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31 Aug 2025
6 Sep 2025

DISCOVER: Late Summer in Croatia

Experience the Terra Magica of Croatia

31 Aug 2025
6 Sep 2025

Late Summer in Croatia

$0
Lead Guide:

Manuel Cardoso

ABOUT THIS TRIP

Cycling in Croatia will surely invigorate you. Located in southeastern Europe, Croatia boasts diverse geography, featuring low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, flat plains along the Hungarian border, and numerous islands. The country’s natural beauty, including olive groves, vineyards, hills, and the coastline with its crystal-clear sea, provides the perfect backdrop for a cycling trip.

If you choose to travel and cycle with inGamba, you’ll benefit from world-class support while staying in two unique and luxurious hotels: San Canzian Hotel and Residences, and Stancija Meneghetti Wine Hotel and Winery. These elegant and stunningly beautiful hotels offer comfort, elegance, and style, making Croatia an attractive destination for guests seeking a holiday immersed in nature, with the highest level of comfort and a wide range of eno-gastronomic experiences.

Included With Trip:

  • All lodging*†
  • All food and beverages**
  • Pinarello Dogma F Disk with SRAM RED eTap AXS
  • Daily Bike Wash
  • Custom Q36.5 × inGamba cycling kit
  • Daily post-ride massage from a professional soigneur
  • Laundry service for cycling clothing

*Pre/post-trip lodging is not included
†Flights are not included
**Beverages ordered by guests beyond normal amounts and away from group activities will incur additional charges

MEET THE GUIDES

MANUEL CARDOSO

The Quiet Crusher

Manuel Cardoso is no longer sitting on the front of the pack, pulling everyone along at what some would describe as a “brisk” pace and what others are unable to describe at all, because they’re too busy gasping for breath and holding onto the wheel in front of them for dear life. Manuel is now sitting just slightly off the back of the pack. As I look back, I realize he has that look on his face. The look which struck fear in the hearts of the Pro Peleton for many years. The look which is part grin, part mischievous child and all business. He is about to start some shenanigans. Sure enough, just a few kilometers later and Manuel has picked one lucky contestant out of the pack and they are sitting-in, waiting, like predators, for the perfect moment. For Manuel, just like when he raced pro, this is when the road turns slightly up, a spot in the road where it gets tough for everyone. And he accelerates with his breakaway “partner” in tow. It is something to see. He ramps it up to a speed with which no one can latch onto the back and with such precision you have to question whether or not you actually want to try and close the gap he has created. And you can’t see it, but you just know, he is grinning from ear-to-ear.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

START LOCATION:

Pula

FINISH LOCATION:

Pula

TOTAL ELEVATION:

6,442m

TOTAL DISTANCE:

422km

DAYS RIDING:

6

GROUP SIZE:

8-14

LONGEST DAY:

Day 5-Ucka Park Reverse 93km

BIGGEST CLIMBING DAY:

Day 5-Ucka Park Reverse 1742m

View Bike Options

DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN

1

Umag

44km & 452m

Welcome to Istria!

On the way from Umag to Savudrija, your eyes will surely be drawn to wonderful beaches and magical coasts with numerous small bays that call for refreshment and swimming. After Savudrija, the road starts not so far from the Dragonja River, along the border with Slovenia. Near Plovanija it diverges towards Buje, passing through the most famous Istrian craft brewery, San Servolo, along with numerous vineyards, and then ends at the beautiful San Canzian hotel. In addition to luxurious accommodation, an architecture that combines traditional and modern showing the true spirit of Istria, San Canzian also offers top cuisine in its Luciano restaurant. A place you want to enjoy and stay forever.

2

LIVADE

76km & 1,135m

Starting from San Canzian and heading to the beautiful medieval town of Grožnjan, which is located on a hill next to the river Mirna, we cycle to Oprtalj, Livade and finally Motovun, an area extremely rich in truffles. The Motovun forest, as well as the Mirna river valley, is rich with this valuable ingredient important for the whole Istrian gastronomy. The view from the medieval fortress extends to the hills painted with vineyards. The best Istrian wineries are located here. The road then leads back to the coast, to Novigrad, known for its days of Švoj (Sole fish) and then heading back to inland.

