Eat like local in Istria

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Discover the essence of Istria through an unforgettable culinary journey that blends rich tradition with authentic flavors. This blog offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy the hospitality of charming hosts, and taste traditional dishes that have been cherished for generations. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply looking to explore the region’s heritage, this experience promises to be both enriching and satisfying.

Eat Like a local in Istria: a culinary journey through tradition

When visiting Istria, it’s impossible not to be enchanted by the rich blend of Mediterranean flavors, local traditions, and seasonal ingredients that define this gastronomic paradise. Whether you’re strolling through coastal towns or venturing into the heart of the countryside, the Istrian way of eating is all about fresh, simple, and authentic flavors that are deeply rooted in the land and its people.

Explore local

One of the best ways to truly eat like a local in Istria is to start your day at the bustling local markets. Head to places like Pula, Rovinj, or Pazin, where you’ll find stalls brimming with freshly picked fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Local farmers proudly display their seasonal offerings, such as wild asparagus in spring, truffles in autumn, and chestnuts during cooler months. Don’t be shy—ask the vendors for tips on how to cook with these ingredients, as many of them will share family recipes passed down through generations.
For a more immersive experience, visit farms or vineyards like Vinarija Kabola, where you can sample award-winning wines and enjoy authentic Istrian hospitality. We are visitig them on our tours.

Istrian olive oil and truffles

No visit to Istria is complete without indulging in its two most prized culinary treasures—olive oil and truffles. Istria’s olive oils are considered some of the best in the world, often winning international awards. Drizzle it over fresh bread, salads, or grilled fish for a true taste of the region.
Truffles, particularly the white truffle, are another local delicacy that Istria is famous for. Found in the forests of central Istria, these aromatic fungi are used to elevate simple dishes like pasta, risotto, or scrambled eggs. For a unique experience, embark on a truffle-hunting tour with Miro Tartufi where you’ll learn the secrets of finding these hidden treasures and taste them fresh from the earth. Maybe trying some Istarsko beer with white truffle flavour from Buzet will thril you. You can try it on our Walking Trail of 7 waterfalls private full day tour.

Pašareta: A taste of Istrian nostalgia

A visit to Istria wouldn’t be complete without trying the region’s cult-favorite non-alcoholic drink—Pašareta (or Pasareta). Produced by the Ferenčić family since 1924, this retro drink made from sugar, water, and fruit flavors holds a special place in the hearts of Istrians. It’s not uncommon to find Pašareta on every table at local cafes, often preferred over global brands.
Its iconic red color and refreshing taste make it a nostalgic reminder of Istrian summers, and even today, it’s shared through word-of-mouth rather than flashy advertising campaigns. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely afternoon in a café or relaxing after a meal, sipping a Pašareta is like taking a step back in time to experience the retro Istria. You can try it anywhere, for example, at one of the bars and restaurants on our tour.

Coastal delights: fresh seafood and more

Istria’s coastline offers a different yet equally delicious side of local cuisine. Fresh seafood is at the heart of many coastal menus, with dishes like brodet (a fish stew), grilled squid, or scampi na buzaru (scampi cooked in white wine, garlic, and parsley) being local favorites. Whether you’re dining at a seaside restaurant or a small family-run konoba, you can expect your seafood to be fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared.

Bike with us on the Istrian wine roads tour  Pair your meal with a glass of Malvazija, the region’s signature white wine, known for its crisp and fruity notes. For red wine lovers, Teran is the go-to choice, offering a bold, robust flavor that complements Istria’s hearty meat and truffle dishes. If you’re looking for a luxurious gastronomic escape, consider a stay at Hotel San Canzian, where fine dining is the best.

 

Hidden Villages and Towns to Discover

For a truly authentic Istrian experience, venture beyond the tourist hotspots and explore hidden gems like Završje, a small hilltop town where time seems to stand still.

