Experience Istria at the most delicious time of year… Visit during olive harvest and white truffle season as you taste your way through Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, explore colorful coastal towns and hilltop villages, and finish your journey in Slovenia’s charming capital.

Seven nights in Poreč—with your own room: Settle into one comfortable base on the Istrian coast. Every traveler has a private room, with no roommate pairing or single supplement.

Three countries in one trip: Begin near Venice, explore Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula and coastal Slovenia, then visit Postojna Cave before finishing in central Ljubljana.

Farm-to-table Istria: Visit an organic goat-cheese farm, meet a local honey producer and enjoy a private fish-preparation workshop with a seafood lunch featuring Piran sea bass.

Olives & truffles at harvest time: Visit a family-owned olive estate while the harvest is underway, then join a private truffle hunt followed by a tasting and light lunch.

Welcome to Italy! Arrive in Venice and make your way to the hotel, conveniently located on the mainland. There are no scheduled activities today, so you can arrive at your leisure, settle into the hotel, and rest before our journey begins tomorrow.

Included:

• Activities: None

• Meals: None

• Accommodation: Hotel in Italy

This morning, we’ll leave Venice behind and travel east to the elegant Miramare Castle, dramatically positioned above the Adriatic Sea. Built for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria, the castle’s ornate rooms and waterfront gardens offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the Habsburg era.

For lunch, we’ll visit a traditional osmiza in the countryside outside Trieste. Found throughout this border region, osmize are family-run farmsteads that open their doors to serve their own wine alongside generous platters of local cheeses, cured meats and other simple regional specialties. We’ll gather around the long communal tables at Gabrovec Osmiza for a relaxed, informal lunch served family-style.

Afterward, we’ll continue to Trieste, an atmospheric port city shaped by Italian, Austrian and Slovenian influences. Known as Italy’s coffee capital, Trieste has a café culture unlike anywhere else in the country and is the birthplace of the internationally known illy coffee company. You’ll have free time to wander through its handsome streets, stop for coffee at one of its historic cafés, sample gelato from a local gelateria or simply enjoy the lively waterfront.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll cross into Croatia and continue to Poreč. After time to settle into the hotel, we’ll meet for a short orientation walk through the old town before you enjoy the evening and dinner at your leisure.

Included:

• Activities: Miramare Castle and free time in Trieste

• Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

• Accommodation: Hotel in Poreč

This morning, we’ll visit the family-owned Chiavalon estate during Istria’s olive harvest season. We’ll walk through the olive grove, visit the mill, and learn how freshly harvested olives are transformed into some of the region’s most highly regarded extra-virgin olive oils. A guided tasting will introduce us to the different flavors and aromas of premium olive oil, with time afterward to browse the estate shop.

We’ll then continue into the Istrian countryside for a visit to Kumparička, a family-run organic goat cheese farm known for its artisan cheeses. After seeing the farm and learning about its traditional cheesemaking process, we’ll sit down for a leisurely farm-to-table lunch featuring seasonal ingredients, homemade focaccia and a selection of the farm’s cheeses.

Later this afternoon, we’ll visit Rovinj, one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Istria. You’ll have free time to explore its colorful harbor, browse the small shops lining its cobbled lanes, or make your way up through the old town toward the Church of St. Euphemia. We’ll return to Poreč in the early evening.

Included:

• Activities: Chiavalon Olive Oil Estate, Goat cheese farm, Rovinj

• Meals: Breakfast and farm lunch

• Accommodation: Hotel in Poreč

Today is yours to enjoy exactly as you please. Slow down with a leisurely morning by the pool, stroll along Poreč’s waterfront promenade or wander through the narrow streets of its historic old town. You may also wish to visit the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica, known for its beautifully preserved Byzantine mosaics.

Those interested in exploring farther afield can travel to Pula to see its remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater and explore the old town. If the weather is favorable, there may also be an opportunity to arrange an optional private boat excursion, which will be confirmed a day or two in advance.

Whether you choose to explore, relax or enjoy a little of both, the day is entirely yours.

Included:

• Activities: Free day (activities at your own expense)

• Meals: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Hotel in Poreč

Today is devoted to one of Istria’s greatest culinary treasures: the truffle—and we’ll be visiting at the height of white truffle season! We’ll venture into the forests near Motovun for a private truffle hunt alongside an experienced hunter and specially trained dogs, learning how these elusive delicacies are found beneath the forest floor.

Afterward, we’ll visit the family-owned truffle house. Its founder famously discovered the largest white truffle ever recorded, putting Istria firmly on the world’s culinary map. We’ll taste a selection of truffle specialties before sitting down to a light, truffle-inspired lunch.

Just around the corner, a local honey producer will introduce us to the distinctive honeys of the region, along with natural skincare products and medica, a traditional honey-infused grappa.

We’ll then explore Motovun, a beautifully preserved medieval town perched high above the surrounding vineyards and forests. Our day concludes at one of the region’s finest family-owned wine estates, where we’ll taste native Istrian wines while taking in breathtaking views across the hills toward Motovun.

