5 Days • 4 Nights
Istria Food & Wine: Rovinj, Truffles, Vineyards & Pula
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Romantic Rovinj, rising from the sea to its Venetian bell tower, is a beautiful highlight of this gourmet journey. Rovinj is the most romantic and beautiful town on the Istrian coast, a photogenic jumble of tall, pastel-coloured houses crowded onto a little peninsula and rising steeply to the hilltop church of St Euphemia, whose soaring Venetian-style bell tower echoes that of St Mark's in Venice, which ruled here for centuries. You wander its steep cobbled lanes and artists' studios, watch fishing boats bob in the pretty harbour, sit at a waterside konoba as the sun sets over the sea, and feast on the freshest Adriatic seafood.
- Hunting truffles in the forests of the Mirna valley is a fascinating, delicious highlight of this journey. The oak forests around Motovun and the Mirna valley, in Istria's green heart, hide some of the finest truffles in the world, both the prized white truffle of autumn and black truffles found year-round, and truffle-hunting here is a way of life. You join a local truffle hunter and his trained dogs on a walk through the forest, watching in delight as the dogs sniff out and dig up these precious, aromatic treasures from beneath the oaks, then sit down to taste them at their source.
- The medieval hill towns of Motovun and Groznjan are an enchanting highlight of this journey. Istria's green interior is dotted with beautiful medieval hilltop towns that seem to float above the vineyards and forests, and this journey explores the loveliest. Motovun crowns a steep hill above the Mirna valley, its walls and gate encircling a tiny stone town with a lovely square, a church and breathtaking views over the truffle forests and vineyards below. Nearby Groznjan is a captivating little artists' town of stone lanes, galleries and music, and Oprtalj and other villages add to the beauty.
- The vineyards, olive groves and wines of Istria are a superb highlight of this gourmet journey. Istria is a serious and rising wine and olive-oil region, its rolling hills covered in vineyards and silver olive groves, and its producers among the best in Croatia. You visit family wineries to taste the region's distinctive wines, above all the crisp, aromatic white Malvazija and the bold red Teran, meeting passionate winemakers amid the vines. You visit award-winning olive-oil producers, Istria has been ranked among the world's finest olive-oil regions, to taste peppery, fragrant extra-virgin oils straight from the mill. Long, convivial tastings and meals amid the vines are a joy.
- The great Roman amphitheatre of Pula adds magnificent history to this gourmet journey. Pula, at the southern tip of Istria, was an important Roman city, and its crowning glory is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, a magnificent first-century arena that once seated some twenty thousand spectators for gladiatorial games and still stands almost complete on the edge of the sea, its great stone arches glowing gold at sunset. You explore this awe-inspiring monument and its underground chambers, and take in Pula's other Roman treasures, the Temple of Augustus and the Arch of the Sergii, amid the lively harbour town.
- Above all, this journey savours the food, wine and beauty of enchanting Istria. Istria is one of the great undiscovered gourmet regions of Europe, and this journey savours the very best of it. Over five days you explore romantic Rovinj rising from the sea, hunt truffles in the forests of the Mirna valley, wander the medieval hill towns of Motovun and Groznjan, tour the vineyards and award-winning olive groves, and explore the great Roman amphitheatre of Pula, feasting throughout on truffles, seafood, prosciutto, superb wines and world-class olive oils. The combination of Venetian coastal towns, medieval hill villages.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 5-day journey.
Your gourmet journey through Istria begins as you arrive in Rovinj (via Pula or Trieste airport), the most romantic town on the Istrian coast, where you are met and transferred to your boutique hotel. Rovinj is a wonderful place to begin, a photogenic jumble of pastel houses crowded onto a little peninsula and rising steeply to a soaring Venetian-style bell tower above the sea. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first stroll through the steep cobbled lanes to the hilltop church of St Euphemia for a sweeping view over the terracotta roofs and the sea, and around the pretty fishing harbour. As the golden hour arrives, you watch the sun set over the Adriatic from a waterside terrace. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to the delicious flavours of Istrian cuisine, fresh seafood, truffles and superb local wine, and to the gourmet days ahead. As you settle in, the Venetian charm of Istria works its magic. Rest well.
