Istria Kvarn Bay Bike Tour Reviews
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★★★★★ Stradiotti
Superb Trip!
Venice to Trieste and Istria
A splendid way to see the world! This bike tour was our first but certainly not our last. We were a group of 10 friends ranging in age from 49-56. The ride was challenging at times but absolutely spectacular. We are not avid cyclists and some of the group used the electric bikes; this was a great option especially on the hills. The hotels were great, for the most part the food was good too, and the luggage transfers were seamless. This tour is very well organized and the local tour company is always reachable.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 4-10
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was the first
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
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★★★★★ Nanette Bean
Adventure in Croatia
The Istrian Peninsula by Electric Bike
Our guides Christopher and Mirta were excellent, very thorough and reliable and fun. The boat, the Andela Lora Was well-maintained and a pleasure to be on. The food on the boat was excellent, kudos to the chefs. Croatia is a beautiful country and I’m glad we got to Bike on back roads, we had many fun adventures
- Countries included in this tour?
- Croatia
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★★★★★ Jeff Kuerbitz
Perfect Honeymoon Getaway
Croatian Vineyards and Villages of Undiscovered Istria
Our trip was the perfect way to explore this beautiful country! We loved every part of it. The hotels were beautiful and comfortable. We had some of the best meals of our lives. The wine was amazing. Everyone we met was very friendly. The directions for the route were clear and accurate. We never got lost. The routes were well thought out. The scenery was incredible, there was a lot of great history to learn about, and there were beautiful villages, restaurant, wineries and shops along the way to stop and take a break. The tour company was very responsive. My front axle began wobbling the second day and they quickly met me along the route with a replacement.
We can't wait to go back.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- This is my first
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Croatia
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★★★★★ Rosemary M.
Everything we hoped for and more!
Croatian Vineyards and Villages of Undiscovered Istria
The self-guided bike tour (Undiscovered vineyards and villages of Istria) was amazing. Our tour guide was excellent; he provided all the necessary information before we started and ensured the bikes were set up properly. The touring bikes we had were great, the maps were accurate and the accommodation excellent. Everything went according to plan and would definitely recommend this tour.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was our first bike tour
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Croatia
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★★★★★ Meg Bates
The Istrian Peninsula by Electric Bike
The Istrian Peninsula by Electric Bike
tt was a great trip. The boat was gorgeous and very comfortable. All the staff on the boat were great and the food was really good. The bike guides were also very good.
Would suggest that the description you have of this ride be updated. You not only 30% gravel and it was at least 50%. The guides knew the routes very well and did everything to minimize traffic which was great.
Also Mariam - who helped deal with hotels before and after the tour was fabulous. She was very very helpful and extremely responsive to questions.
The issue of helmets needs to be clarified. We understood they were required, which is great. However there was a person who asked if it was required and he did not want to wear one and was not required to do so. Think this is a big mistake. Helmets should be required by all on the ride - even if local laws don't require it. Still should be required for the tour.
Overall it was a fabulous trip.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Croatia
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★★★★★ artnscience
Wonderful Coastal Trip around the upper Adriatic Sea
Venice to Trieste and Istria
The route, maps, bicycles, accommodations and weather were perfect for our self-guided trip. We were lucky to be able to attend a Vivaldi Concert at the Cathedral in Grado. It was a one night only performance and our hotel host provided us with tickets. https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOVdH6klghY5LXY0xRnJXgs3V22UOQqIrSTQtIZk-iBfOPD-HVh2ajAjWPV0rspkQ/photo/AF1QipMEguGCko9YGrAFg6YkROa7LLFyKdtTuGCFsTg?key=MEQzNXNiWEVwM2MwSV8ycVExcWg4ZmFUU2kzM3h3
Crossing the borders between Italy and Slovenia and between Slovenia and Croatia by bicycle was a fun experience as was seeing Piran and Porec. A car rally was going on in Porec which made it even more interesting.
We had one confusing route situation. The arrows and cue sheet had us going right and then left onto a farm road (see linked photo) when it should have said left and then right. Other than that our directions were perfect. https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOVdH6klghY5LXY0xRnJXgs3V22UOQqIrSTQtIZk-iBfOPD-HVh2ajAjWPV0rspkQ/photo/AF1QipP8bWrmMDfBuhWBGxWQjo53m6mNt4CmrDNpQfs?key=MEQzNXNiWEVwM2MwSV8ycVExcWg4ZmFUU2kzM3h3 -
★★★★★ Mary Lou Taylor
More than I could have hoped for.
The Istrian Peninsula by Electric Bike
This was my first bike tour, and I was a little apprehensive. But it was great! The boat was first-rate, with a wonderful, accommodating crew and excellent chef. The tour guides were fun, responsible, and caring. And Croatia is beautiful. I would definitely recommend this adventure.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Croatia
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★★★★★ Alpskier
I've Done 8 Trips. Here's My Favorite!
Venice to Trieste and Istria
It's simply a magnificent ride. You begin in Venice, ride along the coast, passing beautiful beaches, going inland through rural farmland, and finally reaching Trieste, an old city that has a lot to offer. And that's just the Italian portion. The ride then takes you into Slovenia and ends in Croatia. For me, the century-old towns of Piran, Slovenia, and Porec, Croatia were magical - adult Disneyland. They are well-preserved and inviting as you aimlessly walk through narrow streets with stunning architecture. Locals were great. The ride is well-marked and the road book you're given is easy to follow. The local tour operator is most helpful. Most of the ride is easy, flat, doable miles per day - about 35. Once you get into Slovenia, you follow a beautiful paved bikeway along the rugged coast that brings you through one picturesque town after another. Finally, the last ride is a bit challenging as you reach hilly, yet doable terrain. I loved the hotels as they all were family-run and charming beyond belief. I guess it's the diversity of the journey. And riding a bike through a country is simply the best way to connect to the culture, people, and the land. Book this one. You won't be disappointed.
