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Parenzana Trail Biking Experience from Koper: Breathtaking Slovene Istrian Nature Adventure
Embark on a journey through one of the most breathtaking cycling paths in Slovene Istria, former home of the narrow-gauge railway known as Parenzana, and indulge in an unforgettable day amidst pristine nature, recharging your spirit with positive vibes.
Embark on a journey through one of the most breathtaking cycling paths in Slovene Istria, former home of the narrow-gauge railway known as Parenzana, and indulge in an unforgettable day amidst pristine nature, recharging your spirit with positive vibes.
Duration:
5 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Parenzana - We will take a bike ride on the Parenzana trail, also known as the route of health and friendship. It runs along the former Istrian narrow gauge railway which at one time connected 33 Istrian towns from Italy (Trieste) to Croatia (Poreč). Over the past decades the route has become the symbol of friendship since it represents a…
- Parenzana - We will take a bike ride on the Parenzana trail, also known as the route of health and friendship. It runs along the former Istrian narrow gauge railway which at one time connected 33 Istrian towns from Italy (Trieste) to Croatia (Poreč). Over the past decades the route has become the symbol of friendship since it represents a connection between Slovene, Italian and Croatian municipalities. Today it is intended for recreational activities and offers an excellent opportunity to learn about historical facts and places in a more dynamic way. The entire route had 8 tunnels, which are still preserved. During our biking trip we will ride through two of them, both of which are situated in the Slovene part of the Istrian peninsula. The first tunnel connects Izola with Strunjan, whereas the second one is situated between Strunjan and Portorož. Furthermore, we will visit old town centres and cycle along the seashore, through vineyards, olive plantations, tunnels and valleys. Our biking trip will start in the port town of Koper. We will then cycle along the seashore towards the fishing town of Izola, where our tourist guide will talk about the culture and history of the area. After a short stop, we will visit a salt evaporation pond, situated right above the first tunnel, and our guide will explain us the importance of salt for the region. After passing through the tunnel, we will reach the final point of our trip, where we will refresh ourselves with tasting of excellent traditional wine and food.
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Use of a bicycle and helmet
- Food and wine tasting
- Insurance
- Professional guide
- Use of a bicycle and helmet
- Food and wine tasting
- Insurance
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- Cruise Passengers must advise supplier as soon as possible: ship name, arrival time and departure time
- Hotel Guests must advise supplier as soon as possible: hotel details or any other preferred pickup location
- Cruise Passengers must advise supplier as soon as possible: ship name, arrival time and departure time
- Hotel Guests must advise supplier as soon as possible: hotel details or any other preferred pickup location
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(8 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Brenda
Sep 7, 2019
Relaxing Bike Ride - My husband and I arrived via cruise ship and the representative was waiting for us after we passed through passport control. Our guide walked us to the office and talked about the town’s history. After making sure that everyone in our group of 10 had pumped up tires and seats adjusted as desired, we were off. A short distance of cycling within the Old Town streets and then we were on the bike path. This path is a converted railway bed and is well marked for walkers & cyclists. Our guide stopped periodically to give us information about the area & to take pictures. As we approached Isola, our guide, Nikola, stopped at a church and bell tower. He called the caretaker and she came to open the place up for us to explore. This was not stated in the itinerary, but was a wonderful surprise addition to the day! Once in Isola, we stopped at a cafe for beer, coffee and good conversation. After our break, the group was given a choice to continue past Isola into the hills, lengthening our trip by another hour, or return to the shop. Once back at the shop, we enjoyed tasting olives, meats, cheese, 4 different flavored olive oils & 5 different wines. We would recommend this tour.
