Walk & Wine Istria Holiday
Traverse the captivating landscapes of Istria, journeying from east to west
Uncover the allure of Istria’s enchanting medieval towns and villages, steeped in history and culture
Enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside and the mesmerising coastline, both a feast for the senses
Relish a stress-free holiday experience with all accommodations and transportation arranged
Embrace an adventure suited for everyone, featuring easy and enjoyable hiking routes suitable for all fitness levels
Itinerary
During day 1 of your Walk & Wine Istria Holiday, you will arrive at the scenic region of the Istrian Peninsula. Your starting point for the day is the delightful town of Krasica, where your adventure will commence. Situated in the core of Istria, Krasica is a compact town renowned for its undulating hills, lush woodlands, and captivating rural landscapes.
Airport transfer
Overnight in Krasica
On the first full day of your vacation, embark on a thrilling circular trek along the picturesque routes of Parenzana, formerly a railway track. Commencing in Krasica, you’ll traverse the trail as it meanders through the undulating hills of Istria. En route, you’ll encounter idyllic villages, vineyards, and olive groves, while relishing the breathtaking vistas of the countryside.
The pinnacle of the day will be the hilltop village of Buje, where a delightful lunch awaits, accompanied by panoramic views. Post-lunch, retrace your path and return to Krasica, invigorated and revitalized after a day immersed in the splendid wilderness.
17 km; 380 m of elevation gain and 380 m of elevation loss
Overnight in Krasica
The day will guide you from the enchanting town of Krasica to the elevated village of Motovun. Traverse the scenic cobbled pathways of Grožnjan, renowned for its alluring stone residences and vibrant artist community. Upon crossing the village of Livade, a car transfer will transport you uphill to Motovun, offering an opportunity to delve into the captivating medieval town and relish the sweeping vistas.
23.9 km; 160 m of elevation gain and 360 m of elevation loss
Transfer to Motovun hill
Overnight in Motovun
You will be presented with the choice of either unwinding and exploring the captivating medieval town of Motovun or embarking on a circular hike through the surrounding fruit orchards. The hike will lead you across the scenic countryside, passing through idyllic vineyards, olive groves, and fruit-laden trees.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit an acclaimed winemaker, Benvenuti and indulge in a tasting of the local Teran wine, renowned for its deep ruby hue, full-bodied nature, and indulgent flavour. This day strikes an ideal balance between relaxation and adventure, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in the natural splendour and cultural marvels of Istria.
13 km; 480 m of elevation gain and 480 m of elevation loss
Overnight in Motovun
On the fifth day of your Croatia Hiking Vacation, a transfer will take you to the Mirna River, signalling the start of your day’s hike. The trail will guide you alongside the remnants of Pietrapelosa Castle, an ancient fortress that harkens back to the medieval era, providing a glimpse into the region’s storied past.
Continuing along the hike, you’ll meander through picturesque rural landscapes, and pass by medieval mines. The highlight of the day awaits as you ascend to the elevated old town of Buzet, majestically positioned atop a hill, and granting you awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding countryside.
10.4 km; 230 m of elevation gain and 170 m of elevation loss
Overnight in Buzet
Begin your day with a transfer to the Poklon Visitor Centre, located within the Učka Nature Park, marking the beginning of your final two days of hiking. Traverse through the scenic nature park, treating yourself to awe-inspiring views of the Kvarner Bay and the Adriatic Sea on the eastern side of Istria. Descend towards the coastal town of Lovran, celebrated for its enchanting old town, delightful beaches, and pleasant Mediterranean climate.
11.2 km; 490 m of elevation gain and 1410 m of elevation loss
Transfer to Učka Nature Park
Overnight in Lovran
On the final hiking day of your Croatia Walking Holiday, you’ll be presented with two enticing routes to embark upon. The first option entails strolling along the picturesque coastal promenade known as the “lungomare,” revealing elegant villas, secluded beaches, and towering rocky cliffs. Along the way, you can indulge in the delights of charming cafes and restaurants while marvelling at the islands dotting the sea. As you progress past the Opatija resort, a bus will be ready to pick you up from the Volosko harbour, ferrying you back to Lovran.
The second option invites you to delve further into the wonders of Učka National Park, starting from Mošćenička Draga, where you’ll be treated to magnificent seaside views.