Or visit Bale, another picturesque village known for its charming stone streets and peaceful ambiance. Both places offer a glimpse into the traditional Istrian way of life, where local food, wine, and hospitality take center stage. Join us on tour Sightseeing Istrian medieval hilltop towns 

Conclusion: savor the true spirit of Istria

Eating like a local in Istria is not just about indulging in its rich and flavorful cuisine—it’s about experiencing the deep connection between the land, its people, and their traditions. From tasting the nostalgic Pašareta to enjoying fresh truffles and seafood, every bite tells a story of heritage and local pride. But beyond the food, it’s the personal touch that makes dining in Istria truly unforgettable. The warmth and hospitality of Istrian hosts, especially in family-run konobe, add a special layer to your culinary journey. Don’t be surprised if a simple meal turns into a conversation about Istrian life, culture, and the love for local produce.

 

Tips for your Istrian adventure:


• Culinary journeys are available any time of year, and you can make a provisional reservation by selecting “book.” Prices are shown per person for two travelers, with discounts available for groups of three or more, which are displayed during booking.
• No special skills are required for this tour—just come with an appetite for discovery!
• Make sure to bring comfortable shoes and clothing, as you may be exploring local farms, vineyards, or truffle forests.
• Upon request, you can enjoy a traditional Istrian lunch for an additional fee—don’t miss the chance to taste authentic local dishes!
• If you need pick-up from your accommodation, simply provide the address, and we’ll arrange the rest for a seamless experience.
By immersing yourself in the food, culture, and hospitality of Istria, you’ll not only taste the authentic flavors but also create unforgettable memories. This is an experience for discerning gourmands who appreciate the finer things in life—a journey that will leave you enriched, delighted, and eager to return.

 

 

 

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OUR GROUP SERVICES

If you’re considering bringing your group to Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Hercegovina or Montenegro trust FIORE TOURS to organize and deliver your custom travel experience. Our comprehensive group services include:

All components for an integrated tourism experience. These include professional driver and licensed guides, transportation (car, minivan, 15 passenger minibus or coach), accommodation (hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, private accommodation, even camping), meals (from picnics to fine dining) and activities (hiking, biking, kayaking, rafting).

Innovative itinerary development. We work with our clients to develop itineraries that respond to their customer’s psycho-graphics and exertion and comfort levels. Feel free to ask us for examples of popular itineraries or ones that are more “off the beaten path.”

Outstanding customer service. Our success is largely due to our guides who place the customer first. As a “hands on” tourism business, our guides also work in the office, help set policy and basically keep the rest of us honest. We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours and keep a 24 hour emergency line open.

Value for money. The quality of our product and its cost represent some of best value for money spent. Our local knowledge, innovative ideas, access to a wide variety of unique properties and direct service delivery contribute to competitive pricing and customer satisfaction.

WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL?

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 Fiore Adventure, 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.

It has always been at the heart of Fiore Adventure’ ethos to not exploit local communities’ culture and environment.

We ensure our tours are:

  • low impact on natural resources
  • respectful and observant of local customs and
  • supportive of local economies


All staff of Fiore Adventure are locally employed and all our guides are, ensuring a more authentic experience for travelers, as well as sensitivity to local customs and culture. We also involve local communities in remote areas that we travel to.


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.


Social policy:

  • All staff of Fiore Adventure are locally employed and all our guides are, ensuring a more authentic experience for travelers, as well as sensitivity to local customs and culture. We also involve local communities in remote areas that we travel to.
  • Our accommodation is mostly provided in small hotels, guest houses or apartments.
    On all our tours we use local produce and provide local-style meals, and we encourage our guests to try local dishes and delicacies
  • We support local economy and small business by supporting locally owned shops, restaurants, and using local guide services.
    Using local employees, accommodation providers, local restaurants and transportation services, Fiore Adventure ensures that financial benefits remain in the local community.

