Arrive in the enchanting region of Buje and settle into your hotel. Depending on the time of your arrival, take time to explore the stunning hill top of Buje, take a walk along the town walls, and discover the striking medieval tower. You will soon see why this humble town was nicknamed the 'watchman of Istria, as you take in its far-reaching views of the landscape between Pula in the south and Trieste in Italy to the north. Stroll through the towns inviting streets, filled with Venetian architecture, and soak in the authentic Istrian life over a coffee in one of the small cafes. In the evening, a representative will meet you at your hotel to fit you for your bikes and answer any questions you may have about your route for the week.

Your first ride begins with a lovely downhill ride towards the coast on the northernmost point of the Istrian peninsula, passing Savudrija lighthouse, which according to legend, was built by Count Metternich as a love nest in 1818. Following the beautiful coastline south, you cycle your way to Umag to enjoy the Mediterranean with a different feel. The town has an interesting past for you to explore. It was founded by a Roman nobleman, who chose to make it his summer residence, and you will be able to soak up the town's opulence and glamour as you cycle past the Venetian houses of the old town. Take time to explore Umag's compact old town and perhaps enjoy freshly caught seafood at one of the harbour restaurants before continuing your ride through vineyards and olive groves towards Buje. We recommend stopping off at a wine cellar along your way to sample the region's Muscat or Malvazija.

Today's ride takes you to the south of Buje through Istria's beautiful interior with its many vineyards and olive groves. Your first goal of the day is the small town of Brtonigla, a sleepy town that comes alive each August with its St. Roch fest. If you are inclined, today is the day you can get in touch with your inner child and visit the nearby Aquapark Istralandia for some fun in the pool before pedalling on to the coast. Leaving Brtonigla behind you cycle to the charming seaside towns of Dajla and Karigador and Lovrecica with a Riviera feel providing the perfect place to stop for coffee and enjoy the lovely beaches before heading inland once more. 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 FEAST: 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 an annual donkey race and celebrate late into the night.

Your ride today first takes you to the hill top town of Groznjan, as you pedal nearer you will no doubt hear the echoes of music from its streets. Known as the 'town of artists', this small Istrian town transforms in May each year when the 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 artistic 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. Take a visit to the huge Venetian loggia for a unique 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.

Hopping on your bike your route will first take you 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 and your final 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 Malvasia produced in the region. You soon reach the lovely village of Tar, 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, named Croatia's top coastal resort by the Croatian National Tourist Office. End you day with a dinner in one of the seafront restaurants feasting on freshly caught seafood with a glass of wine from the vineyards you have cycled through today.

We recommend taking time to explore Porec before today's ride; after all, the town has not been named top coastal resort without reason. Situated on the peninsula, the town was once encircled by defensive walls and towers, though today the historic landmarks are preserved for tourists. Visit the UNESCO Euphrasian Basilica, built in the 6th Century its classical and Byzantine architecture are spectacular.

Hopping on two wheels your route begins with an ascent to the high point of toady, the village of Bacva for lovely views over Istria and home to a lovely little restaurant serving traditional fare. The perfect reward for your hard work! From here your route is largely downhill as you make your way back to the coastal town of Vrsar where you are greeted with commanding views along the coastline. With the town's fantastic viewpoint it is hardly surprising that it has played an important role in the regions defences through 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 traditional fishing village of Funtana.

Your final day of cycling in this magical region begins with either a challenging ride (adding an additional 34km and 525m ascent) or a transfer to the village of Kanfanar depending on how energetic you are feeling. Nestled above the Lim valley, Kanfanar has a strategic position and is home to the ruins of Dvigrad, a medieval fortified town which holds legends of Captain Morgan's lost treasure. From here your route is fairly flat as you pass by rural Istrian villages and traditional kazun (native Istrian round houses) 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!

Cycling on, you make your way past Palud bird reserve towards your final goal of the week- Rovinj, dubbed the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. Approaching 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 batana boats sailing by, plenty of seafood restaurants and an abundance of Venetian and lavish Baroque architecture. Take time to wander through the narrow winding streets of the old town, enjoy dining at the harbour and toast to a fantastic week of cycling.

BALE JAZZ FESTIVAL: in August each year musicians from around the world come to play at a 4 day festival with live concerts often held in the town's main square.

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and perhaps a final explore of Rovinj before making your onward journey. Although, with so much to enjoy about Rovinj we recommend booking additional nights' accommodation so you can linger a little longer in this Istrian dream.