Nature: Explore the Outdoors

Discover the most beautiful nature spots, enjoy the peace and quiet and a new type of birdsong!

The mild Mediterranean climate and the diversity of the landscape characterized by the indented rocky shore with a plethora of islets and thick evergreen forests, macchia and the untouched hilly Istrian
 inland make Istria an ideal destination for nature lovers, offering
 them the enjoyment of the interplay of colors, scents and sounds of nature.

Only 10 km from Rovinj there is the Palud Ornithological Reserve - a swampy area in which so far as many as 217 bird species have been recorded! The Kamenjak Cape attracts with its playful shore as well as a habitat of as many as 50 wild-growing orchids. Close to Rovinj there are plenty valuable, protected natural sites the lovers of nature should not miss. We will help you discover the most beautiful nature spots, enjoy the peace and quiet and discover a new type of birdsong!

Explore the Outdoors

Program

Day 1
In the evening hours our agent will present to you the program of activities for the following days.

Day 2
Not far from Rovinj we will dive into the peace and quiet of the Palud Ornithological Reserve - a swampy area into which freshwater flows from more than one source. The openings of underground caverns and a 200-m-long channel create a natural connection between the swamp and the sea. As many as 217 bird species have been recorded here! Some of the rare species recorded during the several-year-long observation period are the glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), the osprey (Pandion haliaetus), the cattle egret (Bulbulcus ibis), the black stork (Cicconia nigra), the pochard (Aythya ferina) and other. Complementing the wealth of the bird species and natural beauty, the area also boasts a rich cultural heritage: Monbrdo Mount from the Bronze Age, a cistern and villa rusticas from the Roman era, and the St. Damian’s Church built in the Romanesque style, allegedly frequently visited by Pope Alexander III!

Day 3
Today we will take you into the protected area of the Kamenjak Cape - the farthest southern point of Istria located on a highly indented long and narrow peninsula. The area offers magical view of the white cliffs and the crystal clear sea in combination with the green nuances of the macchia and the Alpine pine trees. During May and June the plethora of flowers and scents of essential oils of flowers and pine trees together with numerous birds and crickets create a magically beautiful picture. The most beautiful natural Mediterranean gardens are found here. Even the orchid - the queen of flowers - chose this area as its habitat. More than 50 different wild-growing types of orchid have been recorded here!

Day 4
Today our journey takes us to the protected Lim Bay area. The diversity of vegetation of such a relatively narrow area represents a unique phenomenon and special environmental value! Romualdo’s Cave, hidden on the slopes of the bay, can be reached by climbing up a 360-m-long trail through the forest. St. Romualdo, after whom the cave was named, chose this particular cave to spend ascetic moments in the spirit of prayer and meditation (from 1001 - 1003). The oldest remains of humans in Istria and remains of a total of 41 animal species have been found here!

Day 5
After somewhat less than an hour’s drive we will enter the inland, the very heart of the Istrian peninsula, into a small settlement called Gracišce. We will then take a walk along the attractive, circular St. Šimun’s Trail of about 11.5 km in length. You will be amazed by the unique panorama of the medieval town of GraËišÊe, the Church of St. Šimun, St. Stjepan and St. Magdalene, the remains of an old watermill, and even a unique 35-m-high waterfall! After the walk, we will stop for lunch in an authentic ambiance in Gracišce and enjoy food prepared from locally-grown ingredients and home-made wine. You will have an opportunity to sightsee and buy authentic products and original, hand-made souvenirs in the local store.

Day 6
Today’s walking route will lead us into the protected areas surrounding Rovinj. The Zlatni Rt Park Forest is a heritage of priceless beauty and value left to us by the former noble society of the city of Rovinj. Unique examples of the Mediterranean flora and a large number of exotic types of trees will impress you by their beauty. While walking along the trails by the sea, you will be able to enjoy the azure of the sea and the view of numerous islets. If you wish to rest for a while, relax in one of the smaller cafes in more intimate locations. After our walking tour we invite you to taste Istrian wines and enjoy delicious small bites prepared from fish.

Day 7
Buffet breakfast, departure, a gift from the host - a local product.

Program is led by
The programs are carried out in cooperation with
public institutions managing the protected areas,
professional guides, and connoisseurs of the areas
and sites outside the usual tourist routes.

Accommodation
Maistra Hotels & Resorts

Date

The program includes the following services

• 6 half-board buffet meals with the emphasis on the Mediterranean cuisine and authentic dishes
• welcome drink
• a 2-hour professionally-led excursion to the Palud Ornithological Reserve for bird-watching
• bird-watching gear and equipment in the Palud Reserve
• possibility to access the Palud Reserve every day for independent bird-watching
• a professionally-led half-day excursion to the protected area of the Lower Kemenjak Cape
• a half-day excursion to the protected Lim Channel area, and a guided visit to Romualdo’s Cave
• protective helmets during the visit to the cave
• a half-day excursion to Gracišce and walking along the St. Šimun’s Trail
• lunch in an agro-tourism ambiance
• walking trip to Zlatni rt park - forest
• tasting of Istrian wines complemented by small fish bites
• a gift: a local product