Today you explore romantic Rovinj and the beautiful Istrian coast at a relaxed, gourmet pace. In the morning, with your guide, you wander Rovinj's steep cobbled lanes, artists' studios and pretty harbour, climbing to the hilltop church of St Euphemia with its Venetian bell tower and sweeping sea views, and learning the town's long, layered history under Venice. You take in the seafront and, perhaps, the nearby wooded Zlatni Rt park or a boat trip among the little offshore islands. Along the coast you might visit historic Porec to see the magnificent 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site glittering with Byzantine mosaics. You pause for a long, delicious seafood lunch at a seaside konoba. As the day ends, you return to Rovinj as the light softens over the sea. This evening, dine on fresh Adriatic seafood and crisp Istrian Malvazija wine. Rest well in beautiful Rovinj, ready to head inland to the truffle country tomorrow.
Today you head into Istria's green interior for truffles, hill towns and wine. You journey inland to the Mirna valley, whose oak forests hide some of the finest truffles in the world, and join a local truffle hunter and his trained dogs on a walk through the forest, watching in delight as the dogs sniff out and dig up these precious, aromatic treasures, then sitting down to a memorable truffle lunch, the truffles shaved generously over fresh pasta and eggs, with a glass of local wine. In the afternoon you explore the beautiful medieval hilltop town of Motovun, its walls encircling a tiny stone town with breathtaking views over the truffle forests and vineyards below, and you might visit an Istrian winery or olive-oil producer to taste. As the day ends, you settle into your accommodation in or near Motovun, high above the valley. This evening, savour a relaxed dinner amid the hills. Rest well in the enchanting Istrian interior.
Today you savour more of Istria's hill towns and wines before heading to Pula. In the morning you explore Groznjan, a captivating little artists' town of stone lanes, galleries and music floating above the vineyards, and perhaps another lovely village such as Oprtalj, taking in the sweeping views and relaxed cafes. You visit a family winery to taste Istria's distinctive wines, the crisp white Malvazija and bold red Teran, amid the vines, and an award-winning olive-oil producer to taste peppery, fragrant extra-virgin oils. In the afternoon you journey south to Pula, at the tip of the peninsula, and settle into your hotel. As the golden hour arrives, you take a first look at Pula's magnificent Roman amphitheatre, its great stone arches glowing gold at sunset. This evening, dine on Istrian specialities and wine in the lively harbour town. Rest well in Pula, ready to explore its Roman treasures tomorrow.
On your final morning you explore the magnificent Roman heritage of Pula with your guide. You visit its crowning glory, the great first-century amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved Roman arenas in the world, which once seated some twenty thousand spectators for gladiatorial games and still stands almost complete on the edge of the sea, exploring its soaring stone arches and the underground chambers where gladiators and beasts once waited. You take in Pula's other Roman treasures, the elegant Temple of Augustus and the triumphal Arch of the Sergii, amid the lively harbour town. After a final Istrian coffee or a last taste of the region, you are transferred to the airport for your onward departure. You leave having savoured the very best of enchanting Istria, romantic Rovinj, truffle forests and hill towns, superb wines and olive oils, and the great Roman arena of Pula. Istria offers food, wine, beauty and history in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, a truffle lunch and daily breakfast
- Airport and land transfers in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Entrance fees to sites, national parks and attractions as per itinerary
- boutique accommodation, private touring with an expert local guide, a Rovinj old town walking tour, a truffle-hunting experience with tasting in the Mirna valley, hill-town visits to Motovun and Groznjan, an Istrian wine and olive-oil tasting, a Pula Roman amphitheatre tour, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners not specified
- Optional extra tastings and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Croatia is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, so many nationalities (including UK, US, Canadian, Australian and EU citizens) may enter visa-free for short tourist stays, typically up to 90 days in any 180-day period; a passport valid for the duration of your stay is required. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality before you travel
- Currency: Croatia uses the euro (EUR), having adopted it in 2023; cards are very widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops across the coast and cities, but carry some cash for small konoba taverns, markets, island ferries, parking and tips. ATMs are plentiful in towns, cities and on the larger islands
- Best time to visit: May, June, September and early October are ideal, with warm, sunny days perfect for the old towns, islands, beaches and national parks, and fewer crowds than midsummer; July and August are hot, sunny and lively but busy and pricier. Spring and autumn are beautiful for Plitvice, Krka and Istria, while winter is quiet and cool on the coast
- Language & etiquette: Croatian is the official language, and English is very widely spoken in tourism, making travel easy and relaxed. Croatians are warm, proud and hospitable; a relaxed 'pomalo' (take it easy) attitude prevails on the coast. Modest dress is appreciated when visiting churches and cathedrals (cover shoulders and knees), and beach attire is for the beach, not the old towns
