From Buje to Motovun: Istrian landscape from history to gastronomy

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Embark on a journey through the heart of Croatia’s Istrian peninsula, where the villages of Buje, Grožnjan, and Oprtalj await with their timeless charm and rich histories. Buje, perched atop a hill, captivates with its medieval streets, historic churches, and strategic views over the Adriatic Sea. Grožnjan, known as the “Town of Artists,” invites visitors to immerse themselves in its vibrant arts scene, Roman, Venetian, and medieval architecture, and exquisite Istrian cuisine. Then, venture to Oprtalj, where colorful facades adorn the picturesque streets, offering a glimpse into Istria’s architectural beauty. Finally, the journey culminates in Motovun, a medieval marvel boasting ancient city walls, cobblestone alleys, and panoramic vistas that stretch from the Mirna River valley to the Adriatic coastline.

Buje: Historically Medieval

Buje is a charming village in Croatia’s Istrian peninsula that is well-known for its beautiful scenery, rich history, and rich cultural legacy. Here are some fascinating details about Buje:

Buje boasts a beautifully preserved medieval old town with its narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and old churches. One of the notable landmarks is the Church of St. Servulus (15th century).

Strategic Location

Buje’s hilltop location gives it a commanding overview over the surrounding landscape and the Adriatic Sea. Buje was once a significant defensive bastion due to its advantageous location; traces of its historic fortifications can still be seen today.

Cultural Events

Buje hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating Istrian traditions, music, and cuisine. We recommend you stop and join in the joy if you are passing through the city during one of them.

Truffle Hunting

Istria is famous for its truffles, and Buje serves as a gateway to truffle-rich areas. Visitors can participate in truffle hunting tours, where trained dogs lead them through forests in search of these elusive culinary treasures.

Grožnjan: Town of Artists

Known as the “Town of Artists,” Grožnjan is a small Croatian hilltop town located in Istria, Croatia. Despite its diminutive size, Grožnjan boasts a rich cultural heritage and offers visitors a unique experience. Here’s what you can see and what makes Grožnjan special:
Grožnjan is renowned for its vibrant arts scene. Visitors can explore these galleries, admire various art forms, and even purchase unique pieces directly from the artists.

History and Gastronomy of Grožnjan

With remnants of its Roman, Venetian, and medieval past seen in its architecture and historical sites, Grožnjan has a rich cultural heritage. The town’s unique atmosphere and attractiveness are a result of its many cultural influences. Its defensive walls and tower date back to the Middle Ages, serving as a testament to the town’s strategic importance throughout history.

Grožnjan, despite its small size, offers several excellent restaurants and taverns where visitors can enjoy Istrian cuisine. Food lovers will find gastronomic joy in the region’s delicacies, which include truffles, olive oil, shellfish, and Istrian wines.

Oprtalj: Enjoy a beautiful view of the Istrian landscape 

Just like Grožnjan, Oprtalj is also elevated on one of the hills. By visiting this town, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful view of the Istrian landscape from all four corners of the world. What makes Oprtalj stand out from other Istrian places is definitely the diverse colors of the facades of the houses that prevail throughout the place, making this place so charming.

Places that you should not miss here are: City Gate, Lapidarium Oprtalj, the colorful square at the entrance to the city, and numerous small churches and historic houses.

Continuing towards Motovun, pass through the Freski Bridge and Tunnel, and continue cycling along the beautiful Parenzana trail. On the way, you will meet Istrian wineries and restaurants with traditional Istrian dishes such as Visintin Winery, Vivoda Winery, Konoba Dorjana, and Konoba Mondo. Stop at the desired station and enjoy a delicious lunch or wine tasting. Get to know the most beautiful part of Istria.

Motovun: Journey through time

The final station, Motovun, will delight you with its medieval ambience. Imagine traveling back in time. The wheels of your bicycles will spin on the ancient soil of the historic alleys that lead through the city walls all the way to the Tower, also known as the “new city gate.” The city has a completely different shape from typical cities, so you will enjoy every part of its tour.

Once you get up there and look back at all the landscape that surrounds you—from the valley of the Mirna River through forests and vineyards all the way to Učka and the Adriatic Sea—you will be amazed.

Embracing Istria’s Timeless Beauty

As our journey from Buje to Motovun comes to a close, we find ourselves immersed in the timeless beauty and rich heritage of Istria. Each village, from Buje with its medieval allure to Grožnjan’s artistic vibrancy and Oprtalj’s picturesque charm, offers a unique glimpse into this region’s past and present. The cobblestone streets, historic churches, and colorful facades weave a tapestry of history and culture that captivates every visitor.

Moreover, Istria’s gastronomic delights, from truffles and olive oil to exquisite wines, leave a lasting impression on the palate. It’s not just a journey through landscapes, but a journey through flavors and traditions that define this enchanting region.

And finally, Motovun stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Istria, with its medieval towers and panoramic views that stretch across vineyards to the azure Adriatic Sea. As we bid farewell to these villages, we carry with us not just memories, but a deeper appreciation for Istria’s timeless beauty and the warm hospitality of its people. Until we return to these cobblestone streets and hilltop vistas, the essence of Istria will linger in our hearts.

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ENQUIRY

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.

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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.

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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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