Experience the true essence of Istria on our delightful gastro tour! Explore Galizana, Loborika, Vodnjan, Buzet, and Visnjan, as we take you on a culinary journey through this enchanting region. Indulge in the finest olives, cheese, prosciutto, truffles, and wine, savoring the rich flavors and traditions that make Istria a gastronomic paradise. Join us and discover the hidden gems of Istria’s culinary heritage!
GALIZANA – LOBORIKA – VODNJAN – BUZET – VISNJAN
8 days | 7 nights
olives – cheese – prosciutto – truffles – wine
Day 1: Zagreb – Opatija (190 km)
Arrival in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and departure to Rijeka, a significant harbor in Croatia. Take a short visit and continue to Opatija for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Opatija – Moscenica – Porec (95 km)
Start the morning by visiting Opatija, one of the most famous tourist centers on the Mediterranean. It was a gathering place for European aristocracy in the past century and was known as the “Croatian Nica.” Along the coast, you’ll find a series of luxury hotels and 19th-century villas surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens. Enjoy some free time for a leisurely walk through the city. Afterward, proceed to Moscenice, a medieval town situated on top of a hill overlooking the Kvarner Bay. Explore its narrow streets, visit the main square, and discover the Ethnographic Museum. Don’t miss the chance to taste local cognac. Continue to Porec for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Porec – Lim Fjord – Rovinj – Visnjan – Porec (90 km)
Explore the ancient town of Porec and its complex of sacral buildings, which were erected during the time of Bishop Euphrasius in the 6th century AD. The complex, including the Basilica’s ornately decorated apse with figural mosaics, is registered on UNESCO’s List of World Cultural Heritage. Next, head to the Limski Bay, a nature reserve known for oyster and mussel breeding. Enjoy lunch on a boat during the trip. Afterward, visit Rovinj, a picturesque town located on the west Istrian coast. Take a stroll through its stone-paved streets and visit the Church of St. Euphemia, which is the symbol of the city. Depart for Visnjan to visit one of the famous Istrian winemakers. Learn about grapevine cultivation in Istria, the wine production process, and indulge in wine tasting. Some of the renowned autochthonous Istrian wines include Malvasia (white wine), Teran, and Refosk (red wines). Istria boasts six marked wine roads with almost 70 wine cellars. Return to Porec for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Porec – Galizana – Loborok – Vodnjan – Porec (140 km)
Explore the beautiful hilly inland region of Istria, famous for producing supreme wines, quality olive oil, truffles, and wild asparagus. This part of Croatia is especially attractive to those who appreciate authentic cuisine, fine wines, clean water, fresh air, and untouched nature. Depart for Galizana, where you’ll visit olive groves and learn about the olive oil production process before tasting the final product. In the town of Loborika, visit a family business owned by one of the most famous Istrian cheese producers, renowned for winning many product quality awards. Taste their products and gain insights into the production process through a presentation and live observation. Continue to Vodnjan, where you’ll visit a famous prosciutto production facility. Return to Porec for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Porec – Truffle Search in Buzet – Motovun – Agrotourism Stefanic – Porec (110 km)
After breakfast, head towards Buzet to a private estate owned by one of the most renowned truffle finders in Istria. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to taste truffles and even participate in a truffle search. Truffles, the unattractive underground mushrooms
often debated for their aphrodisiac qualities, are a true treasure of the Istrian region. They can only be found with the help of specially trained dogs or pigs since they grow beneath the soil at depths ranging from 10 to 30 cm. Istria is home to both white and black truffles, with the best white truffles available from September to December and the best black truffles from May to November. After the truffle search, continue to Motovun, a historical Istrian town known for its well-preserved medieval fortress situated atop a steep 277m high hill. Legend has it that Motovun was built by giants, while history suggests it was built by Ilirian or Celt tribes. The surrounding Motovun Forest is the largest truffle habitat in Istria. After exploring Motovun, head to an Istrain agritourism establishment for a late lunch. Enjoy a short break amidst the surrounding nature before bidding farewell to your hosts and departing for Porec. Return to Porec for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Porec – Pula – NP Brijuni (120 km)
Visit Pula, the oldest city on the eastern Adriatic coast, and explore the old city center, including the renowned Arena, one of the six biggest preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Next, take a boat from Fazana to Big Brijun, the largest of the fourteen islands in the National Park Brijuni archipelago. Big Brijun is characterized by its preserved Mediterranean vegetation, a zoo in a natural environment, and numerous archaeological sites showcasing the cultural heritage of Antiquity, such as the remains of a villa and a Byzantine castrum. Return to Porec for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Porec – Zagreb (270 km)
After breakfast, drive to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, known for its rich culture and tradition. Take a pleasant walk through the old part of town, passing by Baroque palaces, leading to the Cathedral and St. Mark’s Church. Visit the main buildings and squares in the central part of the town, including Ban Jelacic Square, Upper Town, Dolac Open-air Market, and The Parliament. Overnight in Zagreb.
Day 8: Goodbye Croatia
Transfer to Zagreb Airport for your return flight home.
