Vineyards of Istria with Motovun hilltop town in the background
5.0

Premium: Hike and Feast Across Croatia’s Wine Country

  • Croatia
  • 6 nights

Explore Istria on foot, from medieval towns & rural vineyards to the Adriatic coast, tucking into local flavors & sampling regional wines

What's Included?

  • Premium Accommodation

    6 nights in a variety of lovely 4 & 5 star boutique hotels
  • Your Standout Stay

    2 nights at a stunning, design-led winery retreat with panoramic vineyard views
  • Meals

    All breakfasts, 4 excellent regional lunches and 2 social dinner experiences, plus wine and olive oil tastings
  • Activities & Certified Guides

    All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guides
  • Transfers

    Group transfers to and from the airport and all local transfers in between
  • Small Like-minded Groups

    Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From
excluding flights

What's it like?

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Part of our Premium Collection

Adventure, refined

Wild Days, Seriously Good Stays

  • Think handpicked accommodation - from boutique gems to 4–5 star - with at least one Standout Stay and little touches of comfort along the way.
Explore the collection

Tales from the trails

Real people, real adventures.

Explore Istria's scenic trails through vineyards, olive groves, and historic villages on this elevated farm-to-table adventure

Discover the peninsula's most enchanting towns, from Hum's tiny cobbled lanes to the artistic alleys of Groznjan and Rovinj

Meet the passionate producers in this culinary paradise and indulge in homegrown specialties, freshly caught seafood and world-class wines

Kick back in style as you go, enjoying a design-led wine retreat immersed in the landscape and a luxe coastal spot by the Adriatic

Katharine B.(September 2025)
Fun way to explore this corner of Croatia
Fun way to explore this corner of Croatia
Fun way to explore this corner of Croatia
Fun way to explore this corner of Croatia
Fun way to explore this corner of Croatia

Had a fun week hiking and eating on the Istrian Peninsula. The group was very fun and supportive and we all had a lot of laughs over Croatian wine and brandy. Majda was an excellent guide, very authentic and kind, she made sure everyone was doing okay. This trip allows you to really see parts of Croatia that you might just pass by from below, walking through countryside and eating in little villages. Motovan was very impressive up on a hill and the beach park near pula was gorgeous.

Anne B.(September 2025)
Fun adventure! The people were

Fun adventure! The people were amazing, very supportive (I suffered a knee injury so I was very slow)

Sarah D.(September 2025)
Fabulous Trip
Fabulous Trip
Fabulous Trip
Fabulous Trip

This trip included the best of hikes, different terrains and beautiful scenery along with local produce and superb restaurants. And the icing on the cake was our outstanding guide, Majda. Considerate, knowledgeable about local and national history and great fun.

colin d.(September 2025)
Hike and Feast in Croatia's Istrian Peninsula
Hike and Feast in Croatia's Istrian Peninsula

Our first guided trek and, after this experience, it will be the first of many. Majda, our guide was brilliant; she made sure all the trekkers were supported and yet challenged, she reorganised the rainy day, researched and booked restaurants and always had a big smile. Her enthusiasm and love of her country shone through. The was a large variety of treks, some more challenging than others but accessible for all abilities and were always interesting and at times breathtakingly beautiful. Unfortunately, no dinosaur footprints were located. Thanks again

Lisa S.(September 2025)
The perfect hiking and feasting getaway!
The perfect hiking and feasting getaway!
The perfect hiking and feasting getaway!
The perfect hiking and feasting getaway!
The perfect hiking and feasting getaway!
The perfect hiking and feasting getaway!
The perfect hiking and feasting getaway!
The perfect hiking and feasting getaway!

This trip was exactly as advertised, beautiful hikes in the Istrian peninsula, and amazing local foods. Our guide, Majda, was fun, thoughtful, patient, and planned and executed everything perfectly, even when rain derailed some of our plans.

Lucy M.(September 2025)
Great way to relax in Istria
Great way to relax in Istria
Great way to relax in Istria

Motovun and the surrounding areas are magnificent. Quaint cobblestone streets, vineyards, and truffles! Hiking and feasting is a great way to relax and unwind.

April N.(July 2025)
Loved it!

