Tastes and customs of the Istrian peninsula

In the morning we drive to Poreč. The whole old city of Porec is a monument of culture. 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 old city with city gates at its eastern end. Roman Forum with temples to Roman gods was located on the Marafor square. There is still today a Romanic house and a few beautiful Venetian gothic palaces. 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 Eufrasius basilica is protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Drive to Rovinj where you will spend your last 3 nights in Istria.

Accommodation:Hotel Vila Lili 4* in Rovinj

Hotel Adriatic 4* or Monte Mulini 5* or Park 5* with supplement

Meals: breakfast

Transportation: in a private car/van

Visit included: entrance to Euphrasius Basilica in Poreč

After breakfast we will explore the old town of Rovinj on foot. Feel the enchantment of the town in its narrow medieval streets with many galleries and warm Mediterranean setting. The main Church of St. Euphemia keeps relics of the saint and presents one of the most beautiful Baroque achievements in Istria. From the church plateau there is a wonderful view of the open sea and numerous islets in the distance. 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. At the end of the tour, drive back to your hotel. Overnight in Rovinj.

Accommodation:Hotel Vila Lili 4* in Rovinj

Hotel Adriatic 4* or Monte Mulini 5* or Park 5* with supplement

Meals: breakfast, 

Transportation: in a private car/van

Visit included: visit Rovinj, Olive oil tasting

After breakfast we head out to Pula, where we are going to "walk through time", from ancient times through Roman arches and the Arena, one of the most preserved amphitheaters, through ancient renaissance and finally to modern day. 

Later we drive to cooking class so you can learn how to make types of Istrian pasta and of course have lunch from the food which you have prepared:

Makaruni or pljukanci, spindle-shaped pasta, are gaining popularity and the most popular by far are fusi –tubes of thin pasta three to five centimeters long. The smooth dough is made from wheat, salt, eggs and water, kneaded and rolled into a thin sheet before being cut into 4x4 centimeter cubes. Opposing corners are folded toward the middle and pressed. Like lasagna, fusi also have a wide use but are generally smothered in homemade sauces (žgvaceti), or Istrian goulash - a thick, dense meat sauce. In the afternoon drive back to Rovinj, rest of the day on your

own. Overnight in Rovinj.

Accommodation:Hotel Vila Lili 4* in Rovinj

Hotel Adriatic 4* or Monte Mulini 5* or Park 5* with supplement

Meals: breakfast,  lunch with wine

Transportation: in a private car/van

Visit included: entrance to amphitheatre Arena, visit Pula, pasta cooking class

After breakfast independed departure.

Meals: breakfast