ANCIENT ROME’S ‘ILLYRIA’ AND THE CELTIC HISTRI TRIBE SETTLEMENTS OF HISTRIA

A spectacular food & wine cultural adventure through the lesser-known region of Istria in Croatia. Starting from Trieste in northern Italy, we will pass through Slovenia to reach Istria in Croatia - all in one day! We will then be veering off-the-beaten-path, deep into the Istrian countryside to peel back the layers of Istria’s fascinating history, and all during the local truffle and porcini season.

From wandering through charming medieval hilltop towns, to discovering the region’s strategic importance as the ancient Roman colony known as Illyria and uncovering its’ Celtic origins as the homeland of the mysterious Histri tribe – the land of Histria.  Defeated by the ancient Romans around 178-177 BC, the spirit of the Histri tribe lives on in the food, wine, culture and hearts of the Istrian people. This cultural travel experience embraces these origins.

Home for the week is a 4-star beachside boutique hotel in the antique centre of Novigrad-Cittanova in Istria.

Itinerary highlights outlined below. More details are available in our Itinerary Highlights book on request. Link below.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS:

+ pick-up and return transfer from Trieste, Italy

+ a walk through the Miramare castle gardens in Trieste & an iconic cafe experience

+ welcome dinner at a local seafood restaurant by the sea

+ walking tours of Roman ruins in medieval towns

+ a visit to a secret church in a forest covered in medieval frescoes

+ wine-tastings at vineyards in Istria & Slovenia, specialising in indigineous varietals

+ truffle hunting in an Istrian forest with a local truffle-hunter and his dogs and a visit to a truffle fair

+ a Sunday long lunch of traditional Istrian dishes at a local trattoria and winery

+ wanders through medieval hilltop villages and ancient Histri tribe settlements

GROUP SIZE:

This is a small-group tour of maximum 12 guests.

PACKAGE COST:

2026 Package Cost starts at AUD$7, 797 per person for couples sharing with an AUD$1,500 single supplement. Please note: this is an introductory price and package cost will increase from 2027.

DATES:

30 September-7 October 2026 - Reservations Now Open

23-30 May 2026 - Request to Join Waitlist