Best of Istria Multisport

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.