Hidden Adriatic

After arriving at Venice Marco Polo Airport, you’ll meet your guide and begin the journey towards Croatia. On the way, we stop in Trieste, one of Italy’s most elegant port cities, where there will be time to stretch your legs and enjoy lunch before continuing towards the island of Cres.

Depending on your flight schedule, the first night will either be spent in Trieste or at Pansion Tramontana in the village of Beli on Cres, our home for the next four nights.

Our first hike introduces us to the wild landscapes of Cres. Starting on the western side of the island near Porozina, we follow old shepherds’ paths through forests and across open ridges before descending to the historic hilltop village of Beli on the eastern coast.

Depending on the group’s pace and energy, we may choose between different route options, with the walk typically lasting around four hours.

After the hike, there’s time to unwind at one of the beaches below Beli, where you can enjoy a swim in the Adriatic sea before returning to the village.

A packed lunch prepared by Pansion Tramontana is enjoyed along the trail, while the evening is reserved for a welcome drink and a traditional home-cooked dinner overlooking the village.

Today we leave the northern part of the island and continue toward Cres town, where today’s walk begins among centuries-old olive groves and paths leading toward a secluded island cove. The landscape gradually shifts from dry-stone walled olive grove parcels and low Mediterranean vegetation into deciduous forest and open sea views, with plenty of time to walk slowly and take in the surroundings.

By early afternoon, we reach the bay for swimming, resting, and an outdoor meal (with local olive oil) prepared for you in advance. A speedboat returns us to Cres Town, where the rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy. Wander the narrow streets of the old town, relax on the waterfront or choose one of the local restaurants for dinner before we return to Beli later in the evening.

Today’s walk leads us towards one of the Adriatic’s most remarkable villages. Following old paths across the island, we reach Lubenice, a tiny stone settlement perched high above the sea on spectacular limestone cliffs.

After exploring the village, we descend on foot to the beach below, where there is time for swimming in crystal-clear water before making our way back to the village. A packed lunch is enjoyed along the trail, making this a full day immersed in the landscapes that have shaped life on Cres for centuries.

Our final hike explores the southern end of the Cres archipelago, following the spectacular ridge of Osoršćica above the narrow channel that has linked and divided the islands of Cres and Lošinj since Roman times. Starting near Nerezine, we follow the ridge before descending into the historic town of Osor, where these two islands meet. Throughout the hike, sweeping views stretch across the Kvarner islands and the surrounding Adriatic Sea.

This evening, we celebrate our final night on Cres with a traditional peka – one of Croatia’s most iconic dishes – prepared outdoors over glowing embers using locally raised island lamb and seasonal potatoes.

Leaving Cres behind, we cross to the Istrian peninsula and begin a new chapter of the journey.

Our first stop is Tomaz Winery, where we are introduced to some of Istria’s best-known wines accompanied by local delicacies. While we enjoy the tasting, our luggage is transferred directly to Hotel Kaštel in Motovun.

From here we continue on foot along the scenic section of the former Parenzana railway, walking through vineyards and countryside. The day concludes with a second wine tasting on the trail, guided by a professional Istrian sommelier, before we continue to Motovun for a free evening and dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

After breakfast, we travel to Rovinj, one of the Adriatic’s most distinctive historic towns. A guided walk introduces its winding streets, colourful waterfront and Venetian heritage before you have free time to explore further and enjoy lunch wherever you wish.

Later in the afternoon, we visit the family-run Bertoša Winery near Kaldir for a guided tasting overlooking the vineyards and the hilltop town of Motovun.

Our journey concludes with a farewell dinner at Old River Restaurant near Buzet, celebrating the flavours of Istria before returning to Motovun for the final night.

After breakfast, we leave Motovun and begin the transfer towards Venice Marco Polo Airport.

Depending on your departure time, there may be an opportunity for a final stop in Trieste before continuing to the airport.

We hope you’ll leave with lasting memories of quiet island trails, medieval hill towns, local food and wine, and the landscapes that make this corner of the Adriatic so distinctive.

The pricing below is based on a group of 6 guests.
For smaller or larger groups, feel free to get in touch for a tailored quotation.

8-day journey: from €1,450 per person
(shared occupancy accommodation included throughout the entire journey)

Single room option available:
from €1,580 per person

Included in the Journey

Accommodation & Meals

Depending on your flight arrival time, the journey begins with either an overnight stay in Trieste or directly on the island of Cres.

• 5 nights at Pansion Tramontana in Beli, including breakfast and 4 home-cooked dinners*
• 2 nights at Hotel Kaštel in Motovun, including breakfast
• Shared occupancy accommodation throughout the journey (single room available on request)

* Depending on your flight arrival time, the first night may be spent in Trieste instead of Cres. In this case, accommodation includes breakfast, while dinner is left free for you to enjoy one of Trieste’s many restaurants and cafés before continuing to Cres the following morning.

Transportation & Logistics

• Private airport transfers to and from Venice Marco Polo Airport
• Transportation throughout the journey, including fuel, parking fees, road tolls, and ferry tickets
• Speedboat transfer from Sveti Blaž beach after the hiking section

Meals

• 7 breakfasts
• 4 home-cooked dinners at Pansion Tramontana including a traditional peka, one of Croatia’s most iconic slow-cooked dishes
• 1 farewell dinner featuring traditional Istrian cuisine in a carefully selected local restaurant
• 4 packed lunches during hiking days
• 1 lunch in Trieste
• Wine tasting with local delicacies at Tomaz Winery
• Guided wine tasting along the Parenzana Trail with a professional Istrian sommelier
• Wine tasting at Bertoša Winery

Guiding & Personal Hosting

• Services of a professional hiking, mountain and cultural guide throughout the entire journey, ensuring a seamless and highly personalised experience from arrival to departure.
• Dedicated luggage handling during hotel transfers, ensuring your luggage is delivered directly to your room while you enjoy the day’s activities.

Not Included

• Flights to and from Croatia
• Travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Meals not specifically listed above
• Personal expenses
• Any services or items not listed under “Included in the Journey”

Booking & Confirmation
All bookings are confirmed upon agreement of dates, availability, and final pricing. A deposit (typically 30%) is required to secure the booking, with the remaining balance due prior to departure.

Payment Terms
Payment conditions (deposit and balance) are agreed in advance with each partner agency.

Cancellations
Cancellation terms are aligned with the Operator’s general conditions and agreed in advance with each partner.

Minimum Group Size
The journey is based on a minimum number of participants. In case the minimum is not reached, alternative arrangements or revised pricing may apply.

Flexibility
The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather conditions, safety considerations, or other operational factors, always with the aim of maintaining the overall quality of the experience.

Responsibility
The Operator is responsible for the organization and delivery of the program as described. Partner agencies are responsible for client communication, sales, and any additional services not included in the program.

B2C
The Operator’s General Terms and Conditions (GTC) for end clients apply where relevant.
Specific conditions for each tour are agreed separately with partner agencies.