Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure through the heart of the ancient Venetian Empire, traversing Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. Begin your journey in the enchanting city of Venice, where you'll explore its historic charm before cycling along the stunning Adriatic coast. Cross two European borders, discovering the rich history of the Venetian Republic as you visit iconic sites like Duino's castles and the Sistiana bay. Experience the serene beauty of the Isonzo River and the Gulf of Trieste, and unwind in the Slovenian spa town of Portorož. Conclude your tour in Porec, Croatia, home to the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in 3-star hotels, with luggage transfers and a digital navigation pack to guide your self-paced exploration. This tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal choice for cycling enthusiasts seeking a unique European adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Mestre/Venice
Location: Mestre, Venice
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Make your own way to Mestre on the mainland of Venice. From here it is easy to venture into the famous canal city on foot. The city of Venice will captivate you with its splendour and history.On arrival at your hotel you will find your luggage labels and ferry ticket.On the morning of day 2 you will collect your rental bike. Note that bikes, like cars, are not allowed on Venice island, including when pushed by hand. By bike it is only possible to reach Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto or the train station Santa Lucia. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Ferry to Punta Sabbioni, cycle to Caorle or surrounds (40 or 65km/25 or 40mi)
Location: Tronchetto Island, Lido, Piazza San Marco, Punta Sabbioni, Jesolo, Caorle
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you collect your bike, then after a short ride across the bridge to Tronchetto island you take the ferry to the island of Lido, passing in front of Piazza San Marco. From Lido another ferry (or motorboat, dependent on the date of travel) will take you to Punta Sabbioni, the southern-most area of the Adriatic coast, which is north of Venice. From here you cycle along the stunning sea coast, with various opportunities for a refreshing swim in the sea. Stay overnight in a town along this famous coastline, eg Jesolo or Caorle.Transfer by boat: takes approx 1 hour. Note: on public transport, it is up to the conductor whether bikes are accepted on board - it may happen that you have to wait for the next ferry.Elevation +85m/278ft, -80m/262ft
Day 3 : Head north towards the Julian Alps to Portogruaro (60 or 35km/37 or 21.8mi)
Location: Julian Alps, Portogruaro
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving the sea behind you head north towards the Julian Alps. The route follows quiet country roads, traversing a land that is rich in water. You will be passing through an area with a multitude of 'Valli da pesca' (stretches of lagoon enclosed by earthen dikes where extensive fish farming is practised) and 'casoni' (constructions used by fisherman in the past during fishing season). There is a small section (1.8km) along a dirt road near the village of Torre di Mosto. Continue to the town of Portogruaro, one of the main centres during the 'Serenissima Republic of Venice' period and still impressive today with its glorious 'palazzi'.
Elevation +0m/0ft
Day 4 : Cycle by ancient roman towns to Aquileia (70km/43.5mi)
Location: San Michele al Tagliamento, Precenicco, Cervignano del Friuli, Aquileia
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You will continue eastward, traversing the countryside and small villages as far as the city San Michele and the Tagliamento river: its peaceful course marks the border between the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. Take a break in the beautiful ancient village of Precenicco then will cross the pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Stella river and continue towards the coast of the Adriatic Sea. You will find a short section of unpaved road at the Palmanova exit and need to pay attention to the traffic in crossing Cervignano del Friuli. Overnight Aquileia.
You can shorten the stage by about 20km/12.5mi by catching the train from Portogruaro to Latisana.
Elevation +30m/98ft
Day 5 : Cross the river Isonzo and cycle towards the Gulf of Trieste (55km/34mi)
Location: Isonzo River, Duino, Sistiana, Miramare Castle, Trieste, Grado
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you cross the Isonzo (Soca) river, the scene of important battles during the First World War, before heading towards the sea: the Gulf of Trieste awaits you with many possible stops along the way. Visit Duino with its two castles, Sistiana with its characteristic bay, and Miramare with its white castle built according to the wishes of Maximilian I of Augsburg, situated in a beautiful park of more than 20 hectares. A few kilometres further is Trieste, once the only sea port of the Hapsburg Empire. Trieste has a lot to offer in the way of attractions.
It is possible to shorten the cycle by about 30km/18.5mi with a train transfer from Monfalcone to Trieste. This also avoids the quite busy 'Strada Statale 14'. Or you can cycle a longer version (extra 24km) and discover Grado in the Marano lagoon, an ancient fishing village with an historic centre.
Elevation +420m/1378ft
Day 6 : Cycle across the Slovenian border to the spa town of Portorož (45km/28mi)
Location: Trieste, Koper, Piran, Portorož
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a more demanding stage than the preceding days. Leaving Trieste, you will face some short but demanding ascents and ride through some stretches of moderate traffic. After a few kilometres the Porec cycle path starts in Rabuiese right before the Italian-Slovene border. The remaining part of the route is often on cycling paths through famous holiday resorts such as Koper, first for a long time a Venetian and then an Austrian town, and Piran, another important centre which was ruled for a long time by Venice. The terrain is a little hilly and there's a 2km ascent to reach Piran. You will finally arrive in Portorož, renowned for its spa and bathing facilities.
