{"contentlets":[{"hubLiveInProduction":false,"useDestinationHub":false,"publishDate":"2024-01-25 14:10:07.618","headerImageDesktopMetaData":{"modDate":1706219696642,"sha256":"29bfe885242c38cb4d0b162ff321ecf2e595d6cb5f96ffced5e955cd18ac49b7","length":191050,"title":"GettyImages-901570834-desktop.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":191050,"name":"GettyImages-901570834-desktop.jpg","width":1440,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":260},"headerImageDesktop":"/dA/4c75cf09af49ef94fefee883b4d80938/headerImageDesktop/GettyImages-901570834-desktop.jpg","inode":"ae8eebad-a520-4fcb-b1ce-7b3486fd8fe3","showDestinationHubProductMap":false,"headerImage":"/dA/4c75cf09af49ef94fefee883b4d80938/headerImage/GettyImages-901570834-mobile.jpg","gridImageVersion":"/dA/ae8eebad-a520-4fcb-b1ce-7b3486fd8fe3/gridImage/GettyImages-901570834-grid.jpg","randomizeHubSections":false,"host":"3053335a-056e-4426-8931-6296d6f02e6b","headerImageCropFocus":"center","locked":false,"gridImageContentAsset":"4c75cf09af49ef94fefee883b4d80938/gridImage","stInode":"9deffa26-bd18-4ed9-bfa8-d8cb250a7aae","contentType":"Destination","headerImageMetaData":{"modDate":1706219688555,"sha256":"e186b6357125d65995818f99a6b1996e6ff6d58249d72a1dcf327de97e190029","length":113515,"title":"GettyImages-901570834-mobile.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":113515,"name":"GettyImages-901570834-mobile.jpg","width":768,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":300},"showDestinationHubChildDestinations":true,"identifier":"4c75cf09af49ef94fefee883b4d80938","publishUserName":"system user system user","publishUser":"system","headerImageDesktopContentAsset":"4c75cf09af49ef94fefee883b4d80938/headerImageDesktop","gridImage":"/dA/4c75cf09af49ef94fefee883b4d80938/gridImage/GettyImages-901570834-grid.jpg","creationDate":"2024-01-25 14:10:04.692","headerImageDesktopVersion":"/dA/ae8eebad-a520-4fcb-b1ce-7b3486fd8fe3/headerImageDesktop/GettyImages-901570834-desktop.jpg","headerImageVersion":"/dA/ae8eebad-a520-4fcb-b1ce-7b3486fd8fe3/headerImage/GettyImages-901570834-mobile.jpg","folder":"SYSTEM_FOLDER","hasTitleImage":true,"sortOrder":0,"gridImageMetaData":{"modDate":1706219693415,"sha256":"8e0f9c014df765be913f975ba9ccdc92456d5fd8cfa68c671ca6ebbb647bbf8a","length":63110,"title":"GettyImages-901570834-grid.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":63110,"name":"GettyImages-901570834-grid.jpg","width":285,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":428},"tagline":"Walk the Adriatic coastline, visit ancient Roman monuments, and tour olive groves on this agriculture-rich peninsula.","hostName":"consumer.virtuoso.com","modDate":"2024-01-25 14:05:42.428","destinationTag":"|europe|croatia|istria","title":"Istria","baseType":"CONTENT","archived":false,"ownerUserName":"N/A","working":true,"live":true,"owner":"arosenberg@virtuoso.com","languageId":1,"shortyId":"4c75cf09af","url":"/content.ae8eebad-a520-4fcb-b1ce-7b3486fd8fe3","titleImage":"gridImage","modUserName":"system user system user","hasLiveVersion":true,"headerImageDesktopCropFocus":"center","modUser":"system","headerImageContentAsset":"4c75cf09af49ef94fefee883b4d80938/headerImage","__icon__":"contentIcon","contentTypeIcon":"event_note","variant":"DEFAULT","featuredArticles":[{"heroImage1Version":"/dA/94c48743-8b75-43f9-b26c-f29c03ecc5e6/heroImage1/IstriaItinerary_hero.jpg","publishDate":"2023-11-03 08:31:49.913","inode":"94c48743-8b75-43f9-b26c-f29c03ecc5e6","heroImage1Caption":"

Motovun, one of Istria’s fairytale-esque hilltop villages.<\/p>","articleImage3ContentAsset":"a8fd47787eb1c4dd0f505150baf4dad2/articleImage3","identifier":"a8fd47787eb1c4dd0f505150baf4dad2","publishUserName":"Amy Cassell","articleImage2ContentAsset":"a8fd47787eb1c4dd0f505150baf4dad2/articleImage2","publishUser":"acassell@virtuoso.com","articleImage4ContentAsset":"a8fd47787eb1c4dd0f505150baf4dad2/articleImage4","tags":"|europe|croatia|istria,|europe|croatia|rovinj,ancient ruins,farm to table,local food,unesco,sailing & boating","articleImage4MetaData":{"modDate":1698813632823,"sha256":"2c8d4c4ff9c82cfbb183b46e54c4e34a258fcf226cf0245fa5f42f35520bc6e4","length":188812,"title":"IstriaItinerary_Luciano.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":188812,"name":"IstriaItinerary_Luciano.