Walking adventure through green Istria - Short break
Your walk starts at Brtonigla, with its natural parks, caves, picturesque hills, rich flora and fauna and excellently preserved small churches and chapels, ending up at Parenzana – an old railway. The path leads you through Livade for you to experience the particular flavor of a world known truffle. Visiting Oprtalj, Buzet and Hum you end your walking journey at the top of the Učka mountain with a wonderful view of Kvarner Bay. Lovran is the last city you will visit before your adventure ends. HIGHLIGHTS: Visit Grožnjan, Motovun and Buzet, Enjoy Hum, the smallest town in the world Hike at Učka Nature Park, Walk the Parenzana, an old railway, Explore the rich cultural heritage and local specialties
Experience in just five days a land of vineyards, olives, hilly inland and friendly residents. Enjoy walking and hiking!
Imagine walking through green countryside full of vineyards, olive trees, rivers and forests, full of beautiful villages and medieval towns situated on hills. Indeed it sounds like a dream. This dream can come true! Join us on a walking adventure through green Istria. Learn about the natural beauty that will open before you every step of the way, and with every new winding of the road. Learn about the culture and heritage of Istria and visit picturesque towns on the hills with unforgettable views which will leave you breathless.
Visit Hum, the smallest town in the world and experience the spirit of the past in Motovun and Grožnjan, the town of artists. To get to know the best of Istria, walk through Učka Nature Park which contains a wealth of life and, finally, round off this green adventure with the delicious flavors of indigenous Istrian delicacies and wines.
For those who love exploring on foot
Green Istria is a hidden gem for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. It offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights, making it an ideal destination for those who love exploring on foot. Whether you're wandering through truffle-scented forests, admiring panoramic views from hilltop towns, or savoring a glass of Istrian wine in a vineyard, this walking adventure will leave you with lasting memories of one of Croatia’s most enchanting regions.
So, lace up your walking shoes, grab your backpack, and set off on an unforgettable journey through the green heart of Istria—where every step tells a story, and every path leads to a new discovery.
Availability
Self-guided Walking adventure through green Istria CLASSIC 5 days/ 4 nights
For the classic tour you’ll mainly stay in small, locally-run, guesthouses and 3 star hotels, which reflect the character of the area.
Self-guided Walking adventure through green Istria PREMIUM 5 days/ 4 nights
If you choose a premium tour you will be staying at 4* boutique style hotels.
Itinerary
Arrival in Istria. Info meeting with Fiore representative at 7pm at the hotel reception area where we will provide you with the package including hotel vouchers, maps and a road book, luggage tags. Overnight in Buje Area.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Guesthouse La Parenzana 3* in Volpija or Guesthouse Lovac 3* in Kaldanija or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: Heritage Hotel San Rocco 4* in Brtonigla or San Servolo 4* or similar
Meals: not included
Walking distance: no
Transfer:
Casa La Parenzana 3*
San Rocco 4*
Today you are ready to start exploring Istrian villages and hidden paths. After 10 minutes transfer walking stage starts on ex railway Parenzana, a narrow - gauge Austrian railway connecting Trieste with Poreč through a series of Istrian small towns, for 123 kilometers long. The railway was in function from 1902 until 1935, and today, the track has been rearranged for cycling and hiking paths wounding through Istrian hills. Grožnjan will be your start point. After you saw Its galleries and viewpoints you can pass through magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards. After passing through several tunnels, over old bridges you can stop on many fascinating view point before reaching the village of Livade, the truffle center of the world where you can taste and buy some products with truffles. Your last stop for today is in Motovun, a picturesque hilltop town renowned for its stunning medieval architecture and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Perched atop a 277-meter-high hill, it features narrow cobblestone streets, ancient city walls, and charming stone houses. The town is famous for its truffles, making it a culinary hotspot, especially during the annual truffle festival. Overnight in Motovun.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Kaštel 3* or Villa Borgo 3*in Motovun or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: Wine & Heritage Hotel Roxanich 4* in Motovun
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer: 10 minutes transfer + luggage transfer
Walking distance: 25 km / 15,6 miles
Alternative shorter walk is available at approximately 20 km / 12,5 miles
Elevation gain: +511m / -573m, +1676ft / -1879ft
Path from Buzet to Hum can be a circular trail or one way if you start from Hum. The trail starts by the river and turns into the forest, passing over shallow river or riverbed if it's dry. It's passing by some waterfalls with lakes. Nice, and not too steep, the trail leads you all the way to Kotli, the water springs with natural pools and an old watermill. The trail continues following the riverbed and it's passing through Benčići, an abandoned village where you can see traditional Istrian stone houses. From there you'll see Hum and its recognizable church tower in the distance. When you get to Hum, take a walk and you'll understand why it’s the smallest town in the world. In Hum you can eat in the local "konoba", a wordform the local dialect that means restaurant. The "konoba" in Hum offers you nothing but traditional istrian dishes.
