Suggested MTB Route:

• Duration: 1 day
• Cycling route length: 37 km
• Difficulty: Moderately challenging route

09:15 – Start of the cycling tour from St. Cosmas and Damian Church in Grožnjan

• Descent via a gravel path to the Mirna river valley, reaching Ponte Porton. Turn right at the roundabout onto a gravel road leading to St. Mary of Baštija chapel, about 1.5 km downstream from Ponte Porton.
• There is a short break for group photos and a brief overview of the chapel. Return to the roundabout at Ponte Porton, turn right, and continue along the local road to St. Peter’s church south of Antonci. Shortstop with essential information about the church.
• Proceed to the village of Završje, stopping for cyclists. Tour the village’s cultural, historical, and religious heritage. Optional visit to the Museum of Folk Instruments MU=BAJS in the old school building, which houses a multifunctional cultural centre.

Optional visit:

• Family farmstead Edo Pincin Monticello for wine tasting, local products, and olive oil sampling.

11:00 – Continue the tour

• Pass through the villages of Mlin, Rovini, Varvari, Poropati, Mužići, and Šterna, stopping at the parish church of St. Michael the Archangel.
• Proceed 300 m north from the parish church to a marked hiking trail leading to the natural attraction “Istrian Desert” (Piski). Short stay on the dunes with scenic views and a brief explanation of the site’s significance and terrain features.
• Continue along the local road to St. Cancian’s church and cemetery (brief historical overview). From the church, head west along a gravel road, transitioning to a forest trail hunters use for about 2.5 km.
• Pass through dry stone walls and local meadows near the Glavica site. Descend along the forest trail to Jugovski Potok stream and reach the second major natural attraction — the Butori waterfall, approximately 10 meters high.

12:30 – Break and photo session at Butori waterfall

• A brief reflection on the waterfall and the pond it flows into; meditation.
• Continue cycling toward signs for D. Gomila and Bušleti. Cross the road and enter Kornarija, the largest protected forest in northwestern Istria.
• Ride through cycling trails to St. Florian’s church in the forest’s heart. Stop for a short tour and meditation.

Exit the forest:

• Proceed toward the village of Triban, passing Klije and Peroj.

14:00 – Arrival at the abduction and disappearance site of Bl. Francesco Bonifacio

• His biography and life highlights were presented, followed by prayer and spiritual reflection.
• Return through the old cemetery and St. Vitus chapel and continue to the Holy Spirit chapel and St. Nicholas church at the cemetery.

14:30 – Arrival in Grožnjan at the Parish church of Sts. Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia

15:00 – Final prayer and sharing of experiences

• End of the MTB tour, rest, lunch, and an afternoon tour of Grožnjan.