Day 2 – Zagreb panoramic and walk tour
Day to explore Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. During the panoramic tour you will discover the Lower Town of our capital and see examples of our finest architecture: Mimara Museum, which contains more than 3 500 pieces of art from the ancient world till nowdays; 19th century neo Baroque Croatian National Theatre; Museum of Arts and Crafts and the University of Zagreb, the largest educational institution in Croatia. We will pass through Zagreb’s Green Horseshoe, a beautiful U shaped system of 8 parks and squares designed in the late 19 ct. You will see Zagreb’s main train station and the elegant Hotel Esplanade built to accept the passengers of Orient Express. Just across the main train station you will see the majestic statue of King Tomislav, Croatia’s first monarch and behind it a breath taking Art Pavilion.
After the panoramic tour we will explore Zagreb on foot. We begin our walk tour on the main square named after Croatia’s 19 th century viceroy and national hero, Josip Jelačić Bužimski. The square has been city’s commercial centre for centuries and today it’s considered to be the most important meeting point for people of Zagreb. Our licensed guide will introduce you to our capital’s rich history which dates back to medieval times. We continue to Kaptol and Gradec two medieval settlements that have been rivals for centuries and that have united in the city of Zagreb in 1850. On Kaptol you will learn more about Croatia’s largest Cathedral, its history and recent renovation and then continue to our open farmer’s market Dolac popularly called “the belly of Zagreb”. Our guide will lead you through Tkalčićeva and Radićeva streets where you will be introduced to the origin of the necktie, Croatian gift to the world of fashion. As we make our way to the Upper Town, known as Gradec you will pass through the beautifully preserved Stone Gate part of Zagreb’s fortification system and its charming chapel that attracts pilgrims on a daily basis. We will soon find ourselves in the centre of Croatian politics, the main square of the Upper town, Saint Mark’s Square, dominated by Saint Mark’s Church and its picturesque roof which appears on almost every postcard sent from Zagreb. Continuing through Gradec you will find out more about our cultural life and about the Museum of Naive Art, Museum of Broken Relationships. We will visit the plateau behind St Catharine’s Church where you will have a magnificent view over Zagreb’s Cathedral. You will discover the 13th century Lotrščak Tower and board on Zagreb’s Funicular, originally built in 1890 and known as the shortest funicular in the world. The final point of the tour is in fact the starting point Ban Jelačić Square. (B)
Day 3 – Opatija
Our journey continues towards Opatija where our wine tour adventure of Istra beginns. Opatija a magnificent coastal town on the Adriatic Sea and a well known 19th century health resort, is today a popular holiday destination for tourists from all over the world. A mild and pleasant climate makes Opatija a perfect destination all year long. Enjoy Lungomare walk and explore local gastronomy. (B)
Day 4 – Rovinj
After the breakfast, we start our day with a trip to the north western Istria where we’ll visit one of the oldest and most renowned Istrian winemakers. After first tasting, we’ll continue to Rovinj a gem on the Croatian Adriatic. Once, it was a fishermen town, while today it preserves a rich cultural heritage and a charming Mediterranean urban architecture. Walking tour with local guide will take you through Rovinj and let you enjoy a short break before we hit the road to a small fisherman’s village, Fažana. The area between Rovinj and Fažana is characterised by particularly suitable micro climatic conditions for olive growing, an area where the Romans built their villas and enjoyed the blessings of the climate, peace and tranquillity. The charm of the olive oil will be presented in the Balija olive grove where, according to the Flos Olei guide one of the world’s best olive oils is produced. You’ll be introduced to the organoleptic properties of the olive oil on the tasting led by an expert olive oil taster. As the day passes by, we’ll proceed to a typical Istrian konoba with a view spanning across the sea and Brijuni islands where you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in fish specialities of our region. (B, D)
Day 5 – Pula
Our day starts after breakfast with visit to the another famous Istrian winery at the very south of Istria. The organically cultivated vineyards extend on the red Istrian soil. The owners convey their knowledge and experience to the wine making technique, crafting fine and elegant wines with a recognisable exceptional character and distinguishing Mediterranean notes. After the winery tour and wine tasting, we’ll be heading for Istrian south. We continue our day to the biggest Istrian town Pula, where we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Roman landmarks dating from the period of Augustus, the longest reigning Roman emperor, and of the Pula’s Amphitheatre. In the late afternoon, we’ll take a walk to the old Roman square, Forum, and rest in the charming atmosphere of Enoteca Istriana where wines paired with tasty finger food from many other Croatian regions will be presented. (B)
Day 6 – Momjan Buje
The journey explores the centuries old practices and traditions used in the small family run wineries, combined with the introduction of some young and modern innovation. The winery, our first stop, is an authentic Istrian estate with a farmhouse, expansive rolling vineyards and 100 plus years of winemaking. Founded upon the mastery of Momjan Muškat a sweet white wine made from an indigenous grape variety of the area, Kabola is revered as a pioneer winemaker. Their Istrian indigenous Malvazija grapes are macerated in amphoras (clay vessels) for 7 months, resulting in a whole new personality from this traditional varietal.
Following a scenic drive, and time permitting a stop in the artistic hilltop town of Grožnjan or a light lunch in the countryside, we arrive to our second winery. Repeatedly awarded for its wines and the impressive modern design of the premises, this winery works hard to accentuate the authenticity of the Istrian region. Sitting in the hidden valley of Vale near historic Momjan this estate fits perfectly with surrounding landscapes, just as their wines do with their audience. Offering their top class takes on the local Malvazija is the fresh and fruity Valle, or rewardingly complex St Lucia, while their red Teran 2012 was awarded the Decanter 2014. Still, the winer will always be endearingly known as the King of Muskat so make sure not to miss it! (B)
Day 7 – Motovun and Truffle Hunting Experience
The mystic forests that surround the Istrian hilltop village of Motovun are home to the treasures of the Istrian cuisine, the black and the white truffle. Gourmands flock to Istra for the specialties that use the powerful and distinct flavors of the truffle in everything from cheeses to chocolate, pastas and honey. You will join the Truffle Hunting Tean and their specially trained dogs, and head downhill through the steep forests to try your luck with the valuable black and precious white truffles. After all, this is the region where the largest white truffle in the world was discovered. Followed by lunch, with a tasting of local truffle delicacies including different types of cheese, truffle honey, pâté and even truffle biscuits. The best way to finish the last day of this wonderfull tour. (B. L)
Day 8 – Farewell joureny
After breakfast, this amazing tour ends by returning to Zagreb. Hope you enjoyed with all your senses. Fly safe home and dream on where would you like to spend your next magical holiday. (B)
