Arrive in the enchanting region of Buje and settle in to your hotel, your home for the next three nights. Depending on the time of your arrival, you might enjoy a stroll to the old town centre of Buje, the region's principal town. Perched atop a small hill this is a perfect place to tune in to your surroundings thanks to the beautiful views over the local countryside. Take a walk around the old town walls, stroll through inviting streets admiring the Venetian architecture, and visit the main square where you will find the 18th-century St Servulus Church and bell tower - one of the town's most iconic sights. You can climb the bell tower and, if it is clear, you will see why this humble town was nicknamed 'The Watchman of Istria' as you take in the far-reaching views across Istria to Pula in the south and to Slovenia, Italy, and Austria in the north. Soak up authentic Istrian life over a coffee in a small cafe or dine at one of the local restaurants. This evening our representative will meet you at your hotel to fit you up with your bike and answer any questions you may have about your route for the week - then you will be ready to set off on your cycling adventures in the morning.

You begin your first ride on a lovely downhill route towards the coast on the northernmost point of the Istrian peninsula, passing Savudrija lighthouse, which according to legend, was built in 1818 by Count Metternich of Austrian as a symbol of his love for a beautiful Croatian noblewoman that he met at a ball in Vienna. This is Croatia's oldest lighthouse, and one of the oldest in the entire Adriatic. Following the stunning coastline south, you cycle your way to Umag where you can enjoy the Mediterranean with a different twist. The town has an interesting past, having been founded by a Roman nobleman who chose to make it his summer residence, and you can still feel touches of opulence and glamour as you cycle past the Venetian houses as you explore the compact old town. Perhaps take a break here to enjoy freshly caught seafood at one of the harbour restaurants before continuing your ride through the vineyards and olive groves that are typical of west Istrian landscape as you make your way back to your accommodation. You might even decide to take a break at a wine cellar along the way to sample the region's excellent Muscat or Malvasia.

Today you will ride into the south of Buje, immersed amongst the many vineyards and olive groves Istria's beautiful interior. Your first goal is the small town of Brtonigla, a sleepy town with 15th-century churches and monasteries that leaps to life for a few days each August for the St Roch Fest - a feast held to celebrate St Roch, the town's patron saint. Leaving Brtonigla behind, you cycle through more vineyards and olive groves until you reach Novigrad where you can visit an olive oil producer and taste some of the best local olive oils. You will then cycle onwards through the charming seaside towns of Dajla and Karigador before arriving at Lovrecica with its Riviera vibe - the perfect place to stop for coffee and enjoy the lovely beaches. It is then time to head inland once more, riding through small villages with traditional Istrian houses along the way. Returning to Buje you can relax after a great ride and in the evening enjoy dinner in one of the welcoming local restaurants. ST. ROCH'S FEST: Each year in mid-August, the villagers of Brtonigla hold a three-day celebration of the town's patron, St Roch. The celebrations include an eccentric Balinjerada contest where locals build non-motorised carts and race them down the hill at lightning speed, hold the annual donkey race, and celebrate late into the night.

On today's ride, you will first pedal your way to the hill top town of Groznjan, and as you get closer you will no doubt hear echoes of music from its streets. Known as the 'town of artists', this small Istrian town transforms in May each year when its little streets and squares become a beehive of artistic flare. Summer music academies open and almost every door leads to an art studio or gallery. This is certainly a place to stop for a morning coffee, soak up the atmosphere, and get lost in its creative alleyways. When you are suitably inspired, you can hop back on your bike and continue your ride along quiet Istrian roads to Oprtalj. Unchanged by urban development, this medieval treasure is said to be one of the most picturesque towns in Istria. Visit the huge Venetian Loggia for a marvellous view over the peninsula before you pedal on to Livade, the truffle centre of Istria, where you can enjoy tasting this luxurious delicacy before reaching your final goal, Motovun, perched above the Mirna River, your home for tonight.

