Croatia, Slovenia & Italy Village to Village Walking Tour
A Cultural & Culinary Adventure From Istria to Veneto
- Available: June, August, September
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
-
Group Size:
4-16 Guests
Min Age: 16
Highlights
- Experience the best and most delicious of 3 countries as you hike delightful trails through scenic Mediterranean landscapes
- Visit cobblestone medieval towns and villages, including picturesque Rovinj and hill-top Motovun, and explore bountiful orchards and vineyards
- Hunt for truffles, stop to sip olive oils, and savor a variety of local treats along the way -- all while enjoying the region's warm hospitality
Itinerary
Meet in Zagreb, Croatia & Head to Istria
Day 1
Meet in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and transfer to the medieval village of Bale on the beautiful Istrian peninsula. After lunch, explore the nearby seaside town of Rovinj and its gorgeous cobblestoned alleys. Reconvene for a brief orientation, followed by the welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel La Grisa-Bale, Croatia
Transportation: 1-hour walking, 3-4 hour private van transfer from Zagreb to Bale
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Brijuni Islands & Bale
Day 2
A spectacular landscape of sparkling blue seas, green rolling hills and hilltop medieval towns, Istria is known for its olive groves, vineyards, and stellar restaurants. Continue along the peninsula's outer edges, reaching the coastal village of Fazana to board a ferry for a short voyage to the scenic Brijuni Islands. Collectively, the 14 islands are a Croatian National Park and were once the summer residence of Yugoslavia's President Tito. Return to Fazana in the afternoon and then drive to the historic town of Bale. In the evening take a tour of enchanting Bale and sample top-quality virgin olive oil in a local home.
Accommodation: Hotel La Grisa-Bale, Croatia
Activity: 2-3 hours/3-5 miles walking tour
Transportation: 30-minute boat transfer and drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Rovinj, Porec & Hilltop Motovun
Day 3
Awake to a hearty breakfast in Bale and then journey to Rovinj for a stroll through Golden Cape Park. Next, leave the peninsula as the Venetian traders did, by boat, enjoying a unique vantage point from the sea. Pass small inlets and secluded bays and enter the Lim Fjord, known for its extraordinary mussels. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Istrian "Konoba" before heading to the coastal town of Porec to see its UNESCO-list Euphrasian Basilica. Leave coastal Istria and head inland to explore its verdant hills, truffle-rich forests, and vineyards. Stay in the medieval hilltop town of Motovun, famed for its international summer film festival, and wrap up with a gourmet Istrian dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Kastel-Motovun, Croatia
Activity: 2-3 hours/3-4 miles walking
Transportation: 2-hour private boat transfer and 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hunt for Truffles & Visit Groznjan, the Town of Artists
Day 4
Wake up on a hilltop overlooking the kingdom of truffles and enjoy breakfast on the hotel's splendid terrace. Take a hike along the truffle route, to learn the art of 'hunting' this precious subterranean mushroom also called the 'black gold.' Enjoy a truffle tasting paired with local red wine, and continue hiking to Groznjan, a walled Renaissance town perched on another hill. Wander around this enchanting town of artists, known for its art studios, galleries, and gorgeous views. Return to Motovun to unwind at the hotel's swimming pool and spa.
Accommodation: Hotel Kastel-Motovun, Croatia
Activity: 3-4 hours/5-7 miles hiking
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Slovenia's Skocjan Caves & Ljubljana
Day 5
Leave the Adriatic today and head into the Alps, leaving Croatia behind and entering Slovenia. The first stop is in the Slovenian karst region - the Skocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you take a 2-hour underground walk. Continue to Ljubljana, Slovenia's charming capital that has recently become one of the hippest cities in Europe. Wander around the small, green city center along the banks of Ljubljanica River, exploring the highlights, and travel on to Lake Bled, a picturesque alpine lake and the location of tonight's hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Triglav-Bled, Slovenia
Activity: 2-hour underground walking tour, 2-hour city walking tour
Transportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Marvel At Lake Bled & Hike By Bohinj Lake
Day 6
Today take in the picture-postcard tranquility of Lake Bled, with the bell tower of a medieval church rising from a tiny islet in the midst of the lake, guarded by a clifftop castle. Embark on a rewarding hike through Blejski Vintgar Gorge, walking above crystal-clear Radovna Stream on wooden planks over the whirlpools. Transfer to Bohinj Lake, Bled's wild brother, to hike on a soft forest trail by the lake. Return to Bled, known for its healing thermal waters; enjoy a spa treatment or massage before dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Triglav-Bled, Slovenia
Activity: 3-5 hours/3-7 miles walking on flat terrain
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike into the Soca Valley for a Culinary Feast
Day 7
Take a ride around the Julian Alps en route to the emerald-green Soca River Valley. Pass the village of Kranjska Gora, before heading up to the Vrsic pass (5,290'), once the border line between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Take in breathtaking views and continue the winding drive to the spring of the Soca River. From here, hike down into its magnificent valley and visit a museum dedicated to a WWI battle that took place in the valley.
