5-day Istria Grand Tour
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5-day Istria Grand Tour
BalkanJourneys
Available for hire
Everything you need to know to make a perfect circle around Istria, Croatia in 5 days.
Traveling around this pristine peninsula shaped by Roman, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian influences, you NEED a guide. Touristy "Blue Istria" (the coastal part) and untouched "Green Istria (inside of the peninsula) have both their secrets. You need a friend who's seen it all, and who knows tricks to show you the way. I have been that friend many times, and I want to support you in your exploration too.
Let this be your guide around Istria. I have spent years exploring every part of Istria and I won't stop. Do you know why? Because it is still full of secrets, which can be uncovered with the next visit. I'm putting my best recommendations, and experience into this 5 days itinerary.
What's Included:
📝 5-day itinerary to guide you through Istria (day-by-day activities to uncover Istrian secrets)
🤩 Top things to do and see (they will help you to fill your days)
🍴 Places to eat (recommendations where to taste the best Istrian cuisine)
🛏 Acoomodations to rest after busy days
🍷 Where to taste the best glasses of Istrian wines
Of course, you can prepare an itinerary like that by yourself. But you will still worry yourself if you miss some hidden Istrian secret. Or you can download this guide and instantly feel confident that you'll be able to see and do everything you want.
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1. day: PULA
To slowly slip into a true "Istrian vibe" the biggest city in the region should be your first stop. Although its coastal side is quite industrial, its Old Town has a special vibe and it is worth visiting. This place was inhabited for thousands of years and therefore there is much to see and do in this town.
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Pula Arena
@BalkanJourneys
It is the biggest arena outside of Italy, that was built by Romans . At the same time, it is one of the best preserved and it is still used as a place for cultural events. Well known Pula Film Festival takes place in July every year. It is a great opportunity to watch some movies in the ambient of an old Roman auditorium.
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Temple of Augustus
@BalkanJourneys
The Temple of Augustus was in the times of Pietas Iulia (the Roman name for Pula) dedicated to a Roman emperor. It is well-preserved and worth visiting. On sunny days you will see locals drinking coffee and eating ice cream on the stairs of the temple. It is a perfect opportunity to join in just enjoy the moment.
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Istrian olive oil museum
@BalkanJourneys
The House of Istrian Olive Oil takes you through the story of Istrian olive oil and the tradition that goes back over 2000 years. Visiting this establishment means learning about oil and tasting its different variations. It is a perfect opportunity to buy some souvenirs, to enjoy the taste of Istria once you return home.
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Church and monastery of St. Francis
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It is a simple church and monastery with a well-preserved cloister and garden. A perfect place to escape from the crowds walking between Pula Castle and the Temple of Augustus.
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Zerostrasse
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One of the most interesting sights in Pula lies right beneath Pula Castle (Kaštel). 4 hallways intersecting in the middle of a hill are a place to cool down from the hot summer sun and a unique place to visit. Those hallways were built at the beginning of the 20th century as shelters for inhabitants of the city.
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Aquarium Pula
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It is the biggest aquarium in Croatia and it is home to hundreds of different fish species.
Its inhabitants are spectacular and worth visiting, but even the location of the aquarium itself is special on its own. Aquarium Pula is built in 120 years Austro - in the Hungarian fortress Verdula on the Verdual Peninsula. The aquarium keeps both saltwater and freshwater fish.
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Buy to unlock full guide
Access all the local insights and recommendations from @BalkanJourneys when you purchase this guide.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BalkanJourneys
Available for hire
Zdravo (trust me this one will work in all Western Balkan countries)! My name is Ziga and I'm from Slovenia, which is the northernmost part of the Balkan peninsula.
▶️Yeah, I know you've heard about Balkan before. It is that mosaic of countries on the Eastern side of Europe, where stories and myths still live, where food is so delicious that you won't be able to stop eating (nor will Balkan people stop feeding you), where nature is so pure and unrealistic that your brain won't believe that you are still on the same planet.
▶️Well, I know this region even better. I speak and understand the languages of people living there, and even with stamps from 40+ countries on my passport, I can’t stop exploring, what I believe is one of the most beautiful parts of our planet.
▶️Check some of my travel guides. Or even better, let me help you with the creation of personalized itineraries. For those who really wish to understand where they are going, I offer very detailed travel consultations. I have always enjoyed preparing trips for all kinds of travelers; for those who find their peace in outdoor activities and those who enjoy exploring long-lost ruins.
Let's embark on a Balkan Journey where you will finally realize that dreams can really come true. ✈️
Connect with me: 📸 Instagram: @balkanjourneys 📩 Email: balkanjourneys@gmail.com
🌏🎒 #BalkanJourneys #MosaicOfCountries
What's included
Digital Map
Fully interactive, digital map for finding places nearby
40 places
40 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
1 extra guide
Access to additional guides curated by the creator.
DESTINATION(S) COVERED
Pula, Hrvaška
Brijuni, Pulj, Hrvaška
Istra, Hrvaška
Croatia
Istria
FOCUSES AND THEMES
50+
Couples
Digital Nomads
Family
Groups
Pets
Accessibility
Adventure
Architecture
Art
Foodie
History
Outdoors
People & Culture
Romantic
Slow Travel
Wine
BEST TIME OF YEAR
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FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
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OCT
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Format
Itinerary
Itineraries typically include day-by-day plans, with food, lodging and activity recommendations for each day.
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