Croatia Off The Beaten Path - Explore Croatia's Istria
Croatia is a very well-known holiday destination but some areas are often overlooked and provide more Curious Travellers with a more unique and authentic holiday in Croatia. We love the Croatian part of Istria. Easily accessible from all of Europe and just a three-hour drive from Venice!
Istria is the largest peninsula within the Adriatic Sea. It is shared by three countries: Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. Croatia encapsulates most of the Istrian peninsula.
This 6-day exploration of Croatia’s Istra is a wonderful, shorter, standalone trip or can be added onto a longer trip in Croatia or combined with Slovenia and/or Montenegro. If you are looking for a more unusual holiday in Croatia this could be of interest.
LUXURY HOLIDAY TO CROATIA’S ISTRIA AT A GLANCE:
Day 1: Transfer to Rovinj
Day 2: Discover Istria's coastal star Rovinj and feel the beach vibe of Opatija
Day 3: Explore charming Istrian hinterlands with Groznjan and Motovun
Day 4: Attractive Pula with a 1st-century Roman amphitheatre
Day 5: Boat trip to Brijuni Islands known as archaeology pearl with untouched nature
Day 6: Depart or continue travelling
Looking for a longer trip? Why not add on Slovenia, Montenegro or Italy? Some other ideas include":
DAY 1: ARRIVAL INTO CROATIA AND TRANSFER TO ROVINJ
Croatia is so well situated within Europe that you can either fly directly in from your home country or add it to a trip such as Italy, Slovenia and Montenegro. Where ever you are coming from we will meet you and arrange a private transfer to your gorgeous, boutique accommodation in Rovinj, Croatia. Your unique holiday in Croatia is about to begin!
Luxury Hotels we like in Rovinj include:
3 Nights in a Hand-Picked Hotel in Rovinj based on your preferences and budget.
DAY 2: DISCOVER THE COBBLED STREETS AND HISTORY OF ROVINJ. SOAK UP THE BEACH VIBE OF OPATIJA.
Rovinj is a picturesque Istrian fishing harbour situated on an egg-shaped peninsula. It has narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, small squares and many quality restaurants to explore and enjoy. The baroque Church of St. Euphemia is located in the heart of the historic part of the city and offers a lovely panoramic view.
Fun Fact: There are 134 sunny days in the year, making Rovinj the third sunniest place and also the place with the least clouds on the Adriatic!
In the afternoon we recommend a guided tour to Opatija. Opatija is a city with a rich history and beautiful surroundings. We love our clients to take a leisurely walk or cycle ride around the city and enjoy drinks and local snacks in local cafes and recommended “holes in the wall.”
DAY 3: EXPLORE THE CHARMING ISTRIAN MAINLAND - GROZNJAN AND MOTOVUN.
Today we recommend a private guided tour around continental Istria to discover the charming towns of Groznjan, Motovun and other picturesque small towns of Istria's hinterlands.
As well as sightseeing we love to get guests involved and engaged in local gastronomy activities. You can go on a unique Truffle hunting activity complete with Truffle tasting, we can arrange local wine tasting experiences and we can include visits to additional Istrian coastal towns such as Vodnjan and Porec.
DAY 4: UNIQUE 1st-CENTURY AMPHITHEATRE IN PULA
Continuing to explore the coast of the Croatian Istria today we recommend a visit to Pula. Uncover some of Pula’s three-thousand-year-old history in a guided walking tour whilst visiting its cultural monuments. The most significant monument in Pula is the Roman amphitheatre Arena. Today you can also visit Pula’s parks, one of the world’s largest amphora sites, Cathedral, Castle, the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi, Gate of Hercules and the Temple of Augustus. Learn about Pula’s unique main square and its old city walls.
We can also include a visit to the famous Museum of Olive Oil with Olive Oil tasting and traditional local cooking classes.
Luxury Hotels we like in Pula:
3 Nights in a Hand-Picked Hotel in Rovinj based on your preferences and budget.
2 Nights in Pula at a Hand-Picked Hotel based on your requirements and tastes.
DAY 5: BOAT TRIP TO THE BRIJUNI ISLANDS AND ITS UNIQUE ARCHAEOLOGY SITES.
Along the coast of western Istria, there are several groups of islands. Among these, the most interesting, the largest and the most indented is the Brijuni group of 14 islands and islets and the Brijuni National Park.
The excursion begins on the eastern side of the island, in the central Brijuni port. The first part of the excursion is designed as a one-hour ride on the tourist train, along the coast and all the way to the north of the island. On the way, guests have the opportunity to see the golf courses, a Venetian citadel and old farm buildings built in the early 20th century at the time of the Austrian Kupelwieser family.
The tour all together takes 4 hours and before returning back with the boat you will visit museums, permanent exhibitions and St. German’s Church, as well as a walk through the Mediterranean garden with a visit to an old olive tree, which slowly ends this excursion across Veliki Brijun.
DAY 6: DEPART OR CONTINUE YOUR TRAVELS IN CROATIA, SLOVENIA OR BEYOND
Today we can transfer you to the airport for your international flight home or we can continue your holiday in Croatia to others areas of this stunning country or even into neighbouring Slovenia or Montenegro.
For more information on Croatia and the holidays that Curious Travel can design and curate for you, please get in touch!
