Ancient Istria Tour from Poreč including Rovinj, Pula and Lunch in Gržini

Ancient Istria Tour from Poreč including Rovinj, Pula and Lunch in Gržini

Istria is a melting pot of cultures where historic towns and delicious dishes vie for your attention. This full-day tour takes in some of its star turns, including Rovinj, Grzini and Pula. You'll also tuck in to a lunch of tasty local specialities.

Ancient Istria Tour from Pula including Bale, Rovinj and Poreč

Istria is an enticing mix of ancient seaside towns, vine-clad countryside and hilltop villages. Island views, good wine and delicious dishes vie for your attention. This full-day tour takes in some of Istria's star turns, including the historic village of Bale and the seaside gems of Rovinj and Poreč. You'll also tuck into a tasty lunch at a countryside restaurant in Grzini. Mauro, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘We pack lots in on this tour. From traditional Batana fishing boats bobbing at the port in Rovinj to enjoying some typical dishes of Central Istria, plus the Byzantine Basilica in Poreč, you'll get a true insight into our region.'Your adventure kicks off in Bale, a hilltop village of narrow cobbled alleys lined with medieval stone houses and Venetian palaces and churches. Wander the mazy old town before heading to Rovinj on the Adriatic coast, where the Venetian influence is everywhere. Occupying an egg-shaped peninsula, it's a treasure trove of winding streets that lead to the baroque Church of St Euphemia, whose slender belfry dominates the skyline.Then it's time to make our way to the hamlet of Grzini to feast on a typical Istrian lunch in the countryside, and after your meal we'll swing back to the coast to explore Poreč. This ancient town on a headland is now as famed for its modern bars and clubs as its Euphrasian Basilica, one of the most beautifully preserved monuments of Early Byzantine art in the whole of the Mediterranean, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ancient Istria Tour from Rovinj including Pula and Lunch

At the crossroads between Latin and Slavic Europe, Istria offers up the best of both worlds. It packs a lot into its small territory, so this tour shows off the best bits – rustic villages, Roman ruins, Byzantine basilicas and a taste of its world-class food scene. You'll visit Pula, Gržini and Poreč, enjoying scenic landscapes between stops. Karla, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘You'll get to see a side of Istria that most visitors miss when you visit Gržini village for a homemade lunch. You'll taste maneštra – a traditional Istrian country dish – and drink malvazija, the ‘queen' of Istrian wines, in a farm-to-table restaurant.'Kick off the day in Pula, spread around a bay in the south of the peninsula. This storied town is home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, where you'll get shown around by centurions. But that's just the tip of the iceberg – Pula boasts a wealth of ancient relics. Must-sees include the Temple of Augustus and the triumphal arch, while there are also Byzantine and baroque churches as well as a Habsburg fortress.Next, we'll head inland to the hamlet of Gržini for a traditional Istrian lunch, washed down with local wine, before returning to the coast to explore Poreč. Set on a compact headland, we'll walk the old Roman streets of Decumanus and Cardo Maximus up to the most important monument in town – the Euphrasian basilica, one of the most beautifully preserved monuments of early Byzantine art in the Mediterranean, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Summer Tour of Lake Bled with Bled Castle and Boat Ride

Slovenia is easily accessible from Istria. And this tour explores one of its most picture-postcard areas – Lake Bled, with its emerald-coloured waters and turreted castle framed against the backdrop of the Julian Alps.

Kvarner Bay Tour with Opatija, Lovran and Local Specialties

The coastline of Kvarner Bay is peppered with beautiful towns and historic locations. On this tour, you'll visit two of its most eye-catching spots – the hilltop fort of Mošćenice and the cosmopolitan seaside resort of Opatija.

Istrian Hilltop Villages Tour with Local Speciality Tasting

Legend has it that the Mirna valley was once home to giants so tall, they could build settlements with their own hands. Welcome to the green Istrian hills – a place of mythical beauty that you'll explore on this half-day tour to Groznjan and Oprtalj.

Motovun and Flavours of Istria

Like something out of a fairytale, Motovun is the sort of town you dream of eloping to. Alleys of stone houses laden with art galleries and cafés are packed either side of robust Venetian walls – you'll love it. And while it's the undoubted star of this half-day tour, you'll also discover the greener than green Istria countryside.

Natural wonders of Plitvice Lakes

Croatia boasts some of the most beautiful parklands in Europe. Take a full day to explore the amazing Plitvice Lakes National Park, an unspoilt nature sanctuary with cascading waterfalls and a myriad of lakes that are accessible via kilometres of wooden walkways.

Premium Wine Tasting experience

Experience the charm of Istria with our exclusive afternoon trip to Winery Baćac. You'll tour the winery to get the lowdown on their production processes, and then raise a glass or two to celebrate their dedication and passion.With nearly 10 acres of vineyards, Winery Baćac is celebrated for its sweet Muškat, dry Malvazija and hearty Merlot. Tour the winery, and it's cellar, learning all about harvesting, processing and cultivating wine. Perfect for vino lovers, your visit also includes a guided tasting session where you'll sample a variety of fine wines. As you savour each sip, you'll enjoy perfectly paired local prosciutto and cheese, enhancing every flavour note. And to top it off, as you relax with your wine, the soothing sounds of live music create the perfect backdrop for a great afternoon out in Istria.

Explore Pula on your own

Pula's romantic atmosphere is palpable. Walking through the ancient cobblestone streets makes it impossible not to be captivated by the beauty of Pula's rich cultural heritage. The Augustus Templum stands tall, a testament to the city's illustrious past, while the Twin Gates are a testament to the town's past glory. Music drifts through the air, inviting visitors to come and join in the fun on open-air terraces where you can soak up the warm Mediterranean climate and a glass of fine Istrian wine. But it's the iconic Roman amphitheatre Arena that truly takes the cake. Built over 2,000 years ago, this magnificent structure is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of ancient engineers.Today, it remains a beloved symbol of the city, drawing visitors from all over the world to marvel at its grandeur and splendour. Whether you choose to explore Pula's rich history and culture or tuck into its delicious cuisine and lively nightlife, this city is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.