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":507},"folder":"SYSTEM_FOLDER","hasTitleImage":true,"sortOrder":0,"isSponsoredContent":"1","articleImage2":"/dA/a8fd47787eb1c4dd0f505150baf4dad2/articleImage2/IstriaItinerary_ChiavalonEstate.jpg","hostName":"consumer.virtuoso.com","articleImage3":"/dA/a8fd47787eb1c4dd0f505150baf4dad2/articleImage3/IstriaItinerary_Rovinj.jpg","articleImage4":"/dA/a8fd47787eb1c4dd0f505150baf4dad2/articleImage4/IstriaItinerary_Luciano.jpg","articleUrl":"how-to-spend-three-delicious-adventurous-days-in-istria","archived":false,"categories":[{"category-food-wine":"Food & Wine"},{"category-travel-tips":"Travel Tips"}],"headline":"How to Spend Three Delicious, Adventurous Days in Istria","url":"/content.a56739a2-8ab8-40aa-8617-35cedc0a91b5","hasLiveVersion":true,"previewImageVersion":"/dA/94c48743-8b75-43f9-b26c-f29c03ecc5e6/previewImage/IstriaItinerary_hero.jpg","articleDate":"November 1, 2023","heroImage1CropFocus":"center","articleImage3Info":"{\"orientation\":\"h\",\"photoCredit\":\"Istria Tourist Board\"}","heroImage1":"/dA/a8fd47787eb1c4dd0f505150baf4dad2/heroImage1/IstriaItinerary_hero.jpg","heroImage1PhotoCredit":"Istria Tourist Board","heroImage1AltText":"Medieval buildings sit on a lush green hillside surrounded by a winding road in Croatia's Istria region.","heroImage1ContentAsset":"a8fd47787eb1c4dd0f505150baf4dad2/heroImage1","articleImage2Version":"/dA/94c48743-8b75-43f9-b26c-f29c03ecc5e6/articleImage2/IstriaItinerary_ChiavalonEstate.jpg","subhead":"A detailed itinerary for exploring Croatia\u2019s under-the-radar peninsula.","articleText5":"

Day 3: Hunt for Truffles and Toast to Travels<\/h3>\n
Its olive oil may be world famous, but Istria is also known for its wild truffles, which grow throughout the region’s oak forests. In Motovun, about an hour’s drive northeast from Rovinj, several truffle-hunting families, such as Pietro & Pietro<\/a>, Prodan Tartufi<\/a>,<\/span> and Karlic Tartufi<\/a>,<\/span> lead travelers into the woods in search of the aromatic fungi. Get digging, then enjoy the bounty at a posthunt lunch of pasta with grated truffles and cheese.<\/p>\n
Hop over to the hill town of Groznjan, ten miles west across the Mirna River Valley, to pop into the many art galleries and craft shops in this quaint village of artists. “Groznjan’s combination of artistic energy, historic charm, and scenic beauty makes it my top recommendation for a visit to Istria,” says Virtuoso advisor Valentina O’Kane. <\/span><\/p>\n
For dinner, drive ten minutes up the road to Luciano<\/a>,<\/span> in<\/span> the village of Buje. The restaurant, located in an old stone villa and recognized in Croatia’s 2023 Michelin Guide, features dishes that put a modern twist on traditional Istrian cuisine, such as pork cheek croquettes and scallops in a smoked crab broth. End the evening – and say cheers to an exhilarating, three-day adventure – with a bottle of local wine from the restaurant’s walk-in cellar.<\/p>","metaDescription":"Our detailed itinerary introduces travelers to the region\u2019s ancient landmarks, truffle-hunting pursuits, local cuisine, and medieval villages.","articleText3":"
Be sure to leave room for an olive-oil tasting. Drive 15 minutes north of Pula to the medieval village of Vodnjan, home to the acclaimed Chiavalon<\/a> olive oil farm. The family-run operation tends to 9,000 olive trees and produces high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. Complimentary tastings give visitors a chance to sample the herbal, grassy notes distinct to Istrian olive oil.<\/p>\n
After an afternoon strolling through Chiavalon’s olive groves and roaming around Vodnjan, drive 30 minutes northwest to Rovinj<\/a>, a fishing port on Istria’s west coast,<\/span> for the evening. For dinner, settle into the Michelin-starred Agli Amici at the 209-room Grand Park Hotel Rovinj<\/a> for a proper tasting-menu spectacle, or head to the Wine Vault in the 113-room Hotel Monte Mulini<\/a> for exquisitely executed dishes such as oxtail ravioli and rosemary-tinged roasted wild tuna, paired with Croatian wine from the restaurant’s vast cellar.<\/p>","metaHeadline":"How to Spend Three Days in Istria, Croatia","articleText4":"

Day 2: Spend Time by the Sea<\/h3>\n
You can’t leave Istria without getting on a yacht – sorry, we don’t make the rules. Virtuoso advisors can charter one from Rovinj, so travelers can spy Old Town’s pastel-colored buildings from a different perspective, get an up-close look at the coastline's offshore islands, and explore the secret cliffs and romantic bays of Cape Kamenjak. <\/p>\n
Back in Rovinj, explore Old Town’s maze of cobblestoned streets, ending a stroll at the campanile-towered, hilltop Church of Saint Euphemia<\/a>. The eighteenth-century baroque building is named for a fourth-century saint who was thrown to the lions in what is now northern Turkey. Her relics are inside the church. Afterwards, find bubbly predinner cocktails at Valentino<\/a>, a Champagne bar that pairs sparkling wine with waterfront views – its cliffside, auditorium-style seating gives travelers a front-row seat for the sunset. Stroll back up the street to Monte<\/a>, Croatia’s first Michelin-starred restaurant and the home of chef Danijel Dekic, or head to Cap Aureo on the fifth floor of the Grand Park Hotel, where chef Jeffrey Vella transforms local, seasonal vegetables into savory, sustainable plates.<\/p>","articleText1":"