Included:

• Activities: Private truffle hunt, truffle tasting, organic honey producer, Motovun and wine tasting

• Meals: Breakfast, light truffle lunch

• Accommodation: Hotel in Poreč

Today, we’ll cross into Slovenia for a day exploring the flavors and traditions of its Adriatic coast. Our first stop is the Sečovlje Salt Pans, where sea salt has been produced using traditional methods for centuries. During a short guided visit, we’ll learn how seawater, sunshine and wind come together to create Piran salt and the delicate fleur de sel for which the region is known.

Nearby, we’ll visit the family-owned Fonda Fish Farm for a private fish-preparation workshop and lunch. We’ll learn about the family’s thoughtful approach to raising Piran sea bass before preparing and enjoying a fresh seafood meal seasoned with local olive oil and salt from the neighboring pans.

This afternoon, we’ll continue to Piran, a picturesque seaside town filled with Venetian architecture, narrow lanes and colorful waterfront buildings. After a short orientation walk, you’ll have free time to explore its inviting boutiques and specialty salt shops, where you can browse locally harvested sea salts, salted chocolates, natural skincare and other beautifully packaged gifts. There are a  few small tastings of Piran’s distinctive salt products in the shops as well!

Included:

• Activities: Sečovlje Salt Pans visit, private fish-preparation workshop, and guided walk in Piran

• Meals: Breakfast and seafood lunch featuring Piran sea bass

• Accommodation: Hotel in Poreč

We’ll begin the day at a family-owned wine estate for a guided tasting of four Croatian sparkling wines. We’ll learn about the traditional production process and discover how Istria’s climate and native grape varieties shape each wine.

We’ll then continue to Grožnjan, a small medieval hill town known for its artists, galleries and cobbled lanes. After a short orientation walk, you’ll have time to explore independently, browse the galleries and visit shops selling locally made products. Those interested can stop at Aura to sample and shop for small-batch Croatian brandies, liqueurs, fruit preserves and jams and chocolates.

Lunch will be served at a welcoming local tavern, where we’ll share a selection of freshly prepared pizzas—including Grožnjan’s flavorful truffle pizza.

This afternoon, we’ll make an informal visit to one of Istria’s most beautiful family-owned wine estates—one we simply couldn’t leave out. Rather than a formal tasting, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine and wander around the picturesque property at our own pace. The estate is known for ageing its wines in traditional terracotta amphorae and has played an important role in pioneering the natural and orange wine movement in this part of the region.

Included:

• Activities: Sparkling wine tasting, Grožnjan, Aura tasting, and visit to an Istrian wine estate

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Accommodation: Hotel in Poreč

Enjoy another unhurried day in Poreč. You might return to a favorite café, browse the shops of the historic center, book a massage or wellness treatment, or simply relax beside the Adriatic.

This evening, we’ll gather for dinner at a long-standing Poreč restaurant located directly on the waterfront and less than a minute’s walk from our hotel. Its menu highlights fresh seafood, Mediterranean flavors, and traditional Istrian dishes accompanied by regional wines—a lovely way to celebrate our time together in Istria before continuing to Slovenia.

Included:

• Activities: Free day in Poreč

• Meals: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Hotel in Poreč

Today, we’ll leave the coast behind and travel deeper into Slovenia to visit Postojna Cave, one of Europe’s most remarkable cave systems. Our visit begins aboard the cave’s famous underground train, which carries us through a landscape of towering stalactites, immense chambers and extraordinary rock formations. We’ll then continue on foot with a local guide to explore more of this fascinating subterranean world.

After the visit, you’ll have time to enjoy a light lunch at one of the cafés or restaurants within the cave park before we continue to Ljubljana.

Upon arrival, we’ll check into our centrally located hotel, just steps from the heart of Slovenia’s charming capital. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to explore at your own pace. Wander along the Ljubljanica River, browse the old town, ride the funicular to Ljubljana Castle or settle into one of the city’s inviting riverside cafés before choosing somewhere for dinner.

Included:

• Activities: Postojna Cave, free time in Ljubljana

• Meals: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Ljubljana Hotel

Today is completely free for you to spend however you wish. You might explore more of Ljubljana’s historic center, browse its shops and markets, visit a museum, relax at a riverside café, or enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Those who would like to venture beyond the city may choose to take an optional excursion to Lake Bled. Surrounded by forested hills and the Julian Alps, the emerald-colored lake is known for its tiny island, picturesque church, and medieval castle overlooking the water.

After returning to Ljubljana, enjoy your final evening at leisure. As it is Halloween, there may also be outdoor events and seasonal celebrations taking place around the city.

Included:

• Activities: Optional activities (at your own expense)

• Meals: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Hotel

The optional Lake Bled excursion is not included and can be arranged separately.

Our harvest journey through Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia comes to an end today. After breakfast, check out of the hotel and continue with your individual onward travel arrangements. Safe travels home!

Included:

• Activities: None

• Meals: Breakfast

• Accommodation: None

*Itinerary is subject to change.