Gourmet Food & Wine Getaway in Istria

(This tour has a minimum of 3 people and a maximum of 12)

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Priced From

$3,498 USD *

(For One Person, Double Occupancy)

* Plus taxes. Tours sold on an availability basis.

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5 days | 4 nights

Gourmet and Cultural Getaway Istria

With fine wine, artisanal olive oil, local prosciutto ham, organic meats, fresh seafood and that gourmet aphrodisiac jewel, “The Truffle”, experience a made to order culinary vacation. The carefully selected restaurant experiences are ones that will show the most wonderful side of local farm or sea to table cuisine in breathtaking locations that rival Italy. Your experience will be enhanced by Alek, your own licensed tour guide with an art and cultural history background. He is experienced as a sommelier, olive oil and truffle tasting guide and worked as a regional CNBC Asia news correspondent and knows how to tell a story and present it in a memorable way.

Gourmet Food & Wine Getaway in Istria

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Itinerary Accommodations Map FAQ

VACATION HIGHLIGHTS

Please note: Tour inclusions can change depending upon seasonality and weather conditions.

•4 Nights Accommodation

•Round Trip Transfers

•Daily Breakfast

•Michelin Star Lunch

•Michelin Star Dinner

•Traditional Istrian Dinner

•Cheese Farm and Tasting

•Chivalon Olive Oil Estate and Tasting

•Pula Walking tour

•Istrian Dinner Experience

•Honey Tasting

•Truffle Hunting

•Motovun Visit

•Porec Walking Tour

•Groznjan Medieval City Tour

While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs, and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is appropriate for your situation.

AVAILABLE DATES

Year Round - Based on Your Travel Dates

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.

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Day 1

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Arrival Trieste Centrale Train Station | Trieste | Picturesque Piran | Porec

You'll be greeted at Trieste Centrale Train Station, visit Trieste in Italy and Piran in Slovenia and then traverse into Istria, Croatia. The romantic melancholy of Trieste's often windswept streets (the bora, a fierce wind that blows down from the Carso plateau, is a source of local pride), the resilient grandeur of its Habsburg buildings, the people (part Italian, part Slavic), the coffee (this is the home of Illy, arguably the best espresso in the world) and the chance to discover why James Joyce spent a decade of his life in this city. One of the most photogenic cities in the Mediterranean, Piran has preserved its unsurpassed charm. Enter the picturesque Piran, get to know its rich history and culture, and listen to the stories of our people. You will be charmed by the narrow streets within the old town wall. On the pier, you can catch sight of fisherman unraveling a fishing net. The proximity to the sea and the rich history, which is mirrored in the architecture, draw magical scenes. Upon arrival at the hotel, take some time to settle into your lavish accommodations literally surrounded by the deep blue Adriatic Sea, greeted by the view of neighboring Sveti Nikola Island.

Day 2

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Gourmet Breakfast

Each morning, relax and enjoy breakfast by the sea. The hotel serves a full international buffet breakfast to energize you for the adventures ahead. Savor fresh fruits, yogurts, breads and pastries, as well as cooked to order items. If long, leisurely breakfasts aren’t your thing, grab a quick bite and take a morning walk around the marina.

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Latus Dairy | Rovinj Walking Tour |Chiavalon Olive Oil Estate

A small family company located in the heart of Istria surrounded by pastures, at the hill above the village of Orbanici has been producing high-quality dairy products based on its own cows' milk since the end of the last century. The love they invest in every liter of milk is transformed into the tastes of the Latus dairy products. Head to Rovinj, also known as the pearl of the Adriatic. Feel the enchantment of the town in its narrow medieval streets, warm Mediterranean setting and magnificent views of the open sea. You'll visit the Chiavalon Olive Oil Estate, one of the leading olive oil producers in Istria and the world. This family-run estate is truly a labor of love and the Chiavalons guarantee the olive oil you taste here will be the best you've ever had. During your tasting, learn all about the cultivation of olive trees and the work it takes to produce this liquid gold while employing special tasting glasses to bring out the best in the Chiavalon oils.

