Venice to Porec

Arrive in Mestre (the mainland of Venice). The city of Venice will captivate you with its splendour, grand palaces, beautiful Basilicas, St Mark’s Square, hidden corners, and bustling restaurants. Make sure to allow plenty of time to explore. 

After taking delivery of the bikes this morning at your hotel, it's time to leave Mestre to cycle the first few kilometres, to Tronchetto Island before taking to the Venetian waterways. First taking the ferry and then the vaporetto, passing in front of Piazza San Marco, to reach Punta Sabbioni, the southernmost point of the Adriatic coast, located to the north of Venice.

From here, it’s a wonderful easy, flat cycle north eastwards along the beaches of the Adriatic coast. There are numerous opportunities to relax and swim, so be sure to pack swim gear and a picnic lunch. 

Ascent/Descent: 17m/21m (56ft/69ft)

This morning the route heads north towards the Julian Alps, leaving the sea behind. Travelling along quiet country roads, 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 fishermen in the past during the fishing season).

The next stop is the town of Portogruaro, one of the main centres in the period of the “Serenissima Republic of Venice”, which is still impressive even today with its glorious “Palazzi” or “palaces”.

Ascent/Descent: 29m/27m (95ft/89ft)

There's the option to reduce today’s stage by 20 kms (12 miles) by taking a train from Portogruaro to Latisana and beginning the cycle from there.

Spending the day cycling through the countryside between the region of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, passing through an area abundant in water and history, among rivers, canals, and ancient Roman towns. Your destination will be Aquileia, with its Roman excavations.

Ascent/Descent: 38m/36m (125ft/118ft)

Heading once again towards the sea: the gulf of Trieste awaits. There are many interesting stops along the way, such as Duino with its two castles, Sistiana with its charming bay, and Miramare with its famous castle built according to the wishes of Maximilan of Augsburg, situated in a beautiful park of more than 20 hectares (49 acres) in size. Trieste, the ancient port of the Asburgic Empire, has much to offer in the way of attractions.

The cycling route can be extended by 24km (15 miles) if you wish to discover Grado in the Marano Lagoon, an dancient fishing village with a magnificent historical centre.

The cycling route can be reduced of 30 km (19 miles) by taking a train towards the end of the stage from Monfalcone to Trieste.

Ascent/Descent: 109m/110m (358ft/361ft)

Crossing over into Slovenia this morning, you'll cycle mainly along cycle paths through famous holiday resorts such as Koper, which for a long period was a Venetian town and then Austrian before becoming Slovenian. Piran is next, another important town which was ruled over for a long time by Venice. Before finally arriving in Portorož, a town renowned for its spa and bathing facilities.

Ascent/Descent: 348m/365m (1142ft/1198ft)

Cycling southwards, passing by the salt mines of Secovlje, an ornithologist’s paradise. A little while later the route crosses the Croatian border into Istria, the Adriatic Sea’s largest peninsula.

The journey comes to an end amongst the red roofs of Poreč nestled next to the cobalt blue Adriatic Sea. The 6th century Eufrasian Basilica is one of Europe’s finest examples of Byzantine art and just one of many fine buildings, squares, churches, and sights to enjoy. Of course, there are also many fine beaches here to relax on or take a refreshing dip.

Ascent/Descent: 462m/445m (1516ft/1460ft)

The trip ends after breakfast. Depart from either Pula Airport (50 kms / 31 miles from Poreč) or return to Venice by ferry, which operates on certain days of the week and takes about 3.5 - 4.5 hours. Please refer to the Trip & Travel Info Getting To The End section for more departure details.