Contact us: +385 91 764 1300 | info@terramagicacroatia.com |    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Best of Istria Multisport

Istria holidays – from Porec to Plitvice Lakes

This multisport adventure holiday explores the enchanting region of Istria and world-famous Plitvice Lakes National Park. Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the continental part of Croatia lies Istria – a rustic area filled with lush forests, verdant valleys, clear rivers, and rich history. You will explore beautiful trails with amazing scenery while also experiencing local cuisine and culture.

The journey begins in Porec, a small coastal town filled with magnificent historical sites. After two days of sea kayaking next to the stunning coastline, rocky coves and islands around Porec and Rovinj, you will head inland to explore the charming Istrian countryside by bike

For the next three days, you will have the chance to enjoy incredible views of medieval hilltop towns, olive groves, vineyards and forests spread across Istria’s rolling green hills.

The 8-day multi adventure holiday concludes with a visit to Croatia’s premier national park, Plitvice Lakes, which enchants visitors with its stunning series of 16 emerald green and turquoise blue travertine lakes.

This trip is also possible as a shortened 5-day tour.

 

DayActivitiesLocationLodgingMeals Included
1ArrivalPorecPorecDinner
2Sea KayakingPorecPorecBreakfast, Dinner
3Sea KayakingRovinjPorecBreakfast, Dinner
4CyclingIstrian CountrysideMotovunBreakfast, Dinner
5Optional Day / Departure for 5-Day TourMotovunMotovunBreakfast, Dinner
6Cycling Istrian CountrysideMotovunBreakfast, Dinner
7HikingPlitvice Lakes National ParkPlitvice NP Breakfast, Dinner
8DeparturePlitvice NP Breakfast
DAY 1
Arrival in Porec

Our journey starts in Porec, a beautiful seaside town in the region of Istria. We will meet you at the airport, train/bus station or harbor of your choice in Istria and take you to our guesthouse in Porec. You are welcome to arrange your own transportation if you prefer. Pick up from Venice, Trieste or another location outside of Istria region is possible upon request and additional charges may apply. Our groups typically meet around mid-day, so please keep this in mind when booking your flights. In the evening, we will meet for a welcome drink, dinner and trip overview. You’ll have the chance to get acquainted with the guides and fellow travelers as we discuss the adventures that await us in the week ahead.

Accommodation: Porec guesthouse; Meals: Dinner.

DAY 2
Sea Kayaking Porec Islands

The ancient Roman town of Porec is one of Istria’s most acclaimed seaside retreats. Today we’ll sea kayak around the Old Town and explore the islands and coves of the Porec riviera. As we paddle, take in views of the city’s ancient walls, UNESCO-protected Euphrasian Basilica and interesting mix of Gothic, Romanesque and baroque buildings. We’ll take a break on an island where you’ll have the chance to swim and snorkel in the crystal clear Adriatic Sea.

Accommodation: Porec; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

DAY 3
Sea Kayaking Rovinj Islands

The picturesque town of Rovinj is one of coastal Istria’s most charming destinations. The historic town rises from the sea on a small peninsula surrounded by 14 stunning islands, which are best explored by kayak. Our kayaks will take you to the harbor, around Old Town Rovinj, to the Golden Cape and to Sveta Katarina Island and its hidden beaches. One of our secret spots includes optional cliff jumping into the crystal clear sea for more adventurous travelers. After kayaking, there will be time to enjoy a walk through the meandering, narrow streets of Rovinj and have a coffee, an ice cream or a glass of wine. We’ll then drive back to Porec for the evening.

Accommodation: Porec; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

 

DAY 4
Istrian Countryside Cycling Tour

This morning we leave the Istrian coast and head inland, where some of the peninsula’s most beautiful landscapes await. Our cycling trip today takes us 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 until we reach the Mirna River Valley, enjoying spectacular views of the countryside along the way. After cycling, we will drive to the captivating town of Motovun, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval hilltop settlements in Istria. After settling into our accommodation, we’ll have the chance to take a stroll along the old defense walls, have dinner with truffles – a local specialty – and enjoy a gorgeous sunset over the Mirna River Valley.

Accommodation: Motovun guesthouse; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

DAY 5
Optional Trip Day – Hiking Ucka Mountain / Istrian Wine Tour / Istrian Villages Sightseeing / Relaxing in Motovun

Today there is an option to take a rest day or go on a day trip that your guide will help you organize. Possible options include:

Hiking Ucka Mountain: Hike to the top of the highest mountain on the Istrian Peninsula. This area is known for its unique climate and lush forests. Ucka’s meadows and woodlands are home to many protected, endemic plant and animal species. At the summit, we are rewarded with a breathtaking view of Istria’s rolling green hills, Adriatic Sea, Kvarner Islands and Velebit Mountains in the distance. On a clear day, it is possible to see the Italian Alps, and even Venice!

Wine Tour of Istria: Istria produces some of the best wines in the world. Taste the region’s Teran and Malvazija wines at family-owned wineries and enjoy a scenic drive with stunning views of the countryside.

Istrian Villages Sightseeing: Take a guided tour to the towns of Motovun and Groznjan in the heart of Istria and follow the Mirna River all the way to the Adriatic sea.

For those who have decided to do the 5-day version of the tour, today marks the end of the trip. Our guides will help you plan the rest of your holiday and recommend places to visit throughout Croatia – don’t hesitate to ask them for any suggestions.

