ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Zagreb, Rovinj
After landing at Zagreb International Airport, your driver will meet you at the arrivals hall and take you to your hotel or villa in Rovinj. During this 3-hour drive, the driver will suggest several stops for a refreshment or a great photo opportunity. Rovinj is often considered one of the most romantic cities in Croatia with its Italianesque charm, winding cobblestone streets of the old-town and quaint cafes and eateries in postcard-worthy squares. Ask your travel advisor for their favorite restaurants, cafes, and entertainment spots in Rovinj.
DAY 2
Istria Terra Magica Tour
Experience the unique landscapes and landmarks of Istria during this full-day tour. After meeting your driver at the hotel, you will head to Pula, the largest town of the Istrian peninsula with a history spanning over 3 000 years. Accompanied by a private guide, wander through its renowned monuments built in the Roman Empire such as the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi or the Golden gate, the Twin gates, the Roman Forum, the Temple of Augustus, and surely the most popular one of all, the Arena, bearing the title of the best-preserved amphitheater in the world. After the seaside city of Pula, it is time to discover Istrian rolling hills, and the best way to experience this romantic landscape is by visiting Motovun. This captivating walled town is perched on a 277m hill in the lush Mirna River valley and its lost-in-time views over the verdant valley, are reminiscent of a fairy tale illustration. Motovun is renowned for its food, wine, truffles, and vibrant art scene. You will have plenty of time to explore the town, shop for souvenirs, and optionally sit down for a relaxing lunch. Your guide will be happy to recommend the best establishment to suit your tastes.
DAY 3
Day at Leisure
This is the day for well-deserved me-time. Indulge in a relaxing couple’s SPA treatment, soak up the sun by the pool or the beach, explore the surroundings, or take a leisurely walk down to Rovinj old town.
DAY 4
Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle (Slovenia)
Just a 2-hour drive from Rovinj you can visit the mysterious underworld of Postojna caves underworld and tour this unique environment on a train. The caves are a maze of stalactite forms, tunnels, passages, galleries, and halls. Following the cave tour, you will visit the picturesque Predjama Castle, settled in the middle of a vertical 123-meter-high cliff overlooking the River Lokva, which disappears deep down below the castle. A castle as stunning as Predjama not only visually grips you at first sight, but if you investigate the local legend, you’ll find a fascinating story and an unresolved mystery wrapped up in its rock-clad walls. According to the legend, the castle was a hiding place of Erasmus of Lueg, a knight and a well-known robber baron who built secret passageways throughout the complex to hide his loot. After you finish exploring this fascinating dwelling, you will start your journey back to Rovinj.
DAY 5
Istrian Wine Tasting on an Exclusive Estate
Since the early 19th century, this hidden rural estate in Southern Istria surrounded by lush greenery and dark red soil has been considered one of the beautiful mansions in the Mediterranean. Once a refuge for Austro-Hungarian army officers is now a luxury wine hotel and winery, producing some of the most renowned wines in the area. Tour the estate to learn more about the cultivation of autochthonous grape varieties, hand-pruning methods, and contemporary technologies used in the production of wines to reflect the uniqueness of Istria. Finally, reward your taste buds with a full wine tasting that includes 7 wines and a sampling of local delicacies.
DAY 6
Rovinj to Zagreb
After breakfast and check-out, your driver will be waiting to take you to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Once you reach your centrally located hotel, you will have the rest of the afternoon at your disposal so feel free to ask your travel advisor for their favorite restaurants, cafes, and nightspots in the city.
DAY 7
Plitvice Lakes National Park
After breakfast you will meet your driver-guide and head towards one of the most beautiful National Parks in the world – Plitvice Lakes. Located just under 2 hours’ drive from Zagreb, this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of 16 lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls, and set in deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars, and rare bird species. Set your own pace, stroll down to Veliki Slap (the largest waterfall in the park), and if you wish to have lunch in the area, the driver will be more than happy to recommend the best and most scenic restaurants before continuing back to Zagreb.
DAY 8
Day at Leisure
Spend the day exploring the bustling heart of Zagreb, the main square, visit one of many museums or opt for a guided tour of the city that will immerse you into the tales and legends of this great city.
DAY 9
Departure Day
Your private driver will meet you at the hotel lobby to transfer you from the hotel to Zagreb International Airport for your flight back home.