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Roman Colliseum | Pula and Rovinj Walking Tour | Istrian Dinner Experience

Following your tasting, head to Pula for a walking tour of historical downtown. The central attraction of this 3,000-year-old city is the Roman amphitheater, one of only six preserved in the world. Follow the paths of the gladiators as your guide leads you through this and the other architectural gems in the town center. Then, enjoy some free time to stroll through Pula before heading to Rovinj, also known as the pearl of the Adriatic. Feel the enchantment of the town in its narrow medieval streets, warm Mediterranean setting and magnificent views of the open sea. After your guided tour, spend some free time in the city before sitting down to an authentic Istrian dinner.

Day 3

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Gourmet Breakfast

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Motovun Historical Walking Tour| Honey Tasting

One of the few places outside Italy that grows the tuber magnatum pico - the world’s costliest at $4,500 a kilogram, Istrian forests are rich in black and white varieties. The world’s leading exporter, Zigante Tartufi, discovered the world’s largest truffle here in 1999. At 1.31 kilograms, it made The Guinness Book of World Records. Nowadays, the truffle holds an irreplaceable position in world gastronomy and the best world restaurants rely on its simplicity and powerful attractiveness in creating their menus. But how many of them could boast with the fact that this precious mushroom grows in the untouched nature just outside their courtyard? Restaurant Zigante in Livade is surely one of the rare. Experience a hands-on cooking class with the chef as you taste and smell these amazing jewel and enjoy the fruits of your labors during lunch. You have an opportunity to visit next Zigante Delicatessen Shop, just next door. Giancarlo Zigante is considered an Istrian 'King of Truffles' but the family also produces high end quality olive oil and wine. Apart from fresh truffles, both white and black, many truffle based products are available for purchase at this shop including various other wine, spirits, olive oil and gourmet delicacies from the region as well as from the rest of Croatia and Slovenia.

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Motovun Tour |Honey Bee's and Cosmetics | Guided Truffle Hunt | Michelin Rated-Zigante Truffle Lunch

The Jankovic family exclusively adopts the migratory method of beekeeping in Langstroth type of beehives that are spread along the Mirna River Valley in central Istria. In the tasting room as well as the shop in of city of Livade, gourmet aficionados can taste various types of honeys such as acacia, linden-tree, lavender, chestnut and meadow herbs infused honey. Also offered are various types of flavored honeys, honey based organic cosmetic products and honey infused grappa called Medica. You will also learn about the history of beekeeping and various types of hives that were used in the past. Next gear up for one of the most unique and exciting culinary experiences there is—your guided truffle hunt! Set out with a truffle master and his dogs to find one of nature’s rarest gastronomic gift. Motovun is the medieval city at the top of the hill overlooking Mirna river valley with breathtaking views from the city walls. The city holds much historical significance as you will learn from your expert tour guide. The US Formula 1 champion Mario Andretti was born here

Day 4

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Gourmet Breakfast

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St. Euphrasius Basilica | Degrassi Winery | Groznjan Tour | Michelin Star Farewell Dinner

The tour continues to Porec as your guide takes you through the ancient quarter of the city where Roman architectural layout is still clearly visible and beautifully blends with Venetian gothic palazzos. Visit St. Euphrasius basilica, 6th Century Byzantine style church, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Day 5

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Gourmet Breakfast

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Departure | Transfers to Trieste Railway Station

After a final buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be escorted back to the Trieste Train Station. Though the trip has come to an end, you'll forever enjoy the many wonderful memories of your Croatian culinary vacation!

Grand Hotel Palazzo

Built in 1910 and literally surrounded by the deep blue Adriatic, the Grand Hotel Palazzo offers its guests traditional charm and magical views. Just steps away from the cobblestone streets of Porec, the hotel is the ideal base for exploring the picturesque towns and fertile landscapes of Istria. Inside, the Palazzo boasts modern, luxurious amenities, including flat-screen satellite TVs, air conditioning with heating and cooling function, heated bathroom floors, safes, minibar and free Wi-Fi. Free time can be well spent at the heated outdoor pool and bar, the intimate spa or one of the hotel’s eateries

Istria, Croatia

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What Currency is being quoted?

The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.

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What does Double Occupancy mean?

Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.

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What is a Single Supplement?

Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.

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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?

Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.

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Are flights included in the tour price?

No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.

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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?

Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.

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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?

Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.

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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?

Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.

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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?

In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.

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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?

Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.

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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?

Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.

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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?

The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.

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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?

Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.

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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?

Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.

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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?

All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.

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Do you recommend Travel Protection?

We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company), 1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N

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