Time loses all meaning in Istria<\/a>, the heart-shaped peninsula in Croatia<\/a> overlooking the Adriatic Sea. While it’s small enough to drive across in a couple of hours, it’s easy to spend a few days getting (purposefully) lost in Istria’s charming towns, hillside vineyards, and fairy-tale ports.<\/p>\n
With origins dating to the Roman Empire, Istria is packed with history: After World War I, the then Austro-Hungarian peninsula became part of Italy – many of its residents still speak Italian today. After World War II, the region joined the former Yugoslavia until 1991, when it pledged its allegiance to the Republic of Croatia. Those centuries of influence anchor Istria’s abiding appeal – it’s a place where history meets luxury and surf marries turf. Travelers can spend a day inland, exploring ancient villages where olive-tree-clad hills give way to truffle-laden oak forests, and the next day lounge on a sunny beach, staring out at the azure-colored sea. <\/p>\n
Whether you visit for a long-weekend getaway or as part of a larger, country-hopping European adventure, here’s how to spend three dreamy days in Istria.<\/p>\n
<\/iframe><\/p>","articleImage2Caption":"<p>Chiavalon Estate in Vodnjan distributes its flavorful olive oils all over the world.<\/p>","articleText2":"<h3>Day 1: Revisit Roman History<\/h3>\n<p>Located on the peninsula’s southern tip, <a href=\"/travel/destinations/europe/croatia/pula\">Pula<\/a> is Istria’s largest city and home to its only airport, making it an ideal starting point for adventure. Get acquainted with the region’s history at the Pula Arena: The first-century AD structure is one of Croatia’s best-preserved ancient monuments and the sixth-largest Roman amphitheater in the world. Stand beneath its colonnades and imagine that, once upon a time, the arena held 20,000 spectators cheering at gladiator contests. “Pula has a vibrant cultural scene, with many festivals, concerts, and exhibitions held throughout the year, including several at the arena,” says Virtuoso advisor Meaghan Clawsie.<\/p>\n<p>Keep the time travel going at the 2,000-year-old Temple of Augustus and Arch of the Sergii, both just a ten-minute walk away from the Pula Arena. When it’s time for a break from Roman history, travelers are steps from a great Istrian meal. Consider grabbing a table at Sophia, an elegant, seafront restaurant that specializes in fine cuts of meat, including Istrian <em>boskarin<\/em> (cattle). <\/p>","articleImage3Caption":"<p>Rovinj, a port city best viewed from a yacht.<\/p>","host":"3053335a-056e-4426-8931-6296d6f02e6b","articleImage4Version":"/dA/94c48743-8b75-43f9-b26c-f29c03ecc5e6/articleImage4/IstriaItinerary_Luciano.jpg","articleImage3Version":"/dA/94c48743-8b75-43f9-b26c-f29c03ecc5e6/articleImage3/IstriaItinerary_Rovinj.jpg","articleImage4Caption":"<p>Luciano in Buje was featured in Croatia’s 2023 Michelin Guide.<\/p>","locked":false,"stInode":"47d3aa06-8ebb-4a97-9c13-2af5c3aab67e","contentType":"ConsumerArticleBasic","author":"Produced by Virtuoso with the Istria Tourist Board","creationDate":"2023-11-01 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Istria","previewImageContentAsset":"a8fd47787eb1c4dd0f505150baf4dad2/previewImage","baseType":"CONTENT","previewImageMetaData":{"modDate":1698813276077,"sha256":"e9a415aa6a2b20258573a9887350567bb2fad5776191e95e0ca8eb375cab64bd","length":623444,"title":"IstriaItinerary_hero.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":623444,"name":"IstriaItinerary_hero.jpg","width":1200,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":675},"ownerUserName":"Amy Cassell","working":true,"live":true,"owner":"acassell@virtuoso.com","languageId":1,"shortyId":"a8fd47787e","titleImage":"previewImage","modUserName":"Amy Cassell","articleImage3MetaData":{"modDate":1698813578502,"sha256":"a17661fe7528d5dda4165b5282c8d9a568550f217ef2e2f3c805cc58be073627","length":177382,"title":"IstriaItinerary_Rovinj.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":177382,"name":"IstriaItinerary_Rovinj.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":422},"articleImage4Info":"{\"orientation\":\"h\",\"photoCredit\":\"Istria Tourist Board\"}","modUser":"acassell@virtuoso.com","publish":"2023-10-31 21:30:00.0","heroImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1698813287448,"sha256":"e9a415aa6a2b20258573a9887350567bb2fad5776191e95e0ca8eb375cab64bd","length":623444,"title":"IstriaItinerary_hero.