Venice to Piran Cycling Tour
Discover the stunning Adriatic coastline, cycling along beaches and through charming coastal towns
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Venetian Republic
Experience the cosmopolitan city of Trieste
Relax in the town of Portorož, renowned for its spa and bathing facilities
Trieste
Miramare
Piran bike soline
Venice panorama
Venice canal
Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Mestre, the mainland of Venice, you will be able to take in the beauty of this unique and captivating city. Admire the grand palaces, beautiful Basilicas, and bustling restaurants. Spend the day exploring St Mark’s Square and the hidden corners of the city before transferring to Mestre on the mainland for your first overnight stay before you begin your journey.
Hotel in Maestre (inland Venice)
This marks the start of your cycling adventure as you leave Mestre. After picking up your bikes in the morning, you will begin your journey northeast along the beautiful Adriatic coast to the city of Jesolo.
48km (30 mi) and mostly flat
B&B in Jesolo
This morning, the journey takes a northerly direction towards the Julian Alps, momentarily bidding farewell to the sea. The route meanders along peaceful country roads, passing through an area abundant with “Valli da Pesca” – vast stretches of lagoons enclosed by earthen dikes, where extensive fish farming takes place, and “casoni” – buildings previously used by fishermen during the fishing season.
The subsequent destination is Portogruaro, a significant hub during the era of the “Serenissima Republic of Venice,” and still an awe-inspiring sight with its splendid “Palazzi” or “palaces.”
40km (35mi) and mostly flat
Hotel in Portogruaro
Today’s journey takes you through the picturesque countryside that connects the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. As you cycle through this lush landscape, you’ll pass by historic Roman towns, canals, and rivers that have played a vital role in the region’s rich history.
The day’s ride will take you to your choice of either Aquileia, renowned for its impressive Roman excavations, or Palmanova, known as the “starry city” for its unique star-shaped layout. Depending on where you choose to stay, you’ll have the option to take a loop cycle to visit the other town or to rest and relax after a day of cycling.
For those who prefer a shorter cycling distance, there’s the option to take a train from Portogruaro to Latisana and reduce the day’s ride by 20 km.
57km (35mi) and mostly flat
Hotel in Palmanova
The route will take you back towards the sea, with the stunning Gulf of Trieste awaiting you. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities for interesting stops and sightseeing, including Duino and its two castles, Sistiana with its charming bay, and Miramare and its famous castle built according to the wishes of Maximilian of Augsburg, set within a beautiful park of over 20 hectares.
If you’re looking to reduce the cycling distance for the day, there is the option to take a train from Monfalcone to Trieste towards the end of the stage.
56km (34mi) and 100m elevation gain
Hotel in Trieste
Starting the day by crossing the border into Slovenia, cycling mainly along scenic cycle paths through popular holiday resorts like Koper, which was a Venetian town before becoming Slovenian. Enjoy exploring the picturesque streets, vibrant atmosphere, and sea views before cycling to Piran.
In Piran, take the time to relax and unwind after several days of cycling. Take a dip in the Adriatic Sea, or simply stroll along the promenade and soak up the coastal charm. With plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, this evening is the perfect opportunity to sample some of the local cuisine and wine.
40km (25mi) and 350m elevation gain
Hotel in Piran
On the final day of our journey, it’s time to bid farewell to the stunning Adriatic coast and the beautiful countries of Italy and Slovenia. As you pack your bags and prepare to depart, take the time to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories you’ve made along the way.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
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Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip to Italy
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Description
Embark on an unforgettable cycling journey through the picturesque landscapes of Italy and Slovenia. From the historic city of Venice to the coastal town of Piran, you will pedal through an array of stunning natural scenery, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region, and experience the warm hospitality of the locals.
Starting in Mestre, the mainland of Venice, the tour takes you on a breathtaking ride through the Venetian waterways, and charms of this magnificent area.
Leaving the sea behind, you will then head north towards the Julian Alps, cycling along quiet country roads. As you journey towards the gulf of Trieste, you will have the chance to explore many interesting stops along the way, such as Duino with its two castles, Sistiana with its charming bay, and Miramare with its famous castle.
Crossing over into Slovenia, you will discover famous holiday resorts such as Koper, before finally arriving in Portorož, a town renowned for its spa and bathing facilities, where you will finish your journey.
You will encounter a variety of terrains, from flat coastal stretches to rolling hills and mountainous regions. The tour also allows for plenty of opportunities to relax and swim in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
With the option to take train transfers to reduce the cycling distance on some stages, this tour caters to a range of fitness levels and preferences.
Map
Average weather forecast
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (°F) | 43 | 48 | 57 | 63 | 72 | 79 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 52 | 43 |
| Low (°F) | 30 | 32 | 39 | 45 | 54 | 59 | 64 | 64 | 57 | 48 | 39 | 32 |
| Rain (in) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (°C) | 6 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 22 | 26 | 29 | 28 | 24 | 18 | 11 | 6 |
| Low (°C) | -1 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain (mm) | 59 | 49 | 65 | 75 | 95 | 67 | 66 | 89 | 93 | 122 | 76 | 61 |
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Things to know
Our priority is to find the ideal accommodation that suits your needs. We collaborate with several lodging providers that meet our criteria, but please note that availability can be limited, particularly during peak seasons. Furthermore, we can tailor your holiday to align with your preferences and budget, and are committed to finding a more suitable alternative that matches your taste.
Our tours are categorized into three difficulty levels: leisurely, moderate, and challenging. Although each may include both easier and more demanding days, our rating system reflects the average difficulty level for a typical day.
Leisurely tours take place primarily on flat, paved cycling paths, asphalt roads, or easy gravel tracks, and they are suitable for all fitness levels.
Moderate tours may include some uphill climbs or technically more demanding terrain, but they are manageable for individuals of average fitness.
Challenging tours entail either long distances and numerous climbs or technical terrain, possibly featuring downhill sections requiring proficiency with a mountain bike.
Our tours can be adapted to any bike type, whether road, gravel, or mountain bike. We are in constant communication with you to find the optimal conditions for your cycling holidays in Italy.
The most versatile option is a gravel bike, even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. It does not really affect your road performance while allowing you to take some scenic backroads that can be in a slightly worse state than the main ones. A gravel bike is usually more comfortable as well.
If you are not bringing your own bike and equipment, we can certainly arrange that for you. We have a wide selection of bikes at our disposal and we will choose the ones that best fit your tour. All we need from you is your usual bike size and any other relevant information or preferences so we can make sure you will be comfortable throughout your trip.
The availability of food options in Italy depends on the extent of your dietary restrictions. While it is relatively easy to find vegetarian dishes, locating vegan meals can be challenging, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. Additionally, the traditional lunch stops we make may have limited ability to accommodate special requests beyond their standard menu. We recommend considering this when planning your meals.
To ensure availability, we advise booking your tour as early as possible. Our tours typically pass through highly popular tourist destinations where lodging options are restricted. Many of these desirable locations become fully booked for the summer season well in advance, often filling up by spring.
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