Istrian Delights - private tour
When you come to Istria, you will see for yourself why they refer to it as the “Tuscany of Croatia”. Istrian inland with its characteristic stone architecture, untouched nature and small towns situated on hills creates a peaceful and relaxing environment, so together with rich agrotourism offer and excellent wine selection it will be your perfect short getaway vacation. Enjoy! HIGHLIGHTS: Istrian delicacies and excellent wine, Visit Rovinj and Grožnjan, Explore Poreč's history, Original Truffle hunt with lunch, Visit Arena (UNESCO) in Pula
Tasting Istrian delicacies and excellent wine, truffle hunting and cultural visits!
Istria is a carefree combination of an active or quiet holiday destination and don’t be surprised if it wins you over with its charm.
Should you choose Buje, Buzet, Motovun, Groznjan, you will find privacy and the silence of medieval towns – fortresses and familiarize yourself with the gastronomy and wine making. Motovun is a small town in the interior part of Istria, with a green Istrian landscape and wine roads that also plays host to many film festivals. Buzet is an authentic Istrian town that was settled in ancient history and is known as the town of truffles.
Availability
Istrian Delights private tour 2- 3 pax
Istrian Delights private tour 4-5 pax
Istrian Delights private tour 6-7 pax
Istrian Delights private tour 8-12 pax
Itinerary
Independent arrival to Istria. Meet your guide and have and orientational walk around Rovinj. Overnight in Rovinj.
Accommodation:Angelo d’Oro 4 * or similar
Meals: -
Transportation: not included, transfer from any airport/station/town can be organized with supplement
Visit included: visit Rovinj
Angelo d'Oro 4*
Transfer to Grožnjan to explore a town filled with history and art, known as the city of artist. In 1950's Grožnjan was almost a ghost town when a group of painters, musicians and artists decided to renovate the houses and started to live in the town. Today, most of inhabitants are artists and there are almost 200 of them. In the narrow, cobbled alleys you’ll find numerous galleries and art studios with handmade jewelry and souvenirs. Beautiful view spreadfrom the sea on one side to the Istrian inland and Mirna river valley on the other side. Grožnjan is surrounded by endless vineyards and winemakers so tasting some local wine would be a perfect closure for today. We also visit a traditional Istrian "stancija" and one of the wine producers to enjoy in local Istrian flavors with perfect view. Drive back to your hotel. Overnight in Rovinj.
Accommodation:Angelo d’Oro 4 * or similar Meals: breakfast, wine tasting with snack Transportation: in private car/van
Visit included: visit Grožnjan and Oprtalj
Today we meet our truffler and his dogs at one of the family farms. Culinary agree only on one thing – truffle in gastronomy is on top level. Unusual underground hidden bulb, with no stem above the ground is very difficult to find. Only, a well-trained dog can sniff them. Truffles grow in grey soil, in woody humid area of Motovun and Buzet in the valley Mirna. Exactly that is where we go with a truffler and with his well-dressed dogs seeking his majesty –truffle.
During our 1 hour walk through the forest the truffler will tell us all the secrets and particulars about truffles. After that hour he will also prepare light lunch with truffles and local wine. After delicious lunch we drive to Hum, according to Guiness book of record, the smallest town in the world. On the way back to the hotel we stop in Buzet to visit Grappa brewery where you will acquainted with grappa production and have the opportunity to taste different grappas. Overnight in Rovinj.
Accommodation:Angelo d’Oro 4 * or similar
Meals:breakfast, light lunch with truffles and wine, grappa tasting
Transportation: in private car/van
Visit included: visit Hum
In the morning we are exploring the town of Poreč. The old city has preserved the structure of old Roman castrum. The main streets, Decumanus and Cardo Maximus, are still preserved in their original forms. Decumanus connected the square Marafor in the western part of the old city with city gates at its eastern end. Roman Forum with temples to Roman gods was located on the Marafor square. Still today, a Romanic house and a few beautiful Venetian gothic palaces remind us of that period. The Istrian Assembly Hall, originally a 13th century gothic Franciscan church, was remade in baroque style in the 18th century. Porec was surrounded with fortification walls from 12th to 19th century. Three defense towers still exist at the entrance of the old city. The most important cultural monument of Porec is the complex of Euphrasian Basilica dating from the 5th century. The original church was extended in the 6th century under Byzantine Empire and bishop Euphrasius. The interior of the basilica is ornamented with unique mosaics. From 1997 Euphrasius basilica is protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site. After exploring Poreč we are going to visit . The tour continues towards the village of Vodnjan where you will be welcomed by one of the olive oil producers, Extra Virgin Olive Oil. You will learn everything about the olive oil production and have the opportunity to taste different varieties of Istrian olive oil. Later we are exploring Pula, the largest town of the Istrian county with a lot of great monuments like Arena- Amphitheater (UNESCO), the most important monument in Istria from the Roman antiquity, erected in the 1st Century AD. When strolling around the Old Town, you will see the grandeur of Pula's impressive monuments, such as The Arch of Sergii, Hercules's and the Double Gates. Drive back to your hotel.
Overnight in Rovinj.
Accommodation:Angelo d’Oro 4 * or similar Meals: breakfast, olive oil tasting Transportation: in private car/van
Visit included: entrance to Euphrasius Basilica and amphitheatre Arena in Pula, visit Poreč and Pula
After breakfast individual departure.
Map
Here you can find tracks and accommodation.
Conditions
Price includes
- local English-speaking guide
- transportation in private car/van
- accommodation as described in the itinerary
- visit wine producers with tasting and snacks
- truffle hunt with truffle tasting and wine
- visit grappa brewery with tasting
- olive oil tasting
- entrance fees in Euphrasius basilica in Poreč, amphitheatre Arena in Pula
Not included in price
- travel insurance
- visas
- arrival and departure from Istria
- airport taxes
- extra activities, meals and excursions not part of the itinerary
- tips for local staff
- miscellaneous personal expenditure