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":623444,"name":"IstriaItinerary_hero.jpg","width":1200,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":675},"previewImage":"/dA/a8fd47787eb1c4dd0f505150baf4dad2/previewImage/IstriaItinerary_hero.jpg","icon":"contentIcon","contentTypeIcon":"event_note","variant":"DEFAULT"},{"heroImage1Version":"/dA/291a215d-d498-484a-b8a5-2d77b46b5649/heroImage1/1_ISTRIA-Panorama_RESIZED.jpg","publishDate":"2024-01-25 14:10:07.735","inode":"291a215d-d498-484a-b8a5-2d77b46b5649","heroImage1Caption":"<p>Rovinj's charming, waterfront Old Town. <\/p>","articleImage3ContentAsset":"e410d817-08dc-43c3-97d0-03fe2d471cfe/articleImage3","identifier":"e410d817-08dc-43c3-97d0-03fe2d471cfe","publishUserName":"Amy Cassell","articleImage2ContentAsset":"e410d817-08dc-43c3-97d0-03fe2d471cfe/articleImage2","publishUser":"acassell@virtuoso.com","tags":"|europe|croatia|rovinj,|europe|croatia|istria,winetastings,hiking,biking,local food,archaeology,weddings & honeymoons,fine dining","folder":"SYSTEM_FOLDER","hasTitleImage":true,"sortOrder":0,"isSponsoredContent":"1","articleImage1":"/dA/e410d817-08dc-43c3-97d0-03fe2d471cfe/articleImage1/2_Agli-Amici-Rovinj_RESIZED.jpg","articleImage2":"/dA/e410d817-08dc-43c3-97d0-03fe2d471cfe/articleImage2/3_Brijuni-Islands_RESIZED.jpg","hostName":"consumer.virtuoso.com","articleImage3":"/dA/e410d817-08dc-43c3-97d0-03fe2d471cfe/articleImage3/4_Vinery-Kozlovic_RESIZED.jpg","articleUrl":"this-dreamy-croatian-region-is-europes-next-great-honeymoon-destination","archived":false,"categories":[{"category-family":"Family"}],"articleImage1ContentAsset":"e410d817-08dc-43c3-97d0-03fe2d471cfe/articleImage1","headline":"This Dreamy Croatian Region Is Europe\u2019s Next Great Honeymoon Destination","articleImage1Info":"{\"orientation\":\"h\",\"photoCredit\":\"Agli Amici Rovinj\"}","url":"/content.fb367777-4ecc-4ad1-9b1f-e035574229a6","hasLiveVersion":true,"previewImageVersion":"/dA/291a215d-d498-484a-b8a5-2d77b46b5649/previewImage/1_ISTRIA-Panorama_RESIZED.jpg","articleImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1686771433000,"sha256":"2b9afed7fcdff8cdf6f14f56adfbb363fa347a4e5503fba1d397ecb7f2b5a1ae","length":117531,"title":"2_Agli-Amici-Rovinj_RESIZED.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":117531,"name":"2_Agli-Amici-Rovinj_RESIZED.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":492},"articleDate":"June 16, 2023","heroImage1CropFocus":"center","articleImage3Info":"{\"orientation\":\"h\",\"photoCredit\":\"Gunter Standl Photography\"}","heroImage1":"/dA/e410d817-08dc-43c3-97d0-03fe2d471cfe/heroImage1/1_ISTRIA-Panorama_RESIZED.jpg","heroImage1PhotoCredit":"Tourist Board of Rovinj-Rovigno","heroImage1AltText":"Bird\u2019s eye view of Old Town Istria.","heroImage1ContentAsset":"e410d817-08dc-43c3-97d0-03fe2d471cfe/heroImage1","articleImage1Version":"/dA/291a215d-d498-484a-b8a5-2d77b46b5649/articleImage1/2_Agli-Amici-Rovinj_RESIZED.jpg","articleImage2Version":"/dA/291a215d-d498-484a-b8a5-2d77b46b5649/articleImage2/3_Brijuni-Islands_RESIZED.jpg","subhead":"Go winetasting and truffle hunting, road trip through the countryside, and soak up seaside vistas on the heart-shaped Istrian Peninsula.","metaDescription":"From Rovinj to Brijuni National Park, find out why Croatia\u2019s Istrian Peninsula is a great choice for a destination wedding or honeymoon.","articleText3":"<h3><strong>If you’re ready to hike, bike, and explore.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Accessible by ferry from the Istrian town of Fazana (or via a private yacht arranged by your Virtuoso advisor), Brijuni National Park is a nature lover’s paradise, showcasing the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Brijuni Islands. The park stretches across two main islands – Veliki Brijun and Mali Brijun – and a dozen islets. Veliki Brijun, the largest and most visited island, is covered with fragrant pine, oak, and laurel forests; rolling meadows; and ancient ruins, including fortified Bronze Age settlements and the remains of a first-century Roman villa.<\/p>\n<p>Plan to spend a few hours in Brijuni cycling along its well-paved trails and kayaking and snorkeling along the park’s protected coastal areas. At the pine-shaded Saluga Bay beach, travelers can rent chairs and towels and wind down after an adrenaline-fueled morning. Pro tip: Ask a park guide to point you to one of the Mediterranean’s oldest olive trees (1,600 years old!) and the dinosaur footprints preserved in limestone.