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Duration
7 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • hotels and pensions
Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts

Price

ON SALE

$1890 USD

$1690 USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: IOF

Trip highlights


  • Exploring inland Istria on foot
  • Discovering quiet coves and beaches in Brijuni National Park
  • Wandering the small streets of Pula
  • Experiencing the hill top village of Motovun set amidst vineyards and olive trees
  • Ascending Mount Vojak (1401m) the highest peak on the Istrian Peninsula
  • Staying in atmospheric hotels and pensions and feasting on quality local cuisine

Croatia's Istrian Peninsula is one of Europe's best kept secrets. Buckets of historical charm, endless rolling hills, pretty medieval villages and delectable cuisine. Combined with dramatic coastal scenes, pristine wilderness preserved in national parks with impressive waterfalls, endemic flora and a maze of walking trails, this is an ideal destination for active travellers. On this week long walking holiday, discover the Venetian styled village of Motovun with its striking hilltop setting, surrounded by vineyards and truffle forests. Explore Brijuni (or Brioni in Italian) National Park where ancient pine forests meet with the azure coastal waters and the Ucka Nature Park where an ascent to Mount Vojak (1401m) will reveal sweeping views of the Istrian Peninsula from the snowy peaks of the Dolomites to the Adriatic. During the trip there are plenty of opportunities to swim, relax in small cafes and experience the local culinary specialties, while at night stay in handpicked hotels and pensions specially chosen for their great atmosphere.

This morning you will be met at your pre tour hotel in Novigrad and provided with a briefing of the walk by our representative. Transfer (included) to the village of Brtonigla, which is well known for its excellent home-made cuisine, where your walk starts. The path leads us through an open plateau, between vineyards above the Mirna Valley. In the small village of Baredine, we take the hiking path towards Buje – a hilltop Istrian town with a prominent church. Here we experience some pleasant bustle as we walk through the town. We continue along a beautifully beaten path in the direction Tribanj village. Immediately after the village we descend and connect to the famous Parenzana Trail, which brings us to the beautiful hilltop town of Grožnjan. Please note: the meeting and transfer today can also be from your hotel in Porec, Umag or Savudrija. Your main bag will be taken to Motovun so you will need to place your overnight requirements for the one night in your day pack.

Meals:  Nil

This morning take some time to visit the sights (galleries are open between May and September) including the loggia, granary, Spinotti Morteani Palace and the bell tower. Later you head east, descending through the valley stopping en route at a farmhouse where you can buy lunch. At the end of the days walk you will reach Istarske Toplice, one of Croatia's oldest thermal spa towns. Here you can bathe in a large outdoor pool which has hot thermal waters known for their healing powers (entrance fee payable locally). If you have a few aches from the last couple of days walking, the spa complex also has a range of massage, mud and aromatherapy treatments available. Following this, you will be met and transferred to Motovun set on a hilltop in the Mirna River Valley. This delightful Venetian styled town is your base for the next two nights. Amongst its Romanesque and Gothic houses are artists studios and the church of St Stephens with its 17th century painting of the Last Supper should not be missed. In recent years, the town has become a culinary destination. Surrounded by truffle forests and vineyards, the local restaurants produce delectable cuisine paired with fine wine and tonight is your opportunity to sample at a nearby restaurant.

Meals:  B

A private transfer takes you this morning to Selca and will collect you at a pre designated time this afternoon. The walk today takes you on a loop through forest trails and along the Mirna and Draga rivers to see the seven waterfalls. Parts of the trail are supported by ropes although none of the walk would be considered technical. Return to Motovun in the afternoon.

Meals:  B

After breakfast you, you take a bus with your luggage to Pula. From here you take a local bus transfer to Kamenjak Nature Park (77km/48mi) on the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula. From the road head you take a loop walk (Orchids Walk) around Cape Kamenjak. This relaxing walk takes you past quiet coves and beaches to Istria's southernmost point. This part of the peninsula is famous for its orchids and dinosaur park. later you continue to Pula by public bus where you can spend time exploring the many sights. The numerous Roman buildings intersperse with modern day life. Of particular interest is the well preserved Roman amphitheater which dominates the historical heart. Overnight Pula.

Meals:  B

This morning you take a local bus just north of Pula to Fazana and then travel by boat to Brijuni National Park, 3km/1.8mi off the coast. This set of islands is a treasure trove of history and nature, with Roman ruins, dinosaur prints and a vast birdlife, the island has trails linking the sights. The island was also the summer home of Tito and evidence of its rich past are scattered throughout. A relaxed day with easy walking, time to relax at the beach and take in the outstanding scenery before returning to Pula.

Meals:  B

This morning a private transfer takes you to the north eastern part of the peninsula to the Ucka Nature Park where the mountains overlook the vast Kvarner Bay - you should bring your luggage with you as it will be transferred to Lovran and your overnight accommodation. An option on the hike today is an ascent of Vojak Peak (1401m), the highest on the peninsula with incredible panoramic views. Discover craggy bays with secluded beaches, thick forest with over 100 bird species. It is one of few places in the world where you can see growing the endemic Ucka or Tommasini bell-flower or spot the Eurasian griffon vulture or golden eagle flying overhead. Overnight Lovran, a relaxed town on the Kvarner Bay, perfect for experiencing a charming fishing town with pretty villas and quiet beaches. The food is an important part of the towns culture with an asparagus (April), cherry (June) and chestnut (October) festival held during the year.

Meals:  B

The trip ends with a local bus transfer to Rijeka after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 6 breakfasts - these will be continental in style usually including breads, cheese, yoghurt, meats, coffee, tea, juice
  • 6 nights in 3 star hotels and pensions on a twin share basis with private facilities
  • Welcome briefing on the morning of day 1
  • Information pack including route notes & maps per room booked - these will be provided digitally including GPS Tracks (smartphone required)
  • Emergency hotline
  • Private transfer from Istarske Toplice to Motovun on day 2
  • Private return transfer from Motovun to Selca (day 3)
  • Bus transfer from Motovun to Pula (day 4)
  • Private transfer from Pula to Poklon Pass and Lovran (day 6)
  • Main luggage transfer from Novigrad to Motovun
  • Bus transfer from Lovran to Rijeka
  • Return bus ticket from Pula to Kamenjak (day 4) and from Pula to Fazana (Brijuni Park) day 5
  • Return boat transfer to Brijuni Park from Fazana (day 5)
  • Brioni National Park ticket and Kamenjak Nature Park entrance

  • Arrangements for arriving in Novigrad and departing from Rjeka
  • Pre tour night in Novigrad - we are happy to assist you with hotel bookings
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Lunches and dinners daily
  • Items of a personal nature including phone calls, laundry, drinks etc.
  • Main luggage transfer between Novograd / Groznjan (day 1). Your main luggage will be waiting in Motovun. You will need to carry your overnight requirements for one night in your backpack.
  • Tour leader - this is a self guided walk
  • Entrance fees not specified as included

Grading

moderate  


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 24 Nov

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 1 Jun to 30 Sep - supplement applies

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1690  USD

Options & Supplements*
  • single supplementUSD$610
  • single traveller surchargeUSD$650
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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