Istria Gourmet Week

 image
general icon

A leisurely culinary journey through Croatian, Slovenian, and Italian Istria

Come hungry. Come curious. Find your pomalo.

8 days. 3 countries. 1 magical peninsula.

Some moments deserve your full attention. The aroma of a truffle freshly uncovered in the forest. The first taste of outstanding virgin olive oil. A winemaker’s story that brings the landscape into focus. A meal so enjoyable that you lose track of time.

Welcome to Istria, and a week designed to savor it.

Pomalo is your invitation to take it slowly and enjoy the moment. It embodies balance, presence, and the freedom to enjoy life without rushing: listening closely, noticing the small things, and giving yourself permission to simply be.

Explore Croatian, Slovenian, and Italian Istria through the people who bring its flavors to life. Walk alongside a truffle hunter and his dogs, taste wine and olive oil where they’re made, and settle around tables where local traditions become something you can taste, enjoy, and share.

With more than a decade devoted to Istria and over 2,500 tours, our relationships shape your journey. Chefs, winemakers, producers, and guides share their knowledge, their stories, and their affection for the places they call home.

Between these encounters, there’s room to breathe. Linger over a coffee by the Adriatic. Wander a hilltop town at your own pace. Let a conversation unfold without watching the clock. Across three countries, discover one connected culinary culture, with time to appreciate the details that make it special.

And pomalo can stay with you long after you return home—in a meal you take time to savor, a conversation you give your full attention, or a quiet moment you allow yourself to enjoy. A week in Istria can become a gentle reminder that this slower, more attentive way of living has a place in everyday life, too.

Come find your pomalo in magical Istria. Breathe slower, laugh louder, and feel more connected—with a pomalo rhythm you can carry home. Choose your departure date and join us.

Istria Gourmet Week Overview

Istria Gourmet Week Overview image

At a glance

Pricing

Pricing image

What's Included

What's Included image

What's included

7 Night's Accommodation

Accommodation & breakfast.

All Excursions

Including food, tastings & classes

All Transportation

All transportation, including airport transport to and from hotel.

All Meals

All breakfasts at hotel. All lunches and all dinners at gourmet restaurants.

Private Guide for Entire Tour

Tour guide for entire tour. Additional guides at various towns, attractions, and experiences.

What's not included

Airfare

Travel Insurance

This is very STRONGLY recommended.

Extra Tips/Gratuities

Any extra you wish to tip on your own for guides, servers, drivers, hosts.

Extra Food/Drink

Any other food/drink not provided on the tour.

Extra Experiences

Any additional experiences outside the tour.

Day 1 - Welcome to Istria

Day 1 - Welcome to Istria image

Pula Arrival, Family Welcome, and Pomalo Mindset

flight icon

Flight Arrivals

Arrival in Pula, Zagreb, Ljubljana, and Trieste airports.

transport icon

Transport to Pula, Istria

Free transportation from your airport arrival to Pula, Istria.

accommodation icon

Check-In at Hotel Amfiteatar

Settle into Hotel Amfiteatar, a small boutique hotel just a minute’s walk from Pula’s magnificent Roman Arena. Named after its ancient neighbor, the hotel offers comfortable rooms and a taste of local Mediterranean cooking, a welcoming base for exploring historic streets, strolling by the waterfront, and easing into Istrian life.

meal icon

Welcome Dinner at Restaurant La Perla

Family dinner is served at Restaurant La Perla where authentic Istrian and Italian dishes are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and signature house-made sauces. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with a glass of regional Croatian wine, before returning to the hotel for the night.

Day 2 - Pula

Day 2 - Pula image

Roman Wonders, Liquid Gold, and Adriatic Flavors

meal icon

Breakfast at Hotel Amfiteatar

The day begins with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a private guided tour of Pula.
activity icon

Private Guided Tour of Pula Old Town

Explore the magnificent Arena, a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre that once hosted gladiatorial games, discover the city's wider Roman heritage, and stroll through the Old Town with its narrow cobblestone streets and lively local atmosphere.
meal icon

Lunch at Bistro Alighieri

A light lunch at Bistro Alighieri (Danteov trg 3, Pula), a charming spot serving Italian-inspired dishes built on fresh ingredients.
activity icon

Vodnjan

In the afternoon we drive north to Vodnjan, known for its cultural heritage, ancient churches, excellent olive oil and the fascinating Vodnjan mummies.

activity icon

Kažun Park

At the Kažun Park you will see the kažuni, traditional Istrian dry-stone shelters built entirely without mortar and once used by farmers as temporary dwellings in the fields.