Accommodation: Hotel Sanje ob Soci-Bovec, Slovenia
Activity: 2-3 hours/4 miles hiking on flat terrain
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Montemaggiore & Explore Italy's Collio Wine Country
Day 8
After a delicious breakfast, say goodbye to Slovenia for the day and enter the Italian province of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia. Hike up to the top of the scenic Montemaggiore for its famous views; on a clear day, see the blue Adriatic, the Julian Alps, and the Dolomites in the distance. In the afternoon, take a short drive to Collio wine country, a hilly vineyard area spreading over Slovenia and Italy. Visit the local wineries to sample the 'big reds,' and Friuli's exquisite wine grape called ribolla.
Accommodation: Hotel Gredic-Goriska Brda, Slovenia
Activity: 3-4 hours/2-3 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Vicenza, depart from Venice
Day 9
Travel west to the Italian region of Veneto, along the way visiting the historical city of Vicenza and its lovely countryside, famed for the Renaissance villas built by the great architect Andrea Palladio. The tour ends at the airport in Venice in the late afternoon, where you depart on homeward-bound flights.
Activity: 1.5-hour city walking tour
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $5,895 price per person dbl occ+$1,700 single supplementCheck for AvailabilityConfirmed
- $5,895 price per person dbl occ+$1,700 single supplementAvailableConfirmed
- $5,895 price per person dbl occ+$1,700 single supplementAvailable
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,395 price per person dbl occ+$1,600 single supplementAvailable
- $6,395 price per person dbl occ+$1,600 single supplementAvailable
- $6,395 price per person dbl occ+$1,600 single supplementAvailable
- $6,395 price per person dbl occ+$1,600 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
7 to 8 guests from $6,295 per person double occupancy
4 to 6 guests from $6,595 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
6 to 9 guests from $6,695 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $6,895 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
June, August, September
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Miha Klanjscek
Miha is a seasoned guide with more than 15 years' experience leading groups through the Balkans-one of the most culturally, architecturally and geographically diverse regions in the world! Miha first fell in love with the nature and cuisine of the region after spending youthful summers exploring the Mediterranean. He enjoys several outdoor pursuits, including mountain biking, trail running, and trekking in the Slovenian Alps. An adventurer by heart, you can hardly find a better person to show you Istrian wine routes, Slovenian hiking trails, and lively Italian piazzas. Meet Miha on MT Sobek's adventures in the region.

Primoz Kadunc
Primoz is a licensed mountain guide with a degree in organizational management, which he very much puts into practice while leading trips! Primoz guides MT Sobek's Istria to Venice and Alpe Adria trips and has a passion for the whole Balkan region-with a special fondness for the Slovenia Alps. In his spare time, Primoz enjoys rock climbing, scuba diving, sailing, exploring new Alpine trails on foot. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and Serbo-Croatian.

Ivana Bole
With guiding experience of more than a decade, Ivana has specialized in presenting her home country of Slovenia to visitors from all over the world. Besides being a professional guide, you might find her elbows deep in soil taking care of her plants or working in the garage on one of her vintage cars. As an English double major in linguistics and literature, her language skills are top notch, spiced with a bit of an Aussie twang which stuck with her since the time she spent down under. Her love for travel took Ivana to all corners of the world, from RV road tripping in the southern USA, trekking in Patagonia, camper vanning through New Zealand, 4x4 camping trip in South Africa or a motorcycle tour across the islands of Indonesia.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. This is an easy to moderate hike, with minimal elevation gain each day. Terrain is a mix of established walking paths, dirt roads and cobblestone village streets. The mileage averages 4-6 miles per day.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
2-3 hours/3-5 miles walking tour
Day 3
2-3 hours/3-4 miles walking
Day 4
3-4 hours/5-7 miles hiking
Day 5
2-hour underground walking tour, 2-hour city walking tour
Day 6
3-5 hours/3-7 miles walking on flat terrain
Day 7
2-3 hours/4 miles hiking on flat terrain
Day 8
3-4 hours/2-3 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain
Day 9
1.5-hour city walking tour
Accommodations
Charming family-run hotels, historic countryside estates and hotels inside medieval castles, all surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Weather
Weather can be variable, from 82°F by the sea to 59°F in the mountains, so we suggest bringing layers and rain gear.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
We meet on Day 1 at 9AM, in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel, Zagreb. Many people doing this tour will arrive a day or two early.
Is there a dress code for the dinners on this trip?
No, there is not a particular dress code. There are no jackets and ties required at any of the restaurants. Shorts are not recommended for dinners.
Are there pools at any of the hotels?
Yes. All of the hotels but one on this trip have swimming pools.
Can I wear trail shoes/cross training shoes on this trip?
Yes, on this trip, running shoes/cross training shoes are acceptable.
If I want to extend my stay in Venice or Zagreb, can you help me make hotel reservations?
We do not offer a hotel reservation service, but we will provide you with a list of recommended hotels in each city.
I would like to fly into and out of Venice. Can you arrange for me to get to Zagreb for the start of the tour?
Unfortunately there are no great transportation options for travelling between Venice and Zagreb. We recommend flying into Zagreb and flying out of Venice.