A self-drive loop tour starting at the tip of Istria, exploring the region’s vineyards and local cuisine featuring truffles, olive oil, and fine cured meats.
Istria is a paradise for any self-respecting foodie. This itinerary through sun-drenched hills and vineyards combines cultural sightseeing, relaxation by the sea, and gourmet tastings. In the evening, enjoy charming stays in authentic corners of the region.
Day 1: Pula – Labin – Rabac – Barban
Arrival at Pula Airport and first glimpse of Croatia. Picking up the rental car right at the airport.
First glimpse of Istria and the ruins of the Roman Empire. Stop in Pula to visit the old town, then on to Labin, a hilltop village well worth a visit, followed by Rabac, a small seaside resort. Arrival in Barban. Check-in at the hotel.
Stay at a 4-star boutique hotel near the village of Barban, a little family-friendly paradise in the heart of Istria where you’ll feel right at home. Standard Room.
Included: room and breakfast
Day 2: Barban
A free day in the heart of Istria. A day with no set plans—take it at your own pace, whatever you feel like doing: take a leisurely stroll through the hills or vineyards, relax by the pool, get to know your hosts, or taste wine at a nearby vineyard. A free day that could be full of unique experiences!
Stay at a 4-star boutique hotel near the village of Barban, a little family-friendly paradise in the heart of Istria where you’ll feel right at home. Standard Room.
Included: room and breakfast
Day 3: Barban – Gracisce – Pazin – Motovun – Oprtalj
Explore Green Istria, the authentic, culinary, and hidden side of Istria. First, discover Gracisce, one of Istria’s most beautiful villages, yet one that remains largely undiscovered. In addition to its stunning houses, the village offers an incredible view of the region. Next, stop in Pazin and its famous cave. Take a short walk around the cave. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, opt for a zip-line ride or a caving descent.
Continue on to Kaldir, the heart of ecotourism in Istria, then arrive in Motovun, a beautiful hilltop village that you’ll explore on foot. Arrive in Oprtalj in the late afternoon and check in at the hotel.
Wine tasting break. Stop at a vineyard in a small farming village for a tasting of 5 wines: 2 dry white wines, 2 sweet white wines, and 1 red wine. The tasting is accompanied by local specialties (country ham, cheeses). Tour of the cellar.
Tasting break. A stop along the way at an estate that produces one of Croatia’s finest olive oils. Here, we taste olive oil just as we would taste wine—it’s surprising and delicious! The estate overlooks the region, nestled among olive groves. A 1.5-hour tour of the olive grove and a tasting of two types of oil, wine, and homemade products (bread, cheese, pršut).
Stay at a 4-star guest house in the village of Oprtalj, a little paradise in the heart of Istria where you’ll feel right at home. Standard Room.
Included: wine tasting, olive oil tasting, room and breakfast.
Day 4: Oprtalj – Paladini – Hum – Buzet – Oprtalj
A culinary getaway in the heart of Istria. A day trip radiating out from Oprtalj, which offers a central location in the heart of vineyards and hilltop villages. Today, this region reveals its best-kept secrets: the scent of pine trees, olive groves, and small roads winding through the hills. Head to Paladini to “hunt” for truffles, then on to the hamlet of Hum and finally to Buzet.
Tasting break and truffle hunting. Arrival in the village of Paladini, where you’ll meet truffle experts—a family tradition passed down from father to son and mother to daughter for three generations. These friendly hosts will tell you all about truffles, the tradition of truffle hunting, and their dogs. Taste local products in a magnificent setting, starting with liqueurs, of course. Next come cheeses, sausages, oils, scrambled eggs, and other specialties. And all these products are made with truffles, of course, but also with honey or red berries. You can purchase these products in their shop. Afterward, to help digest this exquisite meal, we head to the forests for a truffle hunt. You’ll learn the basics of following the dogs and finding this highly sought-after mushroom. A lovely walk through the forests of Istria. It’s an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
Stay at a 4-star guest house in the village of Oprtalj, a little paradise in the heart of Istria where you’ll feel right at home. Standard Room.
Included: tour (group tour), room and breakfast.
Day 5: Oprtalj – Paladini – Hum – Buzet – Oprtalj
A free day in the heart of Istria. A day with no set plans—take it at your own pace and do whatever strikes your fancy: take a leisurely stroll through the hills, explore the charming hilltop villages, or wander through the vineyards; relax by the pool; chat with your hosts; or enjoy a glass of wine at a nearby winery. A free day that could be full of unique experiences!
Stay at a 4-star guest house in the village of Oprtalj, a little paradise in the heart of Istria where you’ll feel right at home. Standard Room.
Included: room and breakfast
Day 6: Oprtalj – Grožnjan – Poreč – Bale
From one Istria to the other. Green Istria still has plenty of wonderful sights to offer before you head toward Blue Istria and its main attraction: the Adriatic Sea. Explore the northern villages, particularly Groznjan, an authentic hilltop village and a veritable open-air museum boasting numerous art galleries, before heading to Novigrad and then Poreč, with its narrow streets and monuments. Continue south to the small town of Vrsar. You’ll then overlook the Lim Channel (or fjord) before descending to a small port. Drive to Bale. Check-in at the hotel.
Wine tasting break. Stop at a vineyard for about 1.5 hours of exploration. Tour of the sleek, modern facilities, which offer a magnificent view of the region. Immerse yourself in the philosophy of the place. Tasting of 5 wines, accompanied by cheese, bread, and olives. The flagship wine is an excellent red! In addition to the wines, you can sample the olive oil or the famous grappa.
Overnight stay at a 4-star estancia, surrounded by vineyards. Standard Room.
Included: wine tasting, room, and breakfast.
Day 7: Rovinj – Bale
Meet your guide for a 2-hour private tour of Rovinj. Rovinj is Istria’s most beautiful Venetian gem. Founded by the Romans, it still preserves the remains of its fortifications. As you walk around the town along the waterfront, you’ll discover the charm of its facades, the views of the Adriatic that open up around every corner, and the surprising little terraces nestled between two rocks.
Highlights of the tour: Balbi Arch, Clock Tower, St. Euphemia’s Cathedral, Zlatni Rt Park, Batana Museum.
-> Any other requests? This city tour is custom-designed, so we can tailor it to your needs:
* with a few extra hours to visit museums or deepen your historical knowledge
* tailored to your interests: cycling, culinary, wine-tasting, or treasure hunts. Rovinj has many facets, and our city tours offer a wide variety of experiences.
Self-guided tour of Rovinj. Rovinj is Istria’s most beautiful Venetian gem. Founded by the Romans, it still preserves the remains of its fortifications. As you walk around the town along the waterfront, you’ll discover the charm of its facades, the views of the Adriatic that open up around every corner, and the surprising little terraces nestled between two rocks. It’s a little corner of paradise that reveals itself at different times of the day: upon waking in the morning, in the afternoon heat, and at aperitif time when the nightlife begins to take shape.
Gourmet wine tasting stop. Stop at a stunning Relais & Châteaux vineyard for a tasting of 8 wines, including local and other varieties.
Overnight stay at a 4-star estancia, surrounded by vineyards. Standard Room.
Included: English-speaking guide, private tour, wine tasting, room and breakfast.
Day 8: Bale – Pula
Final moments in Istria. We hope you enjoyed your trip to the land of truffles, Venetian gems, pebble beaches, hilltop villages, and olive groves. Drive to Pula Airport. Return your vehicle at the airport. Check-in and boarding.
Would you like to experience it or plan your own custom trip with our team?