Istrian Hilltop Villages Tour with Local Speciality Tasting
Excursions & day trips

Istrian Hilltop Villages Tour with Local Speciality Tasting

4.3/5
Excellent
Based on 72 reviews
from
£67.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: from 4 hours to 8 hours
Why you’ll love this…
  • Discover the green hills and red-roofed towns of Istria
  • Explore the galleries in the artists' colony of Grožnjan
  • Visit the peaceful, historic hilltop hamlet of Oprtalj
  • Taste typical Istrian treats including wine and olive oil
  • Expert local guide with unrivalled knowledge of Istria
What to expect

Legend has it that in the Mirna valley lived giants who each built a hilltop hamlet. And this tour takes you to two of them. Istria's green hills are a place of mythical beauty, and nowhere more so than in the fairytale villages of Grožnjan and Oprtalj. Ivana, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Grožnjan was suffering from depopulation in the middle of the 20th century, so artists and musicians were encouraged to come and use its empty houses as studios. Today, there are about 40 ateliers and a popular summer music festival. Adding to the cultural mix, both villages have strong Italian communities.'

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through Istria's hills to Grožnjan – the artists' colony straddling a ridge. Wander its cluster of lanes lined with handsome stone-built homes, looking out for ancient churches and palaces. If you like arty souvenirs, the many galleries and shops are a great place to browse for handmade gifts such as jewellery, prints, textiles and fine art.

Next, it's time to take a break with a tasting of local Istrian delicacies, along with wine and olive oil at a typical tavern. Rounding off the day is a visit to peaceful Oprtalj. With a long history stretching back to Roman times, there's a clutch of historic buildings to admire, including the Venetian loggia and the 16th century St George's church, located at the top of the hill overlooking the town. When you arrive at Oprtalj, your guide will show you around steep stone alleys boasting countryside views.

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What's included
  • check Transport
  • check Guide
  • check Local delicacy tasting
Provider
GULLIVER TRAVEL
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.3/5

Based on 72 reviews from verified customers

49%
38%
13%
1%
0%

Review categories

Service

4.6/5

Staff

4.6/5

Value for money

4.2/5

Safety

4.6/5

  • Pete 64. Uk

    From United States of America - July 2025

    Travelled with a group of friends

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Great

    Overall rated

    4/5

    The tasting was great. The artisan quarter we enjoyed. Tin was a good host/guide.

  • kathy

    From United Kingdom - July 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Great

    Overall rated

    4/5

    A little more time in the villages, not enough time for a coffee, or to have a good look, if you wanted to buy something. The tasting was good,

  • Penny Dumbleton

    From United States of America - July 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Average

    Overall rated

    3/5

    We joined at Pula which meant we were on the bus for 2hrs and 10 minutes before reaching the first destination were we had 1hr (not long enough to loo ...

  • Christine

    From United States of America - July 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Poor

    Overall rated

    2/5

    Very little time at the 2 villages to have a coffee and a good look around. The guide was more interesting in get to the wine tasting which zI think a ...

  • Mal

    From United States of America - July 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    18 - 24 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    4/5

    Beautiful 2 towns. Bit more history would be good. Both beautiful. Wine and cheese tasting made it good value for money

  • George & lynn

    From United States of America - July 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Ver informative trip, Barbera & the driver Daniel were very nice. The only down side was the food taters at the winery was not covered & the food was ...

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