Istria Culinary tour
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DURATION : 8 days
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START & FINISH in Zagreb
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GROUP SIZE: 12 – 25 ppl
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INTERESTS: Culture & History; Food & Drinks
OCT 19 – OCT 26, 2025
Double Room Occupancy: EUR €1,790 / GBP £1,520 / USD $2,005
Single Room Supplement: EUR €350 / GBP £298 / USD $392
*Please, note that the primary pricing is in Euros (€), but payments in GBP (£) or USD ($) are also available, with exchange rates subject to market fluctuation.
Soak in the idyllic beauty of inland Istria, with its rolling hills and quaint towns
Savour the rich flavours of Istria, sampling local wines, olive oils, and fresh regional delicacies.
Explore Rovinj – the “pearl of Istria,” with narrow cobblestone streets and breathtaking views
Embark on a truffle hunt and learn about the region’s prized culinary treasure
“I didn’t know much about Istria before this trip, but it turned out to be a hidden gem. The combination of rich history, beautiful landscapes, and delicious local food and wines made it an unforgettable experience.”
~ John D.
Discover Croatia, Slovenia, and the Culinary Heritage of Istria
Tour Highlights
The Magic of Istria culinary and culture tour invites you to explore Croatia’s and Slovenia’s charming hilltop towns, and uncover the hidden beauty and flavours of the Istrian Peninsula.
Inland Istria
Stroll through medieval villages and experience the warmth of Istrian farmhouses.
Istria's Famed Gastronomy
Taste the region’s prized wines, cheeses, and truffle products directly from local producers.
Coastal Beauty
Let Istria’s coastal towns captivate you with their elegance and understated charm.
Day 1: Welcome to Zagreb, Croatia
Check-in and relax in your hotel in Zagreb before meeting your Tour Host and fellow travelers over a welcome dinner. Tonight, you’ll get your first taste of Croatian cuisine and hospitality, setting the stage for an incredible journey ahead.
Welcome Dinner | Hilton Garden Inn Zagreb or Similar
Day 2: Discover Zagreb and Samobor
This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour through Zagreb’s historic center. Visit some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including St. Mark’s Church with its iconic tiled roof, the Stone Gate, and the Croatian Parliament building, located in Zagreb’s charming Upper Town. Head to Samobor for a delicious lunch and a walk in the delightful old town. In the afternoon, travel to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s green and inviting capital, for a free evening to explore at your own pace.
Driving time: ~2.5 hrs | Breakfast, Lunch | Hotel Vander Urbani Resort or Similar
Day 3: Lake Bled and the Beauty of Central Slovenia
Today, journey to Lake Bled, one of Slovenia’s most picturesque spots, where you’ll take in views of the lake, its island church, and the medieval Bled Castle perched on a cliff above. After lunch by the lake, return to Ljubljana for a guided city tour. Discover the city’s unique architecture, including the iconic Dragon Bridge, and the riverside cafes that give the city its cheerful atmosphere.
Driving time: ~2.5 hrs | Breakfast, Lunch | Hotel Vander Urbani Resort or Similar
Day 4: Welcome to Istria
Begin your journey into the Istrian Peninsula with a visit to Piran, a Slovenian coastal town known for its Venetian charm. Enjoy free time to wander through the narrow streets, visit Tartini Square, named after the famous violinist Giuseppe Tartini, and enjoy Piran’s relaxed, seaside atmosphere. Proceed to Croatian Istria for a wine-tasting experience and a countryside lunch. Proceed to Rovinj – “Istria’s crown jewel” – for an orientation tour. Overnight in the area.
Driving time: ~3,5 hrs | Breakfast, Lunch | Hotel La Grisa or Similar
Day 5: Idyllic Hilltop Towns and Istrian Truffles
Discover inland Istria beginning with a truffle hunting experience and the chance to try and purchase locally produced truffle products. Proceed to Motovun and enjoy the panoramic views walking the famed City Walls. Enjoy free time for walks and lunch – perhaps you can try some truffle dishes in restaurants, recommended by your guide. Proceed to Grožnjan, a medieval hilltop town known for its art galleries and creative spirit before returning to your hotel for a relaxed evening and overnight.
