Enter the House of Istrian Olive Oil in the center of Pula. Learn how Romans made olive oil and where and how it was exported. See two short films that show the traditional olive oil making process and how olive oil is made today. Take a seat in the tasting room and take a close look at the taste, aroma, texture, and appearance of high-quality Istrian olive oils, as well as olive oil typically found in a supermarket. Learn how to recognize good from bad olive oils. Understand the positive and negative attributes of Olive Oil. Try a pairing of sweet dessert and olive oil.

Hum is situated in the center of Istria with barely 20 inhabitants. Turn your trip to Hum into a beautiful story of Istrian small towns. This hidden part of Istria is extremely welcoming to visitors. According to the legend, Hum was built with the stones left over when giants were building towns in the river Mirna valley, an area in central Istria including the wonderful hill towns of Motovun, Roc, and Bale. Despite the small number of residents, Hum has preserved the ritual of Election of the Prefect for a Year. All the men from the parish gather at the Municipal Loggia (Town Hall) to elect the village superior by carving their votes into a wooden stick. Apart from being famous for being the smallest city in the world, Hum has recently become popular for Biska, which a brandy spiced with mistletoe and made according to an old recipe originating in Hum. Every year, at the end of October, the Grappa festival takes place here and hosts brandy producers from all over Istria.  In the north of Istria, located high above the Mirna River, is probably the most attractive and famous medieval town of Istria, Motovun. This fascinating site on top of a hill is a characteristic symbol of the interior of Istria. The bell tower, which is 13th-century Romanesque-Gothic, has a crown that is crenulated and dominates the center of the historic town from its position adjacent to St Stephen’s 17th-century parish church. In the center square stands the Romanesque Municipal Palace, which was Istria’s biggest secular building when it was built. Many other historical buildings surround it. Motovun’s forest which reaches down the Mirna River’s valley is particularly good for finding truffles, the alleged aphrodisiac malodorous fungus that grows underground. These white truffles of Istria, which are in season from September to December, are said to be as good as even the best French and Italian truffles. Vineyards surround the town from all sides and Istria’s finest wines including the red Teran and the white Malvasia are produced from the grapes of these vineyards. The whole locality is sprinkled with superb restaurants serving konobe. The city of Labin is an old medieval town located on a 320-meter hill with the new part of the town below. The Old Labin is the best preserved acropolis in Istria. Apart from many cultural and historical monuments, Labin is a city of artists. There are some 30 artists living and working there as well as several galleries. In nearby Dubrova, there is the Sculpture Par where International Sculptors Symposium have taken place for the past 40 years. In the summer, the old center is taken over by the Art Republic, which is a combination of music, performance, and fine arts. The town gates of St Flor, built in 1587, lead to the old town. There is also a 17th-century tower in the town offering a magnificent view. 

Be collected at your accommodation in Zagreb and drive for approximately three hours to Pula. This is the biggest city and the center of the Istrian peninsula. The city was founded by an ancient tribe in the 10th century B.C. and it was well known by Greek travelers and sailors so is mentioned in many Greek myths. In the 1st century, the Romans made the city strong and today the vivid remains of this era can be explored. Pula Arena is one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world and will take you back in time as you imagine gladiators battles. Other examples of Roman architecture to discover are the Temple of Augustus and the gates to the city including the Arch of the Sergii and the gate of Hercules.  Continue your journey for 45 minutes to Rovinj. This city was also founded by the Istrian tribes. It was built on a small island close to the mainland and in the 18th was connected to it. It was ruled for five centuries by Venice so both the Italian and Croatian languages are spoken in the city. During this period of occupation, walls were built around the city and the remains are standing still today. Rovinj is a real gem and adored because with every step you take you are compelled to take another photograph. Travel another 45 minutes to Porec. The Old Town is almost 2000 years old and is most famous for the Euphrasian Basilica, from 1997. It is on the UNESCO world heritage list and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istria. Notice the roman influence and architecture in the city as you walk through the main streets, still preserved in their original form.

Situated near the base of the Istrian peninsula, Pula is the largest city in Istria. Its most famous attraction, the well-preserved Roman amphitheater, is one of the most famous sights in the whole of Croatia. Pula, like the rest of the region, it is known for its mild climate, smooth sea, beautiful beaches, and unspoiled nature. Throughout your tour you will come across numerous monuments of Roman architecture: the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi from the 1st century B.C., Hercules’ Gate and Twin Gates, the Temple of Augustus, and the Arena and Small Roman Theatre in the town center. Historical attractions aside, Pula is a busy commercial city on the sea that has managed to retain a friendly small-town appeal. Although marred with residential and holiday developments, the coast is dotted with fragrant pine groves, seaside cafes and a clutch of good restaurants. The main town square offers you the chance to relax in a unique atmosphere, with the square having managed to retain its role as the meeting place since the Augustan Age. Situated on the west coast of Istria, Rovinj is one of the most popular and most developed tourist resorts in Croatia. The old town is built on the island, which was only connected with the mainland in the 18th century. Known as one of the most picturesque and romantic towns on the Mediterranean, over the last few decades Rovinj attracts a large number of tourists, most of them faithfully returning year after year. Rovinj manages to combine its rich tradition with modern times in a very interesting way. As it is also an active fishing port, you can experience the atmosphere of a small fishing village. On the other hand, the town has been developing exquisite gastronomy and offers a high standard of tourist services in general. The city at the foot of the Church of St. Euphemia is the favorite gathering place of artists from around the world. Walking down its streets, you will bump into many art galleries and studios.

