Indulge yourself with a perfect itinerary in Istria - a Croatian Tuscany 

combining history & culture with wine & dine heritage of the region.

Istria is an exceptional destination for all wine lovers and gourmets.

Discover magical costal and hill-top towns, admire stunning views,

sip the best Istrian wines and try local specialties.

 

 

1. DAY 1 – WELCOME

Arriving to Rovinj - the northern pearl of the Adriatic Sea where narrow, romantic streets, old stone houses, art galleries, colorful open-air market, bustling cafes and restaurants make this small seaside town an ideal getaway for unforgettable stay in Istria.

Check in to Casa Allegra – House da mamma (if the itinerary is booked for 2 persons) or Casa Allegra – House da papa (if the itinerary is booked for 3-6 persons)  - cozy and stylish houses situated in the heart of Rovinj’s old town, two steps from the baroque Church of St Euphemia, away from its noisy main streets but close enough to feel the captivating atmosphere of this seaside Mediterranean town.

Houses has been designed with care combining historical architecture with modern touch and functionality and is equipped with:

- Bedrooms with double beds (140 and 160 cm wide): House da mamma has 1 bedroom, House da papa has 3 bedrooms.

- Bathrooms with showers or bathtub and heated floors: House da mamma has 1 bathroom, House da papa has 2 bathrooms and 1 toilet.

- Kitchen and a living room (kitchen facilities and equipment: dishwasher, oven and an electric stove, refrigerator, electric kettle, blender, cutlery, plates, pots, iron with ironing board)

- Air-conditioning and heating in every room.

-  WIFI internet

-  TV in the living room

-  Shared terrace with a large table: House da mamma and House da papa share one terrace

- Breakfast is in nearby hotel Adriatic (4 stars) on the main square, just 5 minutes’ walk from the houses.

 

2.   DAY 2 – IT IS ALL ABOUT WINE
Imagine mysterious lands hiding fabulous hilltop towns, colorful vineyards with old, authentic estates and wineries where you can taste the traditional flavors and enjoy the finest Istrian wines. To capture the essence of Istria you have to use all your senses!

 

During this whole day tour, you will visit three wineries. All wineries to visit differ in approach to wine making and style of the wines.  Some wineries have very long tradition, some are young, but all are among the best in Croatia with an international recognition and awards. You will learn about different styles of production: long maceration, no maceration, ageing in barriques, in big wooden vessels or in stainless steel tanks... and taste fresh and aged wines made from indigenous, Istrian grape varieties but also blended with international grape varieties.

 

You will try 5 to 8 wines in each winery combined with delicious, local snacks like Istrian cheese, sausages, olive oil. You will also visit the wine cellar and get familiar with the technology and the process of wine production. In between wine tastings you will visit fabulous, hilltop town Grožnjan known as town of artists to discover magical side of Istria and you will have 4-course early dinner in fantastic, family owned restaurant combining traditional cuisine with modern touch.

In all wineries you will be accompanied by an expert guide or owner from each winery    

 

3. DAY 3 – PAST MEETS PRESENT IN SOUTHERN ISTRIA 

Vines and olive trees were brought to Istria by Romans… who left precious monuments all over Istria… Still the most valuable remains of the ancient times are located in the Southern part of Istrian peninsula.

You will visit Pula – historical town which is well known for its Vespasian Amphitheatre and Roman monuments site-specific with modern buildings. After sightseeing the most significant monuments and historical places with a professional local guide there is time for sumptuous lunch paired with excellent, Istrian wines in a cozy restaurant. Before you head to famous olive oil estate for tasting one of the best olive oils in Croatia you will visit very interesting Museum of olive growing and olive oil production where you will get familiar with “Istrian green gold”. On the olive estate you will have tour of estate, educational story about the history of olive cultivation and phases of olive oil production today, guided tasting of extra virgin olive oil in specialized tasting room and tasting assorted cured meats from black pigs raised on this family estate, a variety of cheeses from local producers and Malvasia wine.

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4. DAY 4 – ISTRIAN TAPESTRY

The 4th day you will start with sipping 5-7 sparkling wines combined with cheese and olive oil. You will also visit the wine cellar and get familiar with the technology and the process of the sparkling wine production. 

Another Istrian specialty are truffles. Truffle hunting is a fantastic way to see how this delicacy ends on our plates. A friendly host will explain you interesting facts about truffles while you go with him and his dogs to the forest to see how he finds truffles. This is indeed a special adventure. Follows truffle tasting after which you will visit famous Motovun. This small, hill-top town is known for breathtaking views and romantic scenery. In Istria we appreciate truffles as much as fish and sea food. That is why on our way back to Rovinj you would have delicious dinner based on delicacies from Adriatic sea.