What you can do:

  • Learn something about Croatia: culture, religion, geography, politics and local customs.I strongly recommend to get a good travel guide such as Lonely Planet guides or Croatian Tourism Board. They are very useful before and during your staying.
  • Try to speak at least a few words of Croatian, you will make a big impression by doing it and it’s also a show of respect and interest on your part.
  • In many places fresh water is a very precious commodity and should not be wasted, so use a minimum for showering and washing, especially when you are on islands, tap water is drinkable throughout Croatia
  • Turn out the lights or air condition when you leave your room, use the public transport as much as you can, minimize your waste generally
  • Pick up your litter, never live any trace in nature, when you are in rural areas please stay to the trails and don’t damage or take any plants or flowers

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Fiore tours & adventure operates a fleet of different vehicles from cars, minivans and minibuses. Each van is equipped stereo radio/ CD sound systems with microphone, cloth/velour upholstered seats, carpeted interior and air conditioning. The vans are regularly serviced and continuously checked by a well established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the country. This adds up to the best preventative maintenance program, but technical problems are not always avoidable.

Drive and explore

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TRANSFER SERVICE

We cater to clients from all around the world and in doing so understand their basic needs and requirements. Whether you are on a business trip or on a holiday, we can assist you move in and around Croatia.

Fiore Tours drive and explore

BEFORE YOU GO

Preparing for your trip!!!! So you have booked! Please take the time to read the following information; it will help you prepare for the trip of a lifetime. The information provided here is a guideline and should be used as such, if you need further information please feel free to contact us – one of our staff will be happy to help you.

Travel documents

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay is required for those nationals that need a visa. Those not requiring a visa need a valid passport and must leave the country before the passport has expired.If you don’t have a passport, apply for one in good time. If you do have a passport, check the expiry date.

Visa
Citizens of Australia, Canada, the EU, New Zealand, and the US do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Visas cost US$26 (single-entry), US$33 (double-entry), and US$52 (multiple-entry). Apply for a visa at your nearest Croatian embassy or consulate at least one month before planned arrival.

Travel Insurance
A requirement for all overland travel is that you have valid insurance cover for the duration of our tour. It must cover you against personal accident, medical, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation expenses , you should also make sure you are covered for hiking and other expedition activities or optional excursions that you intend to do. You should purchase your travel insurance policy at the same time as you book your tour.Please remember to bring your policy with you.

Regional Information
Read more about Croatia….

Packing list – adventure travel
One word: versatility. Your destination and the duration of time you’re traveling generally dictates what—and how much—to bring along. But whether you’re living out of your bag for two weeks or four months, pack clothes that can do double duty, ones that are functional enough for the trail but sharp enough not to stand out in a city. Sun hats can become rain hats, backpacks with detachable daypacks free your hands when lugging your gear from bus stop to hotel, and a good pair of travel pants with a concealed zipper pocket could stand in for a money belt.

When it comes to clothing, stay away from cotton (or at least aim for poly/cotton blends; it may be comfortable, but it takes forever to dry), and try for wrinkle-free clothes. Pack one nice outfit for that must-have dinner in a Parisian café, and always have pants or a skirt that’s long enough to cover your legs should you be traveling in a country where custom dictates a degree of modesty. In warmer climes, you’ll naturally be packing lighter. In cooler locales, layering will stretch your wardrobe. Another piece of advice: darker colors generally blend in anywhere, let you mix and match without becoming a fashion accident, and save the hassle of constant washing. And if you’re heading someplace with inexpensive markets and shopping (Southeast Asia, for example), you can always buy a few new items when the need or desire strikes.

In the brave new world of bags, you can get a rolling bag/backpack hybrid that gives you the versatility, and the newer generation of rollers come with wheels that swallow up Central European cobblestone as much as NYC asphalt. But if you’re uncertain, let your interest be your guide. Trekking in Annapurna? Go with a traditional backpack. Crawling the pavement of South America’s metropolises? A rolling bag will save your back and serve you well.

