Headwater - Cycle the Adriatic: Venice to Porec Self-Guided

Your trip begins at your hotel in Mestre (the mainland of Venice). At around
6pm a representative will deliver the hire bikes to the hotel and go through
the details of the trip. It is important to attend this as it will be your
opportunity to check the bikes are all set up correctly and also to go over
any questions you have about the route.If you haven't already received your
documents before departure you will find a welcome pack at your first hotel.
At this point it is important to just check through all your documents and
ask the representatives if you have any questions. If you cannot make this
briefing, you will find your welcome pack at reception and your bike in the
garage.
If you have arrived early enough, it is very easy to catch the bus to Venice
(approx. 15min). Venice, also known as the 'floating city', needs little
introduction. If you have time, make sure you visit the Basilica of San Marco
and Doge's palace. We can help you book pre or post-tour accommodation should
you wish to take more time to explore this wonderful city; if you can take
the time this is something we would strongly recommend either before or after
your trip.

Today is the first full day of cycling. Ride across the Ponte della Liberta,
the bridge which connects Venice to the mainland and arrive at the ferry port
which will take you to Punta Sabbioni to start the main part of today's ride.
The ferry passes in front of the Piazza San Marco and gives a great view of
Venice from the water - have your camera ready. From Punta Sabbioni you cycle
towards Caorle. The first section of the ride is through pretty wetland,
following canals which will then lead you back to the Adriatic Coast. On this
last section of the ride there are many opportunities stop off for a dip in
the sea. Caorle is a beautiful town with a historic centre made up of little
houses painted in various colours and a cathedral with a curious cyclindrical
bell tower.
In high season the hotels get very busy so we have alternative hotel options
for this evening: please check your hotel list to make sure you follow the
instructions to the correct hotel. In some instances you may be staying in
Jesolo, which will make your total distance 45km today (and will add the
remainder to your journey tomorrow morning). In this area we use hotels on
the coast and also in the town itself; if you are staying on the coast you
will be able to take advantage of the beaches and you will cycle through
Caorle town tomorrow morning so you will not miss out visiting this pretty
town.

Leaving Jesolo/Caorle the route heads north away from the Adriatic coast,
following cycleways and quiet roads. You will pass numerous Valli da Pesca,
which are stretches of lagoon that are enclosed by dykes for the use of fish
farming. Along these lagoons you can also spot the famous Casoni
constructions that are unique to this area. Made from cane these structures
used to house families during the war but today are a favourite spot for
fishermen. Your stop for this evening is in the impressive town of
Portogruaro, a once dominant feature of the Serenissima republic of Venice.
It is a lovely town, full of character with a leaning bell tower and
watermills along the river which runs right through the town centre. The ride
today is quite flat so you may find that you get through the distance quite
quickly, if so you can then enjoy a relaxing drink in the town square or next
to the river.

Most of the journey today is spent in the midst of the plains of the eastern
border between the region of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. This area is
particularly recognised for its abundant waterways, canals, rivers and
ancient Roman towns. Depending on availability, your stop for the night will
either be in Aquileia or Palmanova. Each of the towns are as fascinating as
the other, and if you are staying in Aquileia then the route gives you the
option to extend your journey and visit Palmanova so you don't miss out.
Alternatively, you can shorten the ride and not visit Palmanova: the notes
give directions for both options. Again the riding is flat so you have plenty
of time to fit in the longer route without rushing around. Aquileia famed for
its many Roman excavations and has a beautiful church at its centre with an
incredibly well preserved mosaic covering the floor. Palmanova is aptly named
the 'starry city' due to the shape of the city resembling a 9-pointed star
from the air. It is a remarkable structure and the town Piazza is a wonderful
place to enjoy a drink in the sun.
If you are staying in Palmanova, your cycling distance will be shorter today,
but you will cover the distance to Aquileia in the morning, which will also
give you the opportunity to look in the church.

Today's ride begins with a highly recommended option to visit the lagoon port
of Grado, reached by a long causeway. Beyond Grado another option is to visit
the Valle Cavanata nature reserve, where the cycleway is right next to the
sea.
You then cross the river Isonzo, which holds huge historical significance as
it was the setting for the infamous '12 battles of Isonzo' during the First
World War. From here you head towards the sea once again, and on to the Gulf
of Trieste. Before reaching Trieste itself there are numerous places to visit
on the way such as Duino with its two castles, Sistiana with its fantastic
bay and Miramare with its famous castle, built according to the wishes of the
Hapsburg Emperor Maxmillian. Trieste itself is a vibrant city and has many
impressive buildings and piazzas which date from when it was the only port of
the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Be sure to visit the Piazza Unita d'Italia, said
to be the largest waterside square in the world.

After seeing more of Trieste in the morning you soon reach your first border,
taking you into Slovenia. The cycling today is fantastic, there are some
hills but also long stretches right next to the sea. The cycle path is often
on the track of the old Parenzana railway which ran from Trieste to Pula. The
route takes you through several popular resorts, one of which is Piran. Often
described as an 'open-air museum', Piran's mediaeval architecture, rich
cultural heritage and narrow streets gives this town its own special charm.
It is worth planning some time to stop here so you can have a look around and
enjoy its atmosphere. From here you will cycle just a few more kilometres on
to Portoroz, which is famous for its spa and bathing facilities, the perfect
antidote to a long day's ride. If your accommodation tonight is in Piran you
will cycle through Portoroz tomorrow.

With the Istrian Coast just around the corner, you now head towards Croatia.
Before you arrive at the border you will pass the fascinating town of
Secovlje. Once a thriving sea salt producing town, Secovlje now relies on
tourism as its main source of income as the area of the salt lagoons has now
become a nature park, attracting an array of migratory birds. Crossing the
border into Croatia you have a climb to the attractivre old town of Buje and
then coast down to Novigrad in time for coffee or lunch and to enjoy the
holiday atmosphere of this pretty fishing town. The route then crosses a
lagoon and climbs a little to Tar before a final downhill to Porec. It is
worth aiming to arrive into Porec by early afternoon if you are catching the
ferry in the morning as this will give you the chance to wander the narrow
streets of the town and visit the UNESCO Euphrasian Basilica with its superb
mosaics.
Cycle approx. 55km

End Porec; optional ferry back to Venice