Things to do in Istria

Ancient Istria tour from Poreč including Rovinj, Pula and lunch in Gržini

Istria is a melting pot of cultures where historic towns and delicious dishes vie for your attention. This full-day tour takes in some of its star turns, including Rovinj, Grzini and Pula. You'll also tuck in to a lunch of tasty local specialities.

Kvarner Bay tour with Opatija, Lovran and local specialties

The coastline of Kvarner Bay is peppered with beautiful towns and historic locations. On this tour, you'll visit two of its most eye-catching spots – the hilltop fort of Mošćenice and the cosmopolitan seaside resort of Opatija.

Ancient Istria tour from Pula including Bale, Rovinj and Poreč

Istria is an enticing mix of ancient seaside towns, vine-clad countryside and hilltop villages. Island views, good wine and delicious dishes vie for your attention. This full-day tour takes in some of Istria's star turns, including the historic village of Bale and the seaside gems of Rovinj and Poreč. You'll also tuck into a tasty lunch at a countryside restaurant in Grzini. Mauro, one of our expert local guides, says "we pack lots in on this tour. From traditional Batana fishing boats bobbing at the port in Rovinj to enjoying some typical dishes of Central Istria, plus the Byzantine Basilica in Poreč, you'll get a true insight into our region."Your adventure kicks off in Bale, a hilltop village of narrow cobbled alleys lined with medieval stone houses and Venetian palaces and churches. Wander the mazy old town before heading to Rovinj on the Adriatic coast, where the Venetian influence is everywhere. Occupying an egg-shaped peninsula, it's a treasure trove of winding streets that lead to the baroque Church of St Euphemia, whose slender belfry dominates the skyline.Then it's time to make our way to the hamlet of Grzini to feast on a typical Istrian lunch in the countryside, and after your meal we'll swing back to the coast to explore Poreč. This ancient town on a headland is now as famed for its modern bars and clubs as its Euphrasian Basilica, one of the most beautifully preserved monuments of Early Byzantine art in the whole of the Mediterranean, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ancient Istria Tour from Rovinj including Pula and Lunch

At the crossroads between Latin and Slavic Europe, Istria offers up the best of both worlds. It packs a lot into its small territory, so this tour shows off the best bits – rustic villages, Roman ruins, Byzantine basilicas and a taste of its world-class food scene. You'll visit Pula, Gržini and Poreč, enjoying scenic landscapes between stops. Karla, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘You'll get to see a side of Istria that most visitors miss when you visit Gržini village for a homemade lunch. You'll taste maneštra – a traditional Istrian country dish – and drink malvazija, the ‘queen' of Istrian wines, in a farm-to-table restaurant.'Kick off the day in Pula, spread around a bay in the south of the peninsula. This storied town is home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, but that's just the tip of the iceberg – Pula boasts a wealth of ancient relics. Must-sees include the Temple of Augustus and the triumphal arch, while there are also Byzantine and baroque churches as well as a Habsburg fortress.Next, we'll head inland to the hamlet of Gržini for a traditional Istrian lunch, washed down with local wine, before returning to the coast to explore Poreč. Set on a compact headland, we'll walk the old Roman streets of Decumanus and Cardo Maximus up to the most important monument in town – the Euphrasian basilica, one of the most beautifully preserved monuments of early Byzantine art in the Mediterranean, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Istrian Hilltop Villages Tour with Local Speciality Tasting

Legend has it that in the Mirna valley lived giants who each built a hilltop hamlet. And this tour takes you to two of them. Istria's green hills are a place of mythical beauty, and nowhere more so than in the fairytale villages of Grožnjan and Oprtalj. Ivana, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Grožnjan was suffering from depopulation in the middle of the 20th century, so artists and musicians were encouraged to come and use its empty houses as studios. Today, there are about 40 ateliers and a popular summer music festival. Adding to the cultural mix, both villages have strong Italian communities.'Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through Istria's hills to Grožnjan – the artists' colony straddling a ridge. Wander its cluster of lanes lined with handsome stone-built homes, looking out for ancient churches and palaces. If you like arty souvenirs, the many galleries and shops are a great place to browse for handmade gifts such as jewellery, prints, textiles and fine art.Next, it's time to take a break with a tasting of local Istrian delicacies, along with wine and olive oil at a typical tavern. Rounding off the day is a visit to peaceful Oprtalj. With a long history stretching back to Roman times, there's a clutch of historic buildings to admire, including the Venetian loggia and the 16th century St George's church, located at the top of the hill overlooking the town. When you arrive at Oprtalj, your guide will show you around steep stone alleys boasting countryside views.

