Self guided biking vacation in Croatia, Istria

Planet

Tourism is the world's fastest growing industry. Traveling to far flung places gives us a wonderful opportunity to experience cultures that are so different from our own. But with the wondrous joy of travel comes the responsibility of ensuring that we do not adversely affect those countries that we visit. In a nutshell, Responsible Travel is about ensuring that you, as travelers, and we, as a promoter of travel:

-respect the local culture
-do not inadvertently introduce new social ills and
-promote & practice environmental responsibility in the places that we visit.

That way, you enjoy a unique and memorable experience as well as authentic cross-cultural exchange and our local resources, cultures and customs are protected.

Our environmental policy:
We recycle all our waste paper.
Our correspondence and promotion is carried out via the internet and email, minimizing the amount of paper used for our activities.
We use established, locally-owned and run accommodation wherever possible and aim to leave sites in better condition than we find them.
Our vehicle fleet is managed to minimise environmental impact.
Our group sizes are small, helping minimise cultural and environmental impact.
We monitor our impact, and where necessary alter our programmes accordingly.
We always abide by site-specific guidelines pertaining to flora and fauna.
We are always encouraging bike tours such as Parenzana railway for a more responsible way to get known with region of Istria.

On our cycling tour across Istria we are trying to introduce customers to the beautiful coastline and countryside of Istrian region passing through Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. In the small town Livade our cyclists can see how truffle hunting families prepare their dogs for hunting or try truffle dishes. In Slovenia our tour is passing next Secovlje and Strunjan two only saltworks on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea where salt is still produced in a traditional way. In accommodation in hilltop town of Motovun, hotel Kaštel is biking friendly and offer nice wellnes.

People

We support the local economy and small businesses by supporting locally owned shops, restaurants, and using local guide services. On this self guided tour our intension was to make a trip which will combine the beautiful countryside of Istrian region and local cuisine. We plan the tour on small and hidden roads over the most beautiful landscape of the Istrian peninsula which pass next to vineyards and local farms.

Our accommodation is mostly provided in small hotels, guest houses or apartments. On all of our tours we use local producers and provide local-style meals, and we encourage our guests to try local dishes and delicacies. On cycling through Istria we take lunch breaks at small local restaurants, so called "konoba", where the Istrian families prepare local food such as "maneštra" or "pljukanci" and serving wine from local wineyards.

Our tour "Exploring Parenzana on two wheels" is encouraging the development of the project on “Parenzana – the Route of Health and Friendship”.The main objectives of the project were the revitalization of the former Parenzana railroad, integrated tourist offer and long-term cross-border cooperation between Italy, SLovenia and Croatia.

In the town of Grožnjan or Motovun our customers can buy products and souvenirs in many small galleries which represent the region of Istria such as "kažun". Kažun is a small field shelter, built in drystone technique, without any mortar. In town of Porec our clients have a oportunity to visit Eufrasius Basilicum which is UNESCO protected heritage.

On Parenzana railway there are several museums which are demonstrating how was life in Istrian region when railway was working and the influnce of it in local population.