Rovinj
is a picturesque Istrian fishing harbour
Welcome to Rovinj
Rovinj (Rovigno in Italian) is coastal Istria’s star attraction. While it can get overrun with tourists in summer and there aren't a lot of actual sights, it remains an intensely charming place. The old town is contained within an egg-shaped peninsula, webbed with steep cobbled streets and small squares, and punctuated by a tall church tower rising from the highest point. Originally an island, it was only connected to the mainland in 1763 when the narrow channel separating it was filled.
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Rovinj activities
Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle Day Trip from Rovinj
Postojna Cave, the queen of all caves, is the best-known cave in the world. It is also the greatest tourist attraction in Slovenia and one of the world’s largest karst monuments. This is the only place in the world where the underground landscape can be traversed on an electric train and where you get to meet this underground kingdom’s most famous inhabitant – the proteus (olm) – up close. A fantastic web of tunnels, passages, galleries and halls, astonishing diversity of karst features, as well as easy access are certainly the main reasons for such popularity of the cave and a large number of visitors (more than 36 million of them in over 200 years).The Predjama Castle reigns over the surrounding area, not far from the Postojna Cave, in the idyllic village of Predjama. This picturesque, magnificent, defiant, mysterious and impregnable castle has been perched up in the middle of a vertical 123-meter high cliff for more than 800 years. Its romantic appeal is further emphasized by the idyllic Lokva River, which disappears into the underground world deep down below the castle. As the only preserved cave castle in Europe, the Predjama Castle offers a unique insight into the building techniques and resourcefulness of people in the Middle Ages, who were looking for and found a safe harbor for themselves right at the entrance into the cave. During a siege that took place in the 15th century, the castle provided a refuge for its best known and most notorious owner - Erazem of Predjama. The legend about the courageous robber baron Erazem, who remained undefeated until one of his servants betrayed him, is still in people’s minds, inspiring and alluring as ever. It was this safe abode of his which helped the brave knight resist the besiegers without much difficulty for more than a year.
Croatia,Slovenia,Bosnia & Montenegro - 8 days private tour
Day 1: ZAGREB - Welcome to Croatia´s capital. On the first day, we will pick you up at the airport or if you are already here, the adventure can start! Welcome to Croatia´s capital. On the first day, we will pick you up at the airport or if you are already here, the adventure can start! We will explore all the attractions of the city and in the evening go for a welcome dinner. Day 2: ZAGREB – BLED – LJUBLJANA – After breakfast we are going to Slovenia. First we will visit lake Bled, famous for its medieval castle situated on a cliff high above the lake and the amazing surrounding Alpine peaks. Our next stop is the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana where we will spend the night. Day 3: LJUBLJANA – ROVINJ – MOTOVUN – OPATIJA – We are back to Croatia to visit the beautiful town of Rovinj, situated on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula. On the way to Opatija where we will spend the night we will stop in a famous Istrian medival town Motovun, a fortified town located atop a 277-meter high hill. Day 4: OPATIJA – PLITVICE LAKES – ZADAR – Today we will explore the most popular national park in Croatia, Plitvice lakes! On a 4 hour tour where will have a boat and train ride we will walk around hundreds of waterfalls. In the late afternoon we will arrive in Zadar where we will spend the night. Day 5: ZADAR – TROGIR – SPLIT After breakfast we will take a very scenic drive on the Dalmatian coast where are first stop will be Trogir where your guide will take you on a walk through its narrow streets and rich history. We will visit St. Lawrence Cathedral, Radovan’s portal (the most significant medieval portal on this part of Europe), Palace of Cipico, Tower of Kamerlengo and many more. We are heading to Split to check in to the accommodation. Day 6: SPLIT – MOSTAR – DUBROVNIK - After breakfast, we are heading to Bosnia and Hercegovina where we will visit the famous city Mostar. The city of contrasts, where “the east and west meet”. In the afternoon we are on our way to Dubrovnik where we will spend the night. Day 7: DUBROVNIK – MONTENEGRO – DUBROVNIK – In the morning we are going to Montenegro. First we will visit Kotor, a small and picturesque town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, in a deep bay, at the foot of the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen. We will be going to Budva, a wonderful town on the Adriatic, a part of the Budva Riviera, famous for its sandy beaches. In the evening we are back in Dubrovnik. Day 8: DUBROVNIK departure Our tour ends and on the last day we can drive you to the airport or you can extend your stay in Croatia.
Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Rovinj
During our tour we will visit 3 famous Istrian villages where we will taste local liquors, wines, cheeses, truffle products, and marmalades. Hum, the smallest town in the world, is located in the heart of Istria that claims only 20 inhabitants. Your visit to Hum will be like a beautiful fairy tale of small Istrian towns. This hidden, picturesque region of Istria is extremely friendly to all visitors who come to marvel in the sights the town has to offer. According to local legend, Hum was built with the stones left over when giants were building towns in the Mirna River valley, an area in central Istria that includes wonderful mountain towns such as Motovun, Roč, and Bale. Apart from being famous for being the smallest town in the world, Hum recently became popular for biska, a spiced brandy made with mistletoe according to an old Hum recipe. Northern Istria, located high above the Mirna River, is home to arguably the most attractive and famous medieval town in the country – Motovun. This fascinating city that lies on top of a hill is the characteristic symbol for the inner heart of Istria. The bell tower, which was built in the 13th century in a Romanesque-Gothic style, dominates the center of the historic town from its position adjacent to St Stephen’s 17th century parish church. There are many other beautiful historic buildings that surround it. Motovun’s forest is a particularly good hunting ground for truffles, the alleged aphrodisiac fungus which grows underground and is prized for its distinctive aroma. Vineyards surround the town from all sides; Istria’s finest wines are produced from the grapes of these vineyards. The whole region is sprinkled with superb restaurants and “konobe.” Grožnjan is a small Istrian town that holds a great cultural significance not only to Croatia but worldwide. Surrounded by green hills and magical white soil, this town is a must-see for those who want to discover the treasure trove that is Istria. Because of its interesting history, Grožnjan is rich in ancient churches, prehistoric sites, medieval castles, magnificent palaces, and many other historic structures whose past glory was recovered once again through restoration. Its white soil feeds the many neighboring vineyards and olive groves. Because of all this, the area of Grožnjan is ripe with agritourism and many taverns and restaurants offer traditional Istrian cuisine to their guests. Grožnjan is also home to several national and international artists. There are as many as 28 ateliers in this small town; there is also the City Art Gallery which hosts artists’ works from around the world (even the well-known Imaginary Film Academy found its home here). In the summer, all of Grožnjan becomes a stage for world renowned jazz and classical musicians, as well as many of the other artists who have discovered the true joy of creation here.
Pula Day Trip from Rovinj
Pula, like the rest of the region, it is known for its mild climate, smooth sea, beautiful beaches, and unspoiled nature. The city has a long tradition of wine-making, fishing, shipbuilding, and tourism. It has also been Istria's administrative center since ancient Roman times.The most famous and important monument, the starting and ending point of every sightseeing tour is the Amphitheater, popularly called the Arena of Pula, which was once the site of gladiator fights. It was built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, at the same time as the magnificent Colosseum in Rome. Today it is the venue for summer performances, which can seat about 5,000 spectators. The underground passages, once used by the gladiators, nowadays host a regular exhibition of viticulture and olive growing in Istria in ancient times. The exhibits include reconstructions of machines once used for the production of olive oil, wine and amphorae used for storing and transporting olive oil and wine. During our tour 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.Historical attractions aside, Pula is a busy commercial city on the sea that has managed to retain a friendly small-town appeal. Although marred with residential and holiday developments, the coast is dotted with fragrant pine groves, seaside cafes and a clutch of good restaurants. 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.
Istria Private Day Trip from Pula
You will be picked up from your hotel, then driven to sights that you have previously chosen and advised via mail. For example, if you are in a hotel in Pula, you could be picked up at 9 am and then be driven to Motovun. There you could have a ham, cheese and truffle products tasting in a local shop. Then have a walking tour of the city. When you are done, you could have lunch in one of the local Konobas, something typical like truffles or similar. After lunch, go to Rovinj and do a sightseeing walking tour. Depending on the speed, you can have some free time in the cities, which would allow you to do something on your own as well. Usually you would be back to your hotel at approximately 5:00pm.
Highlights of Istria Full-Day Photo Tour from Zagreb
The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Zagreb, or another nearby city, at 8am. In a private vehicle, accompanied by a professional photographer and guide, head to Motovun, a small village perched above a picturesque valley. Your guide will be able to offer advice for taking some beautiful photographs as you explore Motovun's Roman fortifications, from where you can see the three corners of Istria.Photography guidance is suited to your needs and interests, as well as your equipment.Pass through vineyard-covered hills on your way to popular port town of Rovinj, with its brightly-colored houses dotted along the coastline. Visit the Church of St. Euphemia, a baroque church which dates from 1736. Admire the views of the Italian mainland across the Adriatic, before continuing to Pula, the largest city on the peninsula. This former Austro-Hungarian naval port is chock-full of fortifications, but is perhaps best known for having the sixth-largest surviving Roman amphitheater. The nearby cranes used in shipbuilding light up in different colors each night.At the end of the tour you will be dropped off back at your hotel in Zagreb, arriving at approximately 8pm.