Istrian Culinary Adventure Self Drive Journey

Welcome to Zagreb! Upon arrival at the Zagreb Airport, you will pick up rental vehicle and drive approximately 2-hours to Opatija. Opatija was a well-known spa resort in the 19th century and the coastline hosted famous writers including Lord Byron and James Joyce once. Stroll along the famous Lungomare and have delicious lunch with a view of Kvarner Gulf. For summertime, we highly recommend a private yacht tour around the wild beaches and visit to Cres and Krk islands. Overnight in Opatija.

Today, drive approximately 1-hour 15 minutes towards inlands and visit Hum, the smallest “city” in the world with only 20 inhabitants. Even though the city is small, Hum is home to many legends and stories. Take a short drive from Hum to visit Aura Distillery in Buzet to taste Biska, originally Keltic brandy spiced with mistletoe. Taste three types of this special liqueur and sample local cheeses, freshly baked bread and dried meat. Continue with Motovun, a fairy-tale like town surrounded by 14th century Venetian walls where medieval charm and Renaissance elegance goes in harmony. Stop by Mondo Konoba restaurant and taste delicious and high-quality truffle products, such as Polenta, taglieatelle with black truffle, try sweet local wine Muscat Monjanski! Overnight in Motovun.

In the morning, consider joining family-run truffle hunting in the forest. Along with cute dogs, chase the world famous truffles that have been known since Roman times. We recommend you to taste honey liquor Medica and have traditional truffle omelette Frijita after truffle hunting adventure. At noon, drive Buje and enjoy the ride along the Croatian’s most fertile lands and vineyards. We recommend you to visit Kozlevic wines and taste local specialties. Known as the “Guard of the Istria” Buje is the place to have all Croatian way of life-especially a glimpse of authentic Istrian life. Stroll around the small town and admire mediaeval architecture of the tower and Church of St. Servelus. Visit picturesque Groznjan Hilltop village of artists, Franc Arman Wines and stop by family owned olive oil farm Nova Vas for extra virgin olive oil tasting. Drive approximately 45-minutes to Porec for overnight.

In the morning, explore Porec’s ancient architecture on foot, visit the ruins of former Roman Temples and Euphrasian basilica that built during the city’s Byzantine times. Porec is one the most famous vacation destinations in Istria and known for a long seafront promenade as well as the secluded beaches. Drive approximately 40-minutes Rovinj and stop by Lim channel. Known as the longest Istrian Bay, Lim is world famous with fish and shellfish farms. Join one of the excursion boats that make hour-long runs up the Channel. After enjoying nature, indulge yourself with fresh and juicy flat oyster and green apple and peach flavoured local wine Istarska Malvazija in one of the local restaurants. Drive Rovinj late in the afternoon and enjoy walking along the narrow-cobbled streets of Rovinj. Visit impressing Church of St. Euphemia and climb the church bell tower to hear the town’s Mediaeval secrets. Overnight in Rovinj.

Today, you will explore one of the most charming towns in Europe: Bale! Known as the “Croatia’s best-kept secret, Bale is only 15-minutes’ drive away from Rovinj generously offers rich and deeply rooted Adriatic Culture: A festivity of world class food & drink, as well as festivals and entertainment. Depending on the season, you can leisurely lay back in San Polo or Greco beaches, join bird watching tours, or learn more of authentic culinary culture of Northern Croatia. From modest but characteristic local restaurants with live jazz music to top choice La Grisia, Bale offers the best music, wine and organic food. Taste Croatia’s most famous wines at Winery Meneghetti and San Tammaso, visit Soardo- Bembo Castle in the heart of the town and walk the cozy cobbled streets. Drive approximately 30-minutes to Pula after spending leisurely time in Bale. In the evening, you may consider joining a sunset cruise. Overnight in Pula.