3

Ucka National Park — Abazia

87km & 1,715m

Cycling through central Istria via Motovun to Pazin, also the administrative center of Istrian County, we climb into Bijela Istria and reach the Učka National Park. After Učka, we head down towards Opatija and only briefly leave Istria and cross another region, Kvarner. For more than 160 years, Opatija has been an important tourist center where numerous festivals and congresses are held annually. The city is decorated with beautiful Austro-Hungarian villas and offers a long walk along the promenades by the sea.

4

Beach Ride and Back

48km & 689m

This route rolls out from your base and quickly whisks you toward the sparkling Adriatic coast, following quiet roads and gentle terrain ideal for a relaxed spin. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming villages, olive groves, and vineyards, with plenty of opportunities to soak in the sights or stop for a coffee by the water. The highlight, of course, is reaching the beach—where you can dip your toes in the sea or simply take a moment to enjoy the Mediterranean air—before looping back through the serene countryside. It’s a ride designed for smiles, conversation, and the simple pleasures of cycling in Croatia’s coastal paradise.

5

Ucka Park Reverse

95km & 1,206m

Prepare to be inspired by one of Croatia’s most iconic cycling experiences: the Učka Park ride. This route takes you deep into the heart of Učka Nature Park, where the road winds through dense beech forests and climbs steadily toward the summit of Vojak, the highest peak in Istria. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking glimpses of the azure Kvarner Bay and, once at the top, panoramic views stretching all the way to the Alps and the Venetian plains.

6

Cere Loop

75km & 716m

While this ride isn’t the longest, it packs a punch with a series of short, punchy climbs—enough to keep your legs honest and reward you with sweeping vistas at every summit. The most notable ascent comes near Cere itself, where the road ramps up and offers a satisfying challenge for climbers. Along the way, you’ll pass through sleepy hamlets and past centuries-old churches, with plenty of opportunities to soak up the authentic Istrian atmosphere.

7

DEPARTURE

This is our final morning together and after a leisurely breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye, or at least arrivederci, until we meet again. Transfers to the airport will be arranged by our hard-working crew but if you’re planning on staying a few extra days, let us know if we can help with reservations or a few recommendations.

STAYING LONGER?

Adventure Continues…
Do you plan to come a few days early, or stay on after your inGamba adventure has ended? Our concierge can help you plan with a carefully curated selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, and guides. All of our recommendations have been hand-picked by a team of local experts, so you can spend more time enjoying all that this destination has to offer.

The latest version of the DOGMA features an advanced fiber with remarkable tensile strength, which enables Pinarello to improve the bike’s lateral stiffness performance. With this enhancement, the New DOGMA F is engineered to tackle any road challenges, establishing itself as a reliable option for all kinds of rides.

In addition, it comes equipped with the new SRAM RED AXS, the lightest electronic groupset to date. The controls have been redesigned to offer smooth, comfortable ergonomics for a wide range of hand sizes. What makes this groupset stand out is the effortless braking, allowing for one-finger braking with minimal effort. The RED brakes now require 80% less effort when braking from the hoods and 33% less effort from the drops, delivering more power and reducing hand fatigue.

WHEELSET:

Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless

FRAMESET:

Pinarello New Dogma F

COCKPIT:

MOST Talon Ultra Fast

TIRES:

Vittoria Corsa N.Ext

GRUPPO:

New SRAM RED AXS (Powermeter Included)

BOTTLE CAGES:

Elite Custom Race

PEDALS:

Speedplay

BIDON:

Elite Jet

SADDLE:

Prologo

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 1040

COLOUR:

inGamba Red

The NYTRO GRAVEL has a pure road racer DNA which upon launch marked an era in the E-BIKE/GRAVEL world. Featuring an iconic design, the Nytro Gravel is perfect for anyone looking for a road bike with powerful support for the toughest climbs.

WHEELSET:

Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless

FRAMESET:

Nytro Gravel E-Bike
(available for an additional fee)

COCKPIT:

ZIPP Service Course SL

TIRES:

Vittoria Corsa N.Ext

GRUPPO:

SRAM RED eTap AXS

BOTTLE CAGES:

Elite Custom Race

PEDALS:

Speedplay

BIDON:

Elite Corsa Team

SADDLE:

Prologo

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 1030

COLOUR:

Saturn Silver