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Small group tour package 11 days in Croatia

Croatian Istria 11 days exploring. Cultural circle tour from Pula. Medieval hilltop towns, famous coastal towns. Wine tasting.

tour ID: #647


all seasons tour

Tour summary

Medieval hilltop towns, famous coastal towns. Wine tasting. Get a seat on Monterrasol Travel small group minivan tour.

This page describes details of the multi-day small group car tour #647 offered by Monterrasol Travel. We, Monterrasol Travel, are an independent tour operator specialized in cultural and destination tourism. This sightseeing tour has been developed by Monterrasol Travel for small groups travelers based on our own experiences and belongs to the group of car tours with pre-designed itineraries. If you like this tour but you would like to change something, please do not hesitate to contact us and mention the ID number of this tour: #647. The custom itinerary will cost you nothing, it's free from our side.

The tour will start and finish in Pula, Croatia, and will take 11 days (10 nights). During this tour you will visit such places and attractions as Morosini, Zminj, Sveti Petar u Šumi (Sveti Petar u Sumi), Pazin, Labin, Belaj, Buzet, Petrapilosa, Motovun, Grožnjan (Groznjan), Buje, Umag, Baredine, Poreč (Porec), Rovinj, Bale, Vodnjan, located in Croatia.

Overall, with this tour you will visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 1 site from the UNESCO Tentative List (sites that were submitted to the World Heritage Committee, and are awaiting to consider for nomination, and therefore suitable for inscription on the World Heritage List).




Additional information

We will pick you up at any hotel or place, in or around Pula. Drop-off can be at the same place as pick-up or, upon request, in another location.

We, at Monterrasol Travel, practice the Slow Tourism philosophy. That means that we work our tours at a gentle pace with no rush, allowing our clients to have a more authentic experience and a true exploration of each destination that features in our itineraries.

Our tour prices include accommodation in 3-star hotels, which are usually not near historical centers with pedestrian streets. If you would like better accommodation in terms of location and quality level, please contact us.

This small group tour is available for solo travelers as well. Please contact us for details.

We provide for this tour a special discount for pensioners (seniors citizens).

We recommend you consider traveling off-season. Advantages of traveling off-season.



Photo gallery

Photo gallery of attractions involved in this tour.

Poreč (Porec), Croatia - Croatian Istria 11 days exploring. Cultural circle tour from Pula. Monterrasol Travel small group minivan tour.
Poreč (Porec), Croatia
Monterrasol Travel small group minivan tour.
Rovinj, Croatia - Croatian Istria 11 days exploring. Cultural circle tour from Pula. Monterrasol Travel small group minivan tour.
Rovinj, Croatia
Monterrasol Travel small group minivan tour.

This tour starts from €4,057

Tour description

Introduction

Join us on an 11-day in-depth cultural exploration circle tour from Pula, crafted for elderly, mature travelers, and people interested in culture who love cultural aspects, local cuisine, and scenic roads in a relaxing, easy way, following the Slow Tourism philosophy. This year-round journey takes you through the enchanting peninsula of Istria, visiting medieval hilltop towns, coastal gems, fortresses, monasteries, UNESCO sites, wineries, and hidden corners of this beautiful region.

From the Morosini Castle and the Sveti Petar u Sumi monastery to the dramatic Pazin cave, from the historic town of Labin to the hilltop towns of Buzet, Motovun, Groznjan, and Buje, from the Baredine cave to the Euphrasian Basilica in Porec, from the romantic coastal town of Rovinj to the traditional ethno restaurant in Vozilici, and finally to the wineries of Belaj, Motovun, and Vodnjan – every day brings a new discovery. Experience cultural aspects and local cuisine at their best, all on scenic roads at a gentle pace with no rush.


Day after day description

Day 1. We depart from Pula and will come to explore Morosini Castle, a fortified Renaissance castle with a rich history. We then continue to see the Defensive Tower in Zminj, a medieval fortified structure, and then come to see the Sveti Petar u Sumi monastery, a Benedictine monastery founded in the 11th century and one of the best-preserved Romanesque monastic complexes in Istria. After that, we will come to Pazin for accommodation.