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★★★★★ J and S
Perfect way to see the Country
Venice to Trieste and Istria
My Wife and I had a great Self-Guided trip. The people were super kind, hotels were good, food good, sites were the best. The maps were good, we used GPS points on our phones which did help a lot. So all in all, a can't miss trip.
We especially liked starting the trip in Mestre, the train over to Venice was a 5 minute walk from the Hotel Elite, cost was minimal. We explored Venice as well as old town Mestre, which was a extra treat.
Your first leg is to either Jesolo or Carole, we stayed in Jesolo and on the next day we stopped for a snack in Carole. If we were able, we would do the extra miles and stay in Carole the first night, town is really cute.
We did take two layover or extra days, one in Piran the other in Porec, both well worth it, so ask when you book if that option is available. The Ferry Ride from Porec to Venice was great but a a little of a challenge to schedule until we found there are two ferry companies, they run on opposite dates. After that, was super simple.
Hard trip to pass up, this was our third Self Guided trip, and already starting to plan for 2020. This has been our main way to see Europe and Loving Every Trip!!- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
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★★★★★ Petty
Was great!!
Venice to Trieste and Istria
I have already written to you about tour - really enjoyed every moment! Hotels were great and personnel very friendly
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★★★★★ OR bikers
Couldn't ask for a better 1st bike tour experience
Venice to Trieste and Istria
We did the self guided tour with another couple friend of ours. We all had ebikes which made it very enjoyable and easy to do the distances and the hills on the last 2 days. The stickers on street poles pointing the way along the routes were really helpful. The scenery along the routes were so pretty, many red poppy fields. The towns we passed through were fun to explore. We really enjoyed the routes along the water (sea, river, canals), which were many. We had one and a half days of rain, and there were some muddy dirt road we had to go through. We enjoyed the towns we stayed in overnight, pleased with the accommodations and the bountiful breakfast buffets. I would recommend staying an extra night in Porec (end of tour), just to get a little more time to explore, enjoy and relax before heading back to Venice on the early ferry
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 25-June 1, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- this is our first one
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
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★★★★★ carol friefeld
Great trip!
Venice to Trieste and Istria
Loved this trip! The route was fun and scenic, the accommodations were great, no logistical problems. The local tour agency was very helpful, and the GPS app worked well. Would work with this group again!
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★★★★★ Emma Broadfield
An excellent way to explore the Istrian Peninsula
The Istrian Peninsula by Electric Bike
This is a fabulous way to explore the Istrian Peninsula, as you have the opportunity to see the coast and also explore inland. The boat is very comfortable and it is great to be able to get away from the crowds at the end of the day! The towns and villages that you get to explore are gorgeous and the coastline spectacular. Being able to swim off the back of the boat and cool off is an added bonus!
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- One
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Croatia
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★★★★★ DF
Loved it!
Venice to Trieste and Istria
Incredible trip, it was well organized and a smooth experience. The destinations were perfect, with a beach almost every day to relax after cycling. The flexibility of the trains and boats to cut down kms as desired was excellent to ensure each day was enjoyable. Note that the route map brings you from city to city and then with your own GPS to get to the exact hotel, this can add up to 10 extra km in addition. Go for the adventure, cycling and the wonderful food along the way, each day was a lovely surprise!
- What was the date of your tour?
- Aug 2026
- How many tours have you completed?
- First one
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
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BikeTours.com staff reply from Staff member
Thank you so much for sharing! We’re delighted to hear you had such a wonderful trip! And that caprese looks absolutely delicious!
Bozena
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★★★★★ Edgar A.
Tour of surprises!
Venice to Trieste and Istria
Very good hotels, excellent app, great service in luggage transport. Highly recommendable, a thing to improve is the bike size. It was a very good bike , but one size bigger than my needs.
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★★★★★ Edgar Albo
An Amazing surprise!!
Venice to Trieste and Istria
A great way of discover new cities, wonderful landscapes and meet new people.
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★★★★★ Thomas Carr
Wonderful Trip
Venice to Trieste and Istria
We did this trip with two other couples who had never done a European bike tour before. We were so impressed with the efficiency of the staff, the accommodations and of course the beautiful route.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
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★★★★★ Denise brown
Great trip. Enjoyed every minute
Venice to Trieste and Istria
We travelled - just my husband and myself. The app gave great directions for us to follow. The routes were lovely- very little time on busy roads. The hotels were great. Clean and friendly. Our favourite stop was Piran in Slovenia. We got to know the others on the same trip as us. It was great to share experiences at the end of the day. Only thing I would change for me is I would not go for an ebike next time. Found it very heavy and not suited to some of the terrain.
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★★★★★ Unnur Fridthjofsdootir
Very nice trip
Venice to Trieste and Istria
Very nice trip easy to follow the app 😄Great to see italy, Slovenia and Croatia on bike
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★★★★★ Jennifer Dattke
Incredible Journey!!💕
Venice to Trieste and Istria
Such a great experience! Yes challenging both the riding and navigating but rewarded with great food and gelato! The hotels were all good and comfortable with great breakfasts. Every community was so cute. Would recommend a lay over night to recoup, enjoy the community and give time for your chamois to dry!? Great experience. I was impressed by how bike friendly the route was on bike paths, along canals and use of rails to trails. Also I felt drivers were very aware of cyclists. The tour company (Anthony) was very accommodating when we had an issue with shifting and brought another bike to us.
























