Istria & Kvarner Fly-Drive

12 Day Tour, from £1375 per person

Discover the stunning Croatian coast from the comfort of your own four wheels. Pick up your hire car to tour the pretty towns and scenic countryside of the Istrian Peninsula, before crossing the sparkling waters to discover some of the beautiful islands that dot the Adriatic. Explore the natural beauty and intriguing history of the region, uncovering medieval and Roman towns, bustling harbours and coastal coves, wine districts and wild landscapes.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

Fly to Pula

Fly to Pula on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula. Pick up the hire car and head into the city. Spend three nights in Pula .

DAY 2

Pula

Enjoy a day exploring the city. Once the Roman administrative headquarters, Pula boasts an impressive Roman Amphitheatre that now hosts concerts throughout the summer. History is scattered throughout the town and at its centre is the Forum containing the Temple of Augustus. (B)

DAY 3

Brijuni Islands

Visit the olive and pine tree strewn Brijuni Islands, off the coast of Fazana. The islands are home to the former summer residence of President Tito – from where he entertained the rich and famous. The islands are now a national park. (B)

DAY 4

Pula to Porec

Drive from Istria’s southern tip up the western coast, stopping in the quaint medieval town of Rovinj. Reminiscent of Venice, Rovinj is traversed by a network of winding lanes, flanked by colourful buildings leading to a bustling working harbour. Continue to the Lim Fjord – a valley stretching 35km. Enjoy a 3-night stay in Porec. (B)

DAY 5

Porec

Explore Porec – a town which has retained the original grid layout of a Roman garrison town. The highlight is its Byzantine Euphrasius Basilica and remarkable 6th-century Byzantine mosaics. (B)

DAY 6

Porec to Motovun

Head inland to the beautiful Istrian interior, dotted with hilltop villages – the most scenic of these being Motovun. Walk around the town walls and admire views of the vineyards and forests below which harbour Istria’s famous wine and truffles. (B)

DAY 7

Porec to Mali Losinj

Hop over to the islands today, making your way across the peninsula to the port at Brestova. Take the ferry to the island of Cres and head south through the wild landscape to Italianate Cres town, featuring many well preserved Venetian elements. Continue to Mali Losinj Island for two nights. (B)

DAY 8

Mali Losinj Island

The island has been popular since the Austro-Hungarian reign and remains littered with fine homes and villas from this period of its history. Stroll around the town, soaking up its relaxed atmosphere and stop in one of the quayside cafes that line the waterfront. (B)

DAY 9

Mali Losinj to Krk

Take the ferry to Krk – the largest of Croatia’s islands. Explore the striking onion-domed Campanile of old town Krk, before heading to the old stone hilltop village and wine cellars of Vrbnik, which produce the famous Zlatina white wine. (B)

DAY 10

Krk to Opatija

Cross the toll bridge to the mainland and head up to Opatija. (B)

DAY 11

Opatija

Opatija boasts a wide seafront promenade lined with grand Austro- Hungarian and Hapsburg villas, a reminder of the town’s popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Discover the secluded rocky coves leading along to the small town of Lovran. (B)

DAY 12

Pula to UK

Make your way to Pula airport via the picturesque town of Labin. Return to the UK. (B)

Pricing Information

12 day tour, from £1375 per person

(Single person supplement + £450)

Price Includes

Return flights in economy class from London Gatwick to Pula with Easyjet
All airport taxes and security charges
Accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels on bed & breakfast basis (B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Car hire Group A including CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage

Price Excludes