Croatia, Slovenia & Italy Village to Village Walking Tour
A Cultural & Foodie Adventure From Istria to Veneto
Food lovers! Reward fulfilling days on spectacular trails by raising your taste buds to the next level on this active cultural and culinary journey. Trace Croatia's Istrian Peninsula, Slovenia's Julian Alps, and Italy's Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region and discover an array of beautiful villages and towns including Rovinj, Bale, Motovun, Groznjan, Bled, and Montemaggiore. Discover the wonders of this trio of countries, experiencing rich historical settings and spectacular national parks on awe-inspiring hikes. Go wine tasting, learn how to hunt truffles, taste olive oil, and sample regional delicacies in the Mediterranean as you've never seen it before, far from the crowds. Unique hotels awaiting at the end of each day make for a dreamy finale.
Food lovers! Reward fulfilling days on spectacular trails by raising your taste buds to the next level on this active cultural and culinary journey. Trace Croatia's Istrian Peninsula, Slovenia's Julian Alps, and Italy's Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region and discover an array of beautiful villages and towns including Rovinj, Bale, Motovun, Groznjan, Bled, and Montemaggiore. Discover the wonders of this trio of countries, experiencing rich historical settings and spectacular national parks on awe-inspiring hikes. Go wine tasting, learn how to hunt truffles, taste olive oil, and sample regional delicacies in the Mediterranean as you've never seen it before, far from the crowds. Unique hotels awaiting at the end of each day make for a dreamy finale.
Experience the best and most delicious of three countries as you hike delightful trails through scenic Mediterranean landscapes
[Description] => Experience the best and most delicious of three countries as you hike delightful trails through scenic Mediterranean landscapes
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Visit cobblestone medieval towns and villages, including picturesque Rovinj and hill-top Motovun, and explore bountiful orchards and vineyards
[Description] => Visit cobblestone medieval towns and villages, including picturesque Rovinj and hill-top Motovun, and explore bountiful orchards and vineyards
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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
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 delicacy, also known as '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 for 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 Accommodation: Tavarneta Estate
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.
MT Sobek has been operating expertly crafted trips in Europe for over 40 years. This is one of the few village-to-village walking tours that traverses Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia.
Easy-to-moderate walking tours take travelers through hard-to-find orchards, vineyards, hillsides, and medieval villages across 3 countries in a well-paced 9 days.
Follow local professional guides as you enjoy stunning landscapes, culinary specialties, and warm hospitality. Come away knowing the people as well as the place.
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.
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 K.
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 K.
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 B.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Charming family-run hotels, historic countryside estates and hotels inside medieval castles, all surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Set in a 16th-century castle, the luxury Hotel Gredic sits in the heart of Slovenia's Brda wine country. The individually decorated guest rooms feature a range of amenities like Wi-Fi, A/C, and private bathrooms with heated floors. The on-site restaurant serves local specialties, the bar offers drinks and snacks, and there's a terrace with views of the surrounding vineyards.
Located in the charming medieval town of Bale in the southwestern Istrian peninsula, Hotel La Grisa is a delightful hideaway. Guest rooms come equipped with a seating area as well as A/C, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TV. Some rooms have a free-standing bathtub, while others come with a walk-in shower or corner bath.
The family-run Hotel Kastel sits at the heart of the medieval hilltop town of Motovun. The spa area, with a sauna, an indoor pool, and relaxing grounds, has lovely views of the surrounding landscapes. Comfortable rooms come with satellite TV, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms; many offer delightful views of the valley and vineyards. The on-site restaurant serves stellar regional cuisine.
A stroll away from the lake and the town center, the recently renovated Hotel Triglav has well-equipped guest rooms with the full range of amenities and beautiful lake views. Guests enjoy the many on-site facilities, including a piano bar, wine cellar, a fireplace lounge, and a modern spa center.
At this modern guesthouse, accommodation is basic and clean in small, private guest rooms with en suite bathrooms. There is also free Wi-Fi, TV, and air conditioning.
Located in the remote wine region of Goriska Brd, the intimate Tavarneta Estate commands breathtaking views of the vineyards and Briska hills. The onsite restaurant is designed around slow food—local food and traditional cooking—and of course has a fully stocked wine bar featuring local vintages. An outdoor infinity pool looks out across the lush valley and the sauna invites you to unwind. Modern rooms feature wood floors and large windows, many with vineyard views.
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.
Jun
Aug
Sep
Ljubljana
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Ljubljana
76
56
80
59
71
52
Venice
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Venice
81
61
85
64
77
57
Zagreb
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Zagreb
78
60
80
63
71
56
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
We meet on Day 1 at 9AM, in the lobby of the Hotel Esplanade 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.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.