Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting landscapes of Istria with the "Villages of Istria Walk" tour. This self-guided adventure in Croatia invites you to explore the picturesque hilltop towns of Groznjan, Motovun, and Buzet, and visit Hum, the smallest town in the world. Traverse the historic Parenzana railway trail, now a scenic path through vineyards and olive groves, and hike in the breathtaking Ucka Nature Park. Delight in the region's rich cultural heritage and savor local culinary delicacies. Stay in charming 3-4 star family-run hotels and guesthouses, renowned for their warm hospitality and excellent cuisine. With daily luggage transfers and comprehensive route notes, this tour offers a seamless blend of nature, history, and gastronomy, perfect for those seeking an authentic Istrian experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in the Buje area
Location: Buje
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Buje area
Make your own way to your joining hotel in the Buje area. Tonight at 7pm you will meet with our local representative who will provide you with your information pack including hotel vouchers, maps, luggage tags and route notes. They can also assist with logging into your app and instructions for use if needed. As a guide, we use hotels in either Volpija or Kaldanija on the standard trip, or Brtonigla or Nova Vas with the upgrade, your base for 2 nights.We can assist with an airport transfer directly to your accommodation in Buje, please ask for our rates. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Walk through vineyards and olive groves from Brtonigla to the Buje region (4-5hrs)
Location: Brtonigla, Buje
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Buje area
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning starts with a 10 minute transfer to Brtonigla to start your first walk. Surrounded by acres of vineyards and olive groves, you'll follow paths that lead through meadows and woods. Along the way you can stop to sample the superb local wines and olive oils. After around 3 hours of walking you'll reach Buje, a small hilltop town for which the region is named. Take a stroll through the town and admire the breathtaking view of terraced fields, vineyards and olive groves below. Continue along a former railway track back to your hotel. Overnight as before.
Walk: 16-18km/10-11.2mi. +268m/880ft, -278m/912ft
Day 3 : Walk from Groznjan to Motovun on the Parenzana trail (7-8hrs or 5-6hrs)
Location: Groznjan, Livade, Motovun
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Motovun
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, today starts with another 10 minute transfer, this time taking you to the Parenzana rail trail. The Parenzana railway was a narrow gauge Austrian railway connecting Trieste with Porec, winding through a series of Istrian towns and was in operation from 1902 to 1935. Today the tracks have been converted to wonderful walking and cycling paths. Today's walk starts in Groznjan, a delightful town full of art and culture, and with spectacular views. You'll walk through rolling landscapes and Istrian vineyards, and pass through several tunnels and over old bridges before reaching the village of Livade. Livade is the truffle capital of Istria and here you can taste the local truffles. Continue to the hilltop village of Motovun and your hotel.
Walk: 25km/15.6mi. +511m/1676ft, -573m/1879ft.
*A shorter option is available today: 20km/12.5mi, 5-6hrs.
Day 4 : Loop walk from Motovun (4-5hrs)
Location: Motovun, Brkac
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Motovun
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's hike you will start from your hotel descending from the hilltop to the walking trail which guides you through wineyards to the small village of Brkac where you can have a typical istrian lunch in a local tavern. On the Parenzana trail you head back to Motovun. On the way back you can stop in a small winery to taste local wines. Overnight in Motovun.
Walk: 15km/9.4mi. +451m/1479ft, -452m/1482ft
Day 5 : Transfer to Oprtalj, walk through forests, fields and villages to Buzet (5-6hrs)
Location: Oprtalj, Sv. Ivan, St Lucija, Pietrapelosa Castle, Mali Mlun, Buzet
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Buzet
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast you'll transfer to Oprtalj (15mins), a picturesque town in the heart of the Istrian peninsula. Here the Istrian Mountain Trail will lead you through an untouched natural landscape. You begin by walking downhill into the forest, passing Sv. Ivan (St John) village, then St Lucija with its beautiful church. En route you'll enjoy one of the best views over the Mirna river valley. The trail continues past the Pietrapelosa castle and down into the valley. Later you'll walk uphill towards the village of Mali Mlun and on to the beautiful town of Buzet. Overnight Buzet.
Walk: 18km/11.25mi. +496m/1626ft, -700m/2296ft.
*A shorter walk of 8km/5mi or 2-3hrs is possible.
Day 6 : Loop walk to Hum, the smallest town in the world (7-8hrs or 3-4hrs)
Location: Buzet, Hum
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Buzet
Meals Included: Breakfast
You have two options for today, either a loop walk from Buzet to Hum or transfer to Hum (not included) and walk from Hum to Buzet. Leaving from Buzet the walk starts along the river, before heading into the forest. Along the way there are waterfalls, lakes, natural pools and an old watermill. The trail continues following the riverbed, passing through the abandoned village of Bencici with its traditional stone houses. From here you can see Hum in the distance. Hum is the world's smallest town and it won't take you long to stroll its two streets. If you eat lunch in Hum you'll be sure to enjoy traditional Istrian dishes, as this is all the 'konoba' (restaurant) offers. Return on foot to Buzet.