 

5. DAY 5 - RELAXING LIKE A LOCAL 

You will have a truly relaxing day… You will feel Rovinj’s heartbeat while exploring slippery stone streets with a professional, local guide. For lunch you will relish traditional dishes listening to seagulls flying above and horns of ships leaving the harbor. After lunch you will go by boat to St. Andrew’s island. Admiring Rovinj from the sea is truly unique experience. After a walk around the island and relaxing coffee there is time to go back to Rovinj.

In the evening you will have reservation at Monte, the first restaurant in Croatia to get Michelin star. Dining at Monte is unique experience. Six original courses paired with the best wines will be fantastic gourmet treat. 

 

6. DAY 6 – THERE IS STIL MUCH MORE TO DISCOVER 

This day you are to visit a small medieval town Draguć to see historical, vivid frescos. Draguć is called Istrian Hollywood because a lot of films have been filmed there and numerous film stars walked its streets. Hidden in the deepest inland of Istria, squeezed on the ridge of a small hill Draguć is also a capital of precious frescos. The oldest wall paintings are dated at 13th century! After this fairy-tale town follows a ride to Buzet and visit to “The house of Istrian brandy”. It is a place that can’t be missed. 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. Walk around Buzet’s old town. Follows traditional Istrian dinner in local tavern to taste regional dishes. This day will end with one more wine tasting in a family owned winery where two brothers produce fantastic wines

 

7. DAY 7 – TAKE YOUR MEMORIES WITH YOU… 

Check out form Casa Allegra till 11:00 am.

 

YOUR 7 DAYS, 6 NIGHTS amazing tailored itinerary includes:

• A customized itinerary featuring accommodation, wine tastings, gourmet experience and touring elements;

• Pick up and drop off – airport Pula (other airports are also an option but price can be different)

• Transportation on each day of the tour;

• The services of an English-speaking expert guide throughout the whole itinerary;

• The services of a professional, local guides in Pula and Rovinj;

• 6 nights in holiday house Casa Allegra House da papa in the heart of Rovinj’s old town (www.casa-allegra-rovinj.eu);

• Everyday supplies of water (still and sparkling), fresh fruits from local farms, pastries, coffee & tea;

• Change of towels every day or when needed, change of bed linen after 3 nights;

• Daily breakfast in Hotel Adriatic**** (5 minutes’ walk from the house);

• 5 gourmet lunches / dinners (4 courses with best Istrian wines) in best local restaurants;

• 1 slow food dinner in restaurant with Michelin star (6 courses paired with wines)

• 4 wine tastings with premium wines and rich local snacks (5-8 wines in each winery);

• 1 sparkling wine tasting with snack (7-9 different sparkling wines);

• Expert guides in each winery, visiting wine cellars;

• 1 Istrian brandy tasting with snack food;

• 1 olive oil tasting with rich snacks;

• 1 truffle hunting;

• Visiting of Grožnjan, Motovun, Draguć, Buzet;

• All tastings at the best estates of the region;

• All entrance tickets to visited places, boat ticket to St. Andrews island;

• All local taxes.

Only the best wineries, estates and restaurants are included in program. Wine tastings in wineries, olive oil tasting, truffle hunting and dinners in restaurants are scheduled by special arrangement. Once you book your itinerary, I will contact wineries, estates and restaurants to make reservations. If there are specific wineries you would like to visit, please let me know and I will adjust program to your preferences first to arrange visits and tastings for you.

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PRICE (all above included):

When booking itinerary for

2 persons price is 2250,00 € per person

4 persons price is 1850,00 € per person

6 persons price is 1750,00 € per person

 

Price doesn’t include

• Additional activities not included in program

• Airfare

• Tips

• Travel insurance

• Other lunches and dinners than stated in program

• Purchasing of wines, olive oil, truffle products, souvenirs

 

Cancellation Policy

• A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.

• The deposit is non-refundable.

• Need to cancel your trip due to COVID-19? You can reschedule your booking free of charge.

• The rest of the payment should be paid one week before arrival at the latest.

 

 

Information & reservation:

 

Agnieszka Grunwald Petrović

 

SENTIRE j.d.o.o.

Istria Wine Tours

Labinske Republike 10

52210 Rovinj

Croatia

 

Tel +385 981626291

www.istriawinetours.com

istria.wine.tours@gmail.com