Istria Highlights Tour

7-day Istria road trip: Rovinj, Pula, Motovun

7 days • Moderate difficulty • Est. €720

Day 1: Arrival in Rovinj & Old Town Exploration

Arrive in Rovinj, settle into accommodation, and explore the charming Old Town, including the iconic Grisia Street.

  • 10:00

    Arrival and Transfer to Hotel

    Arrive at Pula Airport or ferry terminal and transfer to your hotel in Rovinj. Check-in and freshen up.

  • 11:30

    Walk Down Grisia Street

    Stroll down the famous cobblestone Grisia Street, lined with art galleries and shops. Enjoy the panoramic views of the harbor.

  • 13:30

    Lunch in Old Town

    Enjoy a light lunch at a traditional konoba (tavern) near the waterfront.

  • 15:00

    Rovinj Heritage Museum & St. Euphemia's Church

    Visit the Heritage Museum to learn about the city's history and climb the bell tower of St. Euphemia's Church for panoramic views.

  • 17:00

    Sunset at the Harbor

    Relax at a harbor-side cafe, watching the sunset over the Adriatic.

Meals: Lunch at Old Town Rovinj , Dinner at Rovinj Waterfront

Where to stay: Stay in Rovinj Old Town for easy access to attractions. Recommended areas: near St. Euphemia's Square or Grisia Street.

Getting around: Walking is sufficient for exploring the Old Town. Use taxis or shuttles for airport transfers.

Day 2: Coastal Gems: Umag and Poreč

Drive north to Umag to see the marina, then head south to Poreč to explore the historic Marafor Square and Euphrasian Basilica.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Umag

    Drive from Rovinj to Umag (approx. 45 mins).

  • 10:00

    Umag Marina

    Visit the prestigious Umag Marina, known for its Blue Flag status and 515 berths. Walk along the promenade.

  • 12:00

    Lunch in Umag

    Fresh seafood lunch at a marina-side restaurant.

  • 14:00

    Drive to Poreč

    Drive south to Poreč (approx. 45 mins).

  • 15:00

    Marafor Square & Old Town

    Explore Marafor Square, the heart of Poreč's Old Town, surrounded by restaurants and historic buildings.

  • 17:00

    Coastal Walk

    Walk along the Poreč peninsula towards the lighthouse.

Meals: Lunch at Umag Marina , Dinner at Poreč Old Town

Where to stay: Return to Rovinj or stay in Poreč for variety. Rovinj is recommended as a central base.

Getting around: Car rental is essential for this day. Parking is available in both towns.

Day 3: Roman Heritage in Pula

Dedicate the day to Pula, focusing on its impressive Roman ruins, including the Arena and Twin Gates.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Pula

    Drive from Rovinj to Pula (approx. 45 mins).

  • 10:00

    Twin Gates (Dvojna Vrata)

    Visit the Roman-era twin arches, marking the ancient entrance to the city.

  • 12:00

    Lunch in Pula

    Lunch near the Arena or in the city center.

  • 13:30

    Pula Arena

    Explore the 6th-century Roman Amphitheater, one of the largest surviving Roman arenas. Walk around the exterior and visit the museum inside.

  • 16:00

    City Center Stroll

    Explore the streets around the Forum and Temple of Augustus.

  • 18:00

    Return to Rovinj

    Drive back to Rovinj.

Meals: Lunch at Pula City Center , Dinner at Rovinj

Where to stay: Stay in Rovinj.

Getting around: Car rental required. Parking near the Arena is available.

Day 4: Istrian Heartland: Hilltop Villages

Venture inland to explore the medieval hilltop towns of Grožnjan, Oprtalj, and Buzet, known for art, truffles, and wine.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Grožnjan

    Drive from Rovinj to Grožnjan (approx. 45 mins).

  • 10:00

    Grožnjan & St. Vitus Church

    Explore the 'Town of Artists'. Visit the Baroque St. Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia Church with its 18th-century altar.

  • 12:00

    Lunch in Grožnjan

    Lunch at a local restaurant with views of the Motovun Forest.

  • 13:30

    Drive to Oprtalj

    Short drive to Oprtalj.

  • 14:30

    Oprtalj Loggia Square

    Visit the 16th-century Venetian Loggia with panoramic views of the Mirna Valley.

  • 16:00

    Buzet & Bigatto Palace

    Visit Buzet, the 'City of Truffles'. Explore Bigatto Palace, which houses the heritage museum.

  • 18:00

    Return to Rovinj

    Drive back to Rovinj.

Meals: Lunch at Grožnjan , Dinner at Rovinj

Where to stay: Stay in Rovinj.

Getting around: Car rental essential. Roads are narrow but scenic.

