Category: Blog

The Romans referred to it as Terra Magica – and it’s a title that is still relevant today. Istria – the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea – is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.

Here’s why it’s the perfect destination for an unforgettable walking tour

1. Surrounded by nature

Istria is small enough to drive from end to end in one hour – but still boasts a variety of natural sights and experiences. With a walking tour, like those offered by Fiore Tours – travel specialists for Istria – you’ll really get to relax surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, rivers, forests, beautiful coastal views, mountain tops, medieval towns, and villages.

2. Gourmet destination

Istria is a gourmet destination. On the coast, the focus is on seafood. Move inland and the focus shifts to meat – particularly the specialty beef from Boskarin Cattle. Then there’s the truffle capital of the world at the village of Livade – which you can also take in during Fiore Tours walking tour of Istria. There’s also wild asparagus, local ham, and the native wines. You will get excellent quality wherever you go – even in basic eateries.

3. Festivals

Time your visit right and you may just be able to take in one of the many festivals which Istria hosts each year. From the Motovun International Film Festival each July, through to choir festivals and even festivals celebrating Asparagus – Istria is definitely interesting! You can find out more about festivals from the region’s tourism website.

4. The smallest town in the world

Istria is home to Hum – the smallest town in the world. With just 20 inhabitants, it is the home of mistletoe flavor brandy and an exceptionally friendly place.

5. Aphrodisiacs!

Motovun, one of the destinations on Fiore Tours Istrian walking holiday, is home to the best views of the Istrian interior. It is also home to a truffle that has aphrodisiac qualities.

6. Artist colony

On the Fiore Tours holiday – you’ll be able to visit Grožnjan, a town full of art and artists. This photogenic medieval town sits on top of a hill with views of vineyards, olive groves, woods, and the sea. It is formally known as a town of artists – with 30 galleries in its vicinity.

7. Griffon vultures and Golden eagles

Passing through the Učka Nature Park with Fiore Tours walking tour of Istria, you’ll be well placed to spot Griffon vultures and golden eagles.

“Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik”. These were the words of Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw when he visited the city in 1929. 

Dubrovnik is visually stunning, but according to fiore-tours.com – travel specialists for Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, and Montenegro, perhaps it is because of the story that makes it such a favorite destination choice.

The name of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik means ‘oak grove’. The name has been in use since the Middle Ages and refers to the thick oak forest that once thrived there. That name was not officially adopted until 1929. Before this, the city was known as Ragusa.

Early influences

Dubrovnik’s history shows that the city was inhabited by a Greek colony in ancient times.
Dubrovnik was then ruled by a sequence of powerful countries – including the Byzantine Empire and the Venetian Republic before gaining independence in the 14th century. From this point, it developed into a powerful maritime center. Dubrovnik managed to maintain its independence during a very turbulent era because it managed to attract the protection of influential countries. Dubrovnik, the city-state, cherished its freedom, the protection of which motivated its diplomatic actions with other countries and events.

Forward-thinking

In some ways, Dubrovnik was ahead of its time. In the 14th century, it opened the first medical service and the world’s first pharmacy. It abolished the slave trade in 1418. It was one of the first countries to recognize the USA as a country, also.

Maritime city

Dubrovnik developed a strong maritime trade network. Their ships sailed as far as Great Britain and the city also owned colonies in India.

Earthquake and Wars

In 1667, 5,000 people from Dubrovnik died in an earthquake that also destroyed many public buildings. Many churches, mansions, houses were ruined, but many did indeed survive and today’s visitors can still experience the gothic, Renaissance, and baroque architecture during a holiday to Dubrovnik.

The buildings and architecture were very badly damaged by the fighting it witnessed in the Balkan War in the 1990s, where medieval city walls and beautiful cobbled streets took hundreds if not thousands of direct hits. But UNESCO stepped in after the war to manage a restoration effort and Dubrovnik is back to its former glory, which you can see today.

Independence, occupation, independence

Directly after the earthquake in 1667, Venice and Turkey set off to ‘assist’ Dubrovnik, however, the city rightly saw these offers of assistance as a threat and sent ambassadors off to meet the invading forces and persuade them that they did not need help. They protected their independence at all costs.

Dubrovnik fell to Napoleon in 1808 when his French armies occupied the town. They had originally stood outside of the gates, asking for free passage. They were let in and then never left. Later the city came under the rule of the Austro Hungarian empire. And then after the Great War of 1914-1918, it became part of Yugoslavia, but today stands independent as part of Croatia.

Today’s Dubrovnik

The Pearl of the Adriatic is a destination that is not to be missed! If the history of Dubrovnik has made you want to see it for yourself, fiore.hr – travel specialists for Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, and Montenegro offer a variety of options on how to take in the splendor of Dubrovnik during a Croatian holiday:

– The Split to Dubrovnik private guided tour spends a full day and two nights soaking up Dubrovnik’s history. Starting at the city gates, the tour works its way through the city’s main historical sights and you’ll see Dubrovnik and its history in the flesh.

– The Croatian Adriatic coast and islands walking tour spend seven days soaking up the cultural heritage and beautiful sights in and around the coast – including Dubrovnik itself.

– If biking around the countryside and islands that surround Dubrovnik, as well as exploring the city, fiore.hr offer two fantastic tours. There’s the Split to Dubrovnik tour and then the tour that focuses on Dubrovnik’s countryside and islands.

To find out more about holidays to Croatia, and specifically holidays to Dubrovnik please Check Out Our Tours.