Day 2. After first night in Pazin, we will need to explore this dramatic hilltop town, the capital of Istria's interior. We visit the Citadela, a historical landmark, the medieval castle that inspired Jules Verne's novel 'Mathias Sandorf'. We then explore Jama Cave (Pazin Abyss), a 130-meter deep vertical sinkhole where the Pazincica River disappears underground. We also visit St. Nicholas Church and enjoy a tasting at a local winery, sampling Istria's fine wines. We stay another night in Pazin.

Day 3. After 2 nights in Pazin, we will travel to Labin, a charming hilltop town in eastern Istria. We will explore the Gorica historical center, walk through St. Flora Gate, admire the Scampicchio Palace, and visit the Matthias Flacius Illyricus museum, dedicated to the famous Reformation theologian born in Labin. We then continue to see the ethno restaurant in Vozilici, a traditional Istrian konoba where we can experience authentic local cuisine. After that, we will return to Pazin for accommodation.

Day 4. After 3 nights in Pazin, we will travel toward Belaj, and on the way visit Possert, a former castle, which ruins now easy accessible thanks to modern renovation. Belaj is a small Istrian settlement with traditional stone houses, nowadays feature beautifully preserved estate with winery, where we enjoy a tasting of their excellent Istrian wines. After that, we will come to Buzet for accommodation.

Day 5. After first night in Buzet, we going to explore this charming hilltop town, known as the 'town of truffles', wandering through its historical center and enjoying the views over the Mirna River valley. We then will come to see Petrapilosa Castle, a medieval fortress with a turbulent history of wars and reconstructions, and after that we will return back to Buzet for accommodation.

Day 6. After 2 nights in Buzet, we will travel to Motovun, one of Istria's most famous hilltop towns. We will explore its cultural monument (UNESCO Tentative List Site) – the well-preserved medieval core with its Venetian Gothic buildings and town walls. We then come to explore a local winery where we enjoy a tasting of Istrian wines, particularly the white Malvazija variety, known for its fresh, floral character. This night we will stay in Motovun.

Day 7. After staying in Motovun, we going to travel to Groznjan, a charming hilltop town known as the 'town of artists', and explore its picturesque streets and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary church. We then continue to see Buje, another beautiful hilltop town with stunning views over the Istrian countryside. After that, we will come to Umag for accommodation.

Day 8. After staying in Umag, we come to explore the Baredine Cave, a fascinating underground world of stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes. After that, we will come to Porec for accommodation.

Day 9. After first night in Porec, we will explore the Euphrasian Basilica complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a 6th-century Byzantine church famous for its stunning gold-ground mosaics depicting the Virgin Mary and saints. We also will wander through Porec's historical center with its Romanesque and Gothic buildings. We stay another night in Porec.

Day 10. After 2 nights in Porec, we will travel to Rovinj, one of Istria's most beautiful coastal towns. We will explore its historical center with narrow cobbled streets and colorful houses, visit the hilltop St. Euphemia Church (Catholic), a Baroque masterpiece with a towering campanile, see Balbi's Arch, a 17th-century Venetian gate, and explore the Batana Ecomuseum (UNESCO World Heritage Site), dedicated to the traditional fishing boat 'batana' and the maritime heritage of Rovinj. We then will continue to see Bale, a charming medieval hilltop town, to explore its well-preserved historical center. After that, we will come to Vodnjan for accommodation.

Day 11. After staying in Vodnjan, we explore local St. Blaise church, known for housing the relics of saints and a collection of sacred art. We then visit the Ecomuseum and Bettica Palace, which showcase the local heritage and history. We then come to Babos Winery, where we enjoy a tasting of their excellent wines, completing our Istrian wine journey. Finally, we travel to see Kazun Park, a unique open-air museum featuring traditional Istrian dry-stone shelters called 'kazuns', and then return to Pula, where our memorable journey concludes.


Conclusion

This 11-day in-depth cultural exploration delivers a wonderfully relaxed immersion into the historical, cultural, and culinary splendors of Istria, enriched by tastings of local Malvazija wine and visits to traditional ethno restaurants. We warmly invite you to travel with us – at a gentle pace, without hurry – to experience the timeless allure of Pazin, Labin, Buzet, Motovun, Groznjan, Porec, Rovinj, Vodnjan, and their enchanting surroundings. This tour is provided by a company specialized in Croatia.



Border crossing for this trip

This tour does not require border crossing.



Money and payments

In each country of your trip you can use main credit and debit cards. You can use ATM to withdrawal cash or pay at purchase point with card. More information on currencies, payments, and use cards you can read on this our page: On the trip: currencies, payments, card use.




