Croatia with Trieste & the Istrian Peninsula

Discover the beauty of the Adriatic as you stroll Opatija’s seafront, relax in Trieste’s elegant historic cafés and explore Istria’s hilltop villages and Roman Pula. Ancient amphitheatres, delicious regional treats and memorable coastal and countryside views make this an enriching escorted getaway.

Your Holiday Itinerary

Day1Arrival in Opatija

You will arrive at Trieste Airport, where you will be met by your Tour Manager and transferred to the Grand Hotel Adriatic 4* in Opatija. Ideally located close to the Lungomare coastal promenade, this welcoming hotel is a wonderful base for exploring the Adriatic coast.

After checking in, take some time to settle into your room and familiarise yourself with the surroundings. You may wish to enjoy a gentle stroll by the sea or relax at the hotel as you begin your Croatian getaway.

Day2Opatija Walking Tour

Enjoy a leisurely morning to settle into Opatija at your own pace. Take a gentle stroll along the seafront promenade, relax with a coffee overlooking the bay, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this elegant Adriatic resort.

In the afternoon, join your guide for a walking tour of Opatija. Wander past grand villas, landscaped parks and the famous Lungomare promenade as you learn about the town’s fascinating history as one of the Adriatic’s most fashionable retreats. There will be time to take in the scenery and enjoy the refined atmosphere that has charmed visitors for over a century.

Your evening is free to enjoy as you wish, perhaps with a relaxing walk along Opatija’s seafront promenade as the lights come on over the bay.

Day3Trieste Day Trip

Today you travel into Italy to discover Trieste, a city with a fascinating history shaped by both Central Europe and the Mediterranean world. Your visit begins at Castello di San Giusto, the hilltop fortress overlooking the city and its harbour. From here, enjoy expansive views before beginning a gentle walk down towards the historic centre.

Trieste’s unique character reflects its remarkable past. For centuries it belonged to the Habsburg Monarchy and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire, serving as an important imperial port. This heritage is still visible today in the city’s elegant 19th-century architecture, grand public buildings and rich coffeehouse culture. After the First World War, Trieste became part of Italy, creating the distinctive blend of influences that defines it today.

Your guided walk leads you into the magnificent Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of Europe’s most impressive squares opening onto the sea. Continue towards the charming Canal Grande, lined with historic façades and inviting cafés. After the tour, enjoy time at leisure to explore Trieste at your own pace or relax with a coffee in one of its storied historic cafés before returning to Opatija.

Day4Day at Leisure

Today is yours to enjoy at Grand Hotel Adriatic — a perfect moment to explore the hotel’s superb wellness and spa area or revisit Opatija at your own rhythm. You might treat yourself in the hotel’s top-floor spa, with panoramic views over the Kvarner Bay, relax in the heated indoor seawater pool or unwind by the infinity pool by the sea. For those who prefer to venture out, the tour manager will be happy to suggest optional activities, local walks or nearby excursions. Whether you stay in or go out, enjoy a truly restful and flexible day at your leisure.

Day5Pula Day Trip

Today you travel to the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula to discover Pula, a lively port city with more than three thousand years of history. Once the most important Roman settlement in Istria, Pula still wears its ancient past openly, with monuments standing among the cafés and squares of the modern town.

The centrepiece of your visit is the magnificent Roman amphitheatre, one of the best preserved in the world and still in use today for summer concerts and festivals. Standing within its great stone walls, you can easily imagine the crowds that gathered here almost two thousand years ago.

Your guided walk continues through the old town to the elegant Temple of Augustus and the Forum, Pula’s main square since Roman times, passing the triumphal Arch of the Sergii along the way. Afterwards there is time at leisure to wander the harbour, browse the local market or enjoy lunch in one of the town’s welcoming restaurants before returning to Opatija.

Day6Day at Leisure

Enjoy a relaxing day in Opatija with the freedom to do as much or as little as you wish. The Grand Hotel Adriatic’s excellent wellness centre offers the perfect retreat, with its panoramic spa, indoor seawater pool and soothing relaxation spaces. If you prefer to venture out, Opatija’s coastal promenade, cafés and boutiques are just a short stroll away. Your tour manager will be on hand with suggestions for local walks, hidden viewpoints or nearby attractions should you wish to explore further.

Day7Istrian Peninsula (Hum, Motovun & Truffle Tasting)

Today you set off to explore the heart of the Istrian Peninsula, a region known for its pretty hilltop towns, rich traditions and world-renowned truffles. Your first stop is Hum, often described as the smallest town in the world. This tiny stone settlement charms every visitor. You will explore its little lanes and visit the local museum, where a costumed guide shares stories of life in central Istria centuries ago. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of the traditional local grappa, “Humska biska”, with the option to fill your own bottle at the old distillery.

Continue to the hilltop town of Motovun, perched high above the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a walking tour through its cobbled streets and take in the panoramic views over vineyards, forests and rolling green hills — landscapes that have shaped Istria’s culture and flavours for generations.

The highlight of the day is your final stop: an exceptional truffle tasting experience in the heart of Istria’s famous truffle region. This area is known internationally for its high-quality white and black truffles, discovered for centuries in the forests around the Mirna Valley. At a welcoming local venue, sample a generous selection of truffle specialities — cheeses, salami, spreads and truffle olive oil — paired with water, juice and a glass of local white wine. It’s a delicious and memorable way to explore one of Istria’s most celebrated culinary traditions before returning to Opatija.

Day8Return to Dublin

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Dublin, bringing home wonderful memories of Opatija, Trieste, Pula and the beautiful Istrian countryside.