Istria wine tours and tastings

At a glance

Trip Summary

You will firstly be taken to Grožnjan for a guided tour of this charming town which is a true artistic heaven with many art galleries and festivals running all through the summer months. You will then be taken to a local farm where you will be taken on a truffle hunt with a truffle dog. Following this entertaining activity, the host will show you how to prepare some truffle based local specialties which you will be able to taste on-site. Please note that this activity is dependent on the season and we will suggest a suitable alternative if this not possible on your preferred travel dates. The day will continue with a guided tour of the picturesque medieval town of Motovun followed by a visit to a renowned olive oil producer where you will be able to learn all about the making process and sample some olive oil paired with Istrian delicacies. The day will end with a visit to a renowned winery where you will taste some of their excellent wines together with some nibbles. You will be taken back to your hotel at the end of the tour.

In the evening, a six course dinner paired with wines will be arranged in a nearby gastronomic restaurant. Private transfers to and from the restaurant have been included as part of this package.

After breakfast on day three, your private driver / guide will return to accompany you on a second day of activities. You will firstly be taken on a guided tour of Poreč. This town has a rich history and visitors can witness Romain remains, a medieval tower, an early Christian Euphrasian Basilica, some Romanesque houses, as well as several Gothic and Baroque palaces. The Euphrasian Basilica is a UNESCO world heritage site. After such an enlightening morning, your tour will continue, and you will be taken to an oyster farm for a tour and oyster tasting. Following this, you will enjoy a guided tour of Rovinj, a picturesque town with cobbled streets with a distinct Italian feel. To end the day in style, a tour and tastings with nibbles will be arranged at a prestigious local estate. You will be taken back to your hotel at the end of the tour.

In the evening, a five course dinner paired with wine will be served in a well-regarded local restaurant. Private transfers to and from the restaurant have been included as part of this package.

After breakfast on day four, you will be transferred to Pula in the morning for a market tour and cookery class. In a picturesque olive grove, a delicious brunch will be served in preparation for a busy cooking session. You will learn the art of making traditional Istrian pasta and a meat or fish goulash. You will also learn how to make a fish paté. You will sample some of the best olive oils in the world with some insights and tasting guidance from your guide. You will use your newly found knowledge to make carpaccio and learn how to properly grill fish like a true Istrian. You will have the opportunity to sample your dishes after the class together with some local wine. You will be taken back to your hotel at the end of the activity. The evening will be free for you to do as you please.

Today, after breakfast, you will be taken to Fažana and Brijuni islands. The Brijuni Archipelago is a group of fourteen small islands, on the west side of the Istrian Peninsula.

You will be taken by speedboat to the largest island, Veli Brijun. The island is a little haven of nature, with a rich fauna and flora as well as some fascinating archeological sites, from Byzantine remains to Roman villas. Entrance fee to the island has been included as part of this package. You will be taken back to the mainland at the end of the day. In the evening, a three course dinner with wines will be served in a traditional Istrian tavern.

Day six will be free for you to do as you please. Your chauffeured vehicle will be at your disposal for the day.

After breakfast on day seven, you will have a free morning to enjoy your hotel’s superb facilities. In the afternoon you will be met at the hotel by a driver / guide will accompany you on a private basis throughout the afternoon and evening.

You will firstly be taken to the small Istrian town of Svetvincenat. This medieval town is charming and offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding olive groves and vineyards. You will then be taken to a goat farm where you will be able to accompany the shepherd and his goats for the afternoon pasture. A drink and some snacks will be served. In the evening, you will be welcomed at the dinner table of the shepherd and his/her family where you will be able to sample mouth-watering Istrian specialties including the cheeses produced on site. Your meal will be accompanied by locally produced wines. You will be take back to your hotel at the end of the evening.

After a leisurely breakfast, check out of the hotel. A private chauffeured vehicle will take you to the airport on time for your return flight.

Outline Itinerary

Day Three of your Istria Wine Tour

• After breakfast, your driver / guide will return for a second day of activities. Your tour day will comprise of:
• A guided tour of the town of Poreč
• A visit to an oyster farm and oyster tasting
• A guided tour of the town of Rovinj
• A tour, tasting and nibbles at a prestigious local winery
• In the evening, a five course dinner with wines will be served in well-regarded restaurant. Private transfers have been included as part of this package.

Day Four of your Istria Wine Tour

• After breakfast, you will be taken to Pula for a market tour and cookery class.
• You will sample your dishes for lunch paired with a local wine.
• You will be taken back to your hotel at the end of the activity.
• The evening will be free for you to do as you please.

Day Five of your Istria Wine Tour

• After breakfast, you will be taken to Veli Brijun, the largest island of the Brijuni Archipelago.
• Speedboat transfers and entrance fee to the island have been included as part of this package.
• In the evening, a three course dinner with wines will be served in a traditional Istrian tavern.

Day Six of your Istria Wine Tour

• Today will be free for you to do as you please. Your chauffeured vehicle will be at your disposal for the day.

Day Seven of your Istria Wine Tour

• Free morning to do as you please.
• You will be met at your hotel by a private driver / guide who will accompany you throughout the afternoon and evening. Your half day will comprise of:
• A stop at the medieval town of Svetvincenat,
• A visit to a goats farm,
• Dinner (including drinks) in the farm with the shepherd and his/her family.

Final Day of your Istria Wine Tour

• After breakfast, check out of the hotel.
• A private airport transfer will be arranged for you.

(ii) The outline itinerary is indicative and is subject to minor changes depending on supplier availability. Availability cannot be guaranteed until we have received a confirmed booking, together with the deposit payment (or payment in full where the dates of travel are in less than 60 days). If the named accommodation / visits are not available, we will endeavour to find suitable alternatives of a similar grade; this may be subject to a supplement or a rebate depending on the price available.

Package Prices

• These prices are per person and based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin or double room.
• These are realistic guide prices, based on travel in standard season (usually April to the end of October). Discounts often apply for travel out of season (usually November to the end of March) or if there are more than two of you travelling together. Please let us know your preferred travel dates for a definitive price.
• Although we propose specific hotels as part of our standard packages, we enjoy excellent relationships and preferential rates at the majority of the hotels in each of our featured destinations. Therefore if you would prefer to stay in a different hotel, this can be arranged. Please contact us for the relevant supplements/discounts.
• Other room grades are available at most of the hotels that we work with. Just let us know which hotel you prefer and we will send you the relevant supplements for the various room grades.
• Single supplements and extra night prices are available upon request.

Enhance your Experience/Tour Upgrades

Further Information