Istria

Today’s hiking day leads you out of the harbour town Trieste. After a short journey to the start of the tour you walk leisurely along the old railway route through the mixed woodlands of the Val Rosandra all the way to the hamlet Pesek. The valley is interesting for various reasons: apart from traces of prehistoric settlements you find the only river of the province here, carrying water all year round. On top of that it is characterised by a diverse vegetation.

Along the inital section you walk once again through the stunning Val Rosandra. You walk past the village of Bagnoli della Rosandra, from where you also get to marvel at the Roman aqueduct. You proceed through little villages forever getting closer to the sea until Aquilinia. By public transport you finally reach Muggia.

You leave the tiny fishing village Muggia with its lovingly groomed old centre and continue to Ankaran. Soon you leave Italy and cross the border over to Slovenia. Pine forests offer lots of shade and again and again also views onto the numerous bays and the Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon  by bus to Koper. Capodistria, another name for this town already awaits you with all its magnificent buildings and you enjoy a relaxing end to the day in the car-free historic centre.

You always proceed along the sea into the ancient fishing town of Izola and then onwards to Piran, the birthplace of Giuseppe Tartini, a famous Italian violinist and composer, the town centre is strongly characterised by Venetian influences. Take a stroll through the alleyways featuring Venetian palaces or enjoy the atmosphere on the Piazza Tartini in the centre of Piran.

In the morning Transfer from Piran to Grožnjan, a popular meeting place for musicians from all over the world. Every summer their classical concerts taking place here featuring young musicians. From Grožnjan you walk all the way to Livade. Today’s Day Finish towers high up on top of a hill and is already visible from afar!

The final day on your expedition through Istria leads you to Poreč. Starting from Motovun you hike to Vizinada, from there a shuttle bus takes you to your Day Finish. Already from afar the Euphrasius-basilica is visible, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is definitely worth a visit. Enjoy a relaxing end to your hiking holiday with a nice glass of wine on one of the squares in the historic centre Poreč.

From Trieste, the ferry takes you to Muggia, where the dreamlike hiking route begins for you on this day. A breathtaking view of the Julian Alps appears shortly after you have crossed the border to Slovenia, here you have to completely enjoy every moment. The descent via the Slovenian Alpine Trail opens up a view of the gentle landscape over the Gulf of Koper, nestled in the vineyards.

Today you leave Koper and hike to the charming fishing town of Izola and on to Piran & Portorož. Your constant companion is the impressive Stunjan National Park. Arriving in Piran, the birthplace of composer Giuseppe Tartini, you can let yourself be enchanted by the Venetian influences. Enjoy the flair on the Piazza Tartini in the centre and stroll through the small alleys.

Your journey begins with a short bus ride to Portorož and with it you leave the picturesque coast. You continue hiking across the border into Croatia, your path leading you to the heart of the country, to Buje. This region is home to 23 of Croatia's best-known winemakers, who allow their exquisite varieties of wine to thrive in this fertile soil. Your walk will take you through vineyards and olive groves around the small town.

Surrounded by green fields and olive groves, you walk to Brtonigla. Here you will encounter the typical Istrian cuisine, with many Mediterranean delicacies. A visit to the Mramornica cave should also be on your list.

The hiking route today takes you through the Skarline Nature Park, which is named after the Škarlina stream that rises nearby. In Kastelir you will discover a military road that once led to Pula via Trst and Poreč. All kinds of Mediterranean plants adorn the path along the way. From Kastelir you will take a transfer to Tar.

The last day of your hike through Istria takes you to Poreč. While walking along the coast, you will discover the Euphrasius Basilica, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over a glass of wine in the old town, you can end your trip in a relaxed way and review your experiences.