<\/p>","metaHeadline":"Why Istria Is Perfect for a Romantic Getaway","articleText4":"<h3><strong>If winetasting all day sounds like a dream.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>It might be hard to pry yourself away from Istria’s coast, but a journey into the peninsula’s lush interior is worth it to discover award-winning wineries, centuries-old olive groves, and charming medieval hilltop towns such as Motovun and Groznjan. Istria is one of the world’s most renowned producers of extra-virgin olive oil, and its tradition of olive growing dates back to the Romans, who recognized the potential of the region’s fertile soil. In the sixth century, the Greeks introduced the first grapes to Istria, making it one of Europe’s oldest wine-growing regions, known for producing vintages that rival those of the world’s top vintners.<\/p>\n<p>Create your own tasting adventure by exploring Istria’s wine routes, which snake through the picturesque countryside. Stop at <a href=\"https://www.kozlovic.hr/en/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kozlovic Winery<\/a>, where fourth-generation winemakers guide tastings on a breezy terrace overlooking the vineyards. Be sure to try the malvazija, a classic, elegant white that pairs well with Istrian fish and pasta dishes. The family-owned <a href=\"https://www.clai.hr/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Clai Winery<\/a> makes some of the peninsula’s finest natural wines, including its iconic Brombonero, a fantastic dry red wine made with 100 percent native refosk grapes. “Both wineries are stunning, luxurious, and romantic,” Clawsie says.<\/p>\n<p>Just a stone’s throw from neighboring Slovenia in northwestern Istria, <a href=\"https://ipsa-maslinovaulja.com/en/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ipsa<\/a>’s family-owned estate produces some of Croatia’s most celebrated extra-virgin olive oils. Frantoio, a rich, piquant blend with strong herbal notes, is one of the world’s top 20 olive oils, according to the revered Flos Olei guide. Another award-winning producer, family-owned <a href=\"https://chiavalon.hr/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chiavalon<\/a>, uses traditional olive varieties that have been planted in Istria for centuries. Travelers can sample the estate’s organic, Protected Designation of Origin blends during a tasting experience that includes a walk through the olive groves, a lesson on cultivation, and plenty of Croatian wine and snacks.<\/p>","articleText1":"<p>One look at its fairy-tale port towns and hilltop medieval villages, and it’s easy to see why <a href=\"/travel/destinations/europe/croatia\">Croatia<\/a>’s <a href=\"/travel/destinations/europe/croatia/istria\">Istria<\/a> region is one of the most romantic places in the Mediterranean. The Istrian Peninsula feels like Tuscany – and it isn’t that far away, thanks to its perch in northern Croatia across the Adriatic from the heel of Italy’s boot – but is still relatively undiscovered. “Istria has stunning coastlines as beautiful as anything on the Italian seaside, plus more greenery,” says Virtuoso travel advisor Carrie Millunzi. “And its charming hill towns aren’t overrun with tourists.”<\/p>\n<p>For travelers whose vacation speed is about slowing down and savoring the moment, Istria reigns: Marquee experiences include basking on a yacht in the Adriatic Sea, watching the sunset on the Istrian Riviera, and exploring the peninsula’s bucolic interior. “Whether you want to ride e-bikes on the coast, trek through the mountains with truffle-hunting dogs, learn about olive-oil production at a family-run farm, visit gorgeous vineyards, or sit poolside at a beautiful resort, Istria has you covered,” says Virtuoso advisor Meaghan Clawsie.<\/p>\n<p>Istria is quickly becoming a popular choice for couples looking for an under-the-radar honeymoon destination. “For honeymooners, it’s the perfect place to unwind while also having the opportunity for outdoor pursuits, such as sailing to small islands, biking the countryside, and enjoying exquisite food,” Virtuoso advisor Theresa Jackson says.<\/p>\n<p>Choose your honeymoon style below to discover some standout Istria experiences.<\/p>","articleImage2Caption":"<p>Brijuni National Park stretches across Veliki Brijun, Mali Brijun, and a dozen islets.<\/p>","articleText2":"<h3><strong>If you’d like to post up by the sea and do nothing.