I really enjoyed the whole experience! Our guide was so informative and passionate about Croatia, the food was delicious, and the scenery was amazing! We had a small group, so adapting to the heat was easy to do. I'd highly recommend this trip. I do think that moving it to early Autumn could be beneficial to avoid the extreme heat and potentially coincide with some harvest experiences in agrotourism.

Yvonne M.(July 2025)
What an amazing trip!

I didn't know what to expect of a trip with only 2 other people and the guide. But I had the most amazing time. My 2 other tour members were lovely and easy to be around with and Ivica our guide was the most sympathetic and lovely person. Very easy going. Very spontaneous (because of the heat wave and some healthy issues he had to adapt our plans on the go). I could not have a better firts impression of Croatia. The landscape was very beautiful and the food sooo yummy. Loved every part of it!!

Tessa J.(July 2025)
This tour was simply incredible.

This tour was simply incredible. A fantastic mix of hiking, activities and feasting. I would highly recommend to anyone hoping to explore Croatia's Istrian Peninsula. I shout out to our local hosts and guide who were incredible and so passionate about their country.

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Ease into the adventure in Ljubljana

    Boutique Hotel
    Twin share
    Dinner included
    Show Day 1 detail

    Arrive in Ljubljana – yes, in Slovenia! – and meet your driver for the transfer to your hotel in the city center. With plenty of frequent flight options across Europe and beyond, it makes the ideal meeting point to connect with your guide and fellow travelers and gives you time to recoup after your journey, before driving into Croatia tomorrow. Head out for a gentle walk among Ljubljana's cobbled streets, riverside cafés, and graceful old-town bridges, then ease into the week over a welcome dinner, getting to know your group as you dive into Slovenia’s Alpine-Adriatic flavors.

    Day 2

    Tiny towns, truffle country, and a wine retreat

    Driving
    2hrs
    Boutique Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 2 detail

    Leaving Ljubljana, settle in for the drive into Croatia. As you cross into the northern region of Istria, hilltop towns rise above forests and vineyards. Your first stop is Hum, officially the smallest town in the world. Wander its quiet cobbled lanes, visit the little museum and sample the local grappa before sitting down to lunch at Humska Konoba, a traditional tavern known for its Istrian dishes and seasonal local produce. After tucking in, you'll continue through truffle country to Motovun and check into bold and beautiful Hotel Roxanich, set just below the medieval town. This is your Standout Stay of the trip, so settle in – there's time to relax, explore the grounds or enjoy a glass from the hotel’s own wine cellar.

    Day 3

    Hilltop trails, local flavors and a vineyard lunch

    Hiking
    4-5hrs · 10mi · 1903ft up · 1640ft down
    Boutique Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 3 detail

    After a short drive to the quiet village of Zavrsje, you'll set off on a gentle walk through Istria’s rolling hills. Follow old paths to Oprtalj for a quick break at a local agritourism spot, where you can taste a few traditional bites and enjoy the views. 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 couple of miles back to Motovun. Tonight, your guide can recommend one of Motovun's many authentic Istrian restaurants to continue your foodie adventure.

    Day 4

    Scenic trails, truffle lunches, and Istria’s finest oils and wines

    Hiking
    3-4 hrs · 6mi · 984ft up · 984ft down
    Boutique Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 4 detail

    Set out directly from your hotel for another hike through Istria’s interior, descending from Motovun along quiet paths that weave through vineyards, fields, and small villages. The route leads to Spinovci, where you arrive at a family-run agritourism restaurant set deep in the countryside. Run by two brothers, one a chef, the other a winemaker, the kitchen focuses on local produce and traditional recipes. Settle in for a leisurely lunch of Istrian specialties such as truffle pasta, wild game stews, and homemade prosciutto, enjoyed with sweeping views back towards Motovun on its hilltop perch. 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 in the van for a quick drive south towards the coast with a stop at Jola, a small, family-owned olive farm close to your hotel. Here, meet the producers and taste their organic olive oils, pressed on-site using their own machinery so the olives are milled the same day they’re harvested – a rare approach that delivers exceptional quality. Continue on to Petram Resort, your base for the next three nights, where the Adriatic Sea awaits.

