Wine & gastro trip
Experience amazing wine&gastro secrets of inland Istria while touring its fascinating rolling hills and secluded towns with incredible views. Istria is situated where Middle Europe meets the Mediterranean, and in just four days you will taste the best this region has to offer.
Experienced tour guide and a passionate explorer of hidden treasures of Croatia
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The heart-shaped Istrian peninsula was known to the Romans as Terra Magica (Magic Land). It is a land of many hidden treasures, some of them being literally covered with dirt. The forests along the Mirna River in central and northern Istria hide the pricy delicacy called truffles in their soil.
Apart from the buried treasures, Istria is rich with “liquid gold”. For the fifth year in a row (2015-2019), Istria has won the title of the best quality olive region in the world according to the Flos Olei, the first international and the most relevant European olive oil guide.
The list of Istrian treasures would not be complete without the drink of the gods, because, like Istrians would say: „The bread is for the flesh and the wine is for the soul“. Find out why Istria has been billed as the New Tuscany by joining us on this fascinating adventure.
Truffles cannot be planted or tamed; but with a little help of intelligent animals, they can be found. Embark on a truffle hunting adventure with our guide and his dogs
Istrian family wineries and wine cellars are the perfect places to taste some of the premium wines typical for this region.
Truffles are a fancy delicacy, some say an aphrodisiac and one of the most expensive food in the world. There are three varieties of truffle – white, black and burgundy, and they cannot be planted or tamed, so each variety is only available a few months out of the year. If you have never tasted this magic mushroom called “a fairy apple”, here's your chance.
To go truffle hunting, you should bring footwear that is appropriate for walking in the woods, and during the rainy months, it is recommended to bring a raincoat and waterproof footwear.
Also, Istria is known for Boškarin, a type of grey-white long horned cattle, a symbol of this region that can weigh up to 1200kg. They were at the brink of extinction at the end of the 20th century, but nowadays are coming back to life as first-class meat and local delicacy.
Olive oil is much more than just an ordinary food ingredient in Istria – it is a symbol of health and gastronomic pleasure. At the international exhibitions, Istrian olive oils are often awarded as being one of the best oils in the entire world. Flos Olei 2020 Guide presents the best 500 extra virgin olive oils from 53 countries and is based on a panel of expert tasters. This year, three Istrian extra virgin olive oils scored an impressive 98 points out of a maximum of 100.
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Welcome to Istria, a land of gastronomic wonders and picturesque beauty. Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Pula Airport, where your driver will greet you and whisk you away to the enchanting hilltop town of Motovun. This medieval fortified town, nestled deep in the Istrian countryside, offers stunning vistas and a rich historical ambiance.
Your accommodation for the night is a charming family-owned B&B, where your hosts’ll warmly welcome you. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Motovun. Absorb the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, famously known as the “kingdom of truffles.”
As evening falls, dine at a cozy local tavern just outside the medieval city gate. Here, you’ll indulge in a menu that showcases local ingredients and traditional recipes, offering a tantalizing introduction to Istria's culinary delights. This is the perfect prelude to tomorrow’s truffle adventure.
Overnight in Motovun.
During a visit to an ecological family farm, you will get to meet various farm animals, as well as indigenous Istrian oxen called Boškarin
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before meeting your guide for an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Today’s adventure starts with a visit to a local olive oil producer. Learn about the estate’s history, the cultivation of olives, and the meticulous process of olive oil production. Engage in an olive oil tasting session, and perhaps, take a bottle home as a delightful souvenir.
Next, venture into the magical Motovun forest, renowned for its truffles. Accompanied by trained dogs, embark on a thrilling truffle hunt. Experience the excitement as the dogs sniff out these hidden treasures, and if luck is on your side, find your very own truffles!
The exploration continues with a visit to a local winemaker. Discover the secrets behind Istria’s famous Malvasia and Teran wines. Enjoy a tasting session featuring four complex, mineral-rich wines, complemented by Istrian prosciutto, homemade sausages, salami, and cheese.
Your gastronomic adventure doesn’t end here. Proceed to a local distillery where you’ll observe the entire production process of various spirits made from wild pears, apples, Teran grapes, raspberries, and more. Savor the unique flavors of these spirits alongside homemade jams.
As evening approaches, dine at another typical Istrian tavern. Enjoy a sumptuous meal, carefully crafted to introduce you to the next day’s delights. After dinner, return to Motovun for a restful night.
Overnight in Motovun.
You will visit a local olive oil producer, who will tell you something about the estate, olives, olive oil and oil tasting techniques
After a delicious breakfast, meet your guide for another day of Istrian discovery. Your first stop is the village of Fabci, where you’ll visit a family farm renowned for breeding indigenous Istrian oxen, known as Boškarin. Explore the farm, meet the prize-winning oxen, and learn about the ecological and natural breeding practices. Enjoy a delightful aperitif and taste homemade fritule or kroštule, traditional deep-fried pastries.
Next, visit another Istrian family with a long tradition in agro-tourism. Discover the secrets of making Istrian pršut, a delicacy with protected geographical status, crafted using centuries-old methods. Tour the premises where pršut is made and sample some of their exquisite products.
A short drive takes you to a local winery, where you’ll explore the wine cellar and tasting room. Savor premium wines typical of the region and gain insights into the winemaking process.
In the afternoon, visit Grožnjan, known as the “town of artists.” Wander through its charming cobbled streets, soak in the artistic atmosphere, and learn about its rich history. Continue to Oprtalj, another picturesque hilltop town, famous for its colorful houses and stunning views from the Venetian loggia.
End your day with a delightful dinner in Oprtalj, featuring seasonal specialties. After dinner, return to Motovun for a final overnight stay.
Overnight in Motovun.
Zigante family winery and wine cellar are the perfect place to taste some of the premium wines typical for Inland Istria
After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to pack and check out. Depending on your flight schedule, your driver will either take you directly to Pula Airport or offer you a chance to explore the historic town of Pula. Here, you can visit the impressive Roman amphitheater and other ancient sites before heading to the airport for your journey home.
Safe travels, and may the memories of Istria’s flavors and landscapes linger long after you’ve departed.
We will double-check availability and make reservations for your rooms, restaurants, guides etc.
With reservations confirmed, we will prepare the best offer possible in regard to your arrival date & party size
You will get the offer via e-mail, along with the payment options. Feel free to request further customisations!
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