Istria

Istria, the teardrop shaped peninsular in the north of Croatia with its borders on Slovenia, offers a fascinating mix of history, culture and architecture. It boasts a stunning coastline, clear blue sea, a number of small islands and wonderful rustic Italian-style towns, including Pula, the Roman town of Porec and Rovinj. Rovinj is a beautiful medieval town with a pretty harbour, built from the water?s edge up to the peak of a hill, with fascinating evidence of its Venetian invaders. The houses are built almost on top of each other, with a maze of narrow streets and small village squares selling hand-crafted gifts and paintings. The cobbled streets are filled with caf? bars and restaurants serving fresh food and delicious wine. Other activities in the area include visits to vineyards and olive oil farms, sailing trips along the beautiful coastline, trips to Venice just across the Adriatic and visits to incredible labyrinths and caves.