Imagine walking through green countryside full of vineyards, olive trees, rivers and forests, full of beautiful villages and medieval towns situated on hills. Indeed it sounds like a dream. This dream can come true if you join us on a walking adventure through green Istria!
Learn about the natural beauty that will open before you every step of the way, and with every new winding of the road. Learn about the culture and heritage of Istria and visit picturesque towns on the hills with unforgettable views which will leave you breathless. Visit Hum, the smallest town in the world and experience the spirit of the past in Motovun and Grožnjan, the town of artists. To get to know the best of Istria, walk through Učka Nature Park which contains a wealth of life and, finally, round off this green adventure with the delicious flavors of indigenous Istrian delicacies and wines.
Accommodation in Istria
Accomodations are 3* and 4* hotels with breakfast included. Most of the hotels are small family run estates. All rooms have ensuit bathrooms.
Dinners and lunches are not included but it is possible to arrange. All accomodation are offering local domestic food such us truffles, asparagus, fish.
During this walking holiday you really should enjoy in truffle specialties with this mysterious fungus which we will complement with other delicacies, as well as exquisite wines and olive oil in a charming symphony of flavors. The olive has always been greatly valued in the world. This plant, whose twigs symbolize peace, has been part of Istrian tradition and culture for centuries, and olive oil and its by-products have fans all around the world for its quality. On your walking adventure through Istrian region you can enjoy in this specialties in towns you will pass, restaurants or accommodation.
Walking through Istria
This walking tour is through the beautiful region of Istria. You will pass through beautiful hilltop towns such as Grožnjanj, Motovun, Buje, Buzet, Oprtalj. Walks are moderate (5-8 h), but we can offer you shorter routes for each day. It is combination of circular walks and walk from accommodation to accommodation. We can also offer you this tour as a guided tour.
Istria walking holiday itinerary
The highlights of this walkikg holidays are:
- Visiting hilltop towns Grožnjan, Motovun and Buzet
- Visiting Hum, the smallest town in the world
- Hiking in Učka Nature Park
- Exploring the rich cultural heritage and local culinary delicacies
- Visiting Parenzana, railway of a of great historical significance for Istria
Day 1 – ARRIVE ISTRIA
Arrival in Istria. Free transfer is organized from Poreč to the hotel in Buje. Info meeting with Fiore representative at 7pm at the hotel reception area where we will provide you with the package including hotel vouchers, maps and a road book, luggate tags. Overnight in Buje Area.
Day 2 – HIKING BRTONIGLA TO BUJE
Short transfer to Brtonigla. The numerous acres of vineyards and olive groves are surrounded by pathways that lead towards meadows and woods, deep into the centre of vibrating nature that lives intact, far away from the modern civilisation. It is also a place where you can find superior wines and olive oils – many family cellars and tasting premises invite the travellers to discover the authentic power of the local lifestyle. After 3 hours walking through vineyards we reach Buje, a small town hilltop town. From the top of the hill you can enjoy the pretty view of terraced fields and arable land, vineyards and olive groves. Enjoy sightseeing in this town full of history and culture. The route finishes in front of your hotel where you will get by ex old railway. Overnight in Buje area.
Day 3 – GROŽNJAN – MOTOVUN
After breakfast you are ready to start exploring istrian villages and hidden paths. After 10 minute transfer walking stage starts on ex railway Parenzana. Parenzana was a narrow – gauge Austrian railway connecting Trieste with Poreč through a series of Istrian small towns, for 123 kilometres long. The railway was in function from 1902 until 1935, and today, the track has been rearranged for cycling and hiking paths wounding through Istrian hills. Grožnjan will be your start point. After you saw It’s galleries and viewpoints you can pass through magnificent rolling landscapes and lively Istrian vineyards. After passing through several tunnels, over old bridges you can stop on many fascinating view point before reaching the village of Livade, the truffle center of the world where you can taste and buy some products with truffles. In front of Livade on a hill is the town of Motovun where is your hotel. Overnight in Motovun.
Day 4 – OPRTALJ – BUZET
Ater breakfast short transfer to Oprtalj. Pitoresque little town deeply in Istrian peninsula from where it starts the Istrian Mountain Trail. The route goes downhill into the forest and passing Sv.Ivan (st.John) village. Next village in st. Lucija with a very beautiful church. Through few villages you will get to Control point where is also one of the best views on river Mirna valley. The trail is passing by the Pietrapelosa castle and leads down in the valley. After passing an aqueduct the trail goes on the hill towards the village of Mali Mlun and few more villages opens a beautiful view on the town of Buzet. Through a forest and fields the trail will get you to Buzet. Overnight in Buzet.
Day 5 – BUZET – HUM – BUZET
Path from Buzet to Hum can be a circular trail or one way if you start from Hum. The trail starts by the river and turns into the forest, passing over shallow river or riverbed if it’s dry. It’s passing by some waterfalls with lakes. Nice, and not too steep, the trail leads you all the way to Korita, the water springs with natural pools and an old watermill. The trail continues following the riverbed and it’s passing trough Benčići, an abandoned village where you can see traditional Istrian stone houses. From there you’ll see Hum and it’s recognizable church tower in the distance. When you get to Hum, take a walk and you’ll understand why its the smallest town in the world. In Hum you can eat in the local “konoba”, a word form the local dialect that means restaurant. The “konoba” in hum offers you nothing but traditional istrian dishes. The «way of mistletoe» will lead you all the way back to Buzet. It takes about 3 hours of hiking in one way. Overnight in Buzet.
Day 6 – UČKA
Transfer to Poklon ,saddle between two hills from where trail starts. It goes on the top of Učka mountain which is biggest mountain in Istria with altitude of 1401 m .From the top it goes all the way down on sea level in Lovran.Path is covered by oak and chestnut forests that give pleasant freshness in hot summers. The very summit of Ucka (Vojak) is worth to climb on for stunning panorama. The panorama of Kvarner bay includes sea and coastal towns, as well as the mountains in background: Obruc, Snjeznik and Risnjak Western side the whole Istra peninsula lies in front of you. Sometimes, if visibility is good, view towards to Venice and on Alps on the north side. Overnight in 4* hotel in Lovran.
Day 7 – DEPARTURE OR POSSIBILITY FOR EXTENDED STAY
Departure after breakfast.
Dates and Availability
01 March – 28 May 2017 – 7 days/6 nights – € 610.-
28 September – 30 November 2017 – 7 days/6 nights – € 610.-
29 May – 27 June 2017 – 7 days/6 nights – € 630.-
29 August – 27 September 2017 – 7 days/6 nights – € 630.-
28 June – 28 August 2017 – 7 days/6 nights – € 680.-
The prices are per person based on 2 people sharing a double/twin room on B&B basis. It is possible to upgrade to half board with a small charge. Single room and solo traveler supplements available as well.
Please contact the holiday provider, through the contact form below, for more information.