Discover the wonders of Istria County on this multi-stop, guided tour from your choice of meeting point in Rovinj or Bale. Blend into local life as you explore the towns of Poreč, Grožnjan, and Motovun. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery and join a truffle tasting. The first stop is in Poreč. Here, you can see golden early-Christian mosaics at the Euphresian Basilica, a UNESCO world heritage site (entry fee not included). After a walking tour of Poreč, head to Grožnjan, a village that was abandoned entirely after World War II and has since been revitalized with the help of artists from all around Yugoslavia. Romantic stone-cobbled alleys and colorful workshops around every corner make the tiny town of Grožnjan a must-see location in Istria. Afterward, continue to Motovun, the mightiest hilltop town in Istria. Once in Motovun, try the most expensive mushroom in the world during a truffle tasting. Walk the panoramic city walls and admire Istria in all its glory before arriving at a konoba, the local word for trattoria (Italian-style eatery). You'll return to Rovinj or Bale in the late afternoon.

My name is Marina, I've been working as a licensed tour guide in Istria for over 15 years and am specialized in guiding german-speaking guests. Experience Pula's highlights in a personalized way through a individualized city tour. We can focus on any topic that may be of interest to you – the local lifestyle, culture, nature or food, whatever it may be, I'm sure we'll have something to talk about. We'll meet up in front of my city's main attaction, an undeniable gem on the mediterranean sea – Pula's roman Amphitheatre. You'll find out what it was built and used for, which goes way beyond the gladiator games. The path will naturally lead us to other antique parts of the city. Besides the Amphitheatre, Pula can proudly count three roman city gates that are still standing up to this day. The Twin, Hercules and Sergii gates – the beautifully preserved details will allow me to reveal the story behind them. As a foodie and passionate cook when it comes to local cuisine, the tour wouldn't be complete without taking you to the Pula farmer's market. It's the place where locals buy and sell products that are native to Istrian soil. While we're already talking about trade, our next point will lead us to the Forum square. It was the roman version of our beloved farmer's market, but not only that – as the heart of every roman city, this is where you will see remains of the August temple and admire our venetian city hall which is also the perfect opportunity to explain why there is a goat on our regional flag. The tour ends with my favourite view of the city – a little higher up, as we visit the city castello. Even if you're not a romantic just joining me for the beautiful view, we're standing by a location of big military importance throughout history. With its pristine loaction it was used by the romans, venetians, austrians and many more in order to protect the city.

Discover the most important historical highlights of Pula on a walking tour with a local guide. Visit the Cathedral, the Roman Forum, Augustus Temple, and City Hall. Begin your tour in front of the Pula Arena, and get a brief and informative overview from your guide. Next, continue on to the Pula Castle, built by the Venetians in the 17th century. Learn about its fascinating history and previous inhabitants. From there continue on to the Cathedral, and then to the Roman Forum, including the Augustus Temple and City Hall. See Roman mosaics along the way and visit the Arch of Sergii. Explore the Pula Market, established in the early 1900s, and then head to the ancient Gate of Hercules. Learn insider information as your guide regales you with in-depth knowledge about the history, architecture, culture, and rich heritage of Pula.

Parenzana was a narrow gauge railway which connected Trieste with Porec, operating from 1902 until 1935. It was eliminated due to not being profitable and because cheaper and faster road transportation existed.  Today the Parenzana route attracts many visitors during the year. With its nine tunnels, six bridges, viaducts and stations the route is ideal for everyone who wants to discover and get to know Istria. Enjoy a hotel pick-up, and then head to Groznjan, a small Istrian town of great cultural heritage, in more recent history known as the “Town of Artists”. Then start your ride along Grožnjan’s narrow and cobbled streets. Continue your route on Parenzana with a beautiful view over the Mirna valley. Through tunnels and bridges, the road will take you to Livade. Then cross the Mirna River to reach the other side of the valley and climb towards Motovun, one of the most popular Istrian medieval towns. Here you will enjoy lunch in a beautiful local tavern. Then enjoy a return transfer to your hotel.

Meet your friendly chef and tour the market with them. Learn about local vegetables, fruits and fresh produce and listen to the stories of the vendors. Proceed to the cooking studio surrounded by olive trees and the countryside and start your cooking lesson. Learn to prepare delicious local recipes and hand-made pasta with traditional instruments. Enjoy the fruits of your labour and taste a 3-course delicious meal sitting outdoors in a beautiful garden. Learn about local fine wines and taste them with the dishes you have prepared. Get the recipes and surprise guests back home. Join us to live a unique experience in Pula!

You will meet your guide at Arena at 7 PM, and then we know you will amaze your senses! The historical importance of Pula is still seen even after more than 2000 years since the Romans came. We will pass some of the most important architectural phenomena of that time with an outstanding Amphitheatre (outside visit) being the most memorable. During our walk, we will stop at 5 different food stations (full dinner) where we will taste some of the unique local dishes and drinks, we will combine new & trendy with local and traditional so you will be able to understand what makes Istrian gastronomy so special.