Cres Island boat trip with barbecue lunch and swim stop

Summer tour of Slovenia’s Lake Bled with castle and boat ride

Slovenia is easily accessible from Istria. And this tour explores one of its most picture-postcard areas – Lake Bled, with its emerald-coloured waters and turreted castle framed against the backdrop of the Julian Alps.

Istrian hilltop villages tour with local speciality tasting

Legend has it that in the Mirna valley lived giants who each built a hilltop hamlet. And this tour takes you to two of them. Istria's green hills are a place of mythical beauty, and nowhere more so than in the fairytale villages of Grožnjan and Oprtalj. Ivana, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Grožnjan was suffering from depopulation in the middle of the 20th century, so artists and musicians were encouraged to come and use its empty houses as studios. Today, there are about 40 ateliers and a popular summer music festival. Adding to the cultural mix, both villages have strong Italian communities.'Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through Istria's hills to Grožnjan – the artists' colony straddling a ridge. Wander its cluster of lanes lined with handsome stone-built homes, looking out for ancient churches and palaces. If you like arty souvenirs, the many galleries and shops are a great place to browse for handmade gifts such as jewellery, prints, textiles and fine art.Next, it's time to take a break with a tasting of local Istrian delicacies, along with wine and olive oil at a typical tavern. Rounding off the day is a visit to peaceful Oprtalj. With a long history stretching back to Roman times, there's a clutch of historic buildings to admire, including the Venetian loggia and the 16th-century St George's church, located at the top of the hill overlooking the town. When you arrive at Oprtalj, your guide will show you around steep stone alleys boasting countryside views.

Ancient Istria tour from Pula including Bale, Rovinj and Poreč

Istria is an enticing mix of ancient seaside towns, vine-clad countryside and hilltop villages. Island views, good wine and delicious dishes vie for your attention. This full-day tour takes in some of Istria's star turns, including the historic village of Bale and the seaside gems of Rovinj and Poreč. You'll also tuck into a tasty lunch at a countryside restaurant in Grzini. Mauro, one of our expert local guides, says "we pack lots in on this tour. From traditional Batana fishing boats bobbing at the port in Rovinj to enjoying some typical dishes of Central Istria, plus the Byzantine Basilica in Poreč, you'll get a true insight into our region."Your adventure kicks off in Bale, a hilltop village of narrow cobbled alleys lined with medieval stone houses and Venetian palaces and churches. Wander the mazy old town before heading to Rovinj on the Adriatic coast, where the Venetian influence is everywhere. Occupying an egg-shaped peninsula, it's a treasure trove of winding streets that lead to the baroque Church of St Euphemia, whose slender belfry dominates the skyline.Then it's time to make our way to the hamlet of Grzini to feast on a typical Istrian lunch in the countryside, and after your meal we'll swing back to the coast to explore Poreč. This ancient town on a headland is now as famed for its modern bars and clubs as its Euphrasian Basilica, one of the most beautifully preserved monuments of Early Byzantine art in the whole of the Mediterranean, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ancient Istria Tour from Rovinj including Pula and Lunch

At the crossroads between Latin and Slavic Europe, Istria offers up the best of both worlds. It packs a lot into its small territory, so this tour shows off the best bits – rustic villages, Roman ruins, Byzantine basilicas and a taste of its world-class food scene. You'll visit Pula, Gržini and Poreč, enjoying scenic landscapes between stops. Karla, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘You'll get to see a side of Istria that most visitors miss when you visit Gržini village for a homemade lunch. You'll taste maneštra – a traditional Istrian country dish – and drink malvazija, the ‘queen' of Istrian wines, in a farm-to-table restaurant.'Kick off the day in Pula, spread around a bay in the south of the peninsula. This storied town is home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, but that's just the tip of the iceberg – Pula boasts a wealth of ancient relics. Must-sees include the Temple of Augustus and the triumphal arch, while there are also Byzantine and baroque churches as well as a Habsburg fortress.Next, we'll head inland to the hamlet of Gržini for a traditional Istrian lunch, washed down with local wine, before returning to the coast to explore Poreč. Set on a compact headland, we'll walk the old Roman streets of Decumanus and Cardo Maximus up to the most important monument in town – the Euphrasian basilica, one of the most beautifully preserved monuments of early Byzantine art in the Mediterranean, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Half-day guided tour of Trieste with panoramic bus tour