activity icon

Guided Olive Oil Tasting at Chiavalon

The afternoon closes with a guided olive oil tasting at Chiavalon, Recognized with Il Magnifico’s “Best Olive Oil Hospitality in Europe” award, where you will learn how Istria's celebrated extra virgin olive oils are produced and how to appreciate their aromas and flavors.

meal icon

Dinner at Ribarska Koliba

Enjoy dinner overlooking Marina Veruda at Ribarska Koliba, a MICHELIN Guide-selected restaurant with more than a century of history. Known as the “Fisherman’s Hut,” it celebrates the Adriatic’s bounty through local fish and seafood. Settle in for an unhurried evening of coastal flavors, sea views, and conversation around the table.

accommodation icon

Return to Hotel Amfiteatar

We return to the hotel for free time to explore Pula on your own.

Day 3 - Rovinj

Day 3 - Rovinj image

Rovinj Old Town, Istrian Wine, and Cooking Lesson

meal icon

Breakfast at Hotel Amfiteatar

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off from Pula for Rovinj, one of the most picturesque towns on the Adriatic coast.
activity icon

Private Guided Tour of Rovinj Old Town

A private guide leads you through the Old Town and along the waterfront, revealing the stories behind its winding lanes and colourful harbour, before free time to explore at your own pace.
meal icon

Lunch at Veli Jože

Enjoy a light lunch at Veli Jože after exploring Rovinj.
activity icon

Free Time in Rovinj

Enjoy Rovinj at your own pace, following cobblestone lanes past artists’ studios and colorful houses that rise directly from the sea. Wander toward St. Euphemia’s hilltop bell tower, settle into a waterfront café, or simply watch the boats drift by. Leave room for whatever catches your eye.

activity icon

Guided Wine Tasting at Stancija Collis Winery

In the afternoon we transfer to Stancija Collis Winery for a guided visit and a tasting of Istrian wines.
activity icon

Bale

Relax in Bale, where stone lanes wind around the Gothic-Renaissance Soardo-Bembo Palace. Local lore links the palace to repeated visits by Venetian adventurer Giacomo Casanova, drawn back by a romance with a noblewoman. Linger over a coffee, wander the quiet streets, and let the town’s stories become part of your afternoon.

meal icon

Cooking Lesson & Dinner at Amfiteatar Restaurant

Join chef-owner Deniz Zembo at Amfiteatar Restaurant for a hands-on cooking lesson blending Istrian ingredients with his inventive approach to Mediterranean cuisine. Learn techniques, share stories, and discover new possibilities in familiar flavors. Then settle around the table for dinner, savoring the dishes you helped bring to life.

accommodation icon

Return to Hotel Amfiteatar

After dinner we return to the hotel for free time in Pula.

Day 4 - Green Istria

Day 4 - Green Istria image

Truffle Trails, Hilltop Tales, and Istrian Spirits

meal icon

Breakfast at Amfiteatar Hotel

After breakfast we leave Pula and head inland to the green hills around Buzet for a two- to three-hour truffle hunt with a local hunter and his dogs, followed by a truffle tasting or a light lunch.
activity icon

Hum

Step through the gates of Hum, known as the smallest town in the world, and explore stone lanes steeped in Istrian history. This tiny settlement is also celebrated for biska, the region’s traditional mistletoe brandy. Pause, take in the quiet surroundings, and discover how much character a small place can hold.

meal icon

Distillery Aura

Stop at family-run Aura Distillery in Buzet for a taste of Istrian spirits and liqueurs crafted with handpicked wild herbs and fruits. Housed in a former wine cellar dating to 1907, Aura captures the region’s aromatic character in every sip, a small stop worth savoring.

activity icon

Truffle Hunt and Light Lunch in Buzet

Follow a local truffle hunter and trained dogs into the woods near Buzet, watching as keen noses search beneath the soil for Istria’s hidden treasures. Depending on availability, your hosts will be the Karlić, Prodan, or Zigante family. Hear their stories, breathe in the woodland air, and discover the patience and human-dog partnership behind every find.

activity icon

Motovun

Continue to the hilltop town of Motovun for sweeping views from the walls. Wander Motovun’s stone lanes, perched high above the Mirna River Valley, and pause for sweeping views of vineyards and truffle-rich forests.

activity icon

Cocktails at Rossi Winery & Distillery

Pause for a drink at Rossi Winery & Distillery in Bajkini near Vižinada, where five generations have carried on a family tradition dating to 1885. Alongside Istrian wines, the family crafts distinctive spirits and liqueurs, bringing a creative touch to its deep local roots.