Elevation +470/1542ft
Day 7 : Continue to Secovlje, cross the Croatian border to Porec (55km/34mi)
Location: Secovlje, Istria, Porec, Euphrasian Basilica
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's cycle takes you south through the salt mines of Secovlje, a large Slovenian town with a humid environment and a key area for ornithology. To reach the lagoon of Secovlje you have a steep downhill on a dirt road. Cross the Croatian border at Istria, the Adriatic Sea's largest peninsula, where the terrain becomes hilly, with small villages and vast forests. Your destination is Porec, the tourism capital of Croatia. We recommend visiting the UNESCO World Heritage listed Euphrasian Basilica complex, dating from the 6th-century and famous for its Byzantine mosaics.
Elevation +470m/1542ft
Day 8 : Trip concludes
Location: Porec, Venice, Trieste, Pula
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast the trip concludes in Porec. It's possible to return to Venice by ferry or van - please ask for our rates (vary by service and season) - must be requested at time of booking.Ferry transfer details: Porec harbour to Venice (San Basilio). Only for passengers, no bikes. Boarding is at 6-7 am, departs at around 7-8 am, travel time is approx. 4-5 hours. If the ferry is not available the service will be replaced by a land transfer.Van transfer details: from Porec to Venice airport or a hotel in Mestre (departs 8.30am, journey time approx 3.5hrs). Also possible: from Porec to Trieste or Pula - please ask our team.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 3 star hotel -
7 breakfasts
Varied buffet breakfasts are served.
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7 nights accommodation
Accommodation in 3-star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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Digital information pack
Includes route notes, maps, and a navigational app with GPS tracks.
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Luggage transfers
One piece of luggage per person, maximum 20kg.
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Rental touring bike
Includes helmet, pannier, puncture-resistant tyres, and gel saddle.
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Bike insurance
Insurance against theft and damage.
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Day 2 boat transfers
Boat transfers to leave Venice by ferry or motorboat.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline for assistance.
What's Not Included
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Travel to Mestre/Venice and from Porec
Transport to the starting point in Mestre/Venice and from the endpoint in Porec is not included.
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Meals not listed as included
Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday; no guide is provided.
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Single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you are booking a single room.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees not listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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Excess luggage
A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Handlebar phone holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app/GPX files.
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Venice Access Fee
Effective from Spring 2024 (approx. 5 EUR/day, if applicable) to be paid on site.
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Hotel taxes
Hotel taxes (allow EUR 13-18 per person, payable locally) are not included.
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Optional transfer from Porec to Venice
Available by ferry or coach (early and late in the season). Must be requested at the time of booking. Please ask for rates.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels, primarily located in historic centers, with options along the coast in Caorle. All rooms feature en suite facilities, and Category A hotels offer air conditioning. Accommodations are selected for comfort and proximity to cycling paths and local attractions.
Grading
GRADE 2 - daily cycles are approx. 40 to 70km/25 to 43.5mi. This is a popular area so we have a range of hotels - on some days this may alter the distances cycled and the towns you sleep in. Where a route may be longer or shorter on one day, the distance will be adjusted the following day so you will still cover the same route. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a reasonable level of cycling fitness to participate fully in this adventure. The first three days are mainly on flat roads, across the Veneto and Friuli plain, while the last three stages are slightly hillier. You need only carry your camera and water bottle as your luggage is transported for you between hotels. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. ...more ...less
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Transport includes ferry and vaporetto transfers from Tronchetto to Lido and Punta Sabbioni, with cycling along the Adriatic coast. Optional transfer from Porec to Venice by ferry or coach is available at the end of the tour.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels, primarily located in historic centers, with options along the coast in Caorle. All rooms feature en suite facilities, and Category A hotels offer air conditioning. Accommodations are selected for comfort and proximity to cycling paths and local attractions. ...more ...less
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What kind of support is available if I encounter issues during the tour?
An emergency hotline is available for support during the tour. Additionally, a digital information pack including route notes, maps, and a navigational app with GPS tracks is provided to assist you.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 varied buffet breakfasts. Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.
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What kind of cycling equipment is provided?
A rental touring bike with a helmet, pannier, puncture-resistant tyres, and a gel saddle is provided. Electric and hybrid bikes are available on request for a supplement, and a tandem bike is also available on request.
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Is luggage transport provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfers are included, with a maximum of one piece weighing up to 20kg per person. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?
The tour is graded as level 2, with daily cycles ranging from approximately 40 to 70 km. The first three days are mainly on flat roads, while the last three stages are slightly hillier. A reasonable level of cycling fitness is required.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour and is not included in the package.
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Can I return to Venice after the tour concludes in Porec?
Yes, it is possible to return to Venice by ferry or van. This must be requested at the time of booking, and rates vary by service and season.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike
8 Days Starting in Venice, Italy and ending in Porec, Croatia
Visiting: Mestre, Venice, Tronchetto Island, Lido, Piazza San Marco, Punta Sabbioni, Jesolo, Caorle, Julian Alps, Portogruaro, San Michele al Tagliamento, Precenicco, Cervignano del Friuli, Aquileia, Isonzo River, Duino, Sistiana, Miramare Castle, Trieste, Grado, Koper, Piran, Portorož, Secovlje, Istria, Porec, Euphrasian Basilica, Pula ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AVE
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