Walk Buzet to Hum: 12.5km/7.8mi. +343m/1125ft, -138m/453ft
Walk Hum to Buzet: 12km/7.5mi, +145m/475ft, -333m/1092ft
Day 7 : Transfer to Poklon, walk to Ucka mountain (1401m) and on to Lovran (4-5hrs)
Location: Poklon, Učka Mountain, Lovran
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Lovran
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will be transferred to Poklon (30 mins) which sits in a valley between two hills. The walk today takes you to the top of Ucka mountain, the highest in Istria (at 1401m). Once you've reached the summit be sure to pause and enjoy the panoramic view. From the summit you can see Kvarner Bay and its many coastal towns. On a clear day you might even be able to see Venice! From here you'll walk all the way down to the sea, along a peaceful trail through oak and chestnut forests. Overnight in Lovran. Walk: 15km/9.4mi. +783m/2568ft, -1692m/5550ft. *A shorter walk is possible. This walk is 6km/4mi or 2 hours, with an ascent of 28m/92ft and a descent of 382m/1253ft.
Day 8 : Trip concludes
Location: Lovran
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes this morning after breakfast in Lovran.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-4 star hotels and guesthouses -
7 breakfasts
Enjoy 7 breakfasts during your stay.
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7 nights in 3-4 star hotels and guesthouses
Stay for 7 nights in 3-4 star hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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Information pack with route notes and maps
Receive an information pack with route notes and maps per room booked and a Navigational App.
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Welcome briefing
Attend a welcome briefing at the start of your tour.
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Daily luggage transfer
Benefit from daily luggage transfer, 1 bag per person, 20kg maximum.
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Transfers as noted in the itinerary
Transfers are included as noted in the itinerary.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline is provided.
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Travel to the Buje area and from Lovran
Travel to the Buje area and from Lovran is included.
What's Not Included
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Lunch, dinner and drinks daily
Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included daily.
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Transfers not included as part of the itinerary
Transfers not included as part of the itinerary are excluded.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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GPS Garmin Oregon 450 or Etrex 35 hire
GPS Garmin Oregon 450 or Etrex 35 hire is available for a supplement.
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Tour guide
This is a self-guided walk, so a tour guide is not included.
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Solo traveler or single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
Grading
GRADE 3 - This is a self guided walk with average daily stages of between 3-8 hours, although on the longer days there are options to shorten the walks. The terrain varies from paved and cobblestone streets (during village exploration) to single-track trails with loose stones or gravel, rocky paths, ancient ruins, and sets of ancient stone steps. The trails are often exposed to the sun and weather conditions may be harsh at times (even in summer), and you will need to be comfortable walking in such conditions. A good level of fitness is required for this trip. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Transfers are included as noted in the itinerary, with private arrival and departure transfers available for an additional supplement. Travel to the Buje area and from Lovran is also included.
Accommodation
The accommodation on this walking trip consists of small charming family-run 3 and 4-star hotels and guesthouses. Many are renowned for their excellent cuisine and all offer a warm welcome to hikers with traditional hospitality and an authentic experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Villages of Istria Walk?
The accommodation consists of small charming family-run 3 and 4-star hotels and guesthouses, known for their excellent cuisine and traditional hospitality.
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Are meals included in the Villages of Istria Walk tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, but lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included daily.
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Is there a tour guide provided for the Villages of Istria Walk?
No, this is a self-guided walk, so a tour guide is not included.
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What is the luggage transfer policy during the tour?
Daily luggage transfer is included, with a limit of 1 bag per person, weighing a maximum of 20kg.
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What is the difficulty level of the Villages of Istria Walk?
The tour is graded as a level 3 walk, requiring a good level of fitness, with daily stages ranging from 3 to 8 hours. The terrain varies and can include paved streets, single-track trails, and rocky paths.
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Are there any additional costs for solo travelers on the Villages of Istria Walk?
Yes, a supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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What kind of support is available in case of emergencies during the tour?
An emergency hotline is available for support during the tour.
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Is travel insurance included in the Villages of Istria Walk tour?
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the tour package.
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What is the starting point of the Villages of Istria Walk?
The tour starts in the Buje area, with the joining hotel located in either Volpija or Kaldanija.
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What is the final destination of the Villages of Istria Walk?
The tour concludes in Lovran, Croatia.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Villages of Istria Walk
8 Days Starting in Volpija or Kaldanija, Croatia and ending in Lovran, Croatia
Visiting: Buje, Brtonigla, Groznjan, Livade, Motovun, Brkac, Oprtalj, Sv. Ivan, St Lucija, Pietrapelosa Castle, Mali Mlun, Buzet, Hum, Poklon, Učka Mountain, Lovran ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
VIW
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
