Hidden Istria

The Hidden Heart of Istria


When: Year round
Duration: Full day
From: Istria, Rijeka...

Lose yourself in myths, magical landscapes and adventure as we discover forgotten Istria and its fairy tale villages, glorious views and ancient legends. These are the authentic places of deeply rooted Istrian customs and rituals, of a past that resonates with mystery and excitement. Our adventure begins at your villa or hotel (cruise ship clients welcome!) where professional, English speaking guide,takes you on a journey to the heart of Terra Magica - Istria. Driving towards picturesque Motovun, we’ll take the less-traveled road to enjoy beautiful nature and some grand scenery. From the medieval walls of picturesque Motovun, located at the very edge of the hill, you’ll have marvelous view of central Istria and Mirna river valley. The mysterious Motovun Forest lies bellow the hill still hiding the legends, the farries but also the rare white truffles!

Then, as we continue through gorgeous Istrian countryside, we'll come to the smallest town in the world – Hum, the medieval cultural center of Istria. Here. we’ll get to know the rich history of t Glagolitic script (extinct Istrian script) as we walk down the famous Glagolitic alley. And we’ll have a chance to taste the traditional Istrian brandy – the original “Biska”

For lunch. we’ll relax surrounded by green hills as our charming hosts welcome us with traditional Istrian specialities: home made Istrian brandy, home made pršut (smoked ham) and cheese, and Istrian “čripnja” a robust meat dish, followed of course, by a the classic Istrian dessert of fritters or “kroštule”.

Optional is a journey to Beram, a beautiful medieval village of frescos, Glagoljica script and rich history. Here we’ll be welcomed by our host – the turnkey of St. Mary of the Rocks church, where you’ll see one of the most valuable creations of the Istrian medieval art – “The Dance of Death” fresco.


booking



Price

For 2 - 4 110 Euros per person
For 5 - 8   80 Euros per person


There is an 8 people maximum for this program.

The cost includes: collection from your hotel, villa or private apartment by our English-speaking driver/guide, comfortable sedan car or passenger van, road tolls and parking, all taxes and VAT, tasting per itinerary, lunch per itinerary.
Options

The tour can combine visting of several other medieval hilltop towns like Groznjan and Raduc. The tour can be combined with local wineries and local truffle hunters. The tour can run as a hiking and walking program of Istria as well, visiting even picturesque waterfalls at Kotli or the grotto of Pazin depicted in Jules Verne's "Matias Sandorf"
Highlights

Picturesque Istran landscapes, hilltop towns of Motovun, Groznjan, Hum, Roc, Vrh... Food and wine of Istra. Istrain black and white truffles. Roman heritage of Pula and picturesque towns and cities of the Istrian coast. Roman amphitheathre of Pula, medieval quarters of Rovinj, UNESCO protected Euphrasian Basilica in Porec, National Park Brijuni