8 days of enjoyment in green Istria | Opatija, Rovinj, Pula and the hinterland

Day 1: Departure for Croatia

As soon as you’ve collected your hire car, head to your Caractère hotel, where you’ll spend the first two nights of your unforgettable trip.

Day 2: The Kvarner Bay

Opatija is one of the oldest tourist resorts and the heart of the Kvarner Bay. Thanks to the construction of a railway line in 1730 and the arrival of renowned doctors, Opatija quickly became a spa resort of international renown. Aristocrats, Viennese neurotics and the Russian writer Chekhov came here to relax. The ‘Vienna by the Sea’ is a showcase of the Belle Époque, with lush parks and luxurious villas in Baroque, Neoclassical and Secessionist styles, as well as former summer residences of the Austro-Hungarian elite. Perhaps the most beloved feature is the 12-kilometre-long promenade, named after the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef, which linked Lovran with the fishing village of Volosko.

Day 3: Along the Učka Mountains to Pula

Thanks to the shelter provided by the Učka Mountains, the Kvarner Riviera boasts exotic vegetation. A beautiful coastal road leads to Brestova, from where boats depart for the lovely island of Cres. Your journey continues to Pula with its Roman amphitheatre, which today also serves as an impressive backdrop for numerous cultural events, opera and theatre performances. The historic centre, with its beautiful Forum Square and narrow streets, is definitely worth a visit. You will spend the next five nights in one of our hotels in the area.

Day 4: Rovinj

The charming town of Rovinj is perhaps the most beautiful and picturesque town in Istria, situated on a peninsula, with facades in warm colours and stairways that look distinctly Italian. Incidentally, street signs are written in both Italian and Croatian, and the best restaurants are not on the waterfront but tucked away in narrow alleys. Until the 18th century, this was an island, so the sea still seems to be everywhere. It is no surprise that this enchantingly beautiful town has traditionally attracted numerous artists from all corners of the world. Rovinj is often called ‘the most beautiful town in Istria’. And rightly so...

Day 5: The Brijuni Islands and Kamenjak Nature Park

Today you’ll visit Brijuni National Park with its idyllic natural beauty, where the Yugoslav leader Tito had his country retreat. He received many heads of state and film stars here. With the exotic animals he received as gifts from them, he established a safari park on Veli Brijuni, which still exists today.

The national park consists of 14 small islands. Also worth a visit is Kamenjak Nature Park, which is surrounded by 30 kilometres of coastline, dotted with numerous bays and beautiful beaches.

Day 6: Green Istria: land of truffles, wines and olive oil

Time for the highlight of your trip. You’ll drive via the hilltop fortified village of Grožnjan, with its ochre-coloured houses, narrow streets and little squares, to Motovun, a medieval town, and Livade, a farming village and important ‘truffle centre’. Even in ancient times, Roman emperors wanted only these truffles on their plates... An annual truffle fair is still held here every year. In the afternoon, near Beram, you can admire the extraordinary frescoes in the Gothic chapel of St Mary of the Slabs. You continue on to Hum, which prides itself on being the smallest town in the world. Be sure to take a stroll along the 7 km-long Glagolitic sculpture trail: 11 solitary yet intriguing monuments paying tribute to the monks who ensured the survival of this alphabet, which remained in use in the Slavic liturgy until the 18th century. You then drive back via the mountain village of Buzet, also a truffle-growing area and the former administrative capital of the Venetians. Finally, you continue on to Toplice and Momjan, a medieval village where you can sample one of the region’s finest Muscat wines.

Day 7: Poreč

Poreč is Istria’s most famous holiday resort. The old town is situated on a 400-metre-long and 200-metre-wide peninsula, Sveta Nikola. Here in this old quarter, beautiful Venetian palaces adorn the harbourfront, but it is above all the Basilica of St Euphrasius, a gem of Byzantine splendour and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that is well worth a visit.

Day 8: Return home

If your schedule allows, make a stop-off at Slovenia’s most beautiful coastal town, Piran. It is situated at the very tip of a small peninsula, surrounded by city walls. Apart from fishing, salt from the nearby Sečovlje salt pans has been the main source of income for centuries; the excellent ‘fleur de sel’ salt is still available. After a final moment of exploration, it’s time to return your hire car and head home with a suitcase full of wonderful memories.

Frequently asked questions about this tour of Istria

When is the best time to visit Istria?

Choose May through to September. Spring (May–June) is lovely for walks in the green countryside and visits to towns like Pula without the intense heat. July and August are ideal for the beaches of Kamenjak, whilst September is the perfect month for foodies due to the start of the truffle season.

Is a hire car necessary for this trip through Istria?

Yes, a hire car is essential to experience the contrast between the coast and the inland. Although the coastal towns are connected by buses, you’ll need a car to comfortably reach the medieval hilltop villages such as Motovun and the hidden wineries in the heart of Istria.

What makes this tour of Istria unique?

This trip, often referred to as ‘Terra Magica’, offers a unique blend of Italian flair and Croatian hospitality. You’ll combine world-class Roman architecture in Pula with the culinary riches of the truffle valleys and the aristocratic grandeur of the Kvarner Riviera, ensuring a truly varied experience.