Full-Day Shore Excursion to Istria From Opatija or Rijeka

Rovinj , Croatia

Full-Day Shore Excursion to Istria From Opatija or Rijeka

Active

8h - 9h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Istria is a region with rich history and exceptional gastronomy. Be charmed by this unique region and all it has to offer.

Tour includes visiting Rovinj, Poreč, and Motovun.

Rovinj and Poreč are magnificent coastal towns with rich history and beautiful scenery. Ideal for history enthusiasts and photography lovers.
Motovun is located in the heart of Istria, on a hilltop surrounded by the famous Motovun forest, rich with black and white truffles.

Istria is called small Tuscany for a good reason and this tour is going to show you what makes Istria - "terra magica".

Available options

Full-Day Shore Excursion to Istria From Opatija or Rijeka

Pickup included

What's included

Truffle tasting

Detailed itinerary

The largest baroque church in Istria dominates Rovinj from its hilltop location in the middle of the old town.

It's modeled on the campanile of St Mark’s in Venice and is topped by a 4m copper statue of St Euphemia, who shows the direction of the wind by turning on a spindle.

The visit includes the church and climbing up the bell tower.

It takes 45min drive from Pula to here.
If we meet at Rovinj it takes a 7 min walk to reach the church.

Where the Balbi’s Arch stands today, there used to be the main gate to the fortified city of Porton della Pescheria. The old gate was pulled down in 1678/79 and the Balbi's Arch was built in its place.

The Arch is located in the heart of the city - port.
Walk around Rovinj old town takes about 20-30 minutes

Stop 3

Inhabited since prehistoric times, Porec has a long and tumultuous past. Take a walk on an ancient Roman street, and see the remains of a Roman forum and ancient temples.

Drive from Rovinj to Poreč takes around 45 min.

One of the oldest and best-preserved examples of early Byzantine architecture in the Mediterranean region.

Motovun is one of Istria’s most beautiful and best-preserved medieval hilltop settlements.
Taste truffles and take a walk on ancient city walls.

Drive from Poreč to Motovun takes around 40 min.

After a walking tour of Motovun, we are heading for lunch to a local agrotourism. The drive takes 10 min.

Lunch will last around 1h.
Then we will have a 1h30 drive back to the meeting point.

What's not included

Gratuities

Entrance fee to Euphrasian basilica $7.1 USD per person

Entrance for Motovun walls $5 USD Per person

Coffee and/or Tea

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Rovinj

Rovinj is a charming coastal town in Istria, known for its Venetian architecture, narrow cobbled streets, and stunning Adriatic views. It's a blend of Italian and Croatian cultures, offering a rich historical tapestry, vibrant art scene, and beautiful natural surroundings.

Top Attractions

St. Euphemia's Basilica

A stunning 18th-century Baroque church dedicated to Rovinj's patron saint, offering panoramic views of the town and the Adriatic Sea.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry to the church, €3 for the bell tower

Rovinj Old Town

A labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets filled with Venetian-style buildings, charming squares, and hidden gems.

Historical/Cultural Half-day to full-day Free to explore

Golden Cape Forest Park

A beautiful forested park with walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.

Nature 2-3 hours Free entry

Rovinj Aquarium

A small but fascinating aquarium showcasing the marine life of the Adriatic Sea.

Museum 1-2 hours €5 for adults, €3 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fuži with Truffles

Handmade pasta with a creamy truffle sauce, a specialty of the Istrian region.

Main Course Contains gluten and dairy

Brodet

A traditional fish stew made with a variety of local seafood and flavored with garlic and vinegar.

Main Course Contains seafood and dairy (optional)

Peka

A slow-cooked dish of meat or seafood with vegetables, cooked under a bell-like lid with hot coals.

Main Course Can be made with various proteins and vegetables

Istrian Prošek

A sweet dessert wine made from local grapes, often paired with cheese or desserts.

Drink Contains sulfites

Popular Activities

Hiking in Golden Cape Forest Park Kayaking and paddleboarding in the Adriatic Sea Beach relaxation at Porton Brio Spa and wellness treatments Exploring the old town Visiting local art galleries and museums Swimming and snorkeling Boat tours and fishing

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the peak tourist season with warm, sunny weather perfect for beach activities and exploring the town. The sea is at its warmest, ideal for swimming and water sports.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Croatian
Widely spoken: Italian, English, German
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

CET (UTC+1), CEST (UTC+2 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rovinj is generally a safe destination with low crime rates. However, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, especially in tourist areas and during the peak summer season.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas
• Use licensed taxis and agree on a price before starting your journey

Getting there

By air

Pula Airport • 40 km
Trieste Airport • 70 km

By bus

Rovinj Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport. They are affordable and frequent, but schedules can be irregular.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Camme, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town Carera Porton Brio

Day trips

Pula

35 km • Half-day to full-day

A historic Roman city with well-preserved amphitheaters, temples, and a beautiful coastline.

Lim Fjord

15 km • Half-day

A scenic fjord-like inlet with clear waters, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque villages.

Brijuni National Park

10 km • Full-day

A group of 14 islands with a rich history, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife.

Festivals

Rovinj International Film Festival • July Rovinj Jazz Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit the old town in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds
Explore the narrow cobbled streets and hidden squares to discover local art galleries, shops, and cafes
Try local Istrian dishes, such as fuži with truffles, brodet, and peka, paired with local wines
Take a boat tour to nearby islands and beaches, or rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the Adriatic Sea
Visit the Golden Cape Forest Park for scenic walking trails, picnic spots, and panoramic views of the town and the sea