    Day 5

    Hilltop trails, artists' villages and a slow afternoon by the sea

    Hiking
    3hrs · 6mi · 558ft up · 558ft down
    Boutique Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 5 detail

    After breakfast, a short transfer takes you to Buje, another characterful hilltop town overlooking Istria’s patchwork of vineyards and forests. Set out on a gentle hike toward Groznjan, following quiet paths through classic Istrian countryside. The terrain is a little uneven in places but the pace is unhurried, with time to enjoy the views along the way. If conditions call for it, the route can be shortened, keeping the day flexible and comfortable. Arrive in Groznjan, known as the town of artists, where galleries, music, and creative workshops fill the narrow streets. Enjoy free time for lunch and a bit of exploring, before your transfer back to Petram Resort for an easy afternoon by the sea and a relaxed evening at your own pace.

    Day 6

    Visit historic Rovinj

    Boutique Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and dinner included
    Show Day 6 detail

    Head to Rovinj this morning for a guided walk with a local expert. Wander through the old town’s paved and cobbled streets, uncovering its Venetian past as you explore colorful houses, hidden squares, and the hilltop church overlooking the harbor. Afterwards, enjoy free time to browse boutiques, linger over coffee by the water, or settle in for lunch at your own pace. Return to Petram Resort for a relaxed afternoon, perhaps enjoying the spectacular coastal views from the infinity pool. In the evening, head to the nearby coastal town of Savudrija for a farewell dinner by the sea, raising a final glass over fresh local dishes and Adriatic views.

  2. Day 7

    Adio, Istria!

    Driving
    2hrs
    Breakfast included
    Show Day 7 detail

    Bid farewell to the stunning Istrian coast, as this morning you'll leave your hotel after breakfast and head back across the border to Slovenia, arriving at Ljubljana Airport for your flight home. If you are extending your stay, your host can also drop you off in downtown Ljubljana.

Getting There

Nearest airport
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)
Pick up
Ljubljana Airport (LJU), Slovenia
18:30 on Day 1
Drop off
Ljubljana Airport (LJU), Slovenia
11:00 on Day 7

What is and isn't included?

What's included

  • Entry to Hum Museum and grappa tasting, with tavern lunch
  • Guided hike from Zavrsje to Motovun
  • Wine tasting at the Visintin Winery, with a light lunch
  • Guided hike from Motovun to Spinovci, with an agroturismo lunch
  • Olive oil tasting at Jola farm
  • Guided hike from Buje to Groznjan
  • Guided visit to historic town of Rovinj

  • Expert, English-speaking local guides

  • 1 night in a comfortable and central hotel in Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • Your Standout Stay: 2 nights in a design-led wine retreat in Motovun, Croatia
  • 3 nights in a luxury resort on Croatia's Adriatic Coast

  • All (6) continental hotel breakfasts
  • 4 lunches, including:
    2 traditional lunches in local restaurants or taverns
    a truffle lunch at an agritourismo
    a light lunch and tasting at a family-run winery
  • 2 dinners, including:
    a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Ljubljana
    a farewell dinner at a seafood restaurant on the Adriatic Coast

  • Shared arrival transfer, depending on your arrival time, from Ljubljana Airport (Slovenia) on Day 1
  • Group departure transfer to Ljubljana Airport (Slovenia) on Day 7
  • All transfers during the trip

  • Your luggage will be transferred between each hotel

Where you'll stay

  • Twin rooms at Roxanich Design Hotel

    Standout Stay: wine & design meet hilltop charm in Istria

  • Twin room at the Grand Plaza Hotel, Ljubljana

    Ljubljana, Slovenia

  • Double room at the Petram Resort

    Adriatic Coast, Croatia

What you'll eat

Often called the 'Tuscany of Croatia', Istria is a paradise for food lovers with a rich culinary heritage shaped by its Mediterranean coastline, fertile hills, and centuries of Italian, Slavic, and Austro-Hungarian influence. Whether you're savoring…

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DEPARTURE DATES

  • Sunday 28th June 2026

    to Saturday 4th July 2026

    Summer Sale - Next 1 spot available at 15% off

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Optional Extras

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation

Post departure accommodation in Petram Resort (single)
…/per night
Post departure accommodation in Petram Resort (twin/double)
…/per night
Pre/post departure accommodation in Ljubljana (double/twin)
…/per night
Pre/post departure accommodation in Ljubljana (single)
…/per night

Single Occupancy

Optional Private Room Upgrade
…/per person

Transfers

Private arrival transfer (Ljubljana Airport to Ljubljana Hotel) Per vehicle (1-4 persons)
Private departure transfer (Petram Resort to Ljubljana Airport/City Centre) Per vehicle (1-8 persons)

To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Illustration of a group of people kayaking

GOT A GROUP OF 6 OR MORE?

