Premium: Hike and Feast Across Croatia’s Wine Country

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.