Motovun - Croatia
Camminando lungo la ciclovia Parenzana in Istria
Alley,Old town of Poreč in the evening, Poreč, Istria, Croatia, Europe
Variety of meat products and vegetables
Medieval town Motovun on a top of a hill, Croatia.
Pellegrini in cammino lungo la ciclopedonale Parenzana in Istria
City walls and tower of the Motovun city on Istria in Croatia, Europe.
beautifully lit tunnel of Parenzana railway, Strunjan, Slovenia
Saltworks in Strunjan, on the Slovenian Istrian coast
1/9

Parenzana Railway Trek

10 days / 9 nights

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Trek the historic Parenzana Trail through 3 countries – Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia – exploring stunning coastlines, medieval towns, and Istrian countryside.

Starting point

Trieste

Finish point

Poreč

Season

From April to September

Technical level

1/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

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Highlights

  • Trek across three countries in a single journey
  • Follow the historic path of the old Parenzana railway line
  • Enjoy the variety of landscapes—from the Adriatic coastline to the rolling hills of Istria
  • Hike from medieval towns and Venetian architecture to UNESCO-listed landmarks
  • Explore the scenic hilltop villages of Grožnjan and Motovun
  • Savor Istria’s culinary delights with local truffles, topnotch wines and olive oils

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

9 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast
Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Tour design and organization
Service and support during your hike
Luggage transfers

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer
Extra nights
Hotel upgrades
Single supplement
Wine tasting

What to bring to the tour

  • Hiking shoes/boots
  • 25 to 35-liter backpack
  • Base layer
  • Sports T-shirts
  • Hiking shorts
  • Hiking water-repellent pants
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Midlayer
  • Sports socks and underwear
  • Leisurewear for evenings
  • Shade hat/cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hiking poles
  • ID card or passport
  • Snacks
  • Cash
  • Water bottles or hydration pack
  • Toiletries

The Northern Adriatic Trekking Tour offers an unparalleled hiking experience through three countries Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia – along the historic Parenzana railway trail.

This trail is one of the most popular hiking and cycling routes in the region, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. It offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, from stunning Adriatic coastlines to the rolling hills and picturesque Istrian countryside, all while following the path of a historic railway.

The Parenzana Trail, once a narrow-gauge railway connecting Trieste to Poreč, is now a well-preserved and marked trail that showcases the natural beauty and rich history of the Northern Adriatic.

As you hike, you’ll pass through historic tunnels and viaducts, remnants of the railway’s past, offering a journey not just through nature but also through time. Each section of the trail provides something unique, from the coastal charm of Slovenian towns like Koper and Piran to the serene vineyards and olive groves of Istria.

Along the way, you’ll explore medieval towns with Venetian Gothic architecture, visit UNESCO-listed landmarks like the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč, and discover the rich culinary traditions of Istria, famous for its truffles, wines, and olive oils. Whether you’re walking through the Sečovlje Salt Pans, enjoying the art scene in Grožnjan, or savoring local delicacies in Motovun, this tour offers a rich and immersive experience that is both physically rewarding and culturally enriching.

Our services are crafted to transform your trek into a worry-free adventure, where all you need to focus on is the journey ahead. We tailor your itinerary to match your pace and interests, ensuring that every step of your trek is as personalized as it is exhilarating. But we don’t stop there. Our local knowledge gives you access to hidden gems and local secrets that you might otherwise miss – whether it’s the perfect spot for a sunset view or a recommendation for the best local dish.

Ready to tick the Parenzana trail off of your bucket list?

Frequently Asked Questions

Our tours are designed to cater to a broad range of people, but some days can be quite challenging, with long distances and significant elevation gain. We aim to minimize this as much as possible while ensuring a high-quality experience. To fully enjoy our tours, you should be accustomed to walking for 4-6 hours, overcoming around 600 meters of elevation gain.


However, Alta Via 1 hut-to-hut hikes and Tour du Mont Blanc are more demanding and require a higher fitness level. On these tours, you may need to hike up to 8 hours per day and tackle substantial elevation gain.

Yes, our hiking holidays are appropriate for children who are physically prepared and have a good balance. However, to guarantee the safety and enjoyment of our young participants, we suggest that they should be at least eight years old to join our tours.

Proper footwear is crucial for our walking tours. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support for all our hikes. The terrain can be uneven, rocky, and slippery. Wearing sneakers can be dangerous, especially if you are not accustomed to hiking on such surfaces, as they do not offer enough protection and support. Robust shoes also provide the necessary support when your legs get tired during long hikes.

Yes, we highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot. The earlier you book, the better the chances are of getting your preferred options. If you book close to the start of the season or during the season, we may not be able to guarantee availability in the hotels and apartments. Therefore, it is best to make reservations as soon as possible to avoid any inconvenience.

It is essential to note that accommodations at the destinations of our walking tours are in high demand during the summer season. Therefore, early booking is crucial to secure your preferred type of housing. However, we assure you that we will always try our best to provide you with the most suitable lodging based on your preferences. Rest assured that we will do everything possible to ensure that your stay is comfortable and enjoyable.

Our tours are well-organized, and all the destinations are easily accessible and straightforward to navigate. Therefore, it is unlikely that you will require a guide. Our comprehensive handout will provide you with all the essential information while still allowing you the freedom of a self-guided holiday.


However, if you prefer to have a guide, please let us know, and we will make the necessary arrangements for you.

Most of the accommodations we provide offer vegetarian and vegan options for breakfast. Additionally, you will find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan menus in restaurants during the tour. However, it is worth noting that some mountain huts on Alta Via 1 or Tour du Mont Blanc may not offer vegan meals. In such situations, it is advisable to bring your own food to ensure that your dietary needs are met.

The best time to go on a walking holiday in Italy varies depending on the location you plan to visit. Destinations such as the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and Sicily are best visited during early spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer.


However, in areas like the Dolomites or around Mont Blanc, hiking is not possible when there is snow high up in the mountains. Therefore, the hiking season in these areas is limited from late June to late September. It is advisable to plan your trip accordingly to get the best out of your walking holiday in Italy.


We can best advise you after receiving a filled-out inquiry form.

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Are you looking for a good adventure and limitless flexibility? Then you should try out a self-guided tour, perfect for independent explorers who want to set their own pace. Without the need to stick to a group schedule, you’re free to linger at scenic viewpoints while the logistics are taken care of in advance.

Hassle-Free

We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy a carefree hike.

Trusted by Many

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

Handpicked Adventures

Only the best walking tours of Italy, cherry-picked by our local team with an in-depth knowledge of the region.

Unbeatable Support

Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.

from 1.595 € /person
Towering rock faces of the Dolomites, Tuscany’s unique architecture, and charming towns on the Amalfi Coast — discover it all on walking holidays in Italy!

Have questions? Talk to us.

Anja Hajnšek
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