Istria, Croatia: Walks & Orchids

Istria, Croatia: Walks & Orchids Overview

Explore the heart-shaped peninsula of Istria on foot and enjoy fresh farm cuisine on a week-long trip. Discover Pula Arena, the best preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world, the mediaeval fortified town of Dvigrad, Rovinj’s picturesque harbour, the hilltop town of Motovun with its 14C battlements and Byzantine frescoes in Hum, the smallest ‘town’

Istria, the large heart-shaped peninsula at the head of the Adriatic, is divided between Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. Roman, Venetian and Italian for much of its history, it is a delightful discovery, offering ancient ports and fishing villages along the coast and mediaeval hilltop towns and fresco-filled churches inland. The naturalists will appreciate the region’s diverse habitats, ranging from dry Mediterranean grassland and maquis to karst upland covered by beech and oak forests.

Gastronomy features highly in the Istrian lifestyle. Special dishes make the best of fresh fish and seafood. Truffles, both black and white, grow in the forests. Croatia’s most innovative wine makers are found in Istria and every farmer makes his or her own sheep’s cheeses, olive oil and pršut (the distinctive local version of prosciutto).