- Getting around: Distances along the beautiful Dalmatian coast are longer than they look, and touring is by comfortable private vehicle with your guide, with some scenic coastal and mountain drives; the islands are reached by ferry and catamaran, or by private boat. We handle all transfers, ferries and timings, so your journey flows smoothly from old town to island to national park
- Health & safety: Croatia is one of the safest and most welcoming countries in Europe, with very low crime and excellent, well-signposted tourist infrastructure; travel here is smooth and rewarding. Tap water is safe to drink. On beaches and in the sea, water shoes are useful for pebbly shores and rocks, and the Adriatic is clean, clear and calm, ideal for swimming and snorkelling
- Culture: Croatia is a proud, historic Mediterranean nation with a rich blend of Roman, Venetian, Slavic and Central European heritage, reflected in its walled old towns, Roman palaces and ruins, Venetian bell towers and Habsburg architecture. Seafood, olive oil, wine, prosciutto (prsut) and truffles are central to its cuisine, and long, convivial meals and good local wine are among its great pleasures
- Power & practicalities: Power is 230V with European type C and F two-pin plugs, so bring an adapter. Croatia keeps to Central European Time. Tipping is appreciated but modest (rounding up or roughly 10% for good service). Sun protection, comfortable walking shoes for cobbled old towns and national park trails, and a light layer for cool evenings and boat trips are all worth packing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go truffle hunting at any time of year?
Yes, in a sense: Istria is unusual in producing truffles year-round, so a truffle hunt with dogs and a tasting can be arranged in any season. The prized white truffle, the most aromatic and valuable, is found mainly in autumn (roughly September to November), which is the gourmet high season and a magical time to visit, while various black truffles are found through the rest of the year. Whatever the season, hunting with the dogs and feasting on fresh truffles at their source is a joy. We advise on the best timing for your gourmet interests.
Is Istria very different from the rest of Croatia?
Yes, delightfully so. Istria feels almost like a blend of Croatia and Italy, deeply Venetian and Italian-influenced (many locals speak Italian, and the food, hill towns and Malvazija wine feel Tuscan), yet with a beautiful turquoise Adriatic coast. It is greener, gentler and more gastronomic than Dalmatia, famed for its truffles, olive oil and wine rather than islands and walled cities. It pairs beautifully with the rest of Croatia, and we can easily combine this gourmet journey with Dalmatia, the islands or the national parks.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (typically a welcome dinner and some dinners at special konoba taverns, island stays or wine estates). Croatian cuisine is delicious and Mediterranean, from fresh Adriatic seafood, black risotto and grilled fish to Dalmatian peka (meat and vegetables slow-cooked under a bell), Istrian truffles, prosciutto and superb local wines and olive oils. We usually leave other meals free so you can explore, and we recommend the best konobas and restaurants at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guide and comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; small-group and boat-based options can be arranged if you prefer. Croatia's knowledgeable guides bring the walled old towns, Roman palaces, islands, national parks and rich history vividly to life, greatly enriching every visit, and we handle the ferries, boats and transfers so your journey flows effortlessly.
Do I need a visa for Croatia?
Croatia is in the EU and Schengen Area, so many nationalities, including UK, US, Canadian, Australian and EU citizens, may enter visa-free for short tourist stays, typically up to 90 days in any 180-day period. A passport valid for the duration of your stay is required. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality before you travel, so entry is smooth and straightforward.
Is Croatia safe to visit?
Croatia is one of the safest, friendliest and most welcoming countries in Europe, with very low crime, excellent tourist infrastructure and a warm, relaxed atmosphere, and travel here is exceptionally smooth and rewarding. We continuously monitor conditions, use trusted local guides, drivers and skippers, and follow official guidance at all times. The Adriatic is clean and calm, the old towns are safe and easy to explore, and the genuine welcome is among the great joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
May, June, September and early October are ideal, with warm, sunny days perfect for the old towns, islands, beaches and national parks, and fewer crowds than the July and August peak. Spring and autumn are also beautiful for Plitvice, Krka and Istria, with lush landscapes and comfortable walking. Midsummer is hot, sunny and lively but busy. We advise on the best timing for your interests, whether beaches, sailing, culture or nature.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Dubrovnik, Split, the Dalmatian islands, the national parks, Zagreb and Istria, add sailing or a private yacht day, include more beach and island time, add wine and truffle experiences, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus entirely to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through the beautiful coast, islands and countryside of Croatia.
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