Active Journeys Italy Slovenia & Croatia

SelfSelf----GuidedGuided Bike tour

Tour description

Day 1 Arrive Mestre/Venice

Day 2 40/65 To Jesolo/Seacoast km

Day 3 40/65 To Portogruaro km Day 4 60/70 Three Countries To Palmanova - Aquileia km

Day 5 50/70 To Trieste km Along the Amazing Adriatic Day 6 45 km Come cycle along the Adriatic Sea where Roman and Venetian sailors as well as today’s To Piran - Portorož sea-lovers have all appreciated its luminous waters. Wonderful landscapes and historical Day 7 55 km sites and the famously warm Mediterranean hospitality will linger in your memories long To Poreč after your holiday on the Adriatic.

Day 8 Starting just outside of Venice, take a bit of time to discover the masterpiece of this rich Tour ends and colourful city. Then leaving the crowds behind, ride along quiet country roads and bike trails at your own pace. Tour Details The Adriatic Sea has one of the most beautiful coasts in the world. Cycling along this Dates: Saturdays from April 7 to coast, from one fishing village to the next, is truly a special experience. Steeped in histo- ry, you can take the time to explore ancient castles, ruins and churches. September 23 / Sundays added from

May 13 to September 23 Take a dip in the sparkling, azure sea; a perfect way to end your day after cycling. Here you will discover the small, private bays and emerald coloured lagoons. It is a perfect Cost: $1595 per person getaway . Single Room Upgrade: $450

Bike/Equipment: $175 Fast Facts E-Bike Info : Length: 8 days / 7 nights  Lovely accommodations, always with

private facilities with breakfasts Grade: Moderate  E-bike rental: $375  Luggage transport , route notes &  Limited supplies available, so reserva- Starts/Ends: Venice/Porec maps tions recommended (Trip does not run from July 15-Aug 18)  Tour briefing in Mestre, 24/7 hotline  Kalkhoff Agattu and BionX models available service

Active Journeys Contact: 11----800800800----597597597----55945594 or 416416----236236236----50115011 Email : [email protected] ITINERARY

Day 1 Mestre (Venice) Arrive on your own to Mestre (the mainland of Venice). Take a bit of time to explore the colours, art and food of Venice.

Day 2 Mestre–Jesolo or Caorle 40/65 km We start off on our bike, then take a vaporetto, passing the heart if Venice and the Piazza San Marco. Once you reach Punta Sabbioni, you get back on the bike trail with the coast at your side. There are lots of places to stop along the way for a quick and refreshing swim—don’t forget to pack your bathing suit!

Day 3 Jesolo/Caorle to Portogruaro 40/65 km Leaving the coast, we start to ride into the stunning Julian Alps. Passing fishing villages along the way, you will see an extensive system of dykes and fishing lagoons. Your next stop is the town of Portogruaro, a quiet and charming town with ancient water mills, wonderful palaces and churches with colourful frescoes to enjoy.

Day 4 Portogruaro to Palmanova/Aquileia 60/70 km The trip can be reduced of 20 km by taking a train from Por- togruato to Latisana. You will spend the day 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 or Palmanova, named “the Star City” because from above, the town resembles a 9-pointed star.

Day 5 To Trieste 50/70 km You head back to the sea, stopping in Duino with its two impressive castles, Sistiana with its characteristic bay and Miramare with its famous white castle built according to the wishes of Maximilian of Augsburg, situated in a beautiful park of more than 20 hectares in size. Just a few kilometers lie between you and Trieste, the ancient port of the Asburgic Empire, which has much to offer in the way of attractions, cafes and restaurants. The trip can be reduced by 30 km by taking a train at the end of the stage from Monfalcone to Trieste.

Day 6 Trieste to Piran/Portorož 45 km After a short ride, you will cross over into Slovenia, through lovely resort towns such as Koper and Piran. You then finally arrive in Portorož, a town renowned for its spa facilities.

Day 7 Portorož to Poreč 55 km Cycling southwards, passing through the salt mines of Secov- lje, then a little further, crossing the Croatian border along the peninsula of Istria. Your final destination will be Poreč, the hub for summer tourism in Croatia. While this is not the place for a quiet getaway (unless you come out of season), there’s a World Heritage–listed basilica, a medley of Gothic, Romanesque and baroque buildings, well-developed tourist infrastructure and the pristine Istrian interior is within easy reach. Day 8 Poreč After breakfast return to Venice or extend your stay in Croa- tia.

What to Expect Getting There What will the weather be like? Best arrival & departure airport is Ven- The daytime temperature will be around 20 to mid-27’s degrees C ( 60’s to 80’s F), with ice Airport. You can take the bus and very little rainfall. It is the hottest in July and August, while other months are cooler. train to the first hotel. On the return,

you can take the ferry back to Venice How many hours of cycling a day? Be prepared to ride between 4 to 6 hours daily. This is not a supported tour, so you must (approx. 4 hrs.) or simply stay on in ride the route once you set out. Croatia.

What are the bikes like? 27 speed hybrid ( or mtn bike style) Rapid Fire Deore Shimano gears with Gel saddles, aluminum frame, puncture resistant 28” tires, side saddle bags, bike computer, lock, repair kit and handlebar bag. You can bring your own pedals to attach.

How fit do I need to be? The fitter the better, so you will enjoy the rides each day. There are rolling hills through- out the trip. It is almost all on quite country roads, almost all paved, with a few sections hard packed gravel.

What is the food like? We have included a buffet breakfast each day. Most of the hotels offer some cheeses, fruits, meats and yogurts. For lunch, you can stop in a local restaurant for a full meal or mid-day snack. For dinner, our notes will offer some suggestions close by.

What are the hotels like? They are chosen for their charm and location. Properties are charming 3* and 4* star hotels, all with private facilities.

How to book your holiday

 Contact our office to make sure there is space available. One of our travel planners will walk you through the entire pro- cess.

 Download the reservation form from our site and send in completed form by fax or email. Once this is done, your space is confirmed and a pre-departure packet will be sent.

 A deposit is required immediately, and final payment is due 60 days prior to the trip departure. Terms & conditions are outlined in our Reservation Form.

 Plan your air travel as soon as possible.

Other Useful InformationInformation:  We encourage you to purchase travel insurance, either Not included: through us or a travel insurance provider directly. Local hotel taxes ( up to 2€ a day) Train transfer Florence to Certaldo—1 hr  Ensure you are in proper health for the trip chosen. Contact €7 per person and bike (apx) us, for more information on vaccinations, inoculations, and Bike Helmet: $25 fitness requirements. Dinner Opon: $300