Accommodation: Motovun; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

DAY 6
Mirna River Valley Cycling Tour

Our adventure today begins with exploring the Mirna River Valley by bike, starting our journey just below the town of Motovun. We’ll pedal alongside the peaceful Mirna River as it winds its way through the countryside all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy views of the surrounding hills, olive groves and vineyards as we cycle past herds of sheep grazing in the grass. We’ll stop for a break when we reach the estuary in Antenal, which is a popular spot among local fisherman. There is an option to enjoy a lunch of freshly caught fish in a local restaurant, or have a picnic lunch along the trail.

Accommodation: Motovun; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

DAY 7
Hiking in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Today we visit one of the most beautiful and unique natural areas in Europe – Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 due to its stunning sequence of turquoise lakes separated by travertine barriers and over 90 waterfalls.

As we walk along the park’s wooden paths and bridges, we’ll take in views of 16 gorgeous lakes, fairy-tale forests and cascading waterfalls fed by both the Black and White Rivers. The seemingly endless beech and pine forests surrounding the lakes are home to extensive wildlife including deer, brown bears and wolves, numerous caves and an interesting karst landscape. There is an option to enjoy a picnic lunch in this pristine, natural area. After the hike, we’ll have the chance to admire the lakes from a different perspective on a short bus ride that will take us back to the starting point.

Accommodation: Plitvice Lakes NP; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

DAY 8
Departure

Our tour comes to an end today. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time, but we suggest avoiding booking departures early in the morning and recommend arranging ground transportation from areas that are close to Plitvice National Park. When booking your return flights, please keep in mind that Plitvice is around a 3-hour drive from Istria. If you decide to extend your stay in Croatia, our guides will happily recommend other wonderful things to do and places to visit – especially local favorites that you won’t find in most guidebooks.

Meals: Breakfast.

8-Day Tour5-Day Tour
Adult (double room)2900,00 €Adult1815,00 €
Single3625,00 €Single2270,00 €

 

All prices are per person, with a minimum group size of 4 people.  Smaller groups may be possible on request, but the price will be higher for each person.

The trip typically runs from Saturday to Saturday for the 8-day tour, and Saturday to Wednesday for the 5-day tour. Please send us an inquiry with your requested travel dates and we will get back to you with our availability.

8-day trip price includes:

  • 7-nights accommodation
  • 2 meals per day (dinner day 1-breakfast day 8)
  • use of equipment
  • 5 days of organized activities
  • National Park entrance fee
  • local taxes, sea and river permits
  • Transfers to and from Rijeka or Pula airport, any place in Istria region. Transfers from Zagreb on request.
  • skilled English-speaking guide and assistance
  • ground transportation
  • insurance

5-day trip price includes:

  • 4-nights accommodation
  • 2 meals per day (dinner day 1-breakfast day 5)
  • use of equipment
  • 3 days of organized activities
  • local taxes, sea and river permits
  • Transfers to and from Rijeka or Pula airport, any place in Istria region. Transfers from/to other places in Croatia on request.
  • skilled English-speaking guide and assistance
  • ground transportation
  • insurance

Not Included:

  • international airfare to/from Croatia
  • items of a personal nature
  • optional gratuities for your guide(s)
  • beverages and meals not stated in the itinerary
  • optional day trip

Payment:

A deposit equal to 50% of the price of the trip is due at the time of booking in order to reserve your dates. The remaining balance is to be paid at least 14 days before the departure date. We accept payment via bank transfer – details will be provided to you upon booking.

Cancellation policy:

If you decide to cancel your trip for any reason, you will be subject to the following cancellation policy:

  • Cancellation 60 days or more before the departure date: the deposit is fully refundable.
  • Cancellation 30-59 days before the departure date: the deposit is partially refundable – you will receive half of your deposit back, minus the cost of any bank fees.
  • Cancellation 15-29 days before the departure date: the deposit is non-refundable.
  • Cancellation within 14 days of departure date: full cost of the trip is non-refundable.

We recommend purchasing travel insurance in order to protect your investment from unforeseen circumstances.

How to book: please email us at info@terramagicacroatia.com or call +385 91 764 1300

Maximum number of participants: Maximum number of participants: 8 guests per group. Larger groups on request.

Minimum age: 8 years if accompanied by parent(s)

Single use rooms are available upon request with a 25% surcharge. Sharing a twin room with another person is possible.

Activities: sea kayaking, cycling, walking/hiking

Activity level: moderate

Accommodation: 3-nights accommodation in a 3*** guesthouse in Porec, 3 nights in a 3*** small hotel villa in Motovun and 1 night in a 3*** accommodation in Plitvice area.

Meals and dietary requirements: All arrangements regarding dietary requirements can be made upon request. We can provide vegetarian, vegan and gluten free meals. Lunches are sometimes picnic-style allowing for flexibility along our route. You will be able to buy lunch and snacks from local shops.

Highlights: Best of traditional Croatian cuisine, Plitvice Lakes National Park, old stone towns, breathtaking scenery, best locations in Istria, range of activities

Arrival and  departure  transfers:  several  group  transfers  between  the  airport  and  destination may be available depending on arrival/departure time.  Arrivals after 6 pm may be subject to surcharge of 30 euros per transfer.

You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time. If you are staying longer in Croatia, our guides will provide you all the information needed to continue your adventure – that includes recommendations for places, hotels and restaurants all over Croatia. We love our country and know it well, and will be happy to share our knowledge with you. Transfers are included to all areas within Istria. Transfers to other locations in Croatia can be arranged upon request but will not be included in the price of the trip.

For those on the 8-day tour, please note that our trip ends in Plitvice area, which is a 3-hour drive from Istria – please account for this travel time when making your travel arrangements, and don’t book flights or other transportation too early.