activity icon

Groznjan

Enjoy a leisurely walk at your own pace through Grožnjan, Istria’s “town of artists.” Wander its medieval stone lanes, browse small galleries and artisan shops, and discover how art and music have shaped this hilltop town’s creative spirit.

meal icon

Dinner at Konoba Malo Selo

Enjoy dinner at Konoba Malo Selo near Buje, a rustic Istrian tavern with stone walls and a welcoming fireplace. Known for house-made charcuterie, fuži pasta with traditional Istrian beef sauce, and grilled meats, it offers a hearty taste of the region’s countryside cooking.

accommodation icon

Return to Hotel Amfiteatar

Day 5 - Poreč

Day 5 - Poreč image

Poreč Historic Center, Winery Visit, and Gourmet Dinner

meal icon

Goodbye Breakfast at Hotel Amfiteatar

After a final breakfast at Hotel Amfiteatar, we check out of the hotel in Pula and move north along the coast to Poreč, our base for the rest of the week.
activity icon

Visit and Tasting at Damjanić Winery

Visit Damjanić Winery in Fuškulin near Poreč for a tasting rooted in family heritage. Discover how Damjanić family blends tradition with modern winemaking.

activity icon

Guided Tour of Poreč Old Town

A private guide then leads you through Poreč's historic centre, along charming streets lined with ancient architecture, sharing stories of the city's rich history and pointing out both iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
meal icon

Light Lunch at Jaz

Enjoy a light lunch at JAZ by Ana Roš on Poreč’s waterfront, where the celebrated Slovenian chef brings her creative approach to relaxed dining. Seasonal Adriatic ingredients meet bold, globally inspired flavors in dishes.

meal icon

Specialty Cocktails at MintIQ Bar

Stop for a cocktail at MintIQ bar in Poreč, where house-made liqueurs give the drinks a distinctive local character. Sip, unwind, and discover the flavors and creativity behind the bar’s own creations.

accommodation icon

Check-In at Roxanich Winery & Design Hotel

Check in to Roxanich Winery & Design Hotel, nestled beneath Motovun overlooking the Mirna River Valley. Individually designed rooms blend bold Italian ’60s style with Istrian character, while a working winery lies beneath the hotel. Settle in, take in the countryside, and let the unhurried rhythm of inland Istria become your own.

meal icon

Dinner at Gourmet Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at Gourmet & Cardo in Poreč’s historic centre, tucked along Eufrazijeva Street. Savour fish and meat specialities in an atmospheric Old Town setting, rounding off the day with a relaxed evening around the table.

accommodation icon

Return to Roxanich Winery & Design Hotel

Day 6 - Slovenian Istria

Day 6 - Slovenian Istria image

Slovenian Shores, Olive Groves, and Wine Stories

meal icon

Breakfast at Roxanich Winery & Design Hotel

After breakfast we leave Poreč and cross into Slovenian Istria.
activity icon

Koper

Our first stop is Koper, with free time to explore the town. Enjoy free time to explore Koper at your own pace. Wander the Old Town’s narrow streets, admire the Venetian Gothic Praetorian Palace on Tito Square, or pause for a coffee and soak up the atmosphere of Slovenian Istria.

activity icon

Tour and Tasting at Lisjak Olive Oil

Discover Slovenian Istria’s “green gold” with a guided visit and tasting at the Lisjak family olive mill. Learn how the family transforms freshly picked olives into oil within four hours, then explore the aromas, flavors and peppery finish that distinguish quality olive oil.

meal icon

Light Lunch and Tasting at Santomas Winery

Enjoy a wine tasting and light lunch at Santomas in the hillside village of Šmarje near Koper. Discover the estate’s focus on Refošk and Istrian Malvasia, local grape varieties that reflect Slovenian Istria’s character, while savouring a relaxed meal in the heart of wine country.

activity icon

Portorož

Enjoy free time in Portorož, a seaside resort known for its spa traditions rooted in the nearby salt pans. Stroll along the beachfront promenade, browse the shops, or settle into a café and take in the views across the Adriatic.

activity icon

Piran

Explore Piran at your own pace, a coastal town whose prosperity grew from centuries of salt making. Wander its narrow lanes, pause in Tartini Square, or follow the waterfront to enjoy the sea views and Venetian character of this Slovenian gem.

meal icon

Dinner at Srebrna Vilica in Piran

Enjoy dinner at Srebrna Vilica, a MICHELIN Guide-selected restaurant tucked into Piran’s cobbled Old Town lanes. Its open kitchen brings you closer to the cooking, while Mediterranean dishes blend Italian influences with Istrian traditions, including fuži pasta with black truffle and pan-fried octopus.