A lively port city on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, Trieste is a city where culture and history mingle with the sea's salt-scented breeze. On this half-day guided tour, you'll explore a city shaped by Latin, Slavic and Germanic cultures. Marco, our expert local guide says, “I love showing people around Trieste – it's packed with history, and you can see it in the city's architecture. Every corner has a story to tell.”You'll start your tour with a panoramic bus ride around Trieste, where your guide will point out the city's main landmarks. Then, you'll stop at Piazza Unita d'Italia, the largest sea-facing square in Europe with views of the Adriatic Sea, for a guided tour. Your guide will share tales of the square's past, its role in shaping the city's identity, and its impressive architecture. The square is surrounded by some of the city's most historic buildings, like the Palazzo del Municipio – the town hall – and Palazzo Lloyd Triestino, an old shipping headquarters.Next, you'll have a couple of hours of free time to see Trieste at your own pace. As you wander through the old town, you'll see the mix of architectural styles, from Roman ruins to grand neoclassical palaces. Once you've had your fill of sightseeing, there are plenty of cafes where you can stop to recharge. Why not visit the iconic Caffe San Marco, known for its intricate interior, antique decorations, and frescoes lining the walls? Finally, head back to Piazza Unita d'Italia for the scenic drive back to your hotel.

Kvarner Bay tour with Opatija, Lovran and Croatian specialties

The coastline of Kvarner Bay is peppered with beautiful towns and historic locations. On this tour, you'll visit two of its most eye-catching spots – the hilltop fort of Mošćenice and the cosmopolitan seaside resort of Opatija.

Ancient Istria tour from Poreč including Rovinj, Pula and lunch in Gržini

Istria is a melting pot of cultures where historic towns and delicious dishes vie for your attention. This full-day tour takes in some of its star turns, including Rovinj, Grzini and Pula. You'll also tuck in to a lunch of tasty local specialities.

Vintage van tour through Slovenian olive groves with tastings

At the top of the Adriatic, where Italy, Croatia and Slovenia jostle for coastline, you'll find a stretch of Istria that's dedicated to the ancient art of olive growing. Your tour at the stylish Lisjak Estate in Koper blends the heritage of premium olive oil with lashings of tastings and a dash of vintage flare. You'll travel through the estate in lovingly restored vans, as Marko, a local expert guide explains, “These 1970s vans may look nostalgic, but they tell a real story – this was how families moved olives from grove to mill before technology did the heavy lifting.”You'll begin your day crossing the border from Croatia to Slovenian Istria, where the coastal landscape shifts to a sea of olive groves and vineyards. First up, there's a guided tour of the olive mill. It's a surprisingly modern space, given its rustic surroundings, but it takes technical precision to create their award-winning olive oil. The proof is in the tasting, which you'll do plenty of with a professional guide explaining the oil's signature peppery flavour.The highlight of the tour is the 90-minute safari through the rolling olive groves and coastal vineyards. You'll travel in a fleet of beautifully restored vintage vans that help transport you back to the glamour and style of the 1970s. Round off the tour with a platter of local delicacies in the grounds of the estate. Istrian prosciutto, air-dried by the bora wind, and artisan cheeses are perfectly paired with chilled local Malvasia wine. On your journey back to Croatia, make sure you bag a window seat to squeeze every last drop out of your Istrian adventure.

Unforgettable Venice from Porec including Novigrad & Umag

Built on more than 100 islands, Venice is famed for its network of dusky-blue canals, lined with elaborate architecture and criss-crossed by beautiful stone bridges. And this day trip from Istria to Venice sees you crossing the Adriatic Sea by boat for a chance to explore with free time in this romantic Italian city.You'll arrive in style into San Basilio pier, right in the heart of Venice, to begin your discovery of 'La Serenissima.' As you wander through this fabled place, there's plenty of time to spot some of the city's highlights. Don't miss the legendary St Mark's Square – a piazza dominated by the beautiful Byzantine basilica of St Mark and its belfry.Maybe take a gondola ride, find as many bridges as you can and dip in and out of classic eateries – there's loads to do here. You'll make your own way to the port to leave Venice in the early evening and return to Croatia having seen one of Italy's top cities.

Unforgettable Venice from Pula including Medulin

Built on more than 100 islands, Venice is famed for its network of dusky-blue canals, lined with elaborate architecture and criss-crossed by beautiful stone bridges. And this day trip from Istria to Venice sees you crossing the Adriatic Sea by boat for a chance to explore with free time in this romantic Italian city.You'll arrive in style into San Basilio pier, right in the heart of Venice, to begin your discovery of 'La Serenissima.' As you wander through this fabled place, there's plenty of time to spot some of the city's highlights. Don't miss the legendary St Mark's Square – a piazza dominated by the beautiful Byzantine basilica of St Mark and its belfry.Maybe take a gondola ride, find as many bridges as you can and dip in and out of classic eateries – there's loads to do here. You'll make your own way to the port to leave Venice in the early evening and return to Croatia having seen one of Italy's top cities.