Istria
About Istria
The peninsula of Istria, found in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, will impress you in all seasons with its diverse nature and outdoor offerings. The interior is filled with rolling green hills and rich plains, perfect for cultivating olives, truffles, asparagus and vineyards alike to supply its many local farmhouse hotels and restaurants. Its coastline, on the other hand, offers rocky beaches with unimaginably blue waters - perfect for snorkeling, diving and swimming. The sunny summer months attract beach-lovers and hikers alike, but even in the busiest seasons, it's easy to get off-the-beaten-path to discover the less crowded gems that Istria has to offer.
Showing 20 of 20 activities
Unforgettable Venice from Pula including Medulin
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.
Flexible
$ 122.00
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.
Flexible
$ 110.00
Full-day Rovinj and Lim Fjord cruise with barbecue lunch
This cruise ticks off a bunch of the area's must-see spots, like Rovinj and Pirate Cave. Plus, it throws in a visit to Lim Fjord – you won't find a lot of other tours going here – and a barbecue lunch for good measure. After boarding the Matek, a traditional wooden boat made from oak and teak, you'll sail along a stretch of the Istrian coastline to Rovinj, known locally as the Venice of Croatia. You'll have some free time here to wander around its waterfront on your own, or you can join a tour led by a licensed professional guide. Afterwards, you'll head to Lim Fjord, which is regarded as one of the area's prettiest natural spots. Pirate Cave is the final stop on the sailing. The crew will drop anchor here so you can go for a dip before starting the return journey to Novigrad.
8 Hours
$ 58.00
Aquapark Istralandia from Pula, Medulin & Rovinj – transfer only
Make a splash at Croatia's wildest waterpark. Experience the watery thrills of Aquapark Istralandia, complete with return hotel transfers. 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.
8 Hours
$ 52.00
Kvarner Bay tour with Opatija, Lovran and Croatian 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.
8 Hours
$ 91.00
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. Plus, during the summer, the entire town transforms into an open-air stage for jazz and classical musicians.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.
8 Hours
$ 91.00
BBQ Boat Cruise from Medulin Tajana
Experience an island-hopping boat trip on the Medulin Riviera and take in some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Istria. As well as the sandy island of Levan, you'll also pitch up at Kamenjak Protected Nature Area– a wild and rugged peninsula famous for its clean waters and cliff divers.It's stunning scenery right from the go as we sail out of Medulin harbour. Gently gliding for an hour towards Kamenjak, you'll be able to relax on board as you savour the beauty of the coastline. Your captain will drop anchor at this protected nature reserve. The cliffs here are honeycombed with caves, and guides will lead you in, if you fancy swimming inside one of them.Once you've dried off, we'll sail to Porer, a circular islet that's smaller than a football pitch and topped with a lighthouse. Meat and fresh fish are barbecued up on the boat for lunch, and once we've eaten, we'll pull up on the island of Levan for a couple of hours' sunbathing and swimming. Utter bliss.
8 Hours
$ 52.00
Unforgettable Venice from Rovinj including Pula & 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.
Flexible
$ 122.00
Boat Trip to Rovinj from Pula with Lim Fjord and Red Island
Istria's western coast is full of natural splendour, and you will see the striking Brijuni archipelago as you cruise to Rovinj. Istria is known for its mild climate, ideal for exploring the Baroque St. Euphemia's Church in the old town of Rovinj, and the serene Lim Fjord with its unique ecosystem. You'll also call at the Red Island, a prominent feature of the Rovinj archipelago. There will also be a tasty lunch served onboard.
8 Hours
$ 90.00
Unforgettable Venice from Umag 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.
Flexible
$ 127.00
Explore Pula on your own
Pula's romantic atmosphere is palpable. Walking through the ancient cobblestone streets makes it impossible not to be captivated by the beauty of Pula's rich cultural heritage. The Augustus Templum stands tall, a testament to the city's illustrious past, while the Twin Gates are a testament to the town's past glory. Music drifts through the air, inviting visitors to come and join in the fun on open-air terraces where you can soak up the warm Mediterranean climate and a glass of fine Istrian wine. But it's the iconic Roman amphitheatre Arena that truly takes the cake. Built over 2,000 years ago, this magnificent structure is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of ancient engineers.Today, it remains a beloved symbol of the city, drawing visitors from all over the world to marvel at its grandeur and splendour. Whether you choose to explore Pula's rich history and culture or tuck into its delicious cuisine and lively nightlife, this city is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.
4 Hours
$ 23.00
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. 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.
8 Hours
$ 41.00
Vintage van tour through Slovenian olive groves with tastings
At the top of the Adriatic, where Italy, Croatia and Slovenia jostle for coastline, you'll find a stretch of Istria that's dedicated to the ancient art of olive growing. Your tour at the stylish Lisjak Estate in Koper blends the heritage of premium olive oil with lashings of tastings and a dash of vintage flare. You'll travel through the estate in lovingly restored vans, as Marko, a local expert guide explains, “These 1970s vans may look nostalgic, but they tell a real story – this was how families moved olives from grove to mill before technology did the heavy lifting.”You'll begin your day crossing the border from Croatia to Slovenian Istria, where the coastal landscape shifts to a sea of olive groves and vineyards. First up, there's a guided tour of the olive mill. It's a surprisingly modern space, given its rustic surroundings, but it takes technical precision to create their award-winning olive oil. The proof is in the tasting, which you'll do plenty of with a professional guide explaining the oil's signature peppery flavour.The highlight of the tour is the 60-minute safari through the rolling olive groves and coastal vineyards. You'll travel in a fleet of beautifully restored vintage vans that help transport you back to the glamour and style of the 1970s. Round off the tour with a platter of local delicacies in the grounds of the estate. Istrian prosciutto, air-dried by the bora wind, and artisan cheeses are perfectly paired with chilled local Malvasia wine. On your journey back to Croatia, make sure you bag a window seat to squeeze every last drop out of your Istrian adventure.
8 Hours
$ 127.00
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.
Flexible
$ 110.00
Sunset cruise around the Brijuni Islands with dolphin-spotting
Looking for wild dolphins at sea is a special moment on any holiday. Enjoy this three-hour sunset boat tour from Pula, featuring a dolphin watch near the Brijuni islands, known for their natural and historical marvels. See Pula's amphitheatre from the sea and watch as the city lights up while the sun goes down. Dinner will be served onboard around the time that the sun sets.
4 Hours
$ 67.00
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.
8 Hours
$ 58.00
Sunset Rovinj Boat Trip
Take your trip to Rovinj to the next level when you join this sunset sail around the enchanting Rovinj archipelago. Although dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, the chance to spot them in their natural habitat is good. As the sun dips, Rovinj's coastline takes on a glow, and the city shines golden. Dolphins are frequent visitors to these waters, especially near the lighthouse and Lim channel, so keep your eyes peeled.