Last reviewed: 5 June 2026

Tour itinerary

Tour starts in: Pula, Croatia

day 1: travel to Morosini, visit Morosini castle, travel to Zminj to see Defensive tower historical landmark, travel to Sveti Petar u Sumi to see Sveti Petar u Sumi monastery; travel to Pazin for accommodation

day 2: visit Pazin hilltop town, visit Citadela historical landmark in Pazin, visit Jama cave in Pazin, visit St Nicholas church in Pazin, visit Pazin winery + wine tasting; accommodation in Pazin

day 3: travel to Labin, visit Gorica historical center in Labin, visit St. Flora gate in Labin, visit Scampicchio palace in Labin, visit Matthias Flacius Illyricus museum in Labin, travel to Vozilici to see Vozilici ethno restaurant; travel to Pazin for accommodation

day 4: travel to Possert, visit Possert historical place, travel to Belaj to see Belaj historic house, visit Belaj winery + wine tasting; travel to Buzet for accommodation

day 5: visit Buzet hilltop town, visit Buzet historical center, travel to Petrapilosa to see Petrapilosa castle; travel to Buzet for accommodation

day 6: travel to Motovun, visit Motovun hilltop town, visit Motovun cultural monument (UNESCO Tentative List Site), visit Motovun winery + wine tasting; accommodation in Motovun

day 7: travel to Groznjan, visit Groznjan hilltop town, visit Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary church in Groznjan, travel to Buje to see Buje hilltop town; travel to Umag for accommodation

day 8: travel to Baredine, visit Baredine cave; travel to Porec for accommodation

day 9: visit Euphrasian complex basilica in Porec, visit Euphrasian complex mosaic in Porec, visit Porec historical center; accommodation in Porec

day 10: travel to Rovinj, visit Rovinj historical center, visit St Euphemia church in Rovinj, visit Balbi's Arch gate in Rovinj, visit Batana Ecomuseum museum (heritage) in Rovinj, travel to Bale to see Bale historical center; travel to Vodnjan for accommodation

day 11: visit St Blaise church in Vodnjan, visit Ecomuzej museum in Vodnjan, visit Bettica palace in Vodnjan, visit Babos winery + wine tasting in Vodnjan, travel to Kazun Park to see Kazun Park tourist attraction; return to Pula

Tour finishes in: Pula, Croatia

Planned distance of this tour: 344 km




What is a good itinerary for a multi-day tour

How to understand if this itinerary is good for you? Read our advice: what is a good itinerary for a multi-day tour.


If you like this small group tour and itinerary but you would like to change something, please do not hesitate to contact us and mention the ID number of this tour: #647. We do not charge for development a custom car tour itinerary, it will cost you nothing. We will be glad to discuss with you the details of your future trip and plan it following your ideas and wishes.

Visited places during the tour

Our tour will pass several towns and places along the route. Each town and place has something to offer from a tourist's point of view. We will stop in each place and explore its attractions. The exact attractions for each place or town can be seen in the tour's itinerary.

Here is the list of places visited during this tour, in the order they appear in the itinerary.


Morosini, Croatia

Known for castle, fortress, museum

The Morosini-Grimani Castle from the 13th century is a Croatian historical gem due to an impressive blend of medieval architecture with distinct Renaissance features, makes it a photographer's paradise and an architectural enthusiast's delight.



Zminj, Croatia

Known for historical landmark



Sveti Petar u Šumi (Sveti Petar u Sumi), Croatia

Known for catholic monastery



Pazin, Croatia

Known for castle, cave, museum (ethnographic), tourist attraction, waterfall, catholic church

Pazin is a charming historical town situated in the central part of the Istrian peninsula in western Croatia. Pazin occupies a strategic inland position, which has earned it the well-deserved nickname "the heart of Istria". The magnificent medieval castle is undisputed crown jewel of Pazin, and is the largest and best-preserved fortress in all of Istria.



Labin, Croatia

Known for gate, hilltop town, historical center, medieval old town, museum (ecclesiastical), museum (National), museum (open-air), palace, viewpoint

Labin is a captivating medieval town perched on a hill 230 meters above the eastern coast of the Istrian peninsula in western Croatia. The town lies approximately 3 kilometers inland from the Adriatic Sea, and its elevated position provides spectacular views over the Kvarner Bay and the nearby island of Cres.



