On arrival into Mestre/Venice, make your way to your hotel, which is located in Mestre on the mainland opposite Venice itself. After checking-in, it will take around 20 minutes to get into Venice itself by bus or train. There is much to see and do in Venice and besides visiting the well known landmarks, we highly recommend losing yourself in the quieter backstreets to get a real flavour of this most unique of cities.

After a short cycle ride you catch a ferry and then a Vaporetto past St Mark’s Square to Punta Sabbioni on the edge of the Venetian Lagoon. You then have a wonderful ride along the Adriatic Coast, passing through Lido do Jesolo to the town of Caorle where you will spend the night. There are plenty of inviting beaches along the way so remember to pack your swim things.

Your destination today is the stylish town of Portogruaro. Your ride takes you away from the coast, past a network of freshwater lakes towards the Julian Alps. Once you have settled into your hotel in Portogruaro take stroll around this Venetian town with its many glorious buildings and palaces.

Today you can either ride the the full route or shorten the route 20 kms by catching a local train. (Train ticket is to be purchased locally). Today sees you cycling between the Veneto and Friuli regions riding alongside rivers and canals past ancient roman towns to the small town of Aquilea with its roman excavations. If you are feeling energetic you can also bolt on an additional ride inland to the old town of Palmanova, known as the ‘starry city’ as its layout looks like a 9 pointed star from above.

Today you head back towards the sea and the gulf of Trieste. Consider stopping in Duino to admire the Sistiana Castle perched on a bluff overlooking the bay and the equally fabulous Miramare castle which also enjoys a splendid coastal setting. Your destination today is Trieste, the ancient port of the Asburgic Empire, which has many attractions but before then you can also consider extending the ride by riding across the lagoon to visit the pleasant beach resort of Grado. There is also an option to shorten today's ride by taking a train from Monfalcone to Trieste for the last stage. (Train ticket is to be purchased locally).

Cross the border today into Slovenia and enjoy riding along cycle paths through beautiful coastal towns such as Koper and Piran. In particular be sure to allow time for a stroll around the narrow streets of Piran, stopping also to admire the lovely square. You will spend the night in nearby Portorož renowned for its spa treatments and well-kept beaches.

We suggest an early start today so that you can have time to explore Porec, your final destination. Cross yet another border today as you leave Slovenia and cycle into Croatia. Ride through the glorious countryside of the Istrian Peninsula to the picture-postcard setting of Porec. Take time to explore the gorgeous old town with its narrow alleys, churches and of course the Basilica Euphrasis with its wonderful mosaics.

After breakfast it’s time to check-out and head for home or your next adventure. A fast ferry service connects Porec to Venice – ask for details at the time of booking.