Cycling the Adriatic from Venice to Porec, Italy

Encompassing the most northerly tip of the Mediterranean, this fantastic 8-day cycling holiday will offer up some truly wonderful countryside, and takes you from Italy, through Slovakia and into Croatia  - all in one week! Starting off in one of Europe's top destinations, the colourful and cultural Venetian canals and lanes are the perfecting place to begin. From here you'll don your bike and head east, sticking close to the Adriatic coast, and taking the time to stop and admire some of the longer stretches of idyllic golden beaches.

Cycling towards the region of Friuli, you'll get to experience tranquil fishing communes and the ever-popular star-shaped city of Palmanova before heading south towards the timeless beauty of the Istrian coast. It is then that you'll have one of the richest cultural experiences imaginable as you pass from Italy, through Slovakia and into Croatia, all the while sticking close to the Adriatic. Finally you'll get to Porec and have a chance to rest after a fascinating trip.

Here's a brief outline of the itinerary:

• Day 1: Start in Mestre
• Day 2: Take a ferry to Punta Sabbioni and cycle to Caorle
• Day 3: Head north and spot local fishermen on the way to Portogruaro
• Day 4: Cycle the waterways and canals towards Aquileia/Palmanova
• Day 5: Cross the River Isonzo and onto the Gulf of Trieste
• Day 6: Cross the border into Slovenia and cycle to Portoroz
• Day 7: Into Croatia and along the Istrian coast to Porec
• Day 8: Finish in Porec