Book the whole trip privately. We sort the details, you split the cost. Pure adventure, zero faff.

FAQs

This trip originally launched in 2025, with the start and end point in Pula, Croatia. However, it now starts and ends in Ljubljana, as it is close by and is more accessible with more flight options available, which adjusted the itinerary slightly. This has also allowed us to upgrade the lodging used throughout this adventure, now including a 5-star hotel on the first night, a stunning design hotel in Motovun for two nights, and a boutique resort on the Adriatic Coast for three nights. This has ultimately led to the trip being included in our new Premium Collection. These changes enhance the overall experience and are reflected in the price. Since the core itinerary and local host remains largely the same, we’ve kept the original reviews, which still reflect the essence of the trip.

Any luggage you don't need on the hikes can be left in the hotel or the host's vehicle.

At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive, and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location, and lodging, and in some places, options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully before your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.

Once you have booked your trip, please fill out your passenger information form ASAP with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.

Croatia’s cuisine reflects its geography and history, with Mediterranean influences along the Adriatic coast and heartier Central European traditions inland, resulting in seasonal menus built around seafood, grilled meats, vegetables, olive oil, and bread. Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly common in towns and tourist areas, and dairy-free eating is often manageable, particularly with grilled dishes and simple sides. Gluten-free diets and food allergies can be more challenging due to the regular use of bread, pasta, and shared cooking surfaces, especially in rural areas, so travelers should expect to plan ahead and clearly explain their needs, with guides on hand to help communicate and navigate options.

SPECIAL DIETS

Vegetarian: Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance.

Vegan: Vegan diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance.

Kosher: Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare in Istria and usually cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in advance by your host. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

Halal: Certified Halal supply varies by location in this region and may not always be possible. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

INTOLERANCES

Gluten-Free (for Celiac, please see Allergies section below): Gluten-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance.

Lactose-Free: Lactose-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance.

ALLERGIES

Our host has confirmed that they are able to accommodate mild allergies to the 14 allergens identified by the UK Food Standards Agency, where these are disclosed in advance. However, if you have a severe or life-threatening food allergy, please get in touch with our Customer Experience team before booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip. This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip, and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority. Please note that when traveling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods, and labeling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. While your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.

The local tap water is safe to drink. Please bring your own reusable water bottle to fill up at the hotels, public fountains, and restaurants to avoid buying single-use plastic bottles.

In the unlikely event that weather affects the planned hikes, your guide will adapt the itinerary to make the most of conditions. This may include adjusting the order of activities, shortening or replacing walks, or swapping in alternatives such as town visits, tastings, cultural stops, or other indoor experiences. The focus is always on keeping the trip enjoyable, safe, and rewarding, while still showcasing the best of the region.

You'll be led by one experienced local guide, and a driver who will drop you off at the start and pick you up at the end of the day hikes.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

The Istrian Peninsula, located in the north of Croatia, has long stretches of Adriatic coastline and enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, dry winters and hot summer temperatures. In May and early June you can expect temperatures ranging from 59-72°F and occasional rain showers that keep the countryside lush and vibrant, ideal conditions for hiking before the summer heat. As summer unfolds later in June, the days become warmer and longer, with temperatures climbing to 82°F and drier conditions setting in. July and August bring the height of summer, offering hot, sunny weather with highs of 77-90°F. By September, the heat softens, giving way to pleasant early autumn conditions, with temperatures between 64-79°F. While the occasional rain shower may appear, the overall climate remains mild and enjoyable, making this period a fantastic time to explore Istria's highlights on foot.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 85kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

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