Pathways of Istria

Fly to Pula on the Istrian coast. Transfer to your hotel in Rovinj. There will be a welcome meeting this evening with our local representative who will run through the programme and give you the maps, road book and luggage tags.

Explore the beautiful town of Rovinj today. Contained on an oval shaped peninsula, the old town is a tangle of steep cobbled streets leading to the tower of the Church of St Euphemia which dominates the cityscape. In the afternoon, walk the coastal forest path through the Golden Cape Forest Park covered in oak, pine and cypress groves. Jump in for a refreshing swim from one of the rocky coves that dot the cape. (B)

Total walking distance today: 5 miles. 

Transfer to Fazana for the boat across to the Brijuni national park; a cluster of 12 islets which were designated a national park in 1983. Covered by meadows, oak and laurel forests the islands are home to an ethno safari park with a variety of different animals including many indigenous species of ox, sheep and deer. Walk across rolling meadows and forest down to Verige Bay where you will find the remains of the Temple of Venus and a splendid Roman villa rustica. There is a nice beach down in the cove of Saluga- perfect for a post walk cool off. Return to the mainland by boat and back to Rovinj for the night. (B)

Total walking distance today: 5-10 miles (depending on route chosen)

Set off today to explore the hidden pathways of Istria. An hours transfer takes you to the Parenzana railway path, a disused narrow gauge railway track which stretches 123km across the Istrian interior. The path is now a popular walking and cycling route and winds its way through the vineyard covered hills past medieval villages. Set off from the lively village of Groznjan, known for its arts community, there are several lovely galleries to take a peak at before setting off for the days walking. The walk is circular and leads back to Groznjan from where you will transfer on to Motovun. Check-in for a 2 night stay. (B)

Total walking distance today: 8 miles

Spend a leisurely day on a truffle hunting expedition. Head deep into the forests to go in search of the region's famous truffles with an experienced local guide. Learn the traditional way of sniffing these delicate morsels out using dogs. Your hosts will prepare a delicious lunch using your foraged goods accompanied by local wine.  Return to Motovun for an afternoon at leisure. The medieval hilltop village of Motovun is considered Istria's most scenic. This iconic village is ringed by defensive walls and inside the village contains many interesting shops and boutiques selling local produce. (B,L)

Set off on today's route around the towns of Buzet and Hum (the route can be circular starting from Buzet or one way if taking a transfer to Hum and walking back towards Buzet). The walk follows the River Mirna before turning into the forest, passing small waterfalls and pools. Stop to explore the abandoned villages of Kotli. The naturally formed pools. old watermill and abandoned stone houses makes this a particularly intriguing place. Move on to the town of Hum, which is classed as the smallest town in the world with a population of 30 (at last count). Overnight in Buzet. (B)

Total walking distance today: 8 miles

Transfer to the fishing village of Volosko to begin the coastal walk to Lovran along the Franz Josef I Promenade, known locally as the Lungomare. A favourite walk for locals, this scenic seafront path passes some stunning examples of Austro-Hungarian architecture with many fine villas facing the sea. Stop in Opatija along the route to see the famous Girl with a Seagull statue and the Villa Angiolina (now the Museum of Tourism) with its delightful gardens. Reach Lovran where you will stay overnight. (B)

Total walking distance today: 8 miles 

Transfer back to Pula airport for your return flight. (B)