Belaj, Croatia

Known for castle, historic house, historical place, ruines, winery + wine tasting

Belaj is a small picturesque village located in the Istrian peninsula, Croatia. The settlement sits on a small hill at an elevation of around 210 metres, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. The stunning Baroque Belaj Castle estate, heart of the village, now is a functioning winery and cultural destination.



Buzet, Croatia

Known for brewery, distillery, hilltop town, historical center, medieval old town, museum (history), palace, viewpoint, waterfall

Buzet is a charming medieval town perched on a hilltop in the northern part of the Istrian peninsula in western Croatia, former Roman outpost Piquentum. Buzet is known as the "City of Truffles" or "Truffle Capital of Croatia". Buzet provide unique combination of medieval hilltop charm, world-class gastronomy, and authentic cultural experiences.



Petrapilosa, Croatia

Known for castle, ruines



Motovun, Croatia

Known for gate, hilltop town, medieval old town, viewpoint, walls, winery + wine tasting, catholic church; cultural monument is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Motovun is a captivating medieval village perched high on a hill in central Istria, western Croatia, approximately 270 metres above sea level. It dominates the verdant valley of the Mirna River, surrounded by rolling vineyards and the famous Motovun Forest. This breathtaking setting, reminiscent of the iconic landscapes of Tuscany, makes it a prime destination for travellers seeking authentic charm.



Grožnjan (Groznjan), Croatia

Known for gate, hilltop town, historical center, viewpoint, walls, catholic church

Groznjan is a stunning medieval hilltop settlement perched at around 230 metres above sea level in the northwestern part of the Istrian peninsula. Its dominant position offers breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding vineyards, olive groves, and the distant Adriatic Sea. From 1965, the town experienced the Artistic Renaissance, and was officially declared the "Town of Artists", making it one of the most significant artistic hubs in Croatia.



Buje, Croatia

Known for fortress, hilltop town, museum (ethnographic), walls, catholic church

Buje is a picturesque hilltop town in the northwestern part of the Istrian peninsula in Croatia. The historic heart of Buje is a fine example of medieval architecture with strong Venetian Renaissance influences. The town offers a perfect counterpoint to the busier coastal resorts, providing a quiet, culturally rich escape in the heart of Istria.



Umag, Croatia

Known for coastal town



Baredine, Croatia

Known for cave, museum

Baredine Cave is a stunning natural monument located in the Istrian peninsula in Croatia, about 6 kilometers of the coastal town of Poreč. The guided tour of Baredine Cave lasts approximately 40 minutes and takes visitors along a 300-meter-long pathway descending to 60 meters below the ground.



Poreč (Porec), Croatia

Known for beach, coastal town, historic house, historical center, mosaic, promenade, walls, catholic basilica; basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; mosaic is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Poreč is almost 2,000 years old town on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula. Its major landmark is the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coast of Poreč has been one of the most visited tourist destination in Croatia.



Rovinj, Croatia

Known for coastal town, gate, historical center, marina, museum (heritage), promenade, viewpoint, walls, catholic church; museum (heritage) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Rovinj is a stunning coastal city located on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula in Croatia. This picturesque settlement, once an island, is now a coastal gem connected to the mainland and is one of the most popular tourist resorts on the Adriatic coast, known for its scenic coastline and pristine forests.



Bale, Croatia

Known for cave, historical center, palace, catholic church

Bale is a charming medieval village located in the heart of the Istrian peninsula, approximately halfway between the coastal cities of Pula and Rovinj. Bale offers an intimate and authentic glimpse into traditional Istrian life, with its compact historic core, with its cobblestone streets and stone houses, feels like a living museum.