accommodation icon

Return to Roxanich Winery & Design Hotel

Day 7 - Italian Istria

Day 7 - Italian Istria image

Taste of Italy & a Farewell to Savor

meal icon

Breakfast at Roxanich Winery & Design Hotel

After breakfast we travel to Muggia in Italy for a free walk just across the border.

activity icon

Muggia

Enjoy free time in Muggia, Italy, where narrow Venetian-style lanes lead to lively Piazza Marconi and the small Mandracchio fishing harbour. Wander at your own pace, pause for an Italian coffee, and soak up this coastal town’s blend of Istrian and Venetian character.

activity icon

Trieste

Explore Trieste at your own pace, where Habsburg elegance meets the Adriatic. Admire the seafront Piazza Unità d’Italia, browse the city’s shops, or experience its historic coffee culture.

meal icon

Lunch at Buffet da Pepi

Enjoy lunch at Buffet da Pepi, a Trieste institution serving Austro-Hungarian specialities since 1897 and officially recognised as a historic establishment. Discover its signature “caldaia” cooking, where pork cuts simmer in broth—a hearty taste of the city’s Central European heritage.

activity icon

Guided Tasting at Mate Olive Oil in Umag

Enjoy an olive oil tasting at Mate near Savudrija, where founder Mate Vekić planted his first olive tree at the age of 75. Discover the estate’s organic extra virgin olive oils, awarded a perfect 100/100 in the 2026 Flos Olei guide, and explore the flavours shaped by Istria’s red soil and coastal climate.

meal icon

Wine & Views at Monte Rosso Winery

Raise a farewell glass at Monte Rosso, where vineyards and olive groves overlook the Adriatic toward the Slovenian and Italian shores. Named for the red hill of Crveni Vrh, this estate offers a fitting setting to savor Istrian wine, share favorite memories, and linger a little longer in your pomalo.

meal icon

Farewell Dinner at Restaurant Toni in Umag

Celebrate the week with a farewell dinner at Restaurant Toni in Zambratija near Umag, recognized by Gault&Millau. Known for its seafood and half-century commitment to quality, Toni offers a welcoming setting to savor Mediterranean flavors and share memories around the table.

accommodation icon

Return to Roxanich Winery & Design Hotel

Day 8 - Departure

Day 8 - Departure image

Leave with Memories & Take Your Pomalo Home

meal icon

Farewell Breakfast at Roxanich Winery & Design Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely farewell breakfast , then check out of the hotel.

flight icon

Individual Airport Transfers

Airport transfers are arranged throughout the day according to each guest's departure to Pula, Zagreb, Ljubljana, and Trieste airports.

Map of the trip locations

Map

A. Hotel Amfiteatar

Amfiteatarska ul. 6, 52100 Pula, Croatia

B. Restaurant Pizzeria Bar La Perla

Riva 2, Pula, Croatia

C. Bistro Alighieri

Danteov trg 3, Pula, Croatia

D. Ribarska Koliba

Verudela 3, Pula, Croatia

E. Kažun Park

Vodnjan, Croatia

F. Chiavalon Olive Oil

Vodnjan, Croatia

G. Rovinj Old Town

Rovinj, Croatia

H. Stancija Collis Winery

Rovinj, Croatia

I. Meneghetti Restaurant & Bar

Stancija Meneghetti 1, 52211 Bale, Croatia

J. Motovun

Motovun, Croatia

K. Roxanich Winery

Motovun, Croatia

L. Rossi Winery

Vižinada, Croatia

M. Grožnjan

Grožnjan, Croatia

N. Konoba Malo Selo

Buje, Croatia

O. Damjanić Winery

Fuškulin, Croatia

P. BO Hotel Palazzo

Obala maršala Tita 24, 52440 Poreč, Croatia

Q. Koper

Koper, Slovenia

R. Lisjak Olive Oil Mill

Koper, Slovenia

S. Santomas Winery

Šmarje, Slovenia

T. Portorož

Portorož, Slovenia

U. Piran

Piran, Slovenia

V. Srebrna Vilica

Piran, Slovenia

W. Muggia

Muggia, Italy

X. Trieste

Trieste, Italy

Y. Buffet da Pepi

Trieste, Italy

Z. Mate Olive Oil

Umag, Croatia

AA. Restaurant Toni

Umag, Croatia
© 2026 Istria Gourmet Food Tours LLC
Your Privacy Choices
Preferences