Day 1
Istria
Arrival to Pula, Venice or Zagreb Airport. Upon arrival of your flight, you will be met by your chauffeur for private transfer to your villa. Upon check in, meet villa representative for welcome drink and tour of the property. Enjoy reminder of your first day at leisure.
Day 2
Motovun – Grožnjan
Original Secret Dalmatia Istrian Hilltop towns private tour
Morning at leisure. Meet your guide in the afternoon for today's private tour of Istria's hilltop towns. Lose yourself in myths, magical landscapes and adventure as we discover forgotten Istria and its fairy tale villages, glorious views and ancient legends. These are the authentic places of deeply rooted Istrian customs and rituals, of a past that resonates with mystery and excitement. Driving towards picturesque Motovun, we'll take the road less-travelled to enjoy beautiful nature and some grand sceneries. From the medieval walls of picturesque Motovun, spread upon the very edges of the hill, you'll have marvelous views of central Istria and Mirna river valley. The dark Motovun Forest below hides legends, but also black and white truffles! Groznjan, our next stop, is a fine example of how a nearly abandoned town can be revived respecting local culture and architecture. Without almost any recent architectural interventions, Groznjan is today a town of artists: numerous galleries are lining the narrow, cobble stone streets. Small shops and cafes are tempting from old buildings. Home to a popular jazz festival, this classical Istrian architecture town is a great match to modern jazz tunes! Return transfer to your villa accommodation after the tour.
Day 3
Motovun Forest
Unique Experience – Truffle Hunt in Istria
Croatian cuisine is based on fresh local produce and seasonal availability, and many restaurant chefs pick herbs and vegetables just before preparation, but there is surely no experience quite like hunting truffles for dinner! The Motovun forest and surrounding area is home to the precious white and black truffles, which attract food-lovers from all over the world, and the Secret Dalmatia Exclusive Private Truffle-Hunting Tour will bring you a culinary adventure like no other you have experienced. Our first stop is the pretty village of Vrh overlooking Lake Butoniga, where you will meet the pioneers of truffle hunting in Istria – the Karlić family and learn all about truffle hunting and delicacies produced of various truffles that grow in the area. You will join the Karlić family and their specially trained dogs, and head downhill through the steep forest, - and 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! Afterwards, your efforts will be rewarded by a hearty lunch prepared exclusively for Secret Dalmatia guests and a tasting of local truffle delicacies including different types of cheese, truffle honey, pâté and even truffle biscuits. Return to your villa for evening at leisure.
Meals: truffle tasting and light lunch
Day 4
Istria
Enjoy this day at leisure, simply relax in the comfort of your villa.
Day 5
Rovinj – Pula
Private tour of Rovinj and Pula
This afternoon, join our local guide for a private walking tour of historical Rovinj and Pula. Rovinj old town is a masterpiece of urban art and architecture but its surroundings are nevetheless masterpieces of nature: the islands of Rovinj archipelago, Lim Bay, Punta Corrente Forrest, Palud bird reserve, Saline and Fantasy Quary. The spirit of some ancient times in the labyrinth made of stone, through the narrow streets of the old town, takes you deeply back to the mystic and mysterious Middle Ages. The main Church of St. Euphemia keeps relics of the saint and presents one of the most beautiful Baroque achievements in Istria. And from the church plateau spreads wonderful view of the open sea and numerous islets in the distance. After exploring historical sights of Rovinj, continue to Pula. Pula, as the largest town on the Istrian peninsula offers a diversity of attractions to lovers of culture. The rich itinerary of its three thousand year old history, where every step you take through the old town is a landmark, begins and ends with the Roman amphitheatre. While strolling through Pula 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, Arena and Small Roman Theatre in the town center. A unique experience will be moments of relaxation in the main town square, which has managed to retain its role as the meeting place since the Augustan Age. Enjoy lunch at one of small local bistros (on your own) before returning to your villa.
Day 6
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Wonders of Plitvice Lakes
Meet your chauffeur in the morning. Today you will discover Europe's most beautiful National Park! Meet up with our expert guide for private tour of Plitvice. According to legend, the Plitvice lakes were created after a long drought. Heavy rain began to fall and continued until they formed the lakes we see today. The natural attributes of the Plitvice Lakes NP, uniqueness and sensibility of that phenomenon, deserve the full attention of our visitors. The recreational aspect of a stay and the amazement with beauty of the area that conquers by its natural diversity and harmony of shapes and colors in any of the seasons, is based on many mutually conditioned natural characteristics. The Plitvice lakes, known as the "Falling lakes", have enjoyed the status of a national park since 1949 and since 1979 they have been under the protection of UNESCO. After free time for lunch, return to your villa for evening at leisure.
Day 7
Istria
Last day in Istria, soak up your experience and relax before returning home.
Day 8
Istria
Departure day. Check out and meet your chauffeur for a private transfer to the airport for your outbound flight.
*** End of program ***
Program includes:
7 nights in Istria, private villa accommodation
Taxes and VAT included
24 Hour Emergency service
Concierge service
Private airport transfers as stated in the program (upon arrival and departure)
Original Secret Dalmatia Istrian Hilltop towns private tour
Unique Experience – Truffle hunt private tour (truffle tasting and light lunch included)
Private tour of Rovinj and Pula
Wonders of Plitvice Lakes private tour (guide and entrance tickets included)
The cost does not include:
Meals and drinks not included in the cost (other than those listed)
Air fare, Travel insurance
Gratuities, personal expenses
Optional tours
Additional services:
Private Chef
Car rental