Day 5: Medieval Charm: Bale, Novigrad, and Hum

Explore the smallest city in the world (Hum), the coastal town of Novigrad, and the artistic town of Bale.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Hum

    Drive from Rovinj to Hum (approx. 40 mins).

  • 10:00

    Hum: The Smallest City

    Visit Hum Parish Church (Church of the Assumption of Mary) with its 12th-century Glagolitic inscriptions. Explore the medieval walls.

  • 12:00

    Lunch in Hum

    Traditional lunch at a local konoba.

  • 13:30

    Drive to Novigrad

    Drive to Novigrad.

  • 14:30

    Novigrad Medieval Walls

    Walk along the Venetian medieval walls with Renaissance towers. Enjoy the harbor views.

  • 16:00

    Bale & St. Mary Magdalene Church

    Visit the Baroque oval church in the historic town of Bale.

  • 18:00

    Return to Rovinj

    Drive back to Rovinj.

Meals: Lunch at Hum , Dinner at Rovinj

Where to stay: Stay in Rovinj.

Getting around: Car rental essential.

Day 6: Pazin Cave and Rabac Coast

Explore the underground wonders of Pazin Cave and the coastal beauty of Rabac.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Pazin

    Drive from Rovinj to Pazin (approx. 45 mins).

  • 10:00

    Pazin Cave

    Explore the underground lake and enjoy zip lines (optional) in Pazin Cave.

  • 12:00

    Lunch in Pazin

    Lunch in the town of Pazin.

  • 13:30

    Drive to Rabac

    Drive to the coastal town of Rabac.

  • 14:30

    St. Andrew’s Chapel (Rabac)

    Visit the historic coastal chapel with panoramic views of the Kvarner Gulf.

  • 16:00

    Beach Time in Rabac

    Relax on the pebble beach in Rabac.

  • 18:00

    Return to Rovinj

    Drive back to Rovinj.

Meals: Lunch at Pazin , Dinner at Rovinj

Where to stay: Stay in Rovinj.

Getting around: Car rental essential.

Day 7: Relaxation and Departure

Enjoy a final morning in Rovinj, last-minute shopping, and departure.

  • 09:00

    Breakfast in Rovinj

    Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe.

  • 10:30

    Last-Minute Shopping

    Browse local shops for souvenirs, olive oil, and wine.

  • 12:30

    Farewell Lunch

    Final lunch in Rovinj.

  • 14:00

    Transfer to Airport

    Transfer to Pula Airport for departure.

Meals: Breakfast at Rovinj , Lunch at Rovinj

Where to stay: Check out of hotel.

Getting around: Car rental return or taxi to airport.

Practical Information

The optimal time to visit Istria for a seven-day tour is late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September–October). During these shoulder seasons, temperatures are mild, ranging from 20°C to 25°C, making hiking and sightseeing comfortable without the intense heat or crowds of July and August. Summer offers vibrant nightlife and full coastal accessibility, but accommodation prices peak and roads become congested. Winter is quiet, with many coastal tourist facilities closed, though inland towns like Motovun retain a charming, albeit chilly, atmosphere. Transportation is best managed by renting a car upon arrival at Pula Airport or via ferry from Venice. While Rovinj is accessible by bus, a private vehicle is essential for efficiently exploring the interior hilltop towns of Motovun, Grožnjan, and Oprtalj, as public transport between these villages is infrequent. For those preferring not to drive, private driver services are available for transfers between Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, and Istria, though this significantly increases costs and reduces flexibility for spontaneous stops. Accommodation should be centered in Rovinj, which serves as an ideal base due to its central location and excellent ferry connections. Staying in Rovinj’s Old Town provides easy access to restaurants and the harbor, while nearby coastal villages like Fažana offer quieter alternatives. For a more rustic experience, consider agriturismo stays in the Istrian countryside, which often include wine and truffle tastings. Booking well in advance is crucial during peak summer months. Budget considerations should account for higher costs in Istria compared to inland Croatia. Expect to pay premium rates for hotels in Rovinj and Pula during July and August. Car rentals, fuel, and parking fees in historic towns add up, so budget accordingly. Many attractions, such as walking through Old Towns, are free, but entry to Pula’s Arena or Brijuni National Park requires tickets. Dining costs vary; local konobas offer affordable traditional meals, while waterfront restaurants in Rovinj are pricier. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for summer, but include layers for cooler evenings and inland visits. Comfortable walking shoes are mandatory for cobblestone streets in Motovun and Pula. Bring sunscreen, hats, and swimwear for coastal days. If visiting in spring or autumn, pack a light rain jacket. Finally, carry cash for small purchases in rural areas, as card acceptance is not universal in smaller truffle farms or family-run konobas.

Book your stay

More Itineraries

← Back to Itineraries