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Istria’s picturesque Adriatic coastline is lined with quiet coves and pebble beaches. Its crown jewel is the city of <a href=\"/travel/destinations/europe/croatia/rovinj\">Rovinj<\/a>, a charming labyrinth of cobblestoned streets and pastel buildings that resembles Venetian-style towns on the Italian coast. (Fun fact: From 1918 until the end of World War II, Istria fell under Italian rule, and the country’s influence remains strong in the region, with Italian still spoken by some of the population.)<\/p>\n<p>Rovinj’s dining scene rivals its dreamy scenery – the port city’s Instagram-worthy harbor provides the ideal backdrop for enjoying a twilight stroll after an outstanding meal. Tucked away in the courtyard of chef Danijel Dekic’s childhood home, <a href=\"https://www.monte.hr/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Monte<\/a> was Croatia’s first Michelin-starred restaurant and has been forging a path for fine dining since 1985. Agli Amici Rovinj, inside the 209-room <a href=\"/travel/luxury-hotels/16220496/grand-park-hotel-rovinj\">Grand Park Hotel Rovinj<\/a>, has its own Michelin star, plus impressive sea views from its glass-walled terrace. The restaurant’s three tasting menus – including one featuring Croatian cuisine – utilize the region’s bounty in innovative ways. Elsewhere at the Grand Park Hotel is Cap Aureo, which features multicourse, sustainable, and vegetable-focused menus – think entrees such as locally caught mackerel with kohlrabi leaves and potato peel.<\/p>\n<p>Honeymooners will love the adults-only <a href=\"/travel/luxury-hotels/15884255/hotel-monte-mulini\">Hotel Monte Mulini<\/a>, a 113-room retreat surrounded by a Mediterranean pine-forest park and tucked away near a tranquil bay with its own beach. Ask your Virtuoso advisor to charter a boat or yacht for a sunset cruise – and be sure to bring along a bottle of Istrian wine.<\/p>","articleImage1Caption":"<p>Dinner with a view at Agli Amici Rovinj.<\/p>","articleImage3Caption":"<p>Terrace goals at the Kozlovic Winery.<\/p>","host":"3053335a-056e-4426-8931-6296d6f02e6b","articleImage3Version":"/dA/291a215d-d498-484a-b8a5-2d77b46b5649/articleImage3/4_Vinery-Kozlovic_RESIZED.jpg","locked":false,"stInode":"47d3aa06-8ebb-4a97-9c13-2af5c3aab67e","contentType":"ConsumerArticleBasic","author":"Produced by Virtuoso with the Istria Tourist Board","creationDate":"2023-06-16 03:48:03.392","articleImage2MetaData":{"modDate":1686771720000,"sha256":"01aef089da5ef4b7df2addea601f87ecc1d3c77656647789ae243b5d91c8284a","length":94252,"title":"3_Brijuni-Islands_RESIZED.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":94252,"name":"3_Brijuni-Islands_RESIZED.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":507},"modDate":"2023-06-28 14:39:09.271","previewImageCropFocus":"center","articleImage2Info":"{\"orientation\":\"h\",\"photoCredit\":\"Istria Tourist Board\"}","title":"This Dreamy Croatian Region Is Europe\u2019s Next Great Honeymoon 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Cassell","articleImage3MetaData":{"modDate":1686771768000,"sha256":"af1a433c0db4490e0ed914353e1f7504bab32f055397b6613dd276ca688e7a4a","length":200228,"title":"4_Vinery-Kozlovic_RESIZED.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":200228,"name":"4_Vinery-Kozlovic_RESIZED.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":506},"modUser":"acassell@virtuoso.com","publish":"2023-06-14 12:30:00.0","heroImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1686771321000,"sha256":"162742a8c3e228f8af3e13ce79a3efc3776e244f5d6a91c304e7609d8cbce859","length":251960,"title":"1_ISTRIA-Panorama_RESIZED.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":251960,"name":"1_ISTRIA-Panorama_RESIZED.jpg","width":1200,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":675},"previewImage":"/dA/e410d817-08dc-43c3-97d0-03fe2d471cfe/previewImage/1_ISTRIA-Panorama_RESIZED.jpg","icon":"contentIcon","contentTypeIcon":"event_note","variant":"DEFAULT"},{"heroImage1Version":"/dA/c4044bdd-a00b-4359-a972-79384bad4997/heroImage1/Tree 2.jpg","publishDate":"2024-01-25 14:10:07.753","heroImage3Version":"/dA/c4044bdd-a00b-4359-a972-79384bad4997/heroImage3/Truffles on a plate.jpg","heroImage2Version":"/dA/c4044bdd-a00b-4359-a972-79384bad4997/heroImage2/Table Eating.jpg","inode":"c4044bdd-a00b-4359-a972-79384bad4997","heroImage2Caption":"Local food and wine, alfresco-style.","heroImage3MetaData":{"modDate":1619204265000,"sha256":"e2131325f6616a8419b0d22163d73d5b53d6afb27c902ba7d434cf68082c7c5b","length":243041,"title":"Truffles on a plate.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":243041,"name":"Truffles on a plate.jpg","width":390,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":546},"heroImage1Caption":"<p>Visit in late summer when the olives are ripe, just before harvest begins.