Driving time: ~2,5 hrs | Breakfast | Hotel La Grisa or Similar
Day 6: Pula and Vodnjan
This morning travel to Pula, a city known for its rich Roman heritage. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Pula Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, and the Arch of the Sergii. Explore the bustling Pula Market – a perfect place to experience local life, take photos, and shop for regional products and souvenirs.
After an Istrian lunch, continue to Vodnjan and see its historic town center. Return to your hotel for a leisurley evening.
Driving time: ~2,5 hrs | Breakfast, Lunch | Hotel La Grisa or Similar
Day 7: Labin and Opatija
This morning travel to Labin – a hilltop town of beautiful historic architecture, lots of culture, and some of the best sea views in Istria. Stroll through the town’s narrow streets and visit local art studios before heading to the coastal resort town of Opatija, known for its belle époque architecture and scenic promenade. After lunch make your way back to Zagreb for a farewell dinner as a group, sharing stories about your time exploring Croatia and Slovenia.
Driving time: ~4.5 hrs | Breakfast, Dinner | Hilton Garden Inn Zagreb or Similar
Day 8: Goodbye, Dear Travellers
Your tour comes to an end – it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow travelers and tour host. Take some time to explore Zagreb’s museums or cafes or begin your onward journey. See you next time!
Breakfast & Goodbyes
INCLUSIONS
What's included
- 7 nights in 4-star hotels throughout the tour
- Daily breakfast
- 4 lunches and 2 dinners (not including drinks)
- Professional Tour Host throughout the tour
- Transportation in luxury air-conditioned coach (not including airport transfers)
- Admission to iconic sites: to Motovun City Walls, Pula Arena, Temple of Augustus
- Special Experiences: Truffle Hunt & Truffle Products Tasting, Olive Oil Tasting, Istria Wine Tour & Tasting, Cheese Tasting
EXclusions
Not included
- Flights to and from the destination
- Visas and passport fees
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Bevarages and meals outside of those described
- Gratuities for Driver, Tour Host and Local Guides: for guidelines, please click here
Reserve Your Place
Limited spots available. Before booking, feel free to check our Terms & Conditions to see what applies to this tour.
DATES & PRICES:
Oct 19 – Oct 26, 2025
Double Room Occupancy: EUR €1790
Single Room Supplement: EUR €350
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for me?
If you enjoy cultural sightseeing but are also into rustic culinary experiences — truffle hunting, tasting local cheeses, olive oil, and wine — then this tour is perfect for you! We’ll be walking at a moderate pace through hilltop towns, cobbles, and vineyards, so bring comfortable shoes and enjoy the journey on foot.
Is this an English-speaking tour?
The tour is in English. For special experiences, a local guide may speak in their native language, but we’ll provide translation into English.
What kind of hotels are included?
We aim to select unique accommodations, either in rustic countryside settings or, when in a larger city, comfortable four-star hotels located near key sites so you can easily enjoy your free time.
What is the group size?
Our typical group size is between 12–25 participants. This range offers enough people to socialise and connect, but not so many that you feel lost in a crowd.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
Many of our participants are solo travellers, and you’ll have the opportunity to connect with others. You can choose to be paired with another solo traveller (subject to availability) or opt for a single room supplement.
What are the visa requirements?
Visa requirements for both depend on your nationality. Citizens from many countries, including those from the EU, USA, Canada, and Australia, do not require a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) within the Schengen Area, which includes both countries.
While these are the general guidelines, it is essential to confirm the visa requirements with your local authorities, as rules may change. Travellers from certain countries may need to apply for an e-Visa or a traditional visa before arrival.
Please, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. We recommend consulting your local embassy or consulate for the most accurate information.
Should I carry cash or rely on card payments in Croatia and Slovenia?
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
We can accommodate most dietary needs, but we ask that you inform us at the time of booking to ensure we can make the necessary arrangements.
What should I bring for this tour?
For the tour, we recommend bringing breathable clothes for comfort during the day, a jacket for cooler mornings and evenings, and comfortable shoes for walking. Most importantly, bring your smile and a positive attitude – we want you to enjoy every moment of the experience!
What if I need to cancel?
Our cancellation policy is flexible, and partial refunds may be available. For details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions page. We strongly recommend getting travel insurance for such cases.
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