Gourmet Tour of Istria

Our Croatia Food Tour & Istrian Adventure begins in Rovinj, one of Croatia’s most iconic seaside towns. The group typically meets around 6pm, so please keep this in mind when booking your flights and other transportation. After settling into the hotel we will meet for a welcome drink, dinner and brief orientation where we will have a chance to discuss the upcoming holiday and get to know our guides and fellow travelers.

Accommodation: Rovinj; Meals: Dinner.

After breakfast, we have a short drive to one of Istria’s most beautiful natural features – Lim Channel. We will explore the saltwater channel by kayak and enjoy views of steep, verdant hills stretching up above us, reaching heights of up to 100m (300 feet). We will paddle past small mussel and oyster farms and will stop for a swimming break in this protected nature reserve.

We’ll have lunch together at a restaurant bordering the channel, where you can try local delicacies including fish, mussels, oysters, and more. You’ll have free time to explore Rovinj on your own in the evening.

Accommodation: Rovinj; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Today is reserved for exploring the Rovinj Archipelago Islands by kayak. Sea kayaking is one of the best ways to explore this ancient port and its stunning natural surroundings. The tour will take us around Old Town Rovinj and to Sveta Katarina (Saint Catherine) Island, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, and optional cliff jumping. In the afternoon you will have some free time to relax on the beach or explore the town before a group dinner.

Accommodation: Rovinj; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

From Rovinj, we have about a 40-minute drive to Fazana, where we’ll board a boat and explore Brijuni National Park. This idyllic archipelago is home to extraordinary biological diversity, Roman ruins, and the summer residence of Tito, the former president of Yugoslavia.

After the national park visit, we’ll head to the ancient Roman city of Pula and visit the Olive Oil Museum. Istria has earned the title of the best olive oil-producing region in the world four years in a row. At the museum, we’ll learn about the history of this Istrian tradition, what makes Istrian olive oils among the best in the world, and taste olive oil from various local producers. The evening is free to explore Pula on your own.

Accommodation: Pula; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

This morning we leave the Istrian coast and head inland, where some of the peninsula’s most beautiful landscapes await.  Our e-bike trip today takes us 48km on country roads that wind through rural Istria’s medieval hilltop villages, vineyards, olive groves and forests. The route passes through the charming hillside towns of Oprtalj and Groznjan, which we will have time to explore on foot. The second half of the trip follows the Parenzana, an old railroad bed that is now popular among cyclists and hikers. We’ll pedal through old railroad tunnels and over bridges, enjoying spectacular views of the countryside along the way. In the afternoon we’ll head to Motovun, where (weather permitting) we will enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset over the Mirna River Valley and a dinner of truffles – a local specialty.

Accommodation: Motovun; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

After having breakfast on the terrace at our B&B in Motovun, we have about a one-hour drive to the starting point for our hike through Ucka Nature Park up to Vojak peak. This area is known for its unique climate and lush forests, which are home to many protected, endemic plant and animal species. Located at 1,401 meters above sea level, Vojak is the highest peak on the Istrian peninsula. At the summit, we are rewarded with a breathtaking view of Istria’s rolling green hills, the shimmering Adriatic Sea, Kvarner Islands and Velebit Mountains in the distance. On a clear day, it is possible to see the Zadar area on one side while on the other you can see the Italian Alps, Trieste and even Venice!

After the hike, we’ll visit a small museum and attend a cooking class in Motovun. We will learn about the history and culture of the region, including local trades, agricultural traditions, myths and legends. We will also learn how to make traditional Istrian pasta and enjoy eating our creation at the end of the class. You’ll have the evening free to relax or do some exploring on your own.

Accommodation: Motovun; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Today is all about Istrian traditions! In the morning we will cycle through the forests surrounding Motovun until we reach the starting point for truffle hunting. With the help of a local truffle hunter and trained dogs, we will learn about the art of finding truffles and the history of this delicacy.

After enjoying a lunch of truffles, we’ll head to a local winery to learn about wine making in the region and taste various Istrian wines, including malvazija and teran. We’ll share one last dinner together as a group in Motovun in the evening.

Accommodation: Motovun; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Today marks the end of the trip. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time, but we suggest avoiding booking departures early in the morning. Transfers are included to all areas in Istria, including the Rijeka and Pula airports. If you wish to stay longer in Croatia, your guide will be happy to provide you with recommendations for the remainder of your trip.

Meals: Breakfast.