<\/p>","heroImage3Caption":"In Istria, you can try scrambled eggs with truffle shavings.","identifier":"91630a0c-1f0d-4a80-a7e0-47d356f866f9","heroImage3PhotoCredit":"Renco Kosinozic","publishUserName":"Amy Cassell","articleImage2ContentAsset":"91630a0c-1f0d-4a80-a7e0-47d356f866f9/articleImage2","publishUser":"acassell@virtuoso.com","tags":"|europe|croatia,farm to table,food markets,local artisans,local food","folder":"SYSTEM_FOLDER","hasTitleImage":true,"sortOrder":0,"heroImage2PhotoCredit":"Studio Sonda","isSponsoredContent":"1","articleImage1":"/dA/91630a0c-1f0d-4a80-a7e0-47d356f866f9/articleImage1/Rovinj.jpg","articleImage2":"/dA/91630a0c-1f0d-4a80-a7e0-47d356f866f9/articleImage2/Truffles_60584-JulienDuval.jpg","hostName":"consumer.virtuoso.com","heroImage2MetaData":{"modDate":1619203779000,"sha256":"bc360c30794616593120a09c1d08c7692367c30c1da3f04eb8fb755dcc41dfb5","length":272425,"title":"Table Eating.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":272425,"name":"Table Eating.jpg","width":390,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":546},"articleUrl":"taste-some-of-the-worlds-best-olive-oils-on-croatias-istrian-peninsula","archived":false,"categories":[{"category-food-wine":"Food & Wine"}],"articleImage1ContentAsset":"91630a0c-1f0d-4a80-a7e0-47d356f866f9/articleImage1","headline":"Taste Some of the World\u2019s Best Olive Oils on Croatia\u2019s Istrian Peninsula","articleImage1Info":"{\"orientation\":\"h\",\"photoCredit\":\"Getty Images\"}","url":"/content.9d73f150-dd49-4531-9cd0-bd5a962c832c","hasLiveVersion":true,"previewImageVersion":"/dA/c4044bdd-a00b-4359-a972-79384bad4997/previewImage/Croatia hero.jpg","articleImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1619203276000,"sha256":"08ce7b73c7e3ca4d069272ba8dbf13ec8ae45ea62b6737c3ac70b895d6dac8e1","length":488722,"title":"Rovinj.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":488722,"name":"Rovinj.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":505},"articleDate":"May 3, 2021","heroImage1CropFocus":"center","heroImage3":"/dA/91630a0c-1f0d-4a80-a7e0-47d356f866f9/heroImage3/Truffles on a plate.jpg","heroImage1":"/dA/91630a0c-1f0d-4a80-a7e0-47d356f866f9/heroImage1/Tree 2.jpg","heroImage2":"/dA/91630a0c-1f0d-4a80-a7e0-47d356f866f9/heroImage2/Table Eating.jpg","heroImage1PhotoCredit":"Getty Images","heroImage1AltText":"Olives hanging on an olive branch.","heroImage1ContentAsset":"91630a0c-1f0d-4a80-a7e0-47d356f866f9/heroImage1","heroImage2ContentAsset":"91630a0c-1f0d-4a80-a7e0-47d356f866f9/heroImage2","articleImage1Version":"/dA/c4044bdd-a00b-4359-a972-79384bad4997/articleImage1/Rovinj.jpg","articleImage2Version":"/dA/c4044bdd-a00b-4359-a972-79384bad4997/articleImage2/Truffles_60584-JulienDuval.jpg","heroImage3ContentAsset":"91630a0c-1f0d-4a80-a7e0-47d356f866f9/heroImage3","subhead":"It\u2019s called liquid gold for a reason.","heroImage2AltText":"People dining outside in the countryside.","heroImage3AltText":"Plate of scrambled eggs topped with shaved truffles.","metaDescription":"It\u2019s called liquid gold for a reason.","articleText3":"<h3><strong>Don’t Forget the Truffles<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>In 1999, an Istrian truffle hunter and his dog unearthed what was then the world’s largest white truffle, weighing nearly three pounds. (To compare, the average white truffle clocks in at less than an ounce.) Since then, food-loving travelers have made the fungus-fueled pilgrimage to Istria to indulge in its famous “earthnuts” in addition to its olive oils. One of the best places to sample them is at local restaurants, where travelers can try Istrian specialties including beef cheeks and pasta dishes smothered in truffle shavings. (You can even end some meals on a sweet note with truffle ice cream.) Head to the medieval hill town of Motovun for a plate of truffle-covered homemade ravioli and a sweeping look at local vineyards.<\/p>","metaHeadline":"Taste Some of the World\u2019s Best Olive Oils on Croatia\u2019s Istrian Peninsula","articleText1":"<p>Istria, a peninsula in northwestern <a href=\"/travel/destinations/europe/croatia\">Croatia<\/a>, has produced olive oil for so long that you can actually visit a 1,600-year-old olive tree that <em>still<\/em> bears fruit (more on that below.) And this isn’t just your average run-of-the-mill olive oil region: In late 2019, <a href=\"https://www.flosolei.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Flos Olei<\/em><\/a>, the Italy-based bible of olive oil, named Istria the No. 1 olive oil-producing region on the planet – for the fifth year in a row. The powerful flavor profile of vivacious grassy notes followed by a crisp, peppery finish makes Istria’s olive oil distinct (and delicious), and it’s found in gourmand kitchen cabinets around the world.