Hopping on your bike you will first come to the historical town of Visnjan, steeped in legend. Take time to go beyond the town gate, complete with a watchful Venetian lion, to discover the stories for yourself. Meander through the cobbled streets, observe the Gothic chapel of St Anthony and enjoy the views to the coast including your goal for today - Porec. You continue your ride towards the coast, making your way through vineyards, with multiple wine cellars along the way to stop, learn and sample the lovely Malvasia produced in the region. You soon reach the delightful little village of Tar, situated on a green plateau where olive trees thrive and from where you can be rewarded with views across the Adriatic to the Alps and Venice on a clear day. Continuing, you pass through several small villages before arriving in Porec, frequently named Croatia's top coastal resort by the Croatian National Tourist Office. End you day with dinner in one of the seafront restaurants savouring freshly caught seafood with a glass of wine from the vineyards you have cycled through today.

We recommend taking time to explore Porec before your ride today - after all, the town has been named Croatia's top coastal resort for good reason. Situated on a peninsula, the town was once enclosed by defensive walls and towers, and today its historic landmarks are both beautiful and fascinating. Visit the UNESCO Euphrasian Basilica, built in the 6th century, and admire its spectacular classical and Byzantine architecture. Then, hopping onto your bike, you head off on a circular ride that begins with an ascent to the high point of today, the village of Bacva with its expansive views over Istria and home to a lovely little restaurant serving traditional fare - the perfect reward for your pedalling! From here your route is largely downhill as you make your way to the coastal town of Vrsar where you are greeted with commanding views along the coastline. With the town's fantastic vantage point it is hardly surprising that it has played an important role in the region's defences throughout the centuries. We recommend taking the time to visit the fortress-castle, used as the summer residence of the Porec bishops. Leaving Vrsar you hug the coastline north back to Porec, making your way through the small relaxed seaside resorts of Funtana and Laguna where you might decide to pause on one of the sandy beaches or even take a drink or enjoy dinner in one of the many inviting restaurants before making your way back to Porec.

Your final day of cycling in this magical region begins with either a challenging ride (adding an additional 34km and 680m ascent) or a vehicle transfer to the village of Kanfanar, depending on how energetic you are feeling. Nestled above the Lim Channel - a sunken karst valley some 10km long, 600m wide, and with canyon sides up to 150m high in places - Kanfanar assumes a strategic position. The town is steeped in the legend of Captain Morgan's lost - or hidden? - treasure, and is home to the ruins of Dvigrad, the remains of a medieval fortified town giving you an excellent insight into how these fortifications worked in times gone by. From here your route is fairly flat as you pass by rural Istrian villages and kazun (traditional round dry-stone huts used as shelters by peasant farmers for hundreds of years) to reach Bale, a delightful hilltop village. At its heart, you will find the Soardo-Bembo Castle with its splendid Gothic-Renaissance exterior. The village produces award-winning olive oils, so a tasting here is a must! Pedalling on, you make your way past Palud bird reserve to which you might want to take a detour - entry is free. Further along your route you might decide to turn off and visit the Bronze Age hill-town of Monkodonja before pedalling on towards your final goal of the week, Rovinj, dubbed the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. As you approach, you will see Rovinj's recognizable church and bell-tower sat proudly upon the hill beside the sea. The town very much retains an Italian feel with its traditional little batana fishing boats sailing by, plenty of seafood restaurants, and an abundance of Venetian and Baroque architecture. Wander through the narrow winding streets of the old town, enjoy dining at one of the excellent harbour restaurants, and make a toast to a fantastic week of cycling. LONGER ROUTE WITHOUT VEHICLE TRANSFER: 66km / 860m ascent / 855m descent SHORTER ROUTE WITH VEHICLE TRANSFER: 32km / 180m ascent / 455m descent BALE JAZZ FESTIVAL: in August each year musicians from around the world come together to play at a 4-day festival, with live concerts often held in the town's main square.

Relax over breakfast and perhaps do a final bit of exploring in Rovinj before making your onward journey. With so much to enjoy about Rovinj we recommend booking additional nights' accommodation so you can linger a little longer in your Istrian dream - please ask our Sales Team for more information.