Nature: Walking

Take your poles and backpacks,
put on a pair of comfortable shoes
and off into the outdoors...

Istria, known as the Croatian Tuscany, must be explored in direct contact with its nature, people and rich cultural heritage bearing witness to a thousand-year-old history of life in that area.

So, let’s set off together along the trails into the green of the thick evergreen forest and macchia colored by the azure of the sea and the sky, taking in the scents of the Mediterranean herbs and the fresh air brought by the wind from the sea. In touch with nature we are all alike, the differences disappear: all that is left is peace and quiet, disturbed only by the sounds of birdsong and crickets…

Walking

Program

Day 1
Just before dinner our agent will present to you the program of activities for the following days while you will be able to enjoy an aperitif.

Day 2
Body forming and stretching exercises followed by a short training in Nordic walking and departure to sightsee and walk along the interesting section leading down a stone alley of the town of Vrsar. On our way we will stop at special view spots offering beautiful views of the open sea and the plethora of islands. On the very top we will see the Parish Church of St. Martin and a castle where bishops used to live. We will return enjoying a slow walk along the shore and then treat ourselves to a deserved break with coffee and cake.
Buffet dinner!

Day 3
Today we will enjoy an easy walking trip (6 km) through the protected natural area, i.e. the 10-km-long Lim Channel; along a trail located 100 m asl leading down the bay slopes. Steep cliffs are covered by thick vegetation. Our walk along the Lim Channel runs party through the Kontija Forest Reserve to St. Michael’s Monastery dating from the 7th century. We will then enjoy a unique experience created by the view of the bay from one of the view spots and a meal in a cave hiding pirate secrets. What follows is a specially organized return - a small trail from the cave leads to a small wooden pier where we will board a boat and return to our departure point.

Day 4
We have already warmed up and are now ready for more demanding trails. 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 GraËišÊe. After a short sightseeing tour of the town and savoring a beautiful view of Istria from one of the most beautiful view spots, we will take a walk along the active trail close to GraËišÊe. The circular St. Šimun’s Trail is about 11.5 km long. 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 GraËišÊe 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 5
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 Rovijn. 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, besides various plant species, you will be able to enjoy the azure of the sea and the view of numerous islets of the southwestern Rovinj archipelago. If you need to rest, 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. After the buffet dinner you can enjoy an entertainment/animation program and the presentation of certificates for successful mastering of the trails of Istria.

Day 6
Departure after breakfast, a gift from the host.

Program is led by
Maistra invites you to walking tours through the unique nature of the area professionally led by a team of licensed Nordic walking instructors, good connoisseurs of the surroundings trained to lead along the walking trails of Istria. If you have more experience and crave a true trekking adventure, we offer the service of experienced mountain hiking guides.

Accommodation
Maistra Hotels & Resorts

Date

The program includes the following services

• 5 half-board buffet style with an emphasis on the Mediterranean cuisine
• a welcome drink and presentation of the program of activities
• 4 x 30 min body forming exercises
• professionally-guided sightseeing tour of the city of Vrsar
• coffee and cake
• combined excursion: a walk in the outdoors and a boat ride
• an energetic meal and a gift: a backpack
• a half-day walking excursion to Gracišce, lunch in an agro-tourism ambiance
• a half-day walking excursion through the Zlatni Rt Park Forest and the coastal area
• wine tasting complemented by small bites rental of Nordic walking poles
• animation program and the presentation of certificates for successfully mastering the walking trails of Istria
• a gift: a local product.