Notes:
- there is a bathroom at bike shop, at cafe & along bike path
- beer & coffee are extra, but are good & reasonably priced
- you should bring a water bottle, bikes have bottle holders
- guide gave us a map and directions to a couple of areas we wanted to see after the tour
- regular bikes & e-bikes available
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jim
Aug 10, 2019
Excellent bike trip - a perfect 4 hours. - The bike trip from Koper to Izola was just right. There were options on how far and where the group wanted to go, based on clients' physical level, heat of the day, etc. There was time for a cold beer in Izola, half-way through, and the wine and 'meze' back in Koper were quiet nice. I'll probably take the same tour again some day, this time with family and / or friends. Some e-bikes were available, which was helpful for a hill up to the tunnel.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Neil
Jul 2, 2019
Great ride - Dejan from Koper Trips met us at the cruise terminal from where we walked for several minutes to his shop. Along the way he explained some of the history of Koper and surrounding buildings. Once at the shop we had a choice of some good looking bikes and soon we were off through the safe and well maintained bike paths. Such a beautiful hot day full of interesting facts and information. Riding was easy and mainly flat. The bikes made and small inclines easy. Along the way wine yards, salt fields and water front before entering the country side.
After a couple of hours we arrived back at the shop to a fine selection of cheeses, hams, olives oils and wines to taste.
I would highly recommend Koper Trips.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Billy
Jul 22, 2018
We agree! We were on the same ride... - <p>We agree! We were on the same ride as Harrison and loved the scenery, tunnels, tapas/wine, and the history of this area provided by our guide, the owner. There were a few hills that were strenuous, but you can go at your own pace. We also liked that this tour gave us the exercise we were looking for after eating all that cruise food! Highly recommended!</p>
Review provided by Viator
Harrison
Jul 21, 2018
This was probably the best excursion... - <p>This was probably the best excursion we did off our med cruise ship! The trails are awesome with super views and the tunnels are cool...literally....to ride thru and our guide took us on a walking trip thru Piran and to a great place for wine tasting and a snack.. Our guide turned out to be the company owner sorry I forgot how to spell....Dajean and he was GREAT. There were some hills, but luckily our wives 1 59 and 1 64 had the 2 electric assist bikes and had no problems. I highly recommend this trip :</p>
Review provided by Viator
Caroline
Aug 23, 2017
, nice arragement and accomodationg... - <p>, nice arragement and accomodationg great activity with our great guide Barbara well organized nice way to see the country side</p>
Review provided by Viator
John
Sep 4, 2016
An easy 25k ride from the cruise... - <p>An easy 25k ride from the cruise terminal at Koper to Piran. We set off 1 hour after the ship docked, which in out case meant setting off at 9.00. Most of the ride is along cycle paths. The first part is along the coast. The middle section, after a short ascent, is along the path of the old Parenzana railway line, which has good views and goes through two tunnels. It is paved the whole way. The final part is along the coast - again on a cycle path beside the road. We stopped for ice cream and then continued to Piran, a lovely old walled town. We left the bikes there and walked up into the town with our guide and then back down to a restaurant for some complementary tapas and a taste of three local wines. Our guide left us at 13.30 and we had lunch and went to the beach. We met up again at 15.00 and were driven back to the ship. The guide was excellent and gave us just the right amount of local information. </p>
<p>John and Alison from Bristol UK</p>
Review provided by Viator
576simonb
Jul 20, 2019
Disappointing ... not as the write-up states - This bike tour reads so well. It took 45 minutes to organise bikes. We were left standing around while tyres got pumped up. There was no communication from the tour organisation despite leaving several messages. The day before the tour I got a brief email outlining pick up details? My questions still unanswered? The ride itself was enjoyable. The old train line is actually a sealed section of the road which is I was disappointed by. The scenery was beautiful. We rode to Izola. A few stops along the way for information which was good. But we did not pass through any tunnels, did not see any olive or vineyard plantations which was written in the description? We stopped in Izola with no explanation as to what we were doing? I ended up asking if we could wander around after being left for too long to have coffee? It was then we got prompted to have 30 minutes free time. Izola is a beautiful seaside town but we got little as far as history and culture of the place as was outlined. Surprisingly we then turned around and headed back to the shop where we started where we stood around the counter tasting different cheeses and wine. The produce was nice but this was not a lunch in a small village as described? Overall the cost was too expensive and the ‘what to expect’ is inaccurate. We could have hired bikes ourselves and done this without a guide? Would not recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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