Istria is an enticing mix of ancient seaside towns, vine-clad countryside and hilltop villages. Island views, good wine and delicious dishes vie for your attention. This full-day tour takes in some of Istria's star turns, including the historic village of Bale and the seaside gems of Rovinj and Poreč. You'll also tuck into a tasty lunch at a countryside restaurant in Grzini. Mauro, one of our expert local guides, says "we pack lots in on this tour. From traditional Batana fishing boats bobbing at the port in Rovinj to enjoying some typical dishes of Central Istria, plus the Byzantine Basilica in Poreč, you'll get a true insight into our region."
Your adventure kicks off in Bale, a hilltop village of narrow cobbled alleys lined with medieval stone houses and Venetian palaces and churches. Wander the mazy old town before heading to Rovinj on the Adriatic coast, where the Venetian influence is everywhere. Occupying an egg-shaped peninsula, it's a treasure trove of winding streets that lead to the baroque Church of St Euphemia, whose slender belfry dominates the skyline.
Then it's time to make our way to the hamlet of Grzini to feast on a typical Istrian lunch in the countryside, and after your meal we'll swing back to the coast to explore Poreč. This ancient town on a headland is now as famed for its modern bars and clubs as its Euphrasian Basilica, one of the most beautifully preserved monuments of Early Byzantine art in the whole of the Mediterranean, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lunch