<\/p>\n<p>If you can’t get to Istria once travel resumes, there’s good news: You can buy it online, either from individual producers’ websites or from local, family-run purveyors who sell quality selections of Croatia’s best wines and olive oils. <\/p>\n<p>When tasting olive oil in Istria, expect a welcoming and rustic experience: Walk-ins are common, and some producers provide snacks such as bread, local cheeses, and even truffles when they’re in season. Next time you’re in Croatia, here’s where to try some of the liquid gold.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The Towns for Tastings <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Don’t miss the southern Istrian town of Vodnjan, which hosts several award-winning, organic olive oil producers that offer tours of olive groves, share samples of the oils (several sell bottles online too, if you don’t want to lug them home in your suitcase). We recommend continuing on to the northwestern part of the peninsula for more tastings and beautiful countryside views, then turning west to arrive at the medieval seaside town of Rovinj, where artisan producers share family olive oil and made-on-property wine. (Feeling adventurous? You can also find donkey milk.)<\/p>","articleImage2Caption":"<p>A keen sense of smell helps lagotto romagnolos, or “truffles dogs,” sniff out prized truffles.<\/p>","articleText2":"<h3><strong>The History Lesson <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Opened in 2017, <a href=\"https://oleumhistriae.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Museum Olei Histriae<\/a> sits in the center of Pula, just an olive’s throw from the city’s iconic ancient Roman amphitheater. Here you’ll walk through displays showcasing Istria’s many centuries of olive oil production and finish your tour with a guided tasting. The gift shop sells bottles from 25 different local producers.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The OG Olive Oil<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Point yourself to the island of Veliki Brijuni (a 15-minute boat ride from the small mainland town of Fazana) to see a 1,600-year-old olive tree, one of the oldest in the Mediterranean. Amazingly, the tree still bears fruit, producing about 65 pounds of olives each year.<\/p>","articleImage1Caption":"<p>A view of the harbor in Rovinj’s Old Town. <\/p>","host":"3053335a-056e-4426-8931-6296d6f02e6b","locked":false,"stInode":"47d3aa06-8ebb-4a97-9c13-2af5c3aab67e","contentType":"ConsumerArticleBasic","author":"Produced by Virtuoso with Croatian National Tourist Board","creationDate":"2021-05-03 02:30:02.652","articleImage2MetaData":{"modDate":1619203363000,"sha256":"00c119851c0334d0ac79aa28c3814e6917975f2cbc674f3cf1c40e6e065224e7","length":376175,"title":"Truffles_60584-JulienDuval.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":376175,"name":"Truffles_60584-JulienDuval.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":507},"modDate":"2021-05-03 08:02:32.657","previewImageCropFocus":"center","articleImage2Info":"{\"orientation\":\"h\",\"photoCredit\":\"Julien Duval \"}","title":"Taste Some of the World\u2019s Best Olive Oils on Croatia\u2019s Istrian Peninsula","previewImageContentAsset":"91630a0c-1f0d-4a80-a7e0-47d356f866f9/previewImage","baseType":"CONTENT","previewImageMetaData":{"modDate":1619202930000,"sha256":"f028d73c6669c12c6f3555a5cabd520f6235b59989b0442af2b5f3b29117e220","length":814264,"title":"Croatia hero.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":814264,"name":"Croatia hero.jpg","width":1200,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":675},"metaKeywords":"virtuoso travel, luxury travel, culinary travel, truffles, olive oil, istria, croatia, croatian national tourist board","ownerUserName":"N/A","working":true,"live":true,"owner":"cdawkins@virtuoso.com","languageId":1,"shortyId":"91630a0c1f","titleImage":"previewImage","modUserName":"Amy Cassell","modUser":"acassell@virtuoso.com","publish":"2021-04-23 00:00:00.0","heroImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1619204354000,"sha256":"dc99a29891b46d0abdb30b833839283b69ab155b0f114c72ad35313e0e9c3f14","length":256827,"title":"Tree 2.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":256827,"name":"Tree 2.jpg","width":390,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":546},"previewImage":"/dA/91630a0c-1f0d-4a80-a7e0-47d356f866f9/previewImage/Croatia hero.jpg","icon":"contentIcon","contentTypeIcon":"event_note","variant":"DEFAULT"}],"featuredDestinations":[]}]}</article></body></html>

Istria

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