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Imagine a magical bike ride through Istria, a region of harmonious contrasts where the sea meets the land, the past meets the present, nature meets culture, and simplicity meets refinement. All of this is combined in the Weekend Bike & Gourmet Tour, a two-day recreational and gourmet event that takes place on May 20th and 21st this year, and has been creating unforgettable memories for cyclists and foodies for twelve years in a row. Join them on a journey through picturesque (and delicious!) parts of Istria on the Mare and Monti trails, where every view and every bite is a sensory pleasure.
If you love the sea and its gifts, you will enjoy the Mare trail. It starts from the medieval streets of charming Rovinj, then follows the coast and reaches beautiful views of Lim Bay, one of the most beautiful and diverse natural phenomena in Istria. Among other attractions, you will visit Stancija Meneghetti, a historic estate that produces award-winning wines and olive oils, and Fort Forno, a 19th-century fortress that once guarded the port of Rovinj. Along the way, you will taste fresh seafood and homemade specialties prepared by top chefs at gourmet checkpoints. The Mare trail is a total of 62.6 km long and includes a 509 m elevation gain.
The Monti trail will impress nature and flavor lovers. It starts in the center of Kanfanar and takes us through the hinterland of Istria, where we discover the rich Istrian cultural and natural heritage. Cyclists will stop by Dvigrad, a medieval town abandoned due to plague and war, in picturesque Svetvinčenat, near the Štrika via ferrata, a unique rock that resembles a knitting needle, and in many other places. Gourmet checkpoints await us with delicacies from the Istrian hinterland such as truffles, cheeses, prosciutto, and pasta. The Monti trail is 53 km long and has an elevation gain of 561 m.
The Weekend Bike & Gourmet Tour includes the “Kod Kancelira” tavern in Bale, the “Grimani Castle” in Svetvinčenat, the Marić family estate in Kanfanar, and the “Lovor” restaurant in Rovinj and the “Mirko & Anna” restaurant in Lim Bay. The organizers and initiators of this project are the Tourist Boards of the city of Rovinj, the municipalities of Bale, Svetvinčenat, and Kanfanar, the Craftsmen’s Association of the city of Rovinj, and Maistra, and they have provided a professional guide and companion, as well as meals and drinks at gourmet rest stops for this event. After the end of the bike ride, participants will also be delighted with a special gift!
The tour starts on Saturday, May 20th at 10.00 am from the parking lot of the Sports Center of the Eden Hotel in Rovinj, and on Sunday, May 21st, also at 10.00 am from the center of Kanfanar. The package of two days of this cycling and gourmet experience (Saturday and Sunday) costs €75 per person, and the one-day cycling program (Saturday or Sunday) costs €40 per person. You can register via email: outdoor@maistra.hr or on the day of the bike ride at the starting location.
The Weekend Bike & Gourmet Tour is open to anyone over 14 years of age, and besides mountain bikes, electric or trekking bikes are also suitable. In case of bad weather, the activities are postponed to another date.
Maistra is a hotel group based in Croatia that has been offering exceptional accommodation and hospitality services since 1961. With a portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts, and campsites, Maistra has become one of the leading tourism companies in Croatia.
Maistra operates in some of the most sought-after destinations in the country, including Rovinj, Vrsar, and the island of Isabella, offering guests stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and access to some of the best beaches in the region. Their properties are renowned for their exceptional amenities, elegant design, and commitment to sustainability.
Their flagship property, Grand Park Hotel, is a five-star hotel located in Rovinj and is a masterpiece of contemporary design. The hotel features 209 rooms and suites, multiple restaurants and bars, a spa, and a unique view of Rovinj. It is a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers looking for a luxurious stay in one of the most beautiful destinations in Croatia.
Maistra is also committed to preserving the environment and has implemented several sustainable practices across their properties. They have earned multiple awards for their eco-friendly initiatives, including the prestigious Green Key certification.
