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Istria on Foot

Istria on Foot

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~~$1738~~

$1683

Istria on Foot

7 Days Starting in Novigrad and ending in Rijeka

Visiting: Croatia

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

IOF

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

moderate

From: $1738 $1683 Mid-Year Mayhem Discount: -$55

NB: Prices correct on 27-Jul-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

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.

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

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Welcome Meeting, Transfer To Brtonigla, Walk To Grožnjan (5Hrs)

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.
Distance 21km/13mi

Day 2 : Visit Grožnjan, Walk To Istarske Toplice, Transfer To Motovun (5Hrs)

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.
Distance 17km/10.5m

Day 3 : Transfer To Selca, Seven Waterfalls Walk (6Hrs)

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.
Distance 15km/9.5mi

Day 4 : Transfer To Pula, Kamenjak To Orchids Walk (3Hrs)

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.
Distance 13km/8mi

Day 5 : Transfer To Fažana, Then By Boat To Brijuni National Park, Circuit Walk (2Hrs)

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.
Distance 5-6km/3mi

Day 6 : Transfer To Poklon Pass (922M), Walk In The Ucka Nature Park (3-4Hrs) Night In Lovran

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.
Distance 12km/7.5mi

Day 7 : Bus To Rijeka On The Kvarner Bay, Trip Concludes

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

What's Included

Accommodation
hotels and pensions
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)
Private transfer from Istarske Toplice to Motovun (day 2)
Private return transfer from Motovun to Selca (day 3)
Bus transfer from Motovun to Pula (day 4)
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)
Private transfer from Pula to Poklon Pass and Lovran (day 6)
Main luggage transfer from Novigrad to Motovun
Bus transfer from Lovran to Rijeka
Brioni National Park ticket and Kamenjak Nature Park entrance
Emergency hotline
Travel to Novigrad and from Rjeka
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Pre tour night in Novigrad
Travel insurance - mandatory
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
Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees not listed included
Transfers not listed included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
Items of a personal nature

What's Not Included

Pre tour night in Novigrad - we are happy to assist you with hotel bookings
Arrangements for arriving in Novigrad and departing from Rjeka
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

Accommodation

hotels and pensions
During the trip you will be accommodated in charming 3 star hotels and pensions which have been handpicked for their friendly hosts, atmosphere and location.

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc. Except for Day 1 where you need to carry overnight requirements.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

R. Wallace(San Francisco, United States)

Istria on Foot

7 Jun 2024

We recently spent a wonderful week walking through the beautiful countryside of different parts of the Istrian peninsula. The itinerary entails transfers that allow you to travel lightly and get to selected locations that would be difficult to organize on your own. While none of the trails are longer than 12 miles in a day, there are some challenging routes, particularly the steeper and longer descents on stony terrain. Some trail portions hardly looked used but good trail marks made it easy to stay on track. Saw very few others hiking the entire time. Good hotels in Groznjan, Motovun and Lovran. Best things: Istrian medieval hilltowns, nature park Kamenjak, Roman ruins on the island of Brijuni, single track trails around Motovun and the coastal town Lovran. Less enjoyable: lots of rocky trail sections in the mountain areas, the long steep descent to Istarske Toplice and from Ucka to Lovran. Sturdy boots and sticks essential. Limited food options along several trails requires carrying more. We are active travel enthusiasts from San Francisco (60+ years old.) This was our 5th excursion arranged through them (self-guided and guided group) and we remain 100% satisfied with all of the experiences.

K. Benson(Tampa, FL, USA)

Istria on Foot

05 Oct 2018

Istria on Foot is a good introduction to the lovely Istrian peninsula of Croatia. Taking a self-guided trip allows you to linger when you want or take little side ventures. The accommodations were comfortable and there are many sites of interest like Cape Kamerjak's safari bar or Tito's island retreat of Brioni. The last day's hike is the densely forested ascent to Mt Ucka for glorious 360 views and challenging descent to the coastal city of Lovran.

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