After just a few kilometres, it’s time to say goodbye to Italy. In Slovenia, your route leads mainly along cycle paths along well-known seaside resorts such as Koper and Izola until you reach Piran or Portorož, a spa town on the Slovenian Riviera. The slightly longer version of this stage leads through the picturesque "Val Rosandra" valley in the hinterland.

Passing the Sečovlje salt marshes, where sea salt is produced by natural evaporation, you cross the Croatian border. The route continues through the Croatian part of Istria, the largest peninsula in the Adriatic, in slightly hilly terrain to Umag. The old town of Umag was built on the remains of a Roman settlement.

From Umag you cycle through hilly terrain to Novigrad or Cittanova, a charming medieval town on the Mirna River. Then continue to Poreč, the most important coastal town on Istria’s west coast. Here you should definitely visit the UNESCO-protected Euphrasius Basilica.

You have several options: an exciting boat trip to the Brijuni Islands or the Limski Channel, a relaxing day at the beach or exploring Porec’s hinterland. The Brijuni Islands consist of twelve smaller and two larger islands, with Veli Brijun once Tito’s summer residence and now a national park. A boat trip to the Limski Channel with its deep blue waters offers the chance to spot dolphins. The Limski Channel is now a nature reserve and is home to mussel and oyster farms along the fjord.

One last look at the picturesque harbour town on the west coast of Istria before you continue today’s stage to Rovinj. In Rovinj, surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, you will be greeted by the imposing bell tower of Euphemia Church. If you wish, you can take a short detour to Zlatni rt (also called the Golden Cape), a peninsula jutting into the sea with a protected park.

The last day of your Istrian discovery brings you to Pula, located in the southwest of the peninsula. Pula is the oldest and the economic as well as cultural centre of Istria. Review your cycling tour amidst ancient sights and the imposing Roman amphitheatre in Pula’s centre.