed to seeking out the very best in everything we do for our guests. This exceptional tour was designed with the goal of offering mountain bikers the perfect combination of outstanding riding, rich local experiences, and an authentic connection with the landscape. It’s not just about the trails—it’s about immersing yourself in the culture, savoring local specialties, and exploring the stunning scenery that makes Istria so unique.
Matey Mejovsek
LAJF d.o.o.
Biking Lifestyle in Croatia
Every company needs a responsible person behind the scenes. Every cycling tour needs a person who knows the destination, who knows more about cycling, who is also a passionate cyclist and dedicated to bike riding. Matey, who has been working in cycling for two decades, is there for you and with you on your cycling, mountain biking or bikepacking tour. He has excellent knowledge of destinations in Croatia and elsewhere in the West Balkans.
He has cycled through nearly all of the Croatian islands, covering over 1,000 kilometers of mountain biking routes that connect the islands with the Adriatic Coast. He has developed several dozen different programs for road cycling groups, including themed cycling tours with an emphasis on local cuisine and other delights. He loves riding his bike from the north of Istria to Dubrovnik and beyond.
Matey is the creator of the following cycling events: Human Fish Gravel, Women Ride Together Day, Gravel Epic, No Borders Bikepacking, Trans Balkan, Trans MTB Croatia, Trans MTB Istria ... and a creator of more than 100 cycling routes, products and programs. He is here mainly for you, to offer advice, to brief you before the tour and to be, with the rest of Life Croatia team, the greatest possible help to you and your fellow travellers on your biking tour. Welcome!
Biking Lifestyle in Croatia
Every company needs a responsible person behind the scenes. Every cycling tour needs a person who knows the destination, who knows more about cycling, who is also a passionate cyclist and dedicated to bike riding. Matey, who has been working in cycling for two decades, is there for you and with you on your cycling, mountain biking or bikepacking tour. He has excellent knowledge of destinations in Croatia and elsewhere in the West Balkans.
He has cycled through nearly all of the Croatian islands, covering over 1,000 kilometers of mountain biking routes that connect the islands with the Adriatic Coast. He has developed several dozen different programs for road cycling groups, including themed cycling tours with an emphasis on local cuisine and other delights. He loves riding his bike from the north of Istria to Dubrovnik and beyond.
Matey is the creator of the following cycling events: Human Fish Gravel, Women Ride Together Day, Gravel Epic, No Borders Bikepacking, Trans Balkan, Trans MTB Croatia, Trans MTB Istria ... and a creator of more than 100 cycling routes, products and programs. He is here mainly for you, to offer advice, to brief you before the tour and to be, with the rest of Life Croatia team, the greatest possible help to you and your fellow travellers on your biking tour. Welcome!
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