Unforgettable Venice from Porec

Built on more than 100 islands, Venice is famed for its network of dusky-blue canals, lined with elaborate architecture and criss-crossed by beautiful stone bridges. And this day trip from Istria to Venice sees you crossing the Adriatic Sea by boat for a chance to explore with free time in this romantic Italian city.You'll arrive in style into San Basilio pier, right in the heart of Venice, to begin your discovery of 'La Serenissima.' As you wander through this fabled place, there's plenty of time to spot some of the city's highlights. Don't miss the legendary St Mark's Square – a piazza dominated by the beautiful Byzantine basilica of St Mark and its belfry.Maybe take a gondola ride, find as many bridges as you can and dip in and out of classic eateries – there's loads to do here. You'll make your own way to the port to leave Venice in the early evening and return to Croatia having seen one of Italy's top cities.

Unforgettable Venice from Pula with Transfer

Built on more than 100 islands, Venice is famed for its network of dusky-blue canals, lined with elaborate architecture and criss-crossed by beautiful stone bridges. And this day trip from Istria to Venice sees you crossing the Adriatic Sea by boat for a chance to explore with free time in this romantic Italian city.You'll arrive in style into San Basilio pier, right in the heart of Venice, to begin your discovery of 'La Serenissima.' As you wander through this fabled place, there's plenty of time to spot some of the city's highlights. Don't miss the legendary St Mark's Square – a piazza dominated by the beautiful Byzantine basilica of St Mark and its belfry.Maybe take a gondola ride, find as many bridges as you can and dip in and out of classic eateries – there's loads to do here. You'll make your own way to the port to leave Venice in the early evening and return to Croatia having seen one of Italy's top cities.

Motovun, Hum and Flavours of Istria

Like something out of a fairytale, Motovun is the sort of town you dream of eloping to. Alleys of stone houses laden with art galleries and cafés are packed either side of robust Venetian walls – you'll love it. And while it's the undoubted star of this half-day tour, you'll also discover the world's smallest town - Hum.Your first stop of the morning is hilltop Motovun – a medieval monument in itself with and stop-and-stare views over the vineyards sprawling out below. Walk around the old town, soaking up an atmosphere that's both bohemian and old-world at the same time.Next, you'll continue towards our next stop, Hum, officially the smallest town in the world. Here, you'll delve into the town's history at the Museum of Hum Aura, housed within a historic building that served as a granary and town hall for centuries. Your trip culminates with a tasting experience at a local distillery. Sample premium brandies, homemade jams, and other regional delicacies crafted from wild herbs and fruits gathered on the slopes of Mount Učka, offering a true taste of Istria.

Istrian Coast Boat Cruise with BBQ from Poreč

Blue seas, green scenery, rugged cliffs and craggy coastline, Croatia's Istria boasts an enchanting landscape to admire on this boat trip. You'll cruise through the magical Lim Fjord to swim in Vrsar, anchor up in Rovinj to take a look around this pretty seaside village and spend the day sunning yourself on deck. It's idyllic to a T.

Wine party at Winery Baćac

Experience the charm of Istria with our exclusive afternoon trip to Winery Baćac. You'll tour the winery to get the lowdown on their production processes, and then raise a glass or two to celebrate their dedication and passion.With nearly 10 acres of vineyards, Winery Baćac is celebrated for its sweet Muškat, dry Malvazija and hearty Merlot. Tour the winery, and it's cellar, learning all about harvesting, processing and cultivating wine. Perfect for vino lovers, your visit also includes a guided tasting session where you'll sample a variety of fine wines. As you savour each sip, you'll enjoy perfectly paired local prosciutto and cheese, enhancing every flavour note. And to top it off, as you relax with your wine, the soothing sounds of live music create the perfect backdrop for a great afternoon out in Istria.

Aquapark Istralandia from Porec, Umag, Novigrad & Vrsar – transfer only

Make a splash at Croatia's wildest waterpark. Experience the watery thrills of Aquapark Istralandia complete with return hotel transfers and an entrance ticket. Brimming with adrenaline-fuelled slides, family-friendly flumes, wave pools and plenty of sunbathing space, this fantastic water playground has something to keep everyone smiling.Feel the gravity-defying kicks of the Kamikaze, plunge into the Space Hole, or race your friends and family down the Crazy Hills slides. There's even a wild wave pool. And they're just a few of the attractions Aquapark Istralandia has to offer.Kids will love the Spray Arena or leaping into the jumping pool in their own dedicated area. If you'd prefer to chill out, there's a hydromassage pool, plus plenty of places to pull up a sunlounger. And when you've worked up an appetite, there are bars and restaurants serving up snacks and drinks, so you can fuel up for more fun ahead.

Sunset Safari Dolphin Tour on Boat Tajana from Medulin

Combine a sunset cruise with a dolphin-watching expedition in Croatia. First, you'll sail along the Istrian coast and search for dolphins around the Medulin archipelago. With luck, you'll see these incredible creatures at play in their natural habitat. Then, enjoy dinner and drinks on board as the sun sinks beyond the horizon. It's one magical holiday experience.