Discover the captivating Istrian peninsula with the Istria Highlights Tour. This guided excursion takes visitors on a 7-hour journey through three medieval towns, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and culinary delights. From the world’s smallest city of Hum to the picturesque hilltop of Motovun and the artistic community in Labin, the tour promises an unforgettable experience. With local delicacies, wine tastings, and stunning views of the Istrian landscape, this tour is a must-consider for those seeking to uncover the hidden gems of this enchanting corner of Croatia. What else can this tour offer that might pique your interest?
Good To Know
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This 7-hour guided tour showcases the medieval towns of Hum, Motovun, and Labin in Istria, providing an immersive experience of the region’s history, culture, and cuisine.
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Highlights include the "smallest city in the world" Hum, the picturesque hilltop town of Motovun, and the historic, artistically vibrant town of Labin.
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The tour includes local delicacies, wine tastings, and the opportunity to explore the unique Istrian brandy, Biska, at the annual Grappa festival in Hum.
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The tour is wheelchair accessible, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexibility in planning.
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The tour departs from accommodations in Rijeka or the cruise terminal, providing convenient transportation and pickup services throughout the itinerary.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Istria Highlights Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the historic region, departing from either Rijeka or Pula.
Priced from 2,853 CZK per person, this 7-hour guided tour showcases three medieval towns – Hum, Motovun, and Labin – with a live English-speaking guide.
Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pay later. The tour is wheelchair accessible, providing a convenient and inclusive experience.
Along the way, travelers will savor local delicacies and typical products, including tastings of Motovun’s renowned Teran and Malvasia wines.
Transportation and insurance are included, with the meeting point at the customer’s accommodation or the cruise terminal.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rijeka.
Destinations and Attractions
Visitors on the Istria Highlights Tour will discover three captivating medieval towns, each with its own unique charm and history. The tour includes stops in:
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Hum: Known as the "smallest city in the world" with only 20 inhabitants, Hum is famous for its production of Biska brandy and the annual Grappa festival held every October.
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Motovun: This picturesque hilltop town features a 13th-century bell tower, the Romanesque Municipal Palace, and opportunities for truffle hunting from September to December.
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Labin: Perched atop a 320-meter hill, historic Labin is renowned for its artistic community and cultural monuments.
Throughout the tour, travelers will have the chance to savor local delicacies and sample the region’s renowned Teran red and Malvasia white wines.
Hum: Smallest City in the World
At the very heart of the Istria Highlights Tour lies Hum, a quaint village often touted as the "smallest city in the world."
With a population of just 20 inhabitants, this charming medieval town is renowned for its Biska brandy and the annual Grappa festival held each October.
Visitors can stroll through the narrow streets, admiring the well-preserved architecture and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Hum’s diminutive size is part of its unique allure, offering a glimpse into a bygone era and a chance to experience the authentic heart of Istrian culture.
This stop on the tour provides a delightful contrast to the larger medieval towns explored later on the journey.
Motovun: Medieval Hilltop Town
Situated atop a 235-meter hill, Motovun is a captivating medieval town that commands sweeping views of the Istrian landscape.
The town’s highlights include:
- A well-preserved 13th-century bell tower that offers panoramic vistas.
- The Romanesque Municipal Palace, a historical landmark dating back to the 13th century.
- Truffle hunting opportunities from September to December, as the region is renowned for its prized black truffles.
- Vineyards producing the renowned red Teran and white Malvasia wines, which can be sampled during the tour.
Visitors can enjoy Motovun’s rich history and enjoy the local culinary delights as part of the Istria Highlights Tour.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyLabin: Historic Town on Hill
Nestled atop a 320-meter hill, Labin is a historic town known for its artistic community and cultural monuments. This picturesque town boasts a well-preserved old town center, with narrow streets and charming buildings that have witnessed the region’s rich history.
Labin’s artistic heritage is evident in the many galleries and studios that dot the town, showcasing the work of local painters, sculptors, and artisans. Visitors can explore the town’s historic landmarks, such as the 13th-century St. Flor’s Church and the Renaissance-era Baroque loggia.
Labin’s hilltop location provides stunning views of the surrounding Istrian countryside, making it a popular destination for both cultural and scenic exploration.
Culinary Experience
The Istria Highlights Tour promises an immersive culinary experience, where visitors can savor the region’s renowned local delicacies and typical products.
The tour includes tastings of food and wine, allowing participants to indulge in the flavors that define Istrian cuisine.
Some highlights of the culinary experience include:
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Sampling the rich, full-bodied Teran red wine and crisp Malvasia white wine, both produced in the vineyards of Motovun.
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Tasting traditional Istrian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, such as truffles and seafood.
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Exploring the renowned Biska brandy and Grappa festival in the picturesque town of Hum.
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Discovering the diverse array of artisanal products, from olive oils to handcrafted cheeses and cured meats.
Transportation and Meeting Point
How does the transportation and meeting point work for this Istria Highlights Tour? The tour includes transportation and insurance for the entire itinerary.
Guests can meet the tour at their accommodation in Rijeka or the cruise terminal. This provides flexibility and convenience for travelers.
The tour organizers ensure a smooth pickup and drop-off, so participants can focus on enjoying the highlights of Istria without worrying about logistics.
With the included transportation, guests can sit back, relax, and take in the scenic countryside as the guide leads them to the medieval towns of Hum, Motovun, and Labin.
This hassle-free experience allows guests to make the most of their time on this comprehensive Istria tour.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Customers have shared their experiences with the Istria Highlights Tour, providing valuable feedback.
The tour has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 5 reviews. Positive comments highlight the quality of the guide and the transportation provided.
However, some suggestions for improvement include:
- Advance notice of any changes to the program.
- Clearer communication on pickup details.
- More information about the included tastings and culinary experiences.
- Opportunity to extend the tour duration or add optional activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t mention any age restrictions. It’s suitable for all ages and appears to be wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for travelers of varying abilities.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?
The tour itinerary can’t be customized, but travelers can discuss their interests with the guide. They’ll aim to accommodate individual preferences within the established schedule as much as possible.
Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?
Yes, there are group discounts available for the tour. Larger groups can save up to 15% off the per-person price by booking together. Contact the tour provider for more details on group pricing and availability.
Can I Take My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour doesn’t allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. All tastings and culinary experiences are included in the tour price. Bringing outside food or beverages is generally not permitted, as it interferes with the planned program.
How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing individuals with disabilities to participate fully. Accommodations are made to ensure all guests can comfortably enjoy the sights and experiences throughout the day.
Sum Up
The Istria Highlights Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to discover the charm and cultural richness of three captivating Istrian towns. From the world’s smallest city of Hum to the picturesque hilltop of Motovun and the artistic community in Labin, this guided tour provides an immersive experience, showcasing the region’s stunning landscapes, delectable local delicacies, and captivating heritage. The tour’s reasonable price and inclusions make it an enticing choice for those seeking an unforgettable Istrian adventure.
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