Vodnjan, Croatia

Known for historical center, historical landmark, museum (heritage), palace, catholic church



Tour map

Tour starts in: Pula, Croatia

Tour map for #647 Medieval hilltop towns, famous coastal towns. Wine tasting. Get a seat on Monterrasol Travel small group minivan tour.

day 1: Morosini castle; Zminj, Defensive tower historical landmark; Sveti Petar u Sumi monastery; accommodation in Pazin
day 2: Pazin hilltop town; Pazin, Citadela historical landmark; Pazin, Jama cave; Pazin, St Nicholas church; accommodation in Pazin
day 3: Labin, Gorica historical center; Labin, St. Flora gate; Labin, Scampicchio palace; Labin, Matthias Flacius Illyricus museum; accommodation in Pazin
day 4: Possert historical place; Belaj historic house; Belaj winery + wine tasting; accommodation in Buzet
day 5: Buzet hilltop town; Buzet historical center; Petrapilosa castle; accommodation in Buzet
day 6: Motovun hilltop town; Motovun cultural monument; Motovun winery + wine tasting; accommodation in Motovun
day 7: Groznjan hilltop town; Groznjan, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary church; Buje hilltop town; accommodation in Umag
day 8: Baredine cave; accommodation in Porec
day 9: Porec, Euphrasian complex basilica; Porec, Euphrasian complex mosaic; Porec historical center; accommodation in Porec
day 10: Rovinj historical center; Rovinj, St Euphemia church; Rovinj, Balbi's Arch gate; Rovinj, Batana Ecomuseum museum (heritage); accommodation in Vodnjan
day 11: Vodnjan, St Blaise church; Vodnjan, Ecomuzej museum; Vodnjan, Bettica palace; Vodnjan, Babos winery + wine tasting; return to Pula

Tour finishes in: Pula, Croatia

Planned distance of this tour: 344 km

Availability of this tour

Please check below for the availability of this small group tour for a specific month and year. In addition, for this tour, a 30 days cut-off period is in effect.

Of course, you are always welcome to contact us with questions about availability.

Check availability for specific period:

Date

Availability of this tour

14 August 2026, Friday

not available

15 August 2026, Saturday

not available

16 August 2026, Sunday

not available

17 August 2026, Monday

not available

18 August 2026, Tuesday

not available

19 August 2026, Wednesday

available

20 August 2026, Thursday

available

21 August 2026, Friday

available

22 August 2026, Saturday

available

23 August 2026, Sunday

available

24 August 2026, Monday

available

25 August 2026, Tuesday

available

26 August 2026, Wednesday

available

27 August 2026, Thursday

available

28 August 2026, Friday

available

29 August 2026, Saturday

available

30 August 2026, Sunday

available

31 August 2026, Monday

available

1 September 2026, Tuesday

available

2 September 2026, Wednesday

available

3 September 2026, Thursday

available

4 September 2026, Friday

available

5 September 2026, Saturday

available

6 September 2026, Sunday

available

7 September 2026, Monday

available

8 September 2026, Tuesday

available

9 September 2026, Wednesday

not available

10 September 2026, Thursday

not available

11 September 2026, Friday

not available

12 September 2026, Saturday

not available

13 September 2026, Sunday

not available

14 September 2026, Monday

not available

15 September 2026, Tuesday

not available

16 September 2026, Wednesday

not available

17 September 2026, Thursday

not available

18 September 2026, Friday

not available

19 September 2026, Saturday

not available

20 September 2026, Sunday

not available

21 September 2026, Monday

not available

22 September 2026, Tuesday

not available

23 September 2026, Wednesday

not available

Price from

Amount of people

price
per person per season

off-season

high season

2

€ 4,514

€ 5,409

3

€ 4,356

€ 5,219

4

€ 4,204

€ 5,036

5

€ 4,057

€ 4,859

SRS

€ 451

€ 541

The min amount of people in this tour: 2
The max amount of people in this tour: 5

This small group tour is available all year round.

SRS means single room supplement.

Prices above depend on the season. Read our pricing policy.

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What the tour includes

• transport with driver

• transportation in car with air conditioner

• the car is minivan by default

• company's tour guide

• English spoken driver and tour guide

• tour guide all the time with you

• accommodation in 3-star hotels or pensions

• accommodation with breakfast only





What the tour does not include

• lunch and dinner

• accommodation in single rooms

• hotel tourist tax

• professional tour guide

• entry fees and tickets

• flights tickets

• ferry tickets

• travel insurance

• country visas





Safe Travels

The Safe Travels stamp allows travelers to recognize destination companies around the world that have implemented health and hygiene protocols that are aligned with WTTC's Global Safe Travels Protocols.

Monterrasol Travel Small group tours has implemented health and hygiene protocols. Monterrasol Travel is the Safe Travels company.

Monterrasol Travel Small group tours has implemented health and hygiene protocols. Monterrasol Travel is the Safe Travels company.





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