Option 1 (Lungomare): 13.5 km; 60 m of elevation gain and 60 m of elevation loss
Option 2 (Učka): 15.3 km; 950 m of elevation gain and 950 m of elevation loss
Overnight in Lovran
Today, your Istria adventure comes to an end. We provide you with an optional transfer to the airport, where you can reflect on your experience in these last few days.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Pricing
Included in price
7x accommodation with breakfast in 3* or 4* hotels/apartments
Tour design and organisation
Booklet with detailed itinerary
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
24/7 service and support during your holidays
Wine Tasting & Winery Tour on Day 4
Description
You’re in for a trip filled with scenic walks and delicious wine discoveries in one of the most beautiful regions of Croatia — the Istrian Peninsula. During your adventure, you’ll traverse idyllic routes, soaking up the stunning vistas of ever-changing landscapes.
You’ll explore enchanting medieval towns and villages such as Krasica, Motovun, Buzet, and Lovran, and take walks along the mesmerising coastline, with picturesque views of the islands across the sea adorning your journey.
And, for those of you with a fondness for fine wines, you will savour the opportunity to visit the renowned winemaker, Benvenuti, and indulge in the exquisite taste of the local Teran wine and more.
This journey is designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for all, so whether you’re an experienced hiker or just enjoy a gentle stroll, we’ve got you covered. We’ve ensured the walks are easy and suitable for anyone who can manage a few hours per day on relatively uncomplicated terrain.
We’ve designed this journey to be as stress-free as possible. We take care of all the intricate details, from securing your accommodations to providing you with a detailed itinerary and GPS routes. We arrange all transfers, allowing you to focus solely on the enjoyment of your trip.
Our mission is to create a smooth and memorable journey for you, where the only thing you need to worry about is enjoying your scenic hike and the pleasure of savouring the unique Istrian wines.
Map
Start planning today!
Things to know
It is what the name suggests, there is no guide that is breathing down your neck. As provided by us, it is a unique and flexible vacation option that allows you to explore the picturesque landscapes of Croatia at your own pace.
We take care of all the logistical details for you — we book your accommodations, supply a comprehensive itinerary with descriptions of routes, highlights along the way, and any other vital information you might need for your adventure. This itinerary is accompanied by GPS navigation via an easy-to-use app to ensure you can explore freely without worrying about getting lost. And to provide you with peace of mind, we also offer 24/7 support throughout your holiday, ensuring assistance is always just a call away if you need help during your journey.
This setup allows you to enjoy the beauty and culture of Croatia while maintaining a certain degree of freedom and flexibility in your schedule, making for a truly personalised travel experience.
Ideal times to embark on a walking holiday along the Croatian coast and islands are the shoulder months of May, June, September, and October. During these periods, the climate is optimal for hiking and exploring stunning coastal landscapes. If you’re a fan of swimming, the summer months provide warmer sea temperatures for a refreshing dip. However, the higher temperatures during these months can make walking more strenuous.
Absolutely, we understand that everyone has unique dietary needs and we aim to cater for them. Most places we visit can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions. However, it is crucial that you inform us of any food restrictions or allergies in advance so we can ensure your needs are met throughout your holiday.
We arrange for our guests to stay in a mix of hotels and private accommodations, depending on the specific holiday and the region of Croatia being explored.
Yes, we strongly recommend booking in advance. Early booking not only secures your spot but also provides you with a wider range of options. Please note that if you book just prior to or during the season, we may not be able to guarantee availability in certain hotels and apartments.
Croatia is well-connected by air, with international airports in major cities like Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, and Pula. Alternatively, you can also reach Croatia by train or bus from various European cities, or by car if you’re touring from a neighbouring country. If you’re travelling from a further distance, connecting flights via major European airports are usually available.
The routes on this holiday are technically easy, featuring roads and gravel paths. The only exception is when hiking in Učka National Park, where the terrain might become more uneven, where some sense of where to put your feet is necessary. Conditioning-wise, the stages are of moderate difficulty, since they are in the range between 10 and 20 kilometres, with no more than 500 elevation gain or loss, and usually less. The only exception is the descent from Učka Gora, which has about 1400 meters of downhill — you truly must hike from the summit to the sea.