Hike and Feast in Croatia's Istrian Peninsula

Touch down in Pula, the largest city on the Istrian Peninsula. Meet your host and group and drive for an hour into Istria's fertile interior, reaching the charming hilltop town of Motovun. You'll have time to stroll the cobbled streets and the town's medieval walls, enjoying magnificent views of the surrounding countryside – home to some of Croatia's best-known vineyards and olive groves. Get to know your guide over a meal at a local restaurant and tuck into your first taste of Croatian cuisine. Over the coming days, you'll undertake a farm-to-fork adventure as you hike scenic trails through the spots where the food is cultivated, and indulge in authentic tastings and meals at family-run eateries nestled in the heart of the countryside.

Today starts with a quick drive to the medieval hillfort of Zavrsje – complete with a 15th-century church, a castle, and 22m-high leaning tower that looks out over the age-old vista. From here, you'll walk on old wine trails through rolling green countryside. Upon reaching the small village of Livade you'll stop at a family-run winery to learn about the production of one of Istria's most famous exports. Along with tasting four different varieties of wine, you'll also enjoy a light lunch of local cheese, prosciutto, olive oils and fresh vegetables. You'll have a chance to walk off the food on the final five kilometres back to Motovun. Tonight, your guide can recommend one of Motovun's many authentic Istrian restaurants to continue your foodie adventure.

A short drive takes you to the village of Dane, near Buzet, this morning. On the way you'll stop off at a shop where your guide will help you choose the best local produce to make up today's mountain picnic. Cheese, olives, dried meats, bread and fresh fruit will likely feature strongly. From Dane, you'll climb steadily up to a wide ridge before taking in the three peaks of Špićasti Vrh, Muzari and Žbevnica. Along the ridge, your guide will lay out the blankets where you can enjoy your picnic with a view. Afterwards, drop down quickly to the valley and the small hamlet of Brest, where you'll be picked up and returned to Motovun.

Today's hike starts on the outskirts of Buzet, where you'll take on the first section of the well-known '7 waterfalls' trail. A short scrambling section, protected by chains, leads you to a scenic view above the town before continuing along the picturesque River Mirna. Gentle rolling terrain carries you down the river, taking in a series of pretty waterfalls and small trail-side pilgrimage shrines. Leaving the river behind, a short climb leads you to the fairytale hamlet of Hum, known as the smallest town in the world, where you can take a rest in a local tavern. Humska Konoba was opened in 1976 and serves rustic food typical of the surrounding countryside, the perfect place to refuel after this morning's walk. You'll enjoy a late lunch of traditional Istrian dishes, such as corn and bean stew (bobici) and pasta with slow-cooked beef (fuzi). In the afternoon, there's time to visit the town's museum and distillery, which offers free brandy tasting or an optional guided tour (€10 fee, payable locally) where you can learn about the production of rakija, a strong liquor popular across Croatia. After your afternoon in Hum, head back to the hotel for your final evening in Motovun.

Lace up your boots for a last walk through the Istrian interior, before heading to the coast. Starting directly from your hotel, head west and descend from Motovun into the fields and vineyards below. An easy and pleasant stroll takes you past the village of Brkac and over the River Krvar before a short climb up to Špinovci Tikel, a family-owned agrotourismo in the verdant countryside. The restaurant here is run by two brothers, one a chef and the other a winemaker, and uses produce sourced from the surrounding landscape. Here, you will enjoy a special lunch of truffles, pasta, stews, and the family's homemade prosciutto ham, all while soaking in the spectacular organic setting, with Motovun still visible on its hilltop perch in the distance. After the feast, a light walk takes you on to the pretty hillside village of Vizinada, with imposing views that have inspired many painters and writers. Hop into the van for a quick drive south to Vodnjan where you'll delve into a wine and olive oil tasting at the Medea Winery, learning more about two of Istria's main exports. After an epic day of hiking and gastronomy, there will be a short drive back to the Istrian capital of Pula, where you'll spend your final two nights of the trip.

This morning, embark on an adventure to the southern tip of Istria, starting in the charming town of Premantura. From here you'll hit the coastal trail leading to the rugged, untamed Kamenjak Peninsula – renowned for its dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and secluded coves. You'll hike to Cape Grakalovak, where 150-million-year-old fossilised dinosaur footprints are etched into the limestone. Following the coastline, you’ll arrive at the quirky Safari Bar and stop for a light lunch: a perfect spot to recharge before exploring the nearby Velika Kolumbarica Bay, a hotspot for daring cliff divers plunging into the crystal-clear sea. From the coast, venture inland, weaving through bushland and meadows alive with native orchids. Your hike ends at Portić Bay, where you can cool off with a refreshing Adriatic swim before returning to Pula. End your foodie adventure on a high with a farewell meal at one of Pula's most renowned seafood restaurants on the marina. You'll share seafood platters showcasing the best local specialities, including gregada (a Croatian fish and potato stew), and enjoy your final taste of Istria into the night.

Bid farewell to the stunning Istrian coast, as this morning you'll leave your hotel after breakfast and head back to Pula Airport for your flight home.