SECRETS OF ISTRIA - 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS PROGRAM

 

DAY 1 – The past meets present in southern Istria

10:00 a.m. – Arrive on own to Pula – the largest city on Istrian peninsula. The historical town is well known for its Vespasian amphitheatre and Roman monuments. Sightseeing with a professional local guide ends in the best wine bar where you will have an early lunch paired with excellent wines. Than follows the first wine tasting in a modern and cozy winery. The owner belongs to the younger generation of wine producers and he is known as a rock’n’roll star of wine making in Istria. In the afternoon you will visit an astonishing estate called herbal Disneyland of Istria. After a relaxing walk through the plantations of lavender, mint, sage, marigold and pyrethrum, olive grove and vineyard follows delicious dinner accompanied by best wines. Enjoy the spectacular view. About 6:00 p.m. check in to your design hotel La Grisa in Bale.

 

DAY 2 – Giants also loved wines…

Today you will explore the finest and loveliest part of Istria. First you will go to Kaldir. In this picturesque little town you will have first wine degustation in famous for its red wine - teran family owned winery. You will visit the cellar and taste award winning, first class wines. Next you will go to Grožnjan - hilltop town known as an artistic heart of Istria. Narrow streets, stone built houses, lots of flowers, art galleries and ateliers enchants everyone. A leisurely wine tasting follows in the winery famous because of the fact that this is the only winery in Istria where wine matures not only in wooden barrels but also in real amphoras! The vineyard and winery have been in the same family since 1891. Then follows a lunch in a typical Istrian “konoba” – a type of family owned restaurant offering traditional and local dishes like homemade pasta, a rare Istrian beef called boškarin, wild asparagus and truffles… The last wine tasting will be in one of the most famous Croatian wineries. Here, family tradition combines with modern technology and from autochthonic grape variety comes the finest wines. The winery and vineyard are beautifully situated on the slope and their new wine cellar and tasting room represents a visionary type of architecture. Returning to Bale at 7:00 p.m.

 

DAY 3 – Istrian tapestry…

In the morning you will explore, with a professional guide, the pearl of Northern Adriatic – Rovinj. You will walk around the old town and visit the unique eco-museum “The house of Batana” dedicated to the traditional wooden boat “batana”. After fragrant coffee and cake you will go to the family owned winery close to Vižinada. Their motto is: “Not many things can provide such beauty in such clear form”. Twenty five years ago this winery, like many others, was small and oriented only for local market. Thanks to vision and passion now they produce high quality wines which they sell even in Marks & Spencer. Follows late, rich lunch in “simply not simple” konoba in Brtonigla famous for its meals prepared in front of guests on a huge fireplace. Second wine tasting will be in an extraordinary winery where wine production is founded on family tradition and a working knowledge of micro location. This part of Istria is famous for its four types of earth: grey, red, white and black and so the winery is famous for its four types of Malvazija wines. Wines from this cellar can be founded in many countries like: U.S.A., Canada, China, Great Britain, Belgium, Italy and Slovenia.

 

DAY 4 – Still it’s not all about wine…

Depart for Buzet where you will visit “The house of Istrian brandy”. It is a place that can’t be missed. You will have a tour around distillery to see how they produce their famous brandy. The production is very traditional and only with solely natural ingredients. Tasting different varieties of brandy with a rich salt and sweet snack will warm you up for a truffle hunting. Friendly hosts will tell you all about truffles, the tradition of truffle hunting, and their truffle hunting dogs This is very special adventure in Istria. Follows truffle tasting: cheese and local sausage with truffles, truffle’s spread on bread and scrambled eggs with black truffles.  You have the evening free to enjoy charming Bale. We recommend hotel’s restaurant for a dinner.

 

DAY 5 – Relax, drink and eat!

Depart to Poreč. We break the journey midway at a cosy winery where the owner gave his heart and soul to produce finespun wines. It has paid off because his wines were awarded international recognition. Follows sightseeing tour of Poreč known for its Euphrasian Basilica and Roman and Venetian monuments. You will be accompanied by the local guide. The next winery, not far from Poreč, has its own, very riveting story…  because its owner first travelled the world to learn as much about the wines as possible before returning home where he founded his own winery and vineyard. What makes his wines special is the technology of long maceration and long, at least 3 years, maturation in oaken barrels followed by 3 – 6 months in bottles. Day ends with an early dinner in an extraordinary place known by locals. Istrian thick soup maneštra, seasonal appetizers and homemade pasta will top your day up.

 

DAY 6 – Hope to see you soon!

Following breakfast, enjoy free time. Private transport will take you to your airport or to another place of your departure. If there is time you can visit an oil mill in Bale known for its delicious olive oil and very long history of olive oil making.

 

 

YOUR 6 DAY, 5 NIGHT amazing tour SECRETS OF ISTRIA includes:

• A customized itinerary featuring the best hotel, wine tastings, gourmet experience and touring elements,

• Transportation on each day of the tour and a private transfer on the last day of the tour,

• The services of an English-speaking expert guide throughout the tour,

• The services of an professional local guides in Pula, Poreč and Rovinj,

• 5 nights at 4-Star hotel La Grisa in Bale, double occupancy in Deluxe room,

• Buffet breakfast each day,

• 4 gourmet early dinners in best local restaurants,

• 8 – 9 wine tastings with premium wines and rich local snacks,

• Expert guides in each winery,

• 1 Istrian brandy tasting with snack food,

• 1 truffle hunting with truffle tasting,

• All tasting at the best estates of the region,

• All entrance tickets,

• All local taxes.

 

We include only the best wineries, estates and restaurants in our programs. Wine tastings in wineries are scheduled by special arrangement and some wineries may not be available on your dates. Once you book your program with us, we will contact the wineries and restaurants to make reservations for you. If there are specific wineries you would like to visit please let us know and we will contact your preferences first to arrange visits and tastings for you.

 

For more informations please contact us.