Villages of Istria Walk
8 Days Starting in Volpija or Kaldanija and ending in Lovran
Visiting: Croatia
From:
$1231
$1175 (USD)
Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$55
NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Beautiful hilltop towns, green landscapes awash with vineyards and olive groves, truffles, wine and fascinating culture - these are just some of the highlights of the Istrian countryside. Istria is full of superb villages and medieval towns, all located on picturesque hilltops. Discover on foot lush valleys, rolling vineyards, forests and olive groves, together with the history and culture of a region unlike any other in Croatia. You'll visit Groznjan with its artistic vibes, Hum which is officially the smallest town in the world, Buzet which is the truffle capital of Croatia, and the charming cobblestone town of Motovun. Follow a section of the Parezana trail and hike to the summit of Istria's highest mountain. On this week long tour you're sure to experience the absolute best of Istria, staying in charming local hotels and guesthouses.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In The Buje Area
Make your own way to your joining hotel in the Buje area. Tonight at 7pm you will meet with our local representative who will provide you with your information pack including hotel vouchers, maps, luggage tags and route notes, and at this time you can download the app for use during the trip. As a guide, we use hotels in either Volpija or Kaldanija on the standard trip, or Brtonigla or Nova Vas with the upgrade, your base for 2 nights.
We can assist with an airport transfer directly to your accommodation in Buje, please ask for our rates.
Day 2 : Walk Through Vineyards And Olive Groves From Brtonigla To The Buje Region (4-5Hrs)
Meals Included: B
This morning starts with a 10 minute transfer to Brtonigla to start your first walk. Surrounded by acres of vineyards and olive groves, you'll follow paths that lead through meadows and woods. Along the way you can stop to sample the superb local wines and olive oils. After around 3 hours of walking you'll reach Buje, a small hilltop town for which the region is named. Take a stroll through the town and admire the breathtaking view of terraced fields, vineyards and olive groves below. Continue along a former railway track back to your hotel. Overnight as before.
Walk: 16-18km/10-11.2mi. +268m/880ft, -278m/912ft
Day 3 : Walk From Groznjan To Motovun On The Parenzana Trail (7-8Hrs Or 5-6Hrs)
Meals Included: B
After breakfast, today starts with another 10 minute transfer, this time taking you to the Parenzana rail trail. The Parenzana railway was a narrow gauge Austrian railway connecting Trieste with Porec, winding through a series of Istrian towns and was in operation from 1902 to 1935. Today the tracks have been converted to wonderful walking and cycling paths. Today's walk starts in Groznjan, a delightful town full of art and culture, and with spectacular views. You'll walk through rolling landscapes and Istrian vineyards, and pass through several tunnels and over old bridges before reaching the village of Livade. Livade is the truffle capital of Istria and here you can taste the local truffles. Continue to the hilltop village of Motovun and your hotel.
Walk: 25km/15.6mi. +511m/1676ft, -573m/1879ft.
*A shorter option is available today: 20km/12.5mi, 5-6hrs.
Day 4 : Loop Walk From Motovun (4-5Hrs)
Meals Included: B
Today's hike you will start from your hotel descending from the hilltop to the walking trail which guides you through wineyards to the small village of Brkac where you can have a typical istrian lunch in a local tavern. On the Parenzana trail you head back to Motovun. On the way back you can stop in a small winery to taste local wines. Overnight in Motovun.
Walk: 15km/9.4mi. +451m/1479ft, -452m/1482ft
Day 5 : Transfer To Oprtalj, Walk Through Forests, Fields And Villages To Buzet (5-6Hrs)
Meals Included: B
After breakfast you'll transfer to Oprtalj (15mins), a picturesque town in the heart of the Istrian peninsula. Here the Istrian Mountain Trail will lead you through an untouched natural landscape. You begin by walking downhill into the forest, passing Sv. Ivan (St John) village, then St Lucija with its beautiful church. En route you'll enjoy one of the best views over the Mirna river valley. The trail continues past the Pietrapelosa castle and down into the valley. Later you'll walk uphill towards the village of Mali Mlun and on to the beautiful town of Buzet. Overnight Buzet.
Walk: 18km/11.25mi. +496m/1626ft, -700m/2296ft.
*A shorter walk of 8km/5mi or 2-3hrs is possible.
Day 6 : Loop Walk To Hum, The Smallest Town In The World (7-8Hrs Or 3-4Hrs)
Meals Included: B
You have two options for today, either a loop walk from Buzet to Hum or transfer to Hum (not included) and walk from Hum to Buzet. Leaving from Buzet the walk starts along the river, before heading into the forest. Along the way there are waterfalls, lakes, natural pools and an old watermill. The trail continues following the riverbed, passing through the abandoned village of Bencici with its traditional stone houses. From here you can see Hum in the distance. Hum is the world's smallest town and it won't take you long to stroll its two streets. If you eat lunch in Hum you'll be sure to enjoy traditional Istrian dishes, as this is all the 'konoba' (restaurant) offers. Return on foot to Buzet.
Walk Buzet to Hum: 12.5km/7.8mi. +343m/1125ft, -138m/453ft
Walk Hum to Buzet: 12km/7.5mi, +145m/475ft, -333m/1092ft
Day 7 : Transfer To Poklon, Walk To Ucka Mountain (1401M) And On To Lovran (4-5Hrs)
Meals Included: B
This morning you will be transferred to Poklon (30 mins) which sits in a valley between two hills. The walk today takes you to the top of Ucka mountain, the highest in Istria (at 1401m). Once you've reached the summit be sure to pause and enjoy the panoramic view. From the summit you can see Kvarner Bay and its many coastal towns. On a clear day you might even be able to see Venice! From here you'll walk all the way down to the sea, along a peaceful trail through oak and chestnut forests. Overnight in Lovran. Walk: 15km/9.4mi. +783m/2568ft, -1692m/5550ft. *A shorter walk is possible. This walk is 6km/4mi or 2 hours, with an ascent of 28m/92ft and a descent of 382m/1253ft.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Meals Included: B
The trip concludes this morning after breakfast in Lovran.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-4 star hotels and guesthouses -
6 nights in 3-4 star hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (option to upgrade hotels to 4* - supplement applies)
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6 breakfasts
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Information pack with route notes and maps per room booked and smartphone app access. GPS tracks available on request
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Welcome briefing
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Luggage transfer
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Transfers as noted in the itinerary
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Emergency hotline
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7 breakfasts
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7 nights in 3-4 star hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (option to upgrade hotels to 4* - supplement applies)
What's Not Included
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Travel to the Buje area and from Lovran. Private arrival and departure transfers are available - supplement applies - please ask our team.
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Lunch, dinner and drinks daily
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Transfers not included as part of the itinerary
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Tour guide - this is a self guided walk
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GPS Garmin Oregon 450 or Etrex 35 hire (available for a supplement)
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Grading
This is a self guided walk with average daily stages of between 3-8 hours, although on the longer days there are options to shorten the walks. The terrain varies from paved and cobblestone streets (during village exploration) to single-track trails with loose stones or gravel, rocky paths, ancient ruins, and sets of ancient stone steps. The trails are often exposed to the sun and weather conditions may be harsh at times (even in summer), and you will need to be comfortable walking in such conditions. A good level of fitness is required for this trip.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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