Travel Items
• passport + photocopy of front page of passport
• airline tickets
• travel insurance
• wallet (cash, credit cards, traveler’s cheque, ID Card)
• money belt
• medications
• list of contact addresses and telephone numbers
• backpack
• daypack
• multi-tool or pocket knife
• headlamp
• camera, memory card/film, charger/extra camera batteries
• ziploc plastic bags
• travel alarm clock / calculator
• small umbrella
• reading material
• International electric adapters

Clothing
• 2 to 3 synthetic/wicking polo shirts or t-shirts or 1 to 2 short-sleeve blouses, gauzy material
• fleece jacket or vest
• rainjacket (gore tex or similar)
• convertible nylon pants or a few skirts
• underwear and socks
• clothing and shoes for downtime and restaurants
• lightweight sarong
• sun/rain hat
• mid thigh-length shorts
• swimmsuit
• sleepwear
• sunglasses

Footwear
• waterproof sandals (or flip-flops for public showers)
• trail-running or hiking shoes
• “dress up” shoes (or buy them in-country)
• hiking socks
Toiletry Kit
• super-absorbent camp towel
• dramamine, or other motion sickness tablets
• anti-diarrhea medicine
• anti-bacterial cream
• insect repellent
• sunscreen and lip ointment
• handi Wipes
• feminine products
• shaving accessories

Repair Kit
• safety pins (keep straps together, etc.)
• clothespins (keep curtains closed and hang clothing to dry)
• mini sewing kit

Packing list – Cycling Holidays
Complete packing list for adventure travel
Bicycling Clothing & Gear
• bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers
• bicycling shorts
• short-fingered bicycling gloves
• brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts
• lightweight jacket or vest
• breathable windproof and waterproof rain jacket
Optional Bicycling Clothing & Gear
• arm and knee/leg warmers
• headband that covers ears (worn under helmet)
• synthetic mid-weight socks
• toe covers or booties (worn over clip-in bike shoes)
• bicycling tights
• windproof outer gloves (worn over biking gloves)
• lightweight but warm cycling cap that fits under helmet (skullcap)
• hydration backpack
• personal biking gear and helmet

Packing list – Walking/Hiking Holidays
Complete packing list for adventure travel
Walking/Hiking Clothing & Gear
• waterproof hiking boots/shoes
• walking/hiking shorts
• long-fingered, waterproof gloves
• lightweight windproof jacket/vest or warm sweater
• synthetic walking/hiking pants
• synthetic T-shirts
• walking sticks optional

Packing list – Sea Kayak Holidays
Complete packing list for adventure travel
Sea Kayaking Clothing & Gear
• water bottles/hydration pack
• dry bags
• synthetic T-shirts
• waterproof sandals
• swim suit and spare
• towel
• hat: baseball or wide-brim
• polypro long-sleeve top
• suncream & lipsalve
• gloves

Packing list – Multi-Sport Holidays
Complete packing list for adventure travel
Bicycling Clothing & Gear
• bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers
• bicycling shorts
• short-fingered bicycling gloves
• brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts
• lightweight jacket or vest
• breathable windproof and waterproof rain jacket
Optional Bicycling Clothing & Gear
• arm and knee/leg warmers
• headband that covers ears (worn under helmet)
• synthetic mid-weight socks
• toe covers or booties (worn over clip-in bike shoes)
• bicycling tights
• windproof outer gloves (worn over biking gloves)
• lightweight but warm cycling cap that fits under helmet (skullcap)
• hydration backpack
• personal biking gear and helmet

Sea Kayaking Clothing & Gear
• water bottles/hydration pack
• dry bags
• synthetic T-shirts
• waterproof sandals
• swim suit and spare
• towel
• hat: baseball or wide-brim
• polypro long-sleeve top
• suncream & lipsalve
• gloves

Notice On Filing Customer's Complaints

Pursuant to Article 8 Paragraph 2 of the Law on Consumer Protection (Narodne Novine Official Gazette No. 97/07 and 125/07 – corr. 79/09 and 89/09 – corr., 133/09), we inform our clients that complaints regarding the quality of our services can be submitted in writing to:
Fiore d.o.o., travel agency, Mate Vlašića 6, 52440 Poreč, Croatia or sending to following E-mail address: adventure@fiore.hr

You will receive a response to your complaint in writing within 15 days of receipt of the complaint. Required information: name and surname of the person filing the complaint, the exact address for submission of responses.

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