The hiking trail from Hum to Buzet takes you on a scenic journey through Istria’s lush landscape, following the path of the Seven Waterfalls. This moderate trail offers stunning views of cascading waterfalls, verdant forests, and charming villages, perfect for nature lovers. Along the way, you’ll experience the region's diverse flora and fauna, pass through picturesque gorges, and discover peaceful spots for rest by the flowing rivers. The trail ends in the historic town of Buzet.Overnight in Buzet.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Vela Vrata 4* in Buzet
PREMIUM HOTELS: Hotel Vela Vrata 4* in Buzet
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer: not included
Walking distance: Buzet to Hum 12,5 km / 7,8 miles + Hum to Buzet 12 km / 7,5 miles
Elevation gain: Buzet to Hum +343/-138, +1125ft/-453ft + Hum to Buzet +145m/-333m, +476ft/-1092ft
Transfer to Poklon, a saddle between two hills from where trail starts. It goes on the top of Učka mountain which is biggest mountain in Istria. Path is covered by oak and chestnut forests that give pleasant freshness in hot summers. The hike from Vojak, the highest peak of Učka Mountain (1,401 m), to the coastal town of Lovran offers stunning panoramic views of the Istrian Peninsula, Kvarner Bay, and islands. The trail winds through lush forests, Mediterranean vegetation, and rugged terrain, descending from alpine landscapes to the Adriatic coastline. Your hiking adventure through Istria ends in Lovran, a charming coastal town located on the eastern shore of the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia, along the beautiful Opatija Riviera. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lush Mediterranean vegetation, Lovran is famous for its well-preserved old town, narrow cobblestone streets, and historic buildings. The town is surrounded by chestnut and laurel forests, and its beaches offer crystal-clear waters. Lovran is also renowned for its culinary traditions, particularly the annual chestnut festival ("Marunada"). Overnight in Lovran.
Accommodation:
CLASSIC HOTELS: Hotel Park 4* or Villa Eugenia 4*in Lovran or similar
PREMIUM HOTELS: Hotel Park 4* or Villa Eugenia 4*in Lovran or similar
Meals: Breakfast Included
Transfer: 30 min transfer from Buzet to Poklon (start point) + luggage transfer
Walking distance: 15 km / 9,4 miles
Shorter walk 6 km / 3,8 miles
Elevation gain: +783m / -1692m, +2568ft / -5550ft
Shorter walk +28 / -382m, 92ft / 1253ft
After breakfast departure.
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast included
Transfer: Not included
Map
Here you can find tracks and accommodation.
Conditions
Price includes
- Orientation meeting with Fiore representative
- 1 x overnight in in Buje area/Brtonigla
- 1 x overnight in Motovun
- 1 x overnight in Buzet
- 1 x overnight in Lovran
- 4 x breakfasts
- Information package including detailed route description (maps and route notes), water bottle, luggage tags, water bottle, vouchers for hotels
- use of Fiore APP -offline navigation with voice guidance, info about POI’s and restaurant recommendation
- luggage transport from hotel to hotel
- local transfers to start point during walking
Not included in price
- travel insurance
- arrival and departure from Istria
- transfer from airport to hotel and return
- lunches, dinners and drinks
- hiking poles hire EUR 8 per pair for 3 days
- GPS Garmin hire for 1 week EUR 30,-
