Coastal Hikes, Medieval Hilltowns, and the Dalmatian Islands

Hiking Istria & the Islands of the Adriatic

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Cradled between mountain and sea, Istria is a heart-shaped peninsula on the crystal-clear Adriatic where the rich cultures of Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia swirl together in a vibrant blend. Istria offers a spectacular coastline of tiny coves and white-sand beaches, a rustic interior of medieval hilltowns, and superb cuisine rich with fresh seafood and truffles. We discover Istria on hikes to hill villages and along the sunny islands of the coast. Our bases for exploration include the fairytale hill village of Motovun, with its spectacular views, the picture-perfect ancient Venetian port of Rovinj, and the island of Mali Losinj, where we enjoy wonderful coast hikes. Our journey begins in Slovenia’s jewel-like capital, Ljubljana, and ends in Trogir, Croatia, a World Heritage Site.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-3
Ljubljana / Motovun

Slovenia’s medieval capital, Ljubljana, has a compact Old Town that lends itself to exploration with a maze of cobbled streets and a lively café scene. Crossing into Croatia, our first Istrian hike brings us through vineyards to Hrastovlje, with its extraordinary 12th century church, and onward to lovely Gracisce, where time seems to stand still. Overnights are in Motovun, a fairytale village on a hilltop. A walk on the town walls offers views over the rolling vineyards of the Mirna Valley, Istria’s wine country. We begin to savor the special culinary delicacies of Istria, fresh from the land and sea.

Days 4-5
Porec / Rovinj / Pula

After a hike from the evocative hilltop village of Brtonigla, we explore the coastal world of the Adriatic, with its legacy of the Venetian Empire. We visit Porec’s majestic cathedral, the 6th century Basilica of Euphrasias, a World Heritage Site known for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics. A climb to the church’s bell tower offers us views over the redtiled roofs of town and out across the Adriatic. In Pula, we explore the marvelous and massive Roman amphitheater, whose amazing state of preservation makes the Roman world come to life. Overnights are in delightful Rovinj, one of the most beautiful towns on the entire Adriatic, with its honeycolored buildings terracing to the water’s edge. Rovinj’s sunny quayside cafes offer a decidedly Italian flavor.

Days 6-7
Cres / Mali Losinj / Veli Losinj

We ferry to Cres, with its tiny stone villages surrounded by an azure sea. From medieval clifftop Lubenice, we hike across the island to Vidovici then down to the beautiful bay of Martinscica. We also hike the lungomare (sea promenade) to Veli Losinj, with its jumble of ancient houses around a natural harbor, then up to a ridgetop for magnificent island panoramas. We fuel our wonderful hikes with Istrian delights including homemade prosciutto, fresh mussels, local sheep cheeses, wild asparagus in season, and enjoy the local Malvasia and Teran wines.

Days 8-11
Rab / Trogir

A delightful journey by private boat brings us to Rab Island for a hike through pine forests and past fishing villages along the water’s edge. Back on the mainland, we enjoy Trogir, a World Heritage Site with Gothic mansions fanning out from a central square. Depart via Split on Day 11 or extend your journey to Dubrovnik.

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Tour Costs $4295 (13-15 members) $4495 (10-12